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How to Get Publix Tuition Reimbursement
Publix receives much acclaim for its company culture. In fact, it has mad Fortune’s Top 100 Places to Work list for 25 years straight! One of the ways Publix shows that it values its people is by offering tuition reimbursement.
If you want financial assistance with your education, read on to learn more about Publix’s policy!
Don’t miss: Scholarships360’s free scholarship search tool
Overview of what Publix tuition reimbursement covers
Publix offers funding for a variety of academic programs. You can gain reimbursement for individual courses, occupational or technical programs, and undergraduate studies.
Publix defines individual courses as those that enhance your ability to perform your current job. An example would be English or Spanish as a second language.
For occupational or technical programs, Publix includes the same stipulations for approval as individual courses. Publix also sponsors a program that prepares you for a future role within your current business area or established career path. Courses that meet a business need or preferred certification for your current job are eligible, as well.
For undergraduate programs, Publix has a list of majors from which you can choose to study. There are a range of included degrees, from cybersecurity to human resources to supply chain management.
Don’t miss: What is tuition reimbursement and how does it work?
Amount of tuition assistance available
Publix will fund up to $4,000 annually for 4-year college and university enrollment. The maximum lifetime amount per employee is $16,000. For 2-year community college and other educational programs, the limit is $2,200 annually and $4,400 total.
Step-by-step guide for receiving Publix tuition reimbursement
1. Apply for a job at your local Publix
Publix has its own job application portal for retail positions. Input your location to bring up a list of stores in the area. Once you make a selection, you can check whether you’d like to be considered by other stores nearby, too. After that, you will create an account and submit standard information about yourself.
2. Get hired and remain employed
Now you have landed the job, and that’s a big accomplishment. Unfortunately, you are not eligible for Publix’s tuition assistance program right away. After the 90th day of continuous employment, you are eligible to participate in the reimbursement program.
3. Work 10+ hours a week, and do it well!
You must work an average of 10 hours per week based on a 52-week average to qualify. If you have been a Publix employee for over 90 days but less than one year, the average will be adjusted based on the portion of 52 weeks you have been employed. You also need to be consistently satisfactory at your job. At the least, your total performance rating should be “meets expectations” or “successful.”
4. Gain approval for reimbursement
You must submit an application for your intended academic track (undergraduate program, individual course, occupational/technical program). Remember that your undergraduate college or university must have regional accreditation. If you are taking an individual course or occupational or technical program, it needs Publix approval. Management will notify you if they accept your application.
5. Study hard and submit post-completion paperwork
Congrats! You are on your way to starting your educational program. Before jumping in, it is wise to make sure you have enough energy to devote to it. You will only get credit if you earn a “C” grade or higher in your studies. Once you have completed your class or program, you can then submit a request for reimbursement. Publix will ask for your grade report plus a detailed receipt of tuition costs and various methods of payment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get Publix tuition reimbursement for grad school?
Yes, Publix offers a lifetime limit of $16,900 in assistance for graduate studies, with special requirements. Graduate degrees that meet a corporate need are eligible for tuition reimbursement. Another approved area of study is one that gives employees a required or preferred qualification for their current role or career path. At this time, retail positions are ineligible to participate in graduate school reimbursement.
Publix reserves this assistance for full-time associates that have worked at least two consecutive years. Your total performance rating must consistently be “successful” at minimum. A big commitment is agreeing to stay with Publix throughout the program and for at least two years after final reimbursement is paid. If you leave your current or higher-level full-time role within this time frame, you will have to repay the reimbursement in full.
Can I get Publix tuition reimbursement for my GED?
Yes, if you earned your GED diploma from the following states: Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, or Virginia. Publix associates can get reimbursed for their registration fee to take the state GED exam. One GED preparation course or one GED exam preparation workbook valued up to $25 are also eligible for reimbursement. In addition to financial support with GED costs, there are resources such as adult basic education classes and one-on-one tutoring. Publix wants to help connect its employees with community offerings to further their education as adult learners.
Can I study any subject for undergrad?
Publix has a list of majors included in its reimbursement program. You might gain approval for a different degree if it relates to the natural progression of your career.
Will Publix reimburse tuition upfront?
No, tuition is reimbursed after the completion of your program and only if you remain an active employee once reimbursement is paid. Tuition reimbursement is added to your pay, and it is subject to income taxes.
Related: Are scholarships taxable?
Next steps for students
Publix’s tuition reimbursement program helps employees advance personally and professionally. We hope you feel inspired to apply at your local Publix today! And if you do not live in the handful of states where Publix has storefronts, do not feel discouraged. There are a ton of companies that offer financial assistance with your education. Be sure to check out Scholarship360’s overviews of the programs offered by Home Depot, Walmart, Chipotle, Starbucks, UPS, and Amazon.
