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How to Get UPS Tuition Reimbursement

By Ginny Howey
Ginny Howey is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Ginny will be graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in May 2022 with a degree in Media and Journalism (Advertising/PR focus) and minors in Entrepreneurship and Spanish. Ginny’s professional experience includes two summers as a Writer Intern at global creative consultancy BCG BrightHouse. More recently, Ginny worked as a Content marketing intern for Durham-based software engineering bootcamp Momentum, where she gained SEO skills. She has also written freelance articles on emerging tech for A.I. startup Resultid. Full Bio
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and Cait Williams
Cait Williams is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cait recently graduated from Ohio University with a degree in Journalism and Strategic Communications. During her time at OU, was active in the outdoor recreation community. Full Bio
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Updated: July 18th, 2023

As an employee at UPS, you can receive financial support toward your education. The Earn & Learn Tuition Assistance program has helped over 140,000 employees to date. Part-time package handlers at over 100 locations nationwide are eligible to participate. This program attracts lots of college students for part-time positions. It also helps jump start moving up the career ladder with UPS! For full time employees, UPS offers the Education Assistance Program. 

Today we will break down the details of the Earn & Learn program, then outline the steps for getting started!

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How does UPS Earn & Learn Work?

UPS employees receive up to $5,250 in tuition assistance per calendar year. Individual lifetime funding maxes out at $25,000. 

Only part-time non management employees at select locations are eligible for this program. However, don’t let that deter you. Part-time non management employees make up UPS jobs at over a 100 locations nationwide!  Additionally, as we mentioned above, there may be other education assistance programs available for different positions. Don’t hesitate to ask a manager at your local store about additional funding solutions!

Also see: Are coding bootcamps worth it?

What is it like working as a package handler?

Fortunately, UPSers in a “People Behind the Package” video spoke fondly of package handling roles, which is what many part-time non management positions consist of. They said that it is a fast-paced, physically demanding job that never gets dull and keeps your mind engaged. One employee compared it to working a puzzle every day! If you like teamwork and camaraderie, this is the line of work for you. There are also many avenues for promotion, such as driver supervisor or corporate management positions. 

Are Earn & Learn offerings the same across UPS locations?

Yes, with two big exceptions. Employees at UPS’s largest hubs in Louisville, Kentucky and Hodgins, Illinois have access to additional educational opportunities. For example, employees at the Hodgins facility can participate in a partnership with seven colleges in the area. This initiative, called the Chicagoland Regional College Program (CRCP), gives employees tuition benefits and a monthly stipend on top of their paycheck. 

For high school students in Louisville, there is the School to Work program, which often serves as a feeder for Earn & Learn. High schoolers attend their morning classes then work as package handlers in the afternoon. They can also take courses at Jefferson Community and Technical College. 

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Step-by-step guide for getting UPS tuition reimbursement

1. Visit the Earn & Learn website

UPS has a separate section on its jobs page where you can access positions eligible for Earn & Learn. UPS’s Earn and Learn website houses all the information you need to begin benefitting from this program. 

2. Search for openings in your area

Click on the button “Search for a UPS tuition assistance location near you.” There, you can find a nearby program by selecting your state from a drop-down menu. Participating Earn & Learn locations appear in a list of links directing you to a job application.  

3. Apply for a job 

UPS’s Earn & Learn position postings are an expedited hiring process. UPS is proud that this “is not your typical job application.” You can view basic details of the available role, including the position name, job group, location, and time of day of shift. It will also display your hourly pay. 

4. Get hired and start gaining tuition assistance!

If you complete all of the required sections of the application, you could be offered a conditional job offer within 10 minutes; talk about instant gratification! On your first day as a UPS employee, you are eligible for Earn & Learn. 

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Next Steps

Next Steps

  • Explore USP’s Earn and Learn program on your own through their website, or by contacting someone at the company, if you are already employed
  • For individuals who are not currently employed with UPS, take some time to explore available jobs near you
  • If UPS is not right for you, remember that there are plenty of other companies that offer their employees tuition reimbursement, such as  Home Depot, Walmart, Chipotle, Starbucks, and Amazon
  • In addition to receiving support from UPS, explore various scholarships and grants that you may also qualify for to cover the costs of school
Next Steps

Frequently asked questions about UPS tuition reimbursement 

Can I use UPS Earn & Learn on an associate degree?

Yes. UPS Learn & Earn eligibility may vary regionally, however, UPS’s biggest Earn & Learn efforts in Louisville and Hodgins are with community and technical colleges. These partner institutions primarily offer two-year programs.

Can I use UPS tuition reimbursement on a certificate program?

UPS tuition reimbursement plans vary by region, so the answer to this question may not be consistent throughout the entire nation. That being said, UPS’s most promoted partnerships, such as their programs at their Louisville/Hodgins programs, do allow students to earn certificates with tuition reimbursement.

Does UPS tuition reimbursement cover any field of study?

Yes! A major perk of Earn & Learn is the freedom to choose what you study. Unlike many companies’ tuition reimbursement policies, UPS offers funding help for any subject that employees wish to learn.

What other learning resources does UPS offer?

UPS University is an online learning platform that every employee can access. In addition to required training, UPS University houses a library of courses for continuous learning. You can choose from a wide selection of topics. The classes are also offered in multiple languages!