Getting your diploma or pursuing further studies can make a huge dent in your wallet. Thankfully, more and more companies are offering student loan repayment and free tuition fees as a perk to attract and retain employees.
But what are the best companies to work for if you're looking for this employee benefit? In this article, we'll take a look at a few of the top companies that offer study assistance as a work perk.
1. LinkedIn
LinkedIn's mission is to "connect the world's professionals to make them more productive and successful", and the company takes this seriously. Its workplace culture has been featured on CNBC, showing how the company has effectively responded to employees' desire for better work benefits. LinkedIn's own employees agree and have given overwhelmingly positive reviews of company benefits on Glassdoor.
If you're a LinkedIn employee, you'll get to enjoy a range of benefits to improve the value of your personal and professional life. LinkedIn's company benefits page says that it will pay for your educational expenses, which include tuition fees and books. You'll also enjoy a remote-friendly work setup and a $2,000 PerkUp allowance to spend on anything to "perk up" your life.
2. Verizon
Verizon is committed to upskilling its workforce, as evidenced by its generous tuition assistance plan, which you might not enjoy anywhere else. According to Verizon employees on Glassdoor, Verizon has a budget of $8,000 per year for full-time employees who are pursuing a job or career-related degree. All employee benefits are available from the first day you start working, as the company proudly proclaims on the Verizon website.
3. Apple
Given that overpriced Apple products come with a hefty price tag, we'd be surprised if the company offers subpar employee benefits. Thankfully, the well-known brand doesn't disappoint.
If you're an Apple employee, you might be able to benefit from the company's educational assistance program. Glassdoor reviews say that you may receive a reimbursement of about $5,000 on educational expenses for an eligible job-related course if you get a good grade on it.
4. NVIDIA
Employees at NVIDIA will find it hard to resign, given the tech company's top-rated work culture, compensation, and benefits. NVIDIA was even named one of Glassdoor's 2022 Best Places to Work because of its awesome work culture.
If you're an employee, NVIDIA's U.S. benefits include reimbursement of $5,250 per year to repay eligible student loans. The benefit is available to all full-time or part-time employees in the U.S. working 20 hours or more per week and having completed three months of continuous service.
Aside from student loan assistance, NVIDIA also has a Global Education Assistance Program, which reimburses expenses from accredited colleges, universities, and online learning platforms Coursera and edX. They also partnered with Stanford Center for Professional Development so eligible employees can take select courses and certificate programs for free!
5. Genentech
If you're interested in saving lives through science and technology, browse through Genentech job openings. In 2022, the biotechnology company got multiple recognitions for being one of Fortune Magazine's 100 Best Companies to Work For, Forbes' America's Best Largest Employers, and Fast Company's Best Workplaces for Innovators.
As part of its comprehensive benefits package for employees, Genentech offers extra benefits such as tuition assistance and career consultations to help you grow professionally.
6. Google
We all know about Google's awesome office spaces worldwide, and if you're a fan, you might be among the first to know about the new features coming soon to Google apps and services. But are you also aware that the company generously offers top-notch employee benefits?
In 2021, Google helped its employees pay off crippling student debt through its student loan repayment program, which matches up to $2,500 in student loans per employee per year.
Aside from study loan assistance, Googler benefits include onsite wellness centers, peer learning and coaching, insurance, mental health assistance programs, one-to-one financial coaching, hybrid work arrangements, caregiver leaves, and paid time-off, among many other benefits.
7. Shure Incorporated
American audio products corporation, Shure, has consistently been named one of the top workplaces and one of the nation's best and brightest companies to work for, given its competitive work benefits. Aside from Shure's work benefits such as flexible work arrangements, profit-sharing, a 529 college savings plan, and collaborative workspaces, the company also offers tuition reimbursement for its employees.
8. HubSpot
HubSpot is serious about living up to its culture code, “Life is short. So it should be fulfilling and fun. Work is a big part of life. So it should also be fulfilling and fun.” Being one of the high-rated companies on Glassdoor offering fully remote or hybrid work, HubSpot offers work perks that encourage employees to improve themselves professionally and personally.
Aside from unlimited vacations, HubSpot employee benefits include $5,000 a year to spend on formal education classes, online courses, and weekend workshops. They also enjoy free Kindle copies or hard copies of books through the company's Free Books Program. If you're a high-potential employee, you might also be selected for a four-day intensive global Mini-MBA led by HubSpot’s Executive Leadership team and professors from Harvard Business School.
You Can Work and Study at the Same Time in the Right Companies
While it's understandably hard to work and study at the same time, it's possible if you work at a supportive company. You just need to do your research before you apply or inquire during your application process. Maybe your current employer also offers this benefit; it wouldn't hurt to ask your direct supervisor or human resources manager.
Since many companies are adding more benefits like study assistance and student loan reimbursement to attract and retain top talent, it's easier than ever to upskill and earn that diploma. If professional growth and financial well-being are your top priorities, start off with this list of companies in your next job hunt.