Walmart to Pay 100% of College Tuition and Books for Associates
Walmart will now cover 100% of college tuition and books for its associates through its Live Better U (LBU) program, eliminating the previous $1 a day fee. This initiative benefits around 1.5 million associates by allowing them to pursue degrees or trade skills without incurring education debt. Walmart is investing nearly $1 billion over the next five years to enhance career training and development. New offerings include in-demand degree programs in business administration, supply chain, and cybersecurity, alongside partnerships with four academic institutions.
- Walmart invests nearly $1 billion over five years in career training and development.
- Approximately 1.5 million associates can now earn degrees without educational debt.
- New degree programs in high-demand fields such as cybersecurity and business administration added.
- More than 52,000 associates have participated in the LBU program since its launch.
- None.
Today, Walmart announced it will pay
“We are creating a path of opportunity for our associates to grow their careers at Walmart, so they can continue to build better lives for themselves and their families,” said Lorraine Stomski, Senior Vice President of Learning and Leadership at Walmart. “This investment is another way we can support our associates to pursue their passion and purpose while removing the barriers that too often keep adult working learners from obtaining degrees.”
The LBU program was initially designed after consulting with experts, reviewing other employer provided education programs, and studying the research around what helps drive completion rates among adult working learners. This helped guide the initial
“We’re also excited to add in-demand college degree and certificate options in business administration, supply chain and cybersecurity. These additional offerings join a robust catalog of programs to set associates up for new career opportunities,” said Stomski. “Our education offerings tie directly to our growth areas at Walmart, and what better way to fill the pipeline of future talent than with our own associates.”
In addition, Walmart will add four academic partners, including Johnson & Wales University, the University of Arizona, the University of Denver and Pathstream. These complement the existing partners: Brandman University, Penn Foster, Purdue University Global, Southern New Hampshire University, Wilmington University and Voxy EnGen. Each of these institutions were chosen for their history of success with adult and working learner programs as well as their focus on degree completion.
Walmart is committed to eliminate the burden of education debt. Cost is a leading barrier for earning a degree with student-loan debt in the U.S. topping
"As the company making one of the nation's largest investments in education for America's workforce, Walmart is setting a new standard for what it looks like to prepare workers for the jobs of the future," said Rachel Carlson, CEO & Co-Founder of Guild. "Walmart is creating growth opportunities for their workforce and preparing them for the future of work.”
When an associate enrolls in LBU and earns a certificate or degree, they take important steps toward creating a long-term career within the Walmart ecosystem. For more information about Live Better U, our academic partners and degree options, click here.
Other leadership quotes
“We are thrilled to partner with Guild Education and Walmart in our mission to deliver Arizona’s world-class higher education programs to working adult learners in a flexible, engaging and highly effective way. We are honored to be a part of the industry-leading Live Better U program at the nation’s largest private employer and look forward to welcoming Walmart and Sam’s Club associates into the Wildcat family.” University of Arizona President, Dr. Robert C. Robbins, M.D.
“The University of Denver is passionately committed to working adult learners. “Through this partnership with Walmart and Guild Education, approximately 1.5 million associates will now have access to DU’s programs, completely funded by their employer. We are proud to be a part of this moment for Live Better U and every moment to come on associates’ upcoming educational journeys.” University of Denver Chancellor, Dr. Jeremy Haefner.
About Walmart
Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better - anytime and anywhere - in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 220 million customers and members visit approximately 10,500 stores and clubs under 48 banners in 24 countries and eCommerce websites. With fiscal year 2021 revenue of
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