Target, Too, to Offer Fee-Free Tuition

Target is joining Walmart in offering fee-free higher education to its full- and part-time U.S. team members. 

The Minneapolis-based retailer announced Aug. 4 that it has partnered with Guild Education and more than 40 colleges, universities and other schools to let Target employees access undergraduate degree and certificate programs at no out-of-pocket cost. Participating institutions include Oregon State University and the University of Arizona as well as historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) such as Morehouse College. Both in-person and online-only options will be available.

Target will cover employees' tuition for "business-aligned" college programs—e.g., business management, supply-chain management and data analytics. Employees also will have access to high school completion, ESL and college prep courses. Team members looking to earn an advanced degree can receive up to $5,250 per year for non-master's degree programs and up to $10,000 a year toward a master's degree. 

"A significant number of our hourly team members build their careers at Target, and we know many would like to pursue additional education opportunities," Target Chief Human Resources Officer Melissa Kremer said in a news release. "We don’t want the cost to be a barrier for anyone, and that’s where Target can step in to make education accessible for everyone." Beyond tuition, Target will cover the cost of textbooks and other course fees.

Late last month, Bentonville, Ark.-based Walmart announced a similar move to cover all employee tuition costs, removing a $1 per day fee from its tuition assistance program.