Walmart workers can now get 100% of their college tuition and book costs covered at 10 different universities and online schools

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Walmart worker
Walmart will now pay all tuition and book costs for employees attending participating educational institutions.

Chris Hondros/Getty Images

Walmart will cover all costs for employees attending these 10 colleges and educational programs.
All Walmart and Sam's Club employees are eligible starting on their first day of work.
Reduced-cost educational programs at Walmart have enrolled 52,000 employees since 2018.
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Walmart will cover all tuition and book costs for Walmart and Sam's Club employees attending 10 colleges and other educational programs, the retail giant announced on Tuesday.

Over 1.5 million of the company's employees can use the program, and all part-time and full-time employees are eligible starting on their first day of work.

Employees can attend colleges such as the University of Arizona and Purdue University Global or take courses through online class platforms like Voxy and Pathstream for free.

In 2018, Walmart created its Live Better U program that covered tuition and book costs for employees for only $1 a day, with 52,000 employees participating in the program to date, according to the company.

Other companies also provide tuition assistance to employees, though Walmart's program may be one of the most comprehensive. Starbucks covers 100% of tuition costs at Arizona State University for employees working at least 20 hours a week, and Home Depot covers $3,000 a year in tuition for full-time hourly employees and $1,500 for part-time workers.

The average cost of college tuition has continuously risen, and as of 2018, 58% of students graduated with student loan debt.

"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."

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