Want UPS to help pay for college? The UPS Earn & Learn program offers tuition assistance to employees — and it’s especially generous for part-time workers like package handlers. This guide covers how much you can get, who qualifies, what’s covered, and how to claim it.
This is an independent guide. Amounts, eligibility and rules vary by location and can change — verify with your UPS HR rep and the UPSers portal. We are not affiliated with UPS.
What is UPS Earn & Learn?
Earn & Learn is UPS’s tuition assistance / reimbursement program. It’s one of the biggest reasons students take a part-time UPS job: you can work flexible shifts and have UPS help cover your education costs. It’s most associated with part-time roles, including package handlers.
How much can you get?
- Up to $5,250 per calendar year in education benefits.
- $25,000 lifetime maximum in total reimbursement.
(These have been the long-standing figures; always confirm the current amounts for your location, as program terms can change.)
Who’s eligible?
Earn & Learn is structured for part-time employees, and package handlers at 100+ locations nationwide can participate. Availability and exact terms depend on your hub, so check whether your location takes part. Some employees can begin with little or no waiting period — another reason it’s a strong draw for new and seasonal hires looking to go permanent.
What’s covered
- Tuition and required fees
- Textbooks and supplies
- Any subject — generally no restriction on what you study, at accredited institutions
How it works
Earn & Learn primarily works as a reimbursement: you pay your tuition up front, then submit proof of a passing grade at the end of the term. UPS reimburses you by check or direct deposit, up to the annual cap. (At some schools and locations, arrangements may differ, so confirm the process for yours.)
How to enroll
- Check with your local UPS HR representative or the UPSers portal to confirm your hub’s Earn & Learn requirements.
- Enroll at an accredited college or university.
- Gather your documentation (enrollment, costs, and later your grades).
- Submit your claim through the UPS tuition assistance system; once approved, reimbursement is issued per your location’s guidelines.
For the wider picture of what UPS offers employees, see our UPSers benefits guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much tuition assistance does UPS give?
Through Earn & Learn, employees can receive up to $5,250 per calendar year, with a $25,000 lifetime maximum. Confirm current figures for your location.
Do part-time UPS employees get tuition assistance?
Yes — Earn & Learn is designed for part-time employees, including package handlers at participating locations. It’s one of the program’s biggest selling points.
What does UPS Earn & Learn cover?
It covers tuition, required fees, textbooks and supplies, generally for any subject at an accredited institution.
Is Earn & Learn paid upfront or reimbursed?
It’s primarily a reimbursement program — you pay first, submit a passing grade, then get reimbursed by check or direct deposit. Some locations/schools may have other arrangements.
Related: UPSers Benefits · UPS Seasonal Jobs · UPSers.com Portal.