Kroger Continuing Education Program (2026)
What Kroger's own page says about Continuing education program, field by field, with the gaps marked so you know what to ask HR. Checked 2026-10-14.
“part-time and full-time associates can take advantage of up to $21,000 of reimbursement toward higher learning or continued development”
Continuing education program: the published terms
| Run by | Kroger |
|---|---|
| Annual dollar cap | Not stated on the employer's pagePress release says up to $21,000 of reimbursement. It does not say whether that is per year or over a lifetime, so it is not entered as an annual cap. |
| How it pays | Reimbursement |
| Part-time eligible | Yes, per the page |
| Waiting period | Not stated on the employer's page |
| Who is eligible | Part-time and full-time associates |
| What it covers | Higher learning or continued development |
| Repayment if you leave | Not stated on the employer's page |
Note: 2023 press release, not a current benefits page. Confirm the period and rules in your benefits portal.
How much of it is tax-free
Under a written educational assistance program, an employer can exclude up to $5,250 a year from your wages; anything above that is wages unless it qualifies as a working condition benefit (IRS Pub. 15-B, Educational Assistance). Kroger does not publish an annual amount, so whether you go over $5,250 depends on your program's cost. Ask HR how amounts above the limit are reported.
Run your amount through the tuition reimbursement calculator
What to ask HR
Kroger's page leaves 3 of 7 terms unstated. Ask for the written plan, and these:
- What is the annual limit, and is there a lifetime maximum?
- How long do I have to work here before I can use it?
- Do I have to repay anything if I leave within a set time?
Keep reading
Other employers
Sources and date checked
Every number and rule on this page comes from the pages below, read on October 14, 2026. If a source changes, this page can be out of date until it is rechecked.
- Kroger to Bring More Resources to 700,000+ Associates (ir.kroger.com, 2023 press release)
Every field and the quote on this page.
- IRS Publication 15-B (2026), Employer's Tax Guide to Fringe Benefits
The $5,250 annual exclusion for educational assistance and the working condition rule.
Not tax advice. This page is general information built from IRS publications, not advice for your situation. Plan rules, state law and your own facts can change the answer. Confirm with your plan administrator or a tax professional before you act.