Starbucks College Achievement Plan (2026)
What Starbucks's own page says about Starbucks College Achievement Plan, field by field, with the gaps marked so you know what to ask HR. Checked 2026-10-14.
“100% upfront tuition coverage towards a bachelor's degree at your pace, no strings attached”
Starbucks College Achievement Plan: the published terms
| Run by | Starbucks with Arizona State University |
|---|---|
| Annual dollar cap | Not stated on the employer's pageNo dollar cap published. The page promises 100% upfront tuition coverage toward a first-time bachelor's degree. |
| How it pays | Upfront tuition coverage |
| Part-time eligible | Not stated on the employer's page |
| Waiting period | Page says apply on day one |
| Who is eligible | Not listed on the page; it points to starbucks.asu.edu/faq |
| What it covers | First-time bachelor's degree, 180+ undergraduate programs online from Arizona State University |
| Repayment if you leave | Page says no strings attached after you graduate |
Note: Hours and tenure rules are not on the employer page. Check starbucks.asu.edu.
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). Starbucks 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
Starbucks's page leaves 2 of 7 terms unstated. Ask for the written plan, and these:
- What is the annual limit, and is there a lifetime maximum?
- Are part-time employees eligible, and is there a minimum number of hours?
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 If a source changes, this page can be out of date until it is rechecked.
- Education (careers.starbucks.com)
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.