Walmart’s Live Better U covers tuition and career credentials

Walmart’s Live Better U program provides tuition and book coverage for eligible Walmart and Sam’s Club associates, including both full- and part-time workers. The benefit is positioned as a companywide tool to help associates complete high-school diplomas, short-form certificates, language learning, professional credentials and college degrees up through bachelor’s programs through partner institutions. Walmart reports the program serves hundreds of thousands of participants and has saved associates hundreds of millions in tuition costs.

Eligibility spans hourly associates and salaried employees who meet program rules, and the benefit is one element of a broader employee package that includes medical, dental and vision plan options, mental health resources, parental leave and paid time off, a 401(k) with match, an Associate Stock Purchase Plan, adoption and family-building support, and specialist access through Centers of Excellence. Company materials position Live Better U as part of internal talent pipelines designed to move associates into higher-paying, in-demand roles.

For associates, the practical impact is twofold: financial relief and clearer skills pathways. Covering tuition and books removes a common barrier to credential attainment, especially for part-time employees balancing shift work. Short-term certificates and professional credentials can speed movement into specialized jobs, while high-school completion and degree options open longer-term promotion and pay opportunities. The presence of language learning and short-form programs also addresses immediate workplace needs without multi-year commitments.

On the operations side, expanding internal education can shift workforce dynamics. Employers that upskill from within can reduce external hiring for skilled roles and create steeper internal competition for promotions. For associates, that means knowing which programs align with in-demand roles matters as much as enrolling. It also raises everyday considerations like schedule flexibility, coordination with managers, and how tuition benefits interact with other pay and leave policies.

Walmart’s benefits pages consolidate program details and eligibility guidance so associates can see how education benefits tie into career-path programs and other wellness offerings. That clarity makes it easier for workers to plan course timelines, estimate out-of-pocket costs, and discuss options with store or club leadership.

The takeaway? Treat Live Better U like a workplace perk you can actually use: confirm eligibility with HR, map short-term certificates to specific roles you want, and coordinate scheduling to avoid conflicts with shifts. Investing a little planning up front can turn tuition coverage into faster promotions and real take-home value.