Businesses Covering Education Costs to Attract and Retain Talent

More companies are offering tuition reimbursement programs to help employees earn degrees and advance their careers.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Businesses across North Texas are increasingly offering tuition reimbursement programs to help employees earn college degrees and certifications. This trend is benefiting both workers and employers, as it reduces the financial burden of higher education for employees while also helping companies attract and retain talent. Examples include Spectrum, Baylor Scott & White, and Forney ISD, which are partnering with local schools and universities to provide educational opportunities for their workers.

Why it matters

Tuition reimbursement programs are a win-win for businesses and employees. They allow companies to upskill their workforce and reduce turnover, while also providing workers with a path to advance their careers and earn higher-paying jobs. This trend reflects the growing recognition that investing in employee education can pay dividends for organizations in terms of talent development and retention.

The details

Spectrum, Baylor Scott & White, and Forney ISD are among the North Texas employers offering tuition reimbursement. Spectrum's program allows employees to earn degrees while the company covers tuition and books. Baylor Scott & White partners with local schools to provide classes taught by Baylor doctors and nurses, and then offers jobs to graduates. Forney ISD has a program where it helps teachers get certified and earn degrees. These programs are proving effective, with Baylor Scott & White seeing turnover rates of just 11% for participants compared to 20% overall.

  • In 2023, Spectrum launched a company-wide email about its tuition reimbursement program.
  • Baylor Scott & White has had a long history of partnering with local schools, but its latest program offering jobs and tuition assistance to graduates is new.

The players

Aaron Hamilton

A former Marine who worked as a truck driver for decades, Hamilton is now taking advantage of Spectrum's tuition reimbursement program to earn a degree and advance his career.

Phil Kendzior

The Vice President of Workforce Development for Baylor Scott & White, Kendzior has overseen the implementation of the hospital system's tuition reimbursement and job placement program for graduates.

Tina Spain

A counselor for Forney ISD, Spain has helped oversee the district's program that provides tuition assistance and certification support for its teachers.

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What they’re saying

“You're gonna pay for my tuition plus my books. The only thing I have to figure out is time management. OK!”

— Aaron Hamilton (nbcdfw.com)

“General turnover overall for our organization is somewhere around 20% give or take. But for those that participate in tuition reimbursement, turnover is only 11% and so we see that those people that continue to grow their careers and their education through the investment we make in their tuition.”

— Phil Kendzior, VP of Workforce Development, Baylor Scott & White (nbcdfw.com)

What’s next

Baylor Scott & White plans to continue expanding its program that offers jobs and tuition assistance to graduates, as the hospital system has seen significant benefits in terms of reduced turnover and increased talent development.

The takeaway

Tuition reimbursement programs are proving to be a valuable tool for businesses to attract and retain top talent, while also providing employees with a path to advance their careers and earning potential. As the cost of higher education continues to rise, these types of employer-sponsored education benefits are becoming an increasingly important part of the employee value proposition.