Does Chick-fil-A Pay For College? [2025 Update]

Chick-fil-A supports education through its Remarkable Futures Scholarship Program, which provides millions of dollars each year to team members who want to continue their studies. Scholarships range up to $25,000 and can be used at accredited colleges, universities, trade schools, and vocational programs across the United States.

This program reflects Chick-fil-A’s commitment to helping team members grow beyond their day-to-day jobs. By funding higher education, the company gives you a way to balance work and school while moving toward long-term career goals. It also addresses a wider challenge: making college more affordable for working students in the food service industry.

Key Takeaways

• Chick-fil-A Provides Scholarship Funding Through The Remarkable Futures Program. Eligible team members can receive scholarships of up to $25,000 for college, trade, or continuing education programs.
• Eligibility Requirements Include Employment Status And Performance Standards. You must be employed at a Chick-fil-A restaurant at the time of application and when awards are announced, demonstrate leadership, and remain in good standing.
• Application Process Involves Multiple Steps And Documentation Requirements. You complete an application, submit transcripts, write essays, and secure supervisor recommendations.
• Scholarship Awards Support Various Educational Pathways And Career Goals. Funding covers traditional degrees, trade programs, and professional development coursework.
• Program Benefits Both Team Members and Company Operations. Scholarships help retain employees, develop skills, and build leadership pipelines that benefit restaurants while supporting your career growth.

What Is Chick-fil-A’s College Education Program?

The Remarkable Futures Scholarship Program is Chick-fil-A’s way of helping team members advance their education. Each year, the company awards millions in scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to $25,000, depending on the award level. Funds are paid upfront rather than through reimbursement, which makes it easier to cover tuition bills directly.

Scholarships can be used at any accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school. You also have the option to apply funding toward online or continuing education programs, so you can choose a format that fits your schedule and goals.

Why Chick-fil-A Invests In Team Member Education

Chick-fil-A invests in scholarships as part of a broader workforce development strategy. The food service industry faces high turnover and strong competition for skilled workers, so education benefits help attract and retain motivated employees. By supporting your studies, the company also develops stronger leaders who are prepared for greater responsibility.

The benefit is clear for you: meaningful financial help that reduces the cost of college and creates more career options. For Chick-fil-A, the investment leads to loyal, better-trained team members who contribute to smooth operations and long-term success. It is a mutual win that connects education with opportunity inside and outside the restaurant.

Who Qualifies For Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures Scholarships?

Eligibility rules are designed to reward team members who demonstrate commitment at work and motivation in school.

Employment Duration Requirements

You must be employed at a Chick-fil-A restaurant at the time of application and when awards are announced. There are no minimum tenure or hours worked requirements for eligibility. A consistent work record can strengthen your Operator’s recommendation but is not a formal requirement.

Performance And Leadership Standards

Chick-fil-A looks for applicants who meet performance expectations and show leadership and teamwork. If you take initiative, mentor others, or contribute positively to restaurant culture, you strengthen your application.

Educational Enrollment Status

To qualify, you must be enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited college, university, or vocational program. Good academic standing is important; you will be asked to provide transcripts or proof of enrollment.

Restaurant Participation And Recommendation

Local restaurant Operators and managers are involved in the application process. They confirm your employment and provide recommendations that reflect your work ethic and potential for growth.

Age And Academic Prerequisites

Applicants must have completed high school or an equivalent credential before starting their college program. Minimum age requirements may apply depending on the institution and program you plan to attend.

How To Apply For Chick-fil-A Education Benefits

The application process is structured to give every team member a fair chance, while highlighting their academic achievements and leadership qualities.

Complete Initial Application

You start by filling out an online application that collects your personal details, employment history, and education goals. This establishes your eligibility and basic background information.

Submit Academic Documentation

You will need to upload transcripts or provide proof of GPA and enrollment status. This verifies that you meet the academic criteria for consideration.

Write Required Essays

Essays are an important part of the process. You may be asked to describe your goals, leadership experience, and how education will impact your future. Strong, thoughtful writing helps your application stand out.

Obtain Supervisor Recommendations

Your local Operator or manager submits a recommendation. This evaluation reflects your performance, teamwork, and character, giving the selection committee insight into how you contribute at work.

Interview And Selection Process

Final selection is based on application materials, transcripts, Operator recommendations, and leadership or service demonstrated. Interviews are not part of the standard process, though additional review may occur for top award levels.

What Educational Programs Are Covered?

Chick-fil-A’s Remarkable Futures Scholarship Program is flexible enough to support a wide range of academic and career goals. Whether pursuing a degree, a trade, or professional development, the scholarship can help cover your costs.

Associate And Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Scholarships can be applied to accredited two- or four-year colleges and universities across the country. You can use the funds toward tuition at community colleges, state universities, or private institutions. This makes it possible to complete an associate degree or continue on to a bachelor’s program without relying only on loans.

Trade And Technical Certification Programs

If you want to build practical skills, Chick-fil-A scholarships also cover vocational and technical schools. Programs may include areas like healthcare, automotive repair, technology, or culinary arts. These certifications can lead to faster entry into skilled professions and provide you with valuable credentials.

Professional Development And Continuing Education

Scholarship funding is not limited to degree paths. You can apply it to continuing education or industry-recognized certifications that support your professional growth. This option is especially helpful if you want to advance in your current career or add specialized skills that make you more competitive.

Online And Traditional Learning Formats

Chick-fil-A scholarships are flexible in terms of delivery format. You can choose an online program if you need to balance study with work hours, or you can attend a traditional in-person college. Either option is eligible, as long as the institution is accredited.

Alternatives To Chick-fil-A Education Benefits

While Chick-fil-A’s Remarkable Futures program is a valuable opportunity, it is limited to employees and depends on maintaining your role at a restaurant. Other pathways exist if you are looking for options that do not require employment or supervisor approval.

University of the People (UoPeople) is one alternative that opens the door to higher education without traditional costs. UoPeople offers tuition-free, accredited degrees in fields like business administration, computer science, health science, and education. Instead of tuition, you only pay low assessment fees per course, and scholarships are available if you cannot afford them.

Because programs are entirely online, you can study from anywhere in the world and on your own schedule. UoPeople also partners with universities such as NYU and UC Berkeley to create transfer opportunities and expand access. This model makes higher education available regardless of your job status or financial situation.

FAQs

How Much Scholarship Money Does Chick-fil-A Provide For College?

Team members can receive scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $25,000, depending on award level. Scholarships are paid upfront and can be used at accredited colleges, universities, or trade schools.

What Are The Work Requirements To Qualify For Chick-fil-A Education Benefits?

You need to be employed at a Chick-fil-A restaurant when you apply and when awards are announced, be in good standing, and meet the program’s academic and recommendation criteria. The scholarship program does not require a minimum number of hours or months worked.

Can Part-Time Chick-fil-A Employees Apply For Scholarship Programs?

Yes. Both part-time and full-time team members are eligible, as long as they meet the program’s application and performance criteria.

Does Chick-fil-A Cover Graduate School Or Just Undergraduate Programs?

Scholarships can be applied toward both undergraduate and graduate study, as long as the program is at an accredited institution.

What Is The Application Deadline For Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures Scholarships?

Deadlines vary each year, and applications typically open in the fall. It is best to check the official Chick-fil-A scholarships page or the InStride portal for the most current dates.

Are Online Degree Programs Eligible For Chick-fil-A Education Funding?

Yes. As long as the school is accredited, you can use your scholarship for online or traditional campus-based programs.

How Competitive Is The Chick-fil-A Scholarship Application Process?

Competition is strong since thousands of team members apply each year. Scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, leadership qualities, essays, and supervisor recommendations.

Does Chick-fil-A Require Students To Continue Working While Receiving Scholarships?

You must be employed at a Chick-fil-A restaurant when you apply and when scholarship awards are announced. After receiving the award, there is no stated requirement to remain employed for the duration of your studies.