Unlocking Educational Opportunities: A Guide to the CVS Health Children of Colleagues Scholarship Program
The escalating costs of higher education present a significant challenge for families across the nation. With the average cost of a four-year degree reaching staggering heights, many businesses are stepping up to support their employees and their families. CVS Health is among these companies, demonstrating its commitment to its workforce by offering the Children of Colleagues Scholarship Program. This program aims to alleviate the financial burden of higher education for the children of its full-time employees, supporting their pursuit of academic and professional goals.
The Significance of Employer-Sponsored Scholarships
Higher education is expensive. In the United States, the average total cost of a four-year degree is a staggering $122,000. As a result, over 45 million Americans share $1.6 trillion in unpaid student debt, a sum greater than the totality of credit card and auto loan debt, as well as the entire economy of Spain. Recognizing this financial strain, many corporations have established scholarship programs for the children and dependents of their employees. These initiatives represent a significant investment in the future, not only for the employees and their families but also for the broader community.
CVS Health's Commitment to Education
CVS Health recognizes the importance of investing in its employees and their families. CVS invests in its employees by offering tuition reimbursement under certain circumstances. CVS is one of many other companies that invest in the academic futures of its staff. We’re proud to offer award-winning great benefits for great people, including unique perks and resources. We know that by taking care of our colleagues and their families, together we can enhance the health of those we serve.
Our benefits support your physical, emotional and financial wellness. This is a summary of some of the great benefits we offer. We’re proud to help our colleagues continue their education and pursue job-related degree and non-degree programs, or high school diplomas. Colleagues: Eligibility and coverage effective dates may vary by program. See BenefitMoments.com for more information. Union colleagues: See the collective bargaining agreement for eligibility details. Benefits and eligibility vary depending on country and will be discussed during the interview process. Benefits are more than pay, time off and 401k. We believe they should be more holistic - supporting every aspect of your life. “The company’s tuition assistance program afforded me the opportunity to go back to school to build on my skills and develop new ones.
Understanding the Children of Colleagues Scholarship Program
Our Children of Colleagues Scholarship Program aims to help support our full-time colleagues’ children in their pursuit of higher education by relieving the financial burden. The CVS Health Foundation-funded program has helped support the future educational goals of thousands of students throughout the country.
Read also: Your Counseling Career
Eligibility Requirements
Children of Colleagues Program: This scholarship is for the children of full-time CVS employees. Children of full-time (30+ hours) CVS Health colleagues may apply for scholarships through the CVS Health Scholarships for Children of Colleagues Program.
Application Process
Applications are reviewed by an independent committee.
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
Healthcare Education Scholarships: CVS Health Foundation also provides scholarships for students attending accredited Advanced Practice Nurse, Physician Assistant, or Pharmacy schools. If you or someone you know is eligible for these scholarships, it’s a great opportunity to receive financial support for education.
Other CVS Health Foundation Scholarships
CVS Health Foundation also supports education through philanthropic initiatives, including partnerships with organizations such as the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
- Children of Colleagues Scholarship: Aimed at dependent children of full-time CVS Health employees. Supports high school seniors and undergraduate students.
- TMCF & CVS Health Scholarship: For students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Majors prioritized include Pre-Pharmacy, Nursing, Biology, Environmental Health, Psychology, and other health fields. Some awards are reserved for graduate-level students.
- CVS Health / AACP Community Pharmacy Award: Specifically for student pharmacists. Must be enrolled in professional pharmacy studies.
Beyond Scholarships: CVS Health's Comprehensive Support for Education
In addition to the Children of Colleagues Scholarship Program, CVS Health offers several other educational resources for its employees and their families:
Read also: Explore Health Degrees
College Planning Support: Through Financial Finesse, colleagues can receive free, unbiased financial coaching related to saving for their child’s education.
Tutoring and Academic Support: Through Bright Horizons, colleagues and their families may receive discounted access to Varsity Tutors, Sylvan Learning, and Revolution Prep, including virtual tutoring and academic camps.
Tuition Assistance Through Bright Horizons EdAssist: CVS administers its tuition assistance benefits through Bright Horizons EdAssist, an education benefits platform used by many large employers.
What Is EdAssist? EdAssist is an online portal where employees can: Explore eligible programs, Submit tuition pre-approval requests, Access education coaching, Upload documentation for reimbursement. Employees must receive approval before enrolling in coursework to qualify for reimbursement.
What Does CVS Tuition Assistance Cover? CVS tuition assistance may be used for: Associate degrees, Bachelor’s degrees, Graduate degrees, Career-related certificate programs. Programs must generally be job-related and offered through accredited institutions. Funding levels vary and are outlined within the EdAssist portal for eligible employees.
Read also: Career Path: UCLA Health Medical Assistant
Who Is Eligible for CVS Tuition Assistance? Eligibility requirements are outlined within the internal benefits portal, but generally include: Active CVS Health colleagues, Full-time and part-time employees, Enrollment in an approved, career-related program, Pre-approval through EdAssist.
How To Apply for CVS Tuition Assistance The process for applying for CVS tuition is outlined in the employee portal, but typical steps for these types of programs are: Log into the CVS Health EdAssist portal. Submit a tuition assistance application before classes begin. Receive approval prior to enrolling. Complete coursework and meet required grade standards. Upload transcripts and required documentation for reimbursement. Reimbursement is generally processed through payroll after documentation is approved.
CVS PharmD Tuition Assistance Program: CVS places a strong emphasis on developing future pharmacists. Its PharmD Tuition Assistance Program is specifically designed for pharmacy interns enrolled in a professional Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program. Eligible interns may receive up to $20,000 per year in tuition support.
How CVS Compares to Similar Employers
CVS is one of several major retail and pharmacy employers offering education benefits, but its structure and focus differ from competitors. While some companies emphasize tuition-free degree pathways at partner schools, CVS places a stronger emphasis on pharmacy career development and job-related programs.
CVS vs. Walgreens
Both companies invest heavily in pharmacy education. Walgreens also offers pharmacy-specific assistance programs, but CVS’s PharmD program advertises funding of up to $20,000 per year, which is substantial. Walgreens may offer broader internal career pathways for pharmacists, while CVS emphasizes structured education support through EdAssist.
CVS vs. Walmart
Walmart’s Live Better U program often covers tuition upfront at partner institutions. CVS typically uses a reimbursement model through EdAssist, though it offers strong pharmacy-focused funding. Employees choosing between the two may weigh pharmacy career alignment against tuition-free degree pathways.
CVS vs. Target
Target partners with Guild Education to provide fully funded programs at select schools. CVS uses Bright Horizons and focuses more directly on health-care and pharmacy career development. Retail employees pursuing non-health degrees may find broader options elsewhere, while pharmacy-focused employees may benefit more from CVS.
Key Things to Consider Before Applying
Before enrolling in a program using CVS tuition assistance, consider:
- Whether your degree qualifies as job-related
- Whether funding is prepaid or reimbursed
- Any service commitments tied to pharmacy assistance
- How education benefits fit into your long-term career plans
Because CVS does not publicly advertise all funding caps, reviewing details inside the EdAssist portal is essential before making enrollment decisions.
CVS Health Foundation's Broader Community Impact
The CVS Health Foundation extends its commitment to education and well-being beyond its employees, actively supporting communities through various philanthropic initiatives. The CVS Health Foundation is the philanthropic arm of CVS Health. Rather than operating as a single open-grant program, the Foundation offers multiple grant initiatives, each with its own focus area, eligibility rules, and timelines. CVS Health Foundation grantmaking is organized around a few core public health priorities.
Core Public Health Priorities
- Many grants support programs that help underserved populations access affordable, high-quality health care.
- Mental health-especially for adolescents and young adults-is a major funding priority.
- CVS Health Foundation grants also address maternal health disparities, particularly among populations at higher risk for poor outcomes.
Grant Application Process
The CVS Health Foundation operates several distinct grant programs. Start by reviewing the CVS Health Foundation’s current funding priorities and available programs. Most CVS Health Foundation grants are submitted electronically through an online portal. Applications are reviewed according to program timelines. Some grants are reviewed on a rolling basis, while others follow fixed cycles.
Tips for a Successful Grant Application
Align closely with Foundation priorities. Demonstrate measurable impact. Highlight partnerships. Be clear and concise. Show sustainability. Eligibility depends on the specific program. operations, and alignment with CVS Health Foundation priorities. Some programs are national, while others are limited to specific regions or states. Grant amounts vary widely by program.
Community-Centered Initiatives
At CVS Health®, we have the unique ability to combine our health care insights with our deep community presence to understand and address critical needs. At CVS Health, we understand that the conditions in which people live, learn and work shape their well-being. Health Zones is our community-centered initiative that aims to improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities at the local level. We are providing multi-year grants to cohorts of nonprofits that are working together to strengthen the connection between clinical care and social services, and to eliminate barriers to care.
Project Health
For nearly two decades, Project Health has increased access to vital health screenings that help identify a health risk before it becomes life-threatening. Providing free health services to at-risk populations who have a higher risk for chronic disease and who often face barriers to care, Project Health hosts more than 1,700 events each year at CVS Pharmacy locations across the country, and via our fleet of eight mobile units.
Mental Health Support
According to the Office of the Surgeon General, mental health challenges are the leading cause of disability and poor life outcomes in young people. In 2024, the CVS Health Foundation expanded how we support grantees, going beyond financial support to capacity building - facilitating coalition development, peer-to-peer learning, and a first-ever, in-person convening.
Maternal Health Initiatives
Through our partnerships, we seek to change the systems that deliver health care and social care to parents during and after pregnancy. has the highest maternal mortality rate, with women of color experiencing the worst outcomes. CVS Health Foundation funding supports evidence-based interventions to reverse these trends.
Focus on Healthy Aging
will likely be over 64 than under 18 by 2034. For an aging population, the CVS Health Foundation introduced multi-sector, community-based partnership grants to support organizations working to strengthen systems of care at the local level. Launched in October 2024, our Focus on Healthy Aging initiative is a five-year philanthropic investment to improve health outcomes for people over age 60 at highest risk of experiencing negative brain, heart, and/or mental health outcomes.
Addressing Environmental Health
One in three Americans lives in a community with unhealthy air levels, and more frequent extreme weather is exacerbating long-standing air quality issues. Through a new collaboration with the American Lung Association, we are investing $3.5 million over four years nationwide to combat this health issue.
Workforce Development
The CVS Health Foundation continues to invest in the development of a talented workforce to support the needs of our communities and colleagues. We're making a difference for colleagues across the country by helping their children reach their goals. A series of academic scholarship programs also supports students pursuing careers in pharmacy, nursing and retail management.
Combating Food Insecurity
Food insecurity is a widespread problem without a one-size-fits-all solution. A recent study from Feeding America indicates that food insecurity is still rising post-pandemic, and about half of the people who struggle to pay for meals don't qualify for federal assistance like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Through our collaborations across the country with organizations working to combat hunger, we have seen that when people have access to nutritious food, it allows them to better focus on their health and well-being.
Disaster Relief
When disaster strikes, we bring together resources from across our organization to address health impacts, support the communities we serve and assist colleagues in times of hardship. CVS Health activates teams across our business to prepare for emergencies and provide support during times of natural disaster. Stores receive additional supplies of emergency items such as water, batteries and first aid products.
Volunteerism
Funded through the CVS Health Foundation, our Volunteer Challenge Grant program supports nonprofit organizations where our colleagues donate their time, with grants ranging from $250 to $5,000.
FAQs About CVS Tuition Reimbursement
Since there are so many details to get right, you may be feeling overwhelmed. The following questions and answers can help you have a clearer idea of what to expect.
How Much Tuition Assistance Does CVS Offer?
CVS does not publicly list a universal annual cap for general tuition assistance. Funding levels vary by program and are detailed within the EdAssist portal. Pharmacy interns may qualify for up to $20,000 per year through the PharmD Tuition Assistance Program.
Does CVS Pay for Pharmacy School?
Yes. CVS offers a competitive PharmD Tuition Assistance Program that provides up to $20,000 per year to eligible pharmacy interns enrolled in professional pharmacy programs. Service commitments after graduation may apply.
Can Part-Time Employees Qualify?
Both full-time and part-time colleagues may be eligible for tuition assistance. Certain family scholarship programs, however, may require full-time (30+ hours per week) status.
Does CVS Offer Student Loan Repayment?
CVS does not appear to offer direct student loan repayment benefits. However, employees have access to student loan coaching and financial planning services through Financial Finesse.
Do Family Members Receive Education Benefits?
Children of eligible full-time colleagues may apply for scholarships through the CVS Health Scholarships for Children of Colleagues Program. CVS also offers discounted tutoring and college planning support through Bright Horizons and Financial Finesse.
Does CVS Pay Tuition Upfront or Reimburse?
CVS tuition assistance generally requires pre-approval through EdAssist and reimbursement after successful course completion. Specific payment structures may vary by program.
tags: #cvs #health #children #of #colleagues #scholarship
