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Tuition-Free College

Pursue a tuition-free online bachelor’s or master’s degree

Important Update

Due to the overwhelming popularity of the Tuition-Free College program, we are temporarily pausing new enrollments. The program is scheduled to reopen for new participants in January 2026.

What This Means for Current Participants

If you are currently enrolled and active in the program (defined as having taken a class on or after June 1, 2024), your participation will not be affected. You can continue working toward your degree without interruption through Western Governors University (WGU) and WGU Academy.

Note: All employees receiving tuition assistance through the KFC Foundation’s partnership with WGU are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. The KFC Foundation will not provide tuition assistance to students who do not complete the annual FAFSA.

Pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree through Western Governors University (WGU) and the KFC Foundation will cover your tuition and required fees*.

Flexible, competency-based online courses measure learning, not class time.
Rolling Admissions — Apply at any time of the year and get started at the beginning of each month.
Non-competitive — Every employee at a participating restaurant who completes the application and required steps will be enrolled.

*After enrolling in WGU, being approved for FAFSA, and utilizing other scholarship opportunities, the KFC Foundation will cover the remaining cost of tuition and fees.

How Does It Work?

  1. Complete the application
    When asked for your employer’s name in the application, enter KFC.
  2. An enrollment counselor will contact you
    An enrollment counselor will reach out to assist you with getting admitted.
  3. Complete the FAFSA
    After enrolling in WGU, being approved for FAFSA, and utilizing other scholarship opportunities, the KFC Foundation will cover the remaining cost of tuition and fees. Note: The FAFSA is a grant that students do not need to pay back.
  4. Begin taking classes
    Admissions are rolling, with classes beginning at the start of each month. As long as you remain employed and in good standing at a participating KFC restaurant*, the KFC Foundation will cover your tuition at WGU.

All steps must be completed by the 15th of the month to start at the beginning of the following month.

*Employment will be verified at the beginning of each six-month term.

Eligibility Requirements

  • I’m employed at a KFC restaurant in the U.S. participating in the KFC Foundation’s Annual Donation Program and in good standing
  • I’ve graduated from high school or earned my high school equivalency/GED
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Tuition-Free College FAQs

What if I’m already enrolled at WGU?

If you are a current or previous WGU student, notify studentcare@wgu.edu to ensure WGU knows you are applying for financial assistance through the KFC Foundation.

How do I know if a KFC restaurant is eligible?

Review the list of participating restaurants to confirm whether a restaurant is participating in the KFC Foundation Annual Donation program and is eligible.

How many hours do I need to work to be eligible?

There are no minimum hour requirements.

Can I apply if I don’t have a social security number and can’t file for FAFSA?

Yes, you are still eligible to apply. Notify your WGU enrollment counselor about your circumstances, and they will help you through the process.

What is WGU Academy?

WGU Academy is a 2-3 month college readiness program that will help you feel more confident in your ability to succeed at WGU. If you’ve been out of school for a while or feel like you could use a refresher, WGU Academy could be a good option for you.

Am I eligible to apply for WGU Academy through the KFC Foundation?

Yes.

When do I need to complete a Letter of Credit (LOC)?

You will need to complete a LOC when you first apply, if your restaurant location and/or Restaurant ID changes, and if your employee ID changes. Your WGU enrollment counselor will provide you the link to complete your LOC when you are first applying and you can notify them if another needs to be submitted.

If I transfer to another restaurant, will this cause issues with my funding?

Changing restaurant locations will not affect the current term funding. However, a new Letter of Credit must be submitted to ensure employment can be verified moving forward. You can submit a new Letter of Credit by notifying your WGU advisor.

I no longer work for KFC and am in the middle of a term. Will I need to pay back the tuition that was funded?

No, the KFC Foundation does not require students to pay back any of their tuition assistance once employment is terminated. You will be able to complete the term using the funding that was previously approved.

What happens if I withdraw from WGU after being funded?

The KFC Foundation does not require students to pay back any of their tuition after a withdrawal from WGU. However, once an approved student withdraws, they are not eligible for the tuition-free college program in the future.

To be eligible for the KFC Foundation’s programs, you must work at a KFC restaurant in the U.S. that participates in the KFC Foundation’s Franchise Donation Program.