Costco lets student workers keep tenure while attending college

At Costco, weekly schedules are posted at least three weeks ahead and minimum scheduled hours are guaranteed for full-time and part-time workers. Costco's student retention program lets warehouse employees maintain employment status while attending college.

A student who leaves for school often loses seniority, steadier hours and the wage progression that comes with tenure. Tenured hourly employees receive additional compensation twice a year based on years of service. The company also lists healthcare, paid time off and a floating holiday among its benefits.

Costco's FY25 sustainability report says 1.7% of employees participated in student retention programs, and more than 66,000 employees take part in its education, networking and mentorship program. The report also says its average employee tenure in the United States is nine years, and more than 55% of U.S. employees have five or more years of service.

Through College Success Foundation, eligible regular full- and part-time and limited part-time permanent employees in the United States and Puerto Rico can apply for up to $10,000 total toward a first-time degree at an accredited nonprofit college or university. Awards can run up to $2,500 a year for four years, or be spread over as many as six years, and can be prorated for less than full-time enrollment. Current, new and previous students can qualify, and the next application cycle opens December 1, 2026.

The company budgets 1% of pretax profits for selected charitable contributions focused on children, education and health and human services. At Seattle University, Costco-backed scholarship support has lasted for more than 25 years, with the annual Costco Scholars breakfast raising $7.3 million in 2024 and $7.1 million in 2025 for students at Seattle University and the University of Washington. College Success Foundation says Bob Craves and Ann Ramsay-Jenkins established it in spring 2000.