The company had previously only offered those benefits to salaried employees.

>> Read more trending stories

“It’s an incredible statement by our leadership about how much we want to invest in the best people we have and to keep them with us,” JD Cummings, Chipotle recruitment strategy manager, told Nation’s Restaurant News.

Cummings added that the move should help Chipotle recruit more of its target demographic for new employees: college and high school students.

“If you can’t compete at the bottom in the terms of entry-level wage, what incentive can you build into that process — what path can you create — that’s going to hold your people?” William Espey, Chipotle brand voice lead, told Nation’s.

Chipotle joins other major corporations, including Starbucks and Chrysler, in announcing recent expansions of or additions to tuition reimbursement programs.

According to Chipotle, about 95 percent of its managers are promoted from within the company.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Postcard depicting the predecessor to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport: Candler Field, c. 1927. The city signed a lease with Asa Candler to open the airfield in 1925. (Kenan Research Center at the Atlanta History Center)

Featured

Managing Partner at Atlantica Properties, Darion Dunn (center) talks with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during a tour following the ribbon cutting of Waterworks Village as part of the third phase of the city’s Rapid Housing Initiative on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
(Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez