Tuition Assistance

Click on the sections below for more information

What is Tuition Assistance?

We know that the cost of your education can make it challenging to earn a college degree. That’s why we offer Tuition Assistance to eligible employees. Tuition Assistance is money to help pay for college courses that are taken at an “approved school” such as a two or four year public or private college or university; business, technical or vocational school; graduate or post-graduate school that is accredited by the Department of Education.

We know that the cost of your education can make it challenging to earn a college degree. That’s why we offer Tuition Assistance to eligible employees. Tuition Assistance is money to help pay for college courses that are taken at an “approved school” such as a two or four year public or private college or university; business, technical or vocational school; graduate or post -graduate school that is accredited by the Department of Education.

Who’s eligible?

McOpCo full-time Store Manager Trainee, Certified Swing Manager, Department Manager, or General Manager

You are eligible for $5,250 in Tuition Assistance if:

  • You have a performance rating of “significant performance” or better, maintained throughout the course/program.
  • Notify your Supervisor of your participation

McOpCo restaurant Crew, Floor Supervisor, Shift Manager Trainee, Primary Maintenance, or other part-time employee

You are eligible for $2,500 in Tuition Assistance each year if:

  • You are employed by McDonald’s for at least 90 cumulative days.
  • You work an average of 15 hours per week or more.
  • You have a performance rating of “significant performance” or better, maintained throughout the course/program.

Full-time restaurant manager or staff of a participating Franchise Owner/Operator

You are eligible for $3,000 in Tuition Assistance each year if:

  • You work a minimum of 30 hours per week for that Franchise Owner/Operator.
  • You are in good standing as determined by the Franchise Owner/Operator.

Restaurant crew (including maintenance), part-time manager or part-time office staff of a participating Franchise Owner/Operator

You are eligible for $2,500 in Tuition Assistance each year if:

  • You are employed by the same Franchise Owner/Operator at least 90 cumulative days as of the time of the Tuition Assistance Request application completion.
  • You work an average of 15 hours per week for that Franchise Owner/Operator.
  • You are in good standing as determined by the Franchise Owner/Operator.

What should I know about Tuition Assistance?

  • Tuition Assistance through Archways to Opportunity covers eligible course expenses (such as your tuition and fees) that are not covered by scholarships or grants.

    Example of how this works:

    • Ron receives financial aid that he must repay. He is eligible to use Archways Tuition Assistance to cover eligible course expenses to avoid out of pocket costs.
    • Ron receives a grant that covers 100% of his tuition. The grant does not need to be repaid. He is not eligible to use Archways Tuition Assistance because he has no out of pocket costs for eligible course expenses.
    • Ron receives a grant that covers 50% of his tuition. The grant does not need to be repaid. However, Ron is eligible to use Archways Tuition Assistance to cover the remaining eligible course expenses that he would have to pay out of pocket.
  • Tuition Assistance covers eligible textbook and course supply expenses (excluding hardware/software). A receipt must be uploaded to your request.
  • To get Tuition Assistance, your employment eligibility must be confirmed.
  • Courses must be taken at a degree or certificate granting college or university, accredited by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • You must attach a copy of your itemized tuition bill to your online Tuition Assistance request.
    • This bill must have your name, the school’s name, the academic term, tuition and fees listed as line items. If your bill is missing any of this information, your request cannot be approved.
    • You can simply attach your tuition bill in one of the approved formats (.pdf, .tif, .png, .jpeg, .bmp or .xps) to your online request.
    • You can also snap a photo of your tuition bill using your phone and upload the photo as long as it is clear enough to read.
  • Transcripts

    McOpCo full-time Store Manager Trainee, Certified Swing Manager, Department Manager, or General Manager

    • You must upload your transcript showing grades within 3 months of the last day of your class to avoid repayment.

    McOpCo restaurant Crew, Floor Supervisor, Shift Manager Trainee, Primary Maintenance, or other part-time employees

    •  You must upload a transcript showing grades of your previously awarded term before your next request can be approved.
  • Tuition Assistance through Archways to Opportunity covers eligible course expenses (such as your tuition and fees) that are not covered by scholarships or grants.

    Example of how this works:

    • Ron receives financial aid that he must repay. He is eligible to use Archways Tuition Assistance to cover eligible course expenses to avoid out of pocket costs.
    • Ron receives a grant that covers 100% of his tuition. The grant does not need to be repaid. He is not eligible to use Archways Tuition Assistance because he has no out of pocket costs for eligible course expenses.
    • Ron receives a grant that covers 50% of his tuition. The grant does not need to be repaid. However, Ron is eligible to use Archways Tuition Assistance to cover the remaining eligible course expenses that he would have to pay out of pocket.
  • Tuition Assistance can be used for textbooks as long as:

    • The books were purchased through your school’s bookstore.
    • The book costs are listed on your itemized tuition bill.
  • To get Tuition Assistance, your request must be approved by your Franchise Owner/Operator.
  • Courses must be taken at a degree or certificate granting college or university, accredited by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • You must attach a copy of your itemized tuition bill to your online Tuition Assistance request.
    • This bill must have your name, the school’s name, the academic term, tuition and fees listed as line items. If your bill is missing any of this information, your request cannot be approved.
    • You can simply attach your tuition bill in one of the approved formats (.pdf, .tif, .png, .jpeg, .bmp or .xps) to your online request.
    • You can also snap a photo of your tuition bill using your phone and upload the photo as long as it is clear enough to read.
  • Making your 2nd request of the year? You must upload a transcript showing grades of your previously awarded term before your next request can be approved.

How do I request Tuition Assistance?

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Before you get started…

Make sure you gather your information, including:

  • Your employee number (found on the top, right corner of your pay stub).
  • Your restaurant address, position and start date.
  • Your course term (Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall). *If your school does not follow the terms listed, select the term that comes closest.
  • Your school and course information (number of courses, start and end dates).
  • Your eligible textbook and course supply receipts.
  • Make sure you have a copy or your itemized tuition bill that includes your name, the school’s name, matching term, tuition, fees, and financial aid.
  • The last 4 digits of your SSN.
  • Your restaurant address, position and start date.
  • Your course term (Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall). *If your school does not follow the terms listed, select the term that comes closest.
  • Your school and course information (number of courses, start and end dates).
  • Make sure you have a copy or your itemized tuition bill that includes your name, the school’s name, matching term, tuition, fees, and financial aid.

Once you have your information ready...

Complete your online request for Tuition Assistance:

  • Go to the ISTS website at https://mcdta.applyISTS.net/MCDTA.
  • Create an account. (Already have an account? Make sure you log in to your existing account.)
  • Enter your restaurant address, position, start date and employee number.
  • Select your course term (Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall). *If your school does not follow the terms listed, select the term that comes closest.
  • Click on “Create Application.”
  • Complete the full online request form with your information, attach your itemized tuition bill (book/supply receipts if applicable), and click “Submit.”

What happens after I click submit?

  • ISTS will review your request to ensure all information matches the itemized tuition bill attached.
  • If your request is missing information or needs correction, you will receive an email with details. You can also monitor the status of your request and find this information on your ISTS account homepage.
  • After ISTS verifies the information on your application matches your itemized tuition bill, your eligibility must be confirmed.
  • It can take up to 7 days for ISTS to confirm your eligibility with McDonald’s.
  • Once approved you will receive your Tuition Assistance check within 2 weeks. The check for eligible course expenses will be made out to your college and mailed to your personal address provided. If you requested funds for eligible textbooks/supplies, the check will be made out to you. *Attending CTU? Your Tuition Assistance payment will be sent directly to your school.

Once you have your information ready...

Complete your online request for Tuition Assistance:

  • Go to the ISTS website at https://mcdta.applyISTS.net/MCDTA.
  • Create an account. (Already have an account? Make sure you log in to your existing account.)
  • Enter your restaurant address, position and start date.
  • Select your course term (Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall). *If your school does not follow the terms listed, select the term that comes closest.
  • Click on “Create Application.”
  • Complete the full online request form with your information, attach your itemized tuition bill and click “Submit.”

What happens after I click submit?

  • ISTS will review your request to ensure all information matches the itemized tuition bill attached.
  • If your request is missing information or needs correction, you will receive an email with details. You can also monitor the status of your request and find this information on your ISTS account homepage.
  • After ISTS verifies the information on your application matches your itemized tuition bill, an email will be sent to your Owner/Operator for approval of employment.
  • It can take up to 7 days for ISTS to notify your Owner/Operator that your request is pending their approval of employment.
  • Once your Owner/Operator has approved your request you will receive your Tuition Assistance check within 2 weeks. The check will be made out to your college and mailed to your personal address provided. *Attending CTU? Your Tuition Assistance payment will be sent directly to your school.

Still unsure of where your request is at in the process? Login to your ISTS account at https://mcdta.applyISTS.net and review the status on your homepage.

Need more help? Call or Text ISTS customer care at (800) 287-1145 (Msg & data rates may apply).
You can also get support via email at MCD-Tuition@applyISTS.com.



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