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Let's Talk Talent Strategy
Let's Talk Talent Strategy

Case Study

How Walmart's Investment in Tuition-Free Education Unlocks Talent Pipelines

To level up their business, Walmart needed to evolve the skills and learning programs available to frontline employees. After pivoting to a tuition-free model for their education benefit — known as Live Better U (LBU) — Walmart saw significant gains in talent attraction, retention, and promotion in a tight labor market.

This case study explores Walmart’s strategy and ROI behind tuition-free education.

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Tuition-free education unlocks business outcomes — and a 66% increase in enrollment.

  • Retention
    4x

    lower attrition for LBU participants compared to non-participants

  • Promotion
    2x

    more likely to be promoted as an LBU participant compared to non-participants

  • DE&I
    1.2x

    More likely to be a person of color as a new hire enrolling in the program

Since the launch of LBU in 2018, associates have saved an estimated $333 million in tuition costs.

  • Enrollment
    +89K

    Associates enrolled in the program

  • Completion
    +15K

    Completed LBU programs

  • Degrees
    +1.5K

    Earned an associate's or bachelor's degree

"Our education offerings tie directly to our growth areas at Walmart, and what better way to fill the pipeline of future talent than with our own associates. This investment is another way we can support our associates to pursue their passion and purpose while removing the barriers that too often keep adult working learners from obtaining degrees."

Lorraine Stomski, Senior VP of Learning and Leadership, Walmart