Costco Wholesale is a retail company. The company provides educational support through scholarship programs. These scholarships offer financial pathways for two groups: Costco employees and students at partner universities. This guide covers the types of Costco scholarships, their eligibility requirements, and the application process. It also details financial benefits and key deadlines for the 2025-2026 academic year.
What Are Costco Scholarships? Costco scholarships are financial aid programs funded by the company. These programs support post-secondary education for specific groups. Costco invests in education for three primary reasons. First, the company practices corporate social responsibility. Second, the investment supports and retains employees. Third, Costco promotes diversity in education by funding students from underrepresented backgrounds. Explore our guide on fully funded scholarships for more information
Types of Costco Scholarships
Costco funds four types of scholarships, each with a specific audience and purpose.
Costco Employee Scholarship
The Costco Employee Scholarship is an educational benefit for its U.S. workforce.
- Who can apply: This program is for regular part-time and full-time Costco employees in the United States.
- Benefits: The scholarship provides $2,500 per academic year. The award is renewable for up to four years.
- Key Eligibility Points: Applicants must be pursuing their first undergraduate degree at an accredited, not-for-profit U.S. institution.
Costco Scholarship Fund (Seattle University & University of Washington)
The Costco Scholarship Fund supports students at two universities in Washington state. The universities, not Costco, select the recipients.
- Who qualifies: The fund is for high-need, academically promising undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds.
- Special Focus: The program increases campus diversity and provides a supportive cohort experience for students of color and first-generation students.
- Benefits: Recipients secure funding for a significant portion of tuition and gain access to a network of peers and mentors.
Sinegal Scholarship and Fellowship Program
The Sinegal Scholarship and Fellowship Program supports students at two universities.
- For UW & SDSU Students: This program benefits students at the University of Washington and San Diego State University.
- Graduate Level Support: The program allocates funds to support students in graduate programs, such as business, medicine, and law.
Other Community & Partnership Scholarships
Costco also participates in community initiatives through corporate donations. Its partnership with organizations, like Naturade and the LEADing for Life Foundation, helps fund scholarships for students from under-resourced communities.
| Scholarship Name | Eligible Group | Benefit | Typical Deadline |
| Costco Employee Scholarship | Costco part-time/full-time employees (U.S.) | Up to $2,500 per year | February, 2026 |
| Costco Scholarship Fund | Underrepresented students at UW & Seattle U | Varies (tuition aid + support) | Follows university admissions |
| Sinegal Scholarship | Students at UW & San Diego State University | Varies (undergraduate & graduate support) | Follows university admissions |
| Community Partnerships | Students from under-resourced communities | Varies | Varies by program |
Eligibility Criteria
There are four key eligibility requirements for Costco scholarships. First, applicants must have a specific affiliation, such as being a Costco employee or an enrolled student at a partnered university. Second, applicants must meet the enrollment status for their specific program. Third, applicants for university-based scholarships must have a strong academic record. Fourth, applicants to need-based programs must demonstrate financial need by completing the FAFSA.
Scholarship Benefits
Costco scholarship benefits provide significant financial and professional advantages.
- Annual Award Amount: The employee scholarship provides a consistent $2,500 per year.
- Duration of Funding: An employee can receive funding for up to four years.
- Coverage: The funds cover three main educational expenses: tuition, mandatory fees, and required books.
- Long-Term Benefits: A scholarship reduces student debt and opens up future career opportunities.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
To apply for the Costco Employee Scholarship, visit the official College Success Foundation portal, create an account, and upload the required documents.
- Visit the Portal: The College Success Foundation manages the application.
- Fill Personal Details: Create an account and complete the application with your personal, academic, and employment information.
- Upload Documents: You must upload required documents, such as your high school transcripts, your Student Aid Report (SAR), and proof of employment.
- Submit Before Deadline: Submit the complete application before the deadline in late February.
You are automatically considered for university-based funds, if you apply for admission and financial aid at a partner university.
Pro Tip: Start the application early and gather your documents, like transcripts and employment proof, before December.
Deadlines & Important Dates (2025–2026 Cycle)
- Costco Employee Scholarship: The application opens on December 1, 2025, and closes in late February 2026.
- UW/Seattle U Scholarship Fund: These funds follow the standard university application and financial aid deadlines.
You must always check the official websites for the most current dates.
Success Tips to Win Costco Scholarships
To strengthen an application, you should highlight achievements and meet all eligibility criteria.
- Maintain Strong GPA: A strong academic record demonstrates your potential for success in college.
- Highlight Leadership: Craft a personal statement that describes your leadership and community service experiences.
- Show Financial Need: Complete the FAFSA accurately to demonstrate your financial need.
- Get a Strong Recommendation: Ask a manager or professor to write a strong recommendation letter that confirms your work ethic and character
Does Costco offer scholarships to non-employees?
No, but non-employees may receive Costco-funded awards if they are students at partner institutions like the University of Washington, Seattle University, or San Diego State University.
How much is the Costco Employee Scholarship worth?
The scholarship is worth up to $2,500 per academic year and is renewable for up to four years.
Can part-time Costco workers apply?
Yes, the scholarship is available to both regular part-time and full-time Costco employees in the U.S.
Do Costco scholarships cover graduate programs?
The Sinegal Fellowship Program offers support for graduate students, while the Costco Employee Scholarship is for undergraduate studies only.
Is the scholarship renewable every year?
Yes, the Employee Scholarship is renewable for up to four years, if the recipient maintains satisfactory academic progress and meets all criteria.
