BURBANK, Calif. – Disney Aspire, a tuition program credited by many cast members as a reason why they began working for Disney in the first place, has cut off new applications to its master’s degree programs and plans to institute funding caps before year’s end.
The program launched in 2018 as a way to have Disney cover 100% of its employees’ tuition up front — including textbooks and other fees — for a bachelor’s or first master’s degree. Eligible full-time or part-time cast members are instructed to apply for Disney Aspire through Guild Education, which initially only connected Disney employees with online programs yet has since expanded to include in-person universities and colleges such as the University of Central Florida and Valencia College.
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Effective Thursday, Sept. 5, master’s programs and Penn Foster Trades programs are no longer available for new enrollment through Disney Aspire, according to messaging sent out to program members.
Additionally, instead of 100% tuition coverage, an annual funding cap of $5,250 will be implemented starting Nov. 27 for the following schools:
| In-network and previously in-network schools subject to the annual funding cap of $5,250: | In-network and previously in-network schools not yet subject to the annual funding cap of $5,250: |
|---|---|
| Bellevue University | California State University Fullerton |
| Johnson & Wales University | Fullerton College |
| Purdue Global* | North Carolina A&T State University |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Penn Foster |
| University of Arizona* | Sophia Learning (College Start) |
| University of Massachusetts Global | University of Florida* |
| University of Denver* | Valencia College |
| Wilmington University* | — |
| University of Central Florida | * No longer in network; no new enrollment |
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Those enrolled or who plan to enroll prior to Nov. 27 will have their term fully funded, but the spent funds may apply toward one’s 2025 funding cap depending on when tuition payments are processed, according to Disney Aspire. Students were encouraged to contact their schools for more information regarding payment timing.
Regarding the master’s programs, students already enrolled in them may continue while those who completed and submitted a Guild application before Thursday may continue enrollment if accepted, according to the messaging sent to students.
When asked to comment on the changes, a Disney spokesperson sent the following statement to News 6:
Since Disney Aspire was first introduced, we have continued to evolve the program to meet the needs of our cast members and employees, as well as the needs of our business.
Disney Aspire continues to offer an evolving catalog of programs and degree options across various fields of study, skills and professions, providing our eligible employees the opportunity to pursue disciplines and diplomas including high school equivalency, English language learning, and undergraduate degrees.
In addition to Disney Aspire and our education reimbursement program for salaried employees and cast members across the U.S., we also offer a variety of hands-on learning, training, and career development experiences that help employees and cast members to get to where they want to go professionally.
Disney spokesperson | Sept. 8, 2024
According to a Disney Aspire fact sheet dated August 2024, one in four applicants to U.S. hourly roles at The Walt Disney Company cite the tuition program as one of their primary reasons for joining.
The CARES Act, signed in March 2020 by President Donald Trump — as well as the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which Trump signed that December — included provisions that tax-free and tax-deductible benefits under an employer’s educational assistance program would be limited to $5,250 per employee per year through the end of 2025.
On Change.org, a user with the moniker “Disney Cast Member” has since launched a petition appealing The Walt Disney Company to reverse Thursday’s changes. Already with about 8,000 signatures, the petition calls on the company to “ensure an unencumbered future for dedicated learners like us.”
Many Dreams were within reach through the Disney Aspire program. Aiming to complete Associate degree’s Masters Degrees and everything in between, this program offered an invaluable opportunity. Unfortunately, recent changes made to the program have ceased the offering of master’s degree programs and funding caps, indefinitely stalling the aspirations of many Cast Members.
The Disney Aspire program was highly sought after. It provided an opportunity for passionate and dedicated individuals like myself to pursue advanced education. Disney's commitment for this unique program had been laudable, however, the unanticipated changes have been disconcerting.
Change.org Sept. 6, 2024 | Urge Disney to Reinstate the original Disney Aspire Program pre recent 9/5 changes (excerpt)
News 6 has reached out to the petition’s creator for a statement.
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