Thanks to Benefits, BofA Employee Earns Two Degrees with No Debt

Polyanna Unruh started at Bank of America in 2019 in Nevada, and immediately took advantage of their employee resources and benefits package. Having moved from Brazil to the U.S. with just a high school diploma, Unruh knew she wanted to utilize their tuition assistance program. Bank of America offers employees $7,500 of tuition assistance to each worker per year, which can be used for certifications as well as degrees.

Unruh decided early on that she wanted to stay with Bank of America, but in order to make an entry level position into a career opportunity, she wanted to educate herself. Unruh began her education in May 2020, and she finished an online Bachelor’s degree in October 2021 in business management and administration. She immediately began an online MBA program, and ended up graduating in July 2022. She managed to maintain a full-time schedule throughout her studies, and graduated from Western Governors University, which is a partner school with Bank of America.

Not only did Bank of America provide her with the full financial assistance she needed, but they also provided an academic support program.​​ This program offered Unruh access to academic coaches, while her managers also played a major role in supporting her education.

In 2021, BofA gave $22 million in tuition assistance to about 5,000 employees, which was a 40% increase from 2020. Seventeen percent of those workers used the money for professional certifications, while 83% pursued degrees.

For Unruh, her hard work is already paying off. In 2020 she was promoted to a testing specialist position, and in May she became a quality assurance specialist. Seeing her friends graduate with student loan debt has made her even more grateful to work for a company who supported her educational goals through support and financial benefits.

For more information contact Eric Allen Kauk, Esq., LL.M. at (813)-203-0208 for guidance.