Amazon is enticing workers with college fees. What's the catch?

How much will they cover financially?

Amazon says it will pay "100% of tuition" for full-time U.S.-based employees up to a maximum of $5,250 per year - a fraction of the average cost of public and private four-year colleges and universities in the United States.

"I mean, $5,000 a year is great. It's just not enough to support an actual bachelor's degree in a reasonable amount of time, depending on where you go," said Iris Palmer, a higher education and workforce expert at New America, a U.S.-based think-tank.

But many employees already have some college experience under their belts when they join, the Amazon spokesperson said, suggesting many will only take a few courses while working at the same time.

What's new compared to the 'Career Choice' program?

Amazon previously covered up to 95% of costs for associate degrees and other education programs, and workers were required to complete 12-months' employment to be eligible.

The company announced the new benefits amid intense scrutiny of its labor practices, including the use of algorithms and surveillance to monitor employees and allegations of brutal working conditions at some of its warehouses.

Palmer said that while the schooling grant would be beneficial, Amazon could address more immediate concerns about working conditions for its lowest-paid staff.

"If you're an Amazon delivery person and you're eligible for these benefits, that's great," she said. "But maybe it would be better if you had breaks to use the restroom or things like that which are a little more useful in your practical day-to-day."

Amazon has said it supports its workers and is committed to regular breaks.

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