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Starbucks Expands Free College Tuition Program for Employees

Starbucks Expands Free College Tuition Program for Employees
4/10/2015
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Suada Kolovic

Last year, we reported that Starbucks and Arizona State University had brewed up a program that would allow its employees to earn online college degrees at a steeply discounted rate. The initiative caused enough of a buzz that Starbucks is now expanding these efforts to provide the path to a full four-year online college degree.

Since its launch last year, nearly 2,000 Starbucks employees have seized the opportunity for a free college education. It’s important to note that degrees are available only through ASU's 49 online programs, which range from English to electrical engineering to information technology; students must also complete 21 credits before the company will reimburse tuition but students will not have to repay or stay with Starbucks after graduation. "The unfortunate reality is that too many Americans can no longer afford a college degree, particularly disadvantaged young people, and others are saddled with burdensome education debt," says Howard Schultz, founder and CEO of Starbucks. Schultz was the first college graduate in his family and now has a net worth of $2.6 billion. "By giving our partners [employees] access to four years of full tuition coverage, we will provide them a critical tool for lifelong opportunity. We’re stronger as a nation when everyone is afforded a pathway to success." (For more on this story, head over to Forbes.)

What do you think of this partnership between Starbucks and ASU? Would you consider working for the coffee giant if it meant you could earn your college degree for free? Share your thoughts in the comment section and for more info on how to fund your college education, head over to Scholarships.com and create a free college scholarship profile!

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Comments (6)
Diana S 4/20/2015
Worth checking into.
Unknown 4/15/2015
One thing I do have to ask is what happens to the people who are working for starbucks and going to college?
isaac l 4/15/2015
it seems like a good offer. not many companies are offering scholarships anyway. I enjoy starbucks frappuchino anyway.
Mo P 4/15/2015
I think this is a wonderful opportunity and a blessing for many who dont have the funding for a college education. However I wish Starbucks would consider the possibilities of expanding the facility source. Online learning isnt for everybody. For young people just starting in college, online can be very intimidating and could cause many not to participate.
Shannon M 4/15/2015
Most definitely! It double dipping.. not many companies anymore are offering such perks. I am now more of a Starbucks fan.. thank you
Quinn P 4/14/2015
Now I think I will apply there for a job :)
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