Starbucks is now offering free college through ASU's online program.

D@mn. Makes me want to buy some coffee.

Starbucks workers eligible for free ASU degrees

The meat of the offer is:

"Under the program, Starbucks employees who work at least 20 hours a week will receive full tuition reimbursement if they enroll in ASU's online program as juniors or seniors.

Others will be able to apply for scholarships worth $6,500, on average, if they enroll as freshmen or sophomores in ASU's online program. And ASU advisers will help them apply for other, need-based financial aid, including coveted Pell Grants, the university said."

It would seem that Starbucks' management is framing this as a social issue they feel they can make a positive change within. More from the article below as to their reasoning for offering this valuable perk.

"In a phone interview, Crow said the partnership is a way to help students across the country graduate from college without debt.

In a news release, Schultz talked about "the fracturing of the American Dream." He said: "There's no doubt, the inequality within the country has created a situation where many Americans are being left behind. The question for all of us is, should we accept that, or should we try and do something about it.""

Good on these guys. I'm glad to see something like this offered even down the part time worker.

Damn, that's a really good idea.

United technologies has had a similar program for 15-20years

Also, http://www.theweu.com/ is free higher ed (online courses that end with a real degree) - you have to "pay it back" though various community service or other means of charitable giving when youre completed.

Still, I like where starbucks head is at...

Awesome, now the $2.50 I drop there each morning will result in feelings of social heroism rather than excessive gluttony.

At the undergraduate level, I don’t think there’s a huge difference in the quality of education between an on-line degree and an uber expensive institution. Seriously, it’s read some books, take some tests, write some papers…repeat.

I think we’re in an unnatural situation right now where the Ivy League embodies the characteristics of “the man” and “the one percenters” yet enjoys an exemption from the scorn. That could change quickly.

http://mobile.nytimes.com/blogs/bits/2012/01/31/a-1-billion-model-employee-education-program/

Utc has been doing it since 1995. They offer bachelors, masters and even phd's on the company. I met machinists with two masters degrees working the floor. I used to work for them and can say this program is one of the best reasons to work for utc.

RX Reven' wrote: Awesome, now the $2.50 I drop there each morning will result in feelings of social heroism rather than excessive gluttony. At the undergraduate level, I don’t think there’s a huge difference in the quality of education between an on-line degree and an uber expensive institution. Seriously, it’s read some books, take some tests, write some papers…repeat. I think we’re in an unnatural situation right now where the Ivy League embodies the characteristics of “the man” and “the one percenters” yet enjoys an exemption from the scorn. That could change quickly.

I have been to both types of schools, At this point I think we are still talking about eating at Mcdonalds compared to a fancy restaurant. Some schools offer online classes and I also think that makes a difference at the end of the day you get what you pay for. I have taken a Online Harvard class if I were to compare that too Phoenix or SNHU, it is a world of difference. Phoenix and SNHU do not have the curriculum or staff.

I am sure my girlfriend already knows about this but I sent her the link anyways.

trigun7469 wrote: I have taken a Online Harvard class if I were to compare that too Phoenix or SNHU, it is a world of difference.

Didn’t Harvard teach you that when followed by a vowel (A, E, I, O, U, sometimes Y and W) you write “an” rather than “a”; an exception being when followed by a consonant that is pronounced like a vowel.

Dude, you got totally ripped, you should ask Harvard for your money back.

Please take this as the humorous (at least to me) jab it was intended to be.

Back on topic. I went to state university for both undergrad and graduate school. I’ve never felt like I was at an academic disadvantage but it took me until my mid-forties to catch up to the ivy leaguers in my career. There’s no way to know for sure but I suspect I would have made more than enough additional income in the first half of my career to offset the higher tuition of a premium school. YMMV

We allegedly have a similar program but I have only met a handful of people that qualify.