Graduate Debt-Free: Starbucks SCAP and ASU’s Free Tuition Program

With tuition prices today it’s not uncommon for students to work while they study. If only you could get free tuition… Well, what if we told you your employers could pay your full tuition? Starbucks might play a role in your college experience that is bigger than just providing your daily fuel. The coffee giant has a strong commitment to social responsibility and employee welfare, and it comes to life through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan (SCAP). SCAP is an amazing opportunity for Starbucks employees, known as partners, to earn a bachelor’s degree with 100% tuition coverage. This means you don’t pay anything for getting your degree, Starbucks will cover the cost for you. This initiative is a partnership with Arizona State University (ASU) Online, and a fantastic opportunity for partners throughout the US.

A Decade of Opportunity

Launched in 2014, the Starbucks College Achievement Plan is rooted in the company’s mission to nurture and inspire the human spirit. Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz envisioned a program that would provide employees with the tools and resources to achieve their educational and career aspirations. Starbucks recognizes that a college degree can be a significant driver of economic mobility and personal growth, and does its best to support their employees beyond the workplace. The rising cost of tuition has made it nearly impossible for individuals to afford college, especially those working in hourly wage positions. SCAP breaks down the financial barriers that prevent many working adults from pursuing higher education, and, by investing in their partners’ education, Starbucks is able to create a more engaged, motivated and skilled workforce. Higher education is associated with numerous positive outcomes, including better health, higher earnings, and increased civic engagement. By supporting its partners’ educational journeys, Starbucks aims to make a lasting positive impact on society.

Arizona State University Online

Arizona State University, or ASU, is an internationally recognized institution known for its innovative approach to education and its commitment to accessibility and excellence. ASU has consistently been ranked as the most innovative university in the United States by U.S News & World Report, reflecting its dedication to pioneering new ways of teaching and learning. Here comes ASU Online. ASU has a long history of providing high-quality education, but the push towards online learning began in earnest in the early 2000s. ASU recognized the growing demand for flexible learning options that could accommodate the needs of working adults, parents, and those unable to attend traditional on-campus classes. The university’s leadership, particularly under President Michael Crow, envisioned a future where technology could break down barriers to education and make learning accessible to a broader audience.

ASU goes digital

ASU Online was officially launched in 2006, offering a handful of online degree programs. The initial focus was on creating rigorous and engaging online courses that mirrored the quality of ASU’s on-campus programs. This period involved significant investment in technology infrastructure, faculty training, and course development to ensure that online students received the same level of education as their on-campus counterparts. Throughout the late 2000s and early 2010s, ASU Online rapidly expanded its offerings, adding a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The university partnered with instructional designers and educational technologists to develop interactive and immersive online courses. This expansion was driven by the goal of providing diverse academic options that catered to various interests and career goals.

ASU Online places a strong emphasis on student support, offering a range of services designed to help online learners succeed. These include academic advising, success coaching, tutoring, career services, and mental health resources. The university’s support infrastructure is geared towards ensuring that online students have the resources they need to thrive academically and personally.

What can you expect with SCAP

You can choose from more than 150 undergraduate programs and achieve your first-time Bachelor’s degree from ASU Online. Programs like Business Administration, Computer Sciences, Criminology and Criminal Justice, and many more are available for you to choose from. Starbucks will pay 100% of your tuition as you work towards your Bachelor’s degree. SCAP’s flexibility allows you to study at your pace, with no pressure on time limits or any strings attached after you graduate. Keep in mind that Starbucks will only cover tuition cost, which means that additional costs like textbooks or laptops will be your responsibility.

Military veterans, including those who already got an education through the G.I Bill, enjoy an additional SCAP benefit for a family member, too. According to Starbucks’ webpage, nearly 90% of U.S Starbucks stores have at least one partner in the Starbucks College Achievement Program.

SCAP doesn’t forget about you once you enroll. In fact, the program makes sure that there will be people supporting you along the way, from the moment you start your application to the day you graduate. 

ASU Accepts Transfer Credits

If you’re worried about previous coursework you have completed, ASU accepts transfer credit for traditional coursework completed at regionally accredited institutions of higher education as documented on an official transcript. Once ASU has received your official transcripts, your credit’s transferability will be determined by an academic advisor depending on the requirements of the department, division, college or school in which you enroll at ASU.

The Starbucks College Achievement Plan (SCAP) has specific eligibility requirements for Starbucks employees. The key eligibility criteria includes:

Employment Status: The employee must be a US-based partner and work an average of at least 20 hours per week.

Benefits Eligibility: The applicant must be benefits-eligible, which usually means they have been employed for a certain period of time, usually three months, and meet the minimum hours requirement.

Educational Background: The applicant must not already hold a Bachelor’s degree. SCAP is designed to help employees earn their first undergraduate degree.

Admission to ASU: The applicant must gain admission to ASU and enroll in one of the online undergraduate degree programs offered by ASU Online. You can apply to ASU as a Starbucks partner and your application fee will be waived.

These criteria are designed to ensure that the program supports those who are committed to their roles at Starbucks and who can benefit most from the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree. The SCAP program provides a unique and valuable pathway for Starbucks partners to achieve their educational and career goals.

For more information on SCAP eligibility, you can speak with an enrollment coach at (844) ASU-SBUX.

Looking Ahead

As the Starbucks College Achievement Plan continues to grow, its potential to effect positive change remains boundless. The success of the program demonstrates that with the right support and opportunities, anyone can achieve their educational dreams. Starbucks’ commitment to its partners’ education serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, proving that a company can indeed be a force for good in the world.

The Starbucks College Achievement Plan is more than just a tuition reimbursement program. It’s a life-changing opportunity that empowers employees to dream big and achieve their goals. By removing financial barriers and providing comprehensive support, Starbucks is making higher education accessible to thousands of partners. This initiative not only transforms individual lives but also strengthens communities and sets a new standard for corporate responsibility. The Starbucks College Achievement Plan is a wonderful example of how a company can make a meaningful difference in the lives of its employees and the world at large.