With one of the nation's best online degree programs, some students at Arizona State University can obtain a tuition-free college education by working for certain companies.
Student debt and the cost of higher education in America has reached such prevalent levels that it garnered the attention of President Donald Trump and those who hope to challenge him for the White House in 2020. Legislators differ on the best path forward, with some advocating for loan forgiveness and tuition-free college and others seeking to put more responsibility on the institutions.
An Arizona State University graduate student sports a smiley face on her cap during her graduation at Sun Devil Stadium May 13, 2009, in Tempe, Arizona. Employees at 19 companies can receive a tuition-free education at ASU as part of its partnership with several corporations.Since starting the program with Starbucks, more than 3,000 employees at the coffee chain have graduated from ASU.
In some cases, ASU bills the student and the company reimburses them. In other cases, the school bills the company directly for unmet tuition costs after scholarships and federal financial aid. Costs for tuition at ASU's online program vary based on the residency status of the student and the degree they wish to pursue. For a business communications undergraduate degree, one of the programs Starbucks employees may select for tuition reimbursement, it could cost an estimated $76,640 if they live outside Arizona.