I’LL HAVE A FRAPPUCCINO WITH WHIP AND A B.A.: Today, Starbucks announced a partnership with Arizona State University’s online degree program, one of the largest programs in the country. With an enrollment of 10,000 students, ASU online costs about $10,000 a year, the same as in-state on-campus tuition. For employees working at least 20 hours a week at any company-operated location, including other chains like Teavana and Seattle’s Best, Starbucks will pay full tuition for junior and senior year courses, and partial tuition for those with fewer credits, regardless of the chosen course of study.
The company will not require workers to continue at Starbucks after earning their degree. In an interview with The New York Times, CEO Howard Schultz explained that even if subsidized degrees encourage workers to find work after Starbucks, “I believe it will lower attrition, it’ll increase performance, it’ll attract and retain better people.”
