Starbucks celebrates nearly 20,000 ASU graduates – and counting

Today, we’re celebrating more than 1,100 Starbucks partners — the largest class to date — graduating from Arizona State University with their first bachelor’s degree, on us. This marks an extraordinary milestone of nearly 20,000 partners who have turned their part- or full-time job into a college degree and a future full of possibilities, with another 27,000 on their way.

SCAP continues to stand apart

When the Starbucks College Achievement Plan (SCAP) launched in 2014, it was the first-of-its kind. More than a decade later, it remains the most valuable college benefit in retail, with:

1. 100% upfront tuition coverage
2. Eligibility for partners working an average of 20+ hours a week
3. More than 150 degrees offered through ASU’s top-ranked online program
4. Enrollment, career and success coaches, tutoring and accessibility services
5. A military “plus one” benefit
6. No strings attached after graduation

This is what access without barriers looks like.

Turning opportunity into degrees — and careers

About 13% of our U.S. workforce is participating in SCAP — six times the Fortune 500 average — and is up 60% over the past five years, demonstrating the value in continuing to offer a college benefit that creates economic opportunity for our partners.

Even more meaningful is what happens next – real impact and growth for partners:

1. 80% graduation rate – 16 points higher than the national average for full-time bachelor’s degree seeking students
2. More than 20% of coffeehouse leadership roles and 13% of Starbucks early-career corporate roles are filled by SCAP scholars and graduates
3. 66% of partners who have graduated say they likely would not have earned their degree without SCAP
4. 75% report career growth after earning their degree
5. Nearly 30% of ASU’s Barrett Honors College online students are SCAP scholars

SCAP also expands access through Pathway to Admission, created because 1 in 5 partners were not initially academically admissible. More than 6,000 partners have earned admission to ASU who may not have previously seen college as an option.

Delivering the best job in retail

By investing in partners and their education, we’re helping them build the skills, confidence and experience to grow at Starbucks and beyond. Alongside Bean Stock, up to 18 weeks of paid parental leave and our commitment to fill 90% of retail leadership from within, SCAP reflects what’s possible when we put people first with truly life‑changing benefits.

To our graduating partners: Congratulations on this extraordinary achievement! Your determination and ambition inspire us.