At 60 Years Old, John Earned His Degree Debt-Free — Thanks to His Chick-fil-A Operator

When John W. crossed the stage to receive his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, the moment carried more than academic pride. It represented decades of unfinished dreams, a commitment to family, and a powerful message to every working adult who believes it’s too late to go back to school. "I graduated at 60 — and I didn’t pay a dime in student loans," John shares.

Through his independent Chick-fil-A Operator’s partnership with Ficus Education, John was able to earn his degree online and debt-free from Point University while working full-time. His story proves that it’s never too late to learn, grow, and inspire the next generation.

Honoring Family and Finding the Right Time

For John, education has always been part of his family’s story. Both of his parents were educators, and three of his siblings earned college degrees. He was the only one who hadn’t — yet. "To honor them,  and my wife and daughter, I knew it was the right time to get this done,” he said. 

When his Independent Chick-fil-A Operator introduced the education benefits program, John knew it was finally possible to finish what he started.

“To not have to incur any additional burden to my family made this decision a no-brainer. I had no excuses any longer.”

Discovering a New Passion for Business

Having spent much of his career in training and development, John was no stranger to education. But once he joined Chick-fil-A, he became fascinated by how the business itself worked — from operations to finance to leadership. “I took a much stronger interest in how business operates and how to interact with others at a much different level,” he explained.

That curiosity led him to pursue a degree in Business Administration. What began as a way to finish college became an opportunity to understand how a thriving restaurant — and a thriving team — really works.

Balancing Work, School, and Family

As a working adult, John quickly learned that earning a degree while leading a restaurant requires discipline and time management. "I’m not the best at time management,” he admitted. “I’d procrastinate throughout the week and spend most of my Sunday trying to get my assignments in.” But he learned to make small adjustments that changed everything. “Doing a little bit of work throughout the week greatly changed my weekends with family. One of my coworkers taught me that — and it’s something I’ll always remember.”

A Transformative Online Learning Experience

John wasn’t sure what to expect from online classes, but he found them deeply engaging. His professors at Point University encouraged active participation and made each class feel personal.

“My instructors were unbelievably engaged with all of us at a personal level. I’ve never experienced that before at other institutions.”

Courses in ethics, statistics, and public speaking helped him become a more confident and culturally aware leader. The “character core track” in particular reshaped how he viewed his work. “It helped me look at the business from a cultural standpoint and compliance in the workplace — not just selling chicken.”

Achieving a Debt-Free College Degree

Graduating debt-free wasn’t just a financial win — it was a milestone achievement. “Next to honoring my parents, it was the most important thing,” John said. “Between Chick-fil-A scholarships and the program through Ficus Education, the financial impact was minimal. This program requires no debate, especially at my age.”

John’s journey demonstrates how education benefits can eliminate financial barriers and open new possibilities for career and personal growth.

“I’ll be 61 in November. Having finished my degree at 60 was a monumental bucket-list item for me — and I didn’t have to take on student loans.”

Paying It Forward and Inspiring Others

Since graduating, John has become one of the strongest advocates for education benefits in his restaurants. He helps lead new-hire orientation across two independent Chick-fil-A locations and includes his personal story in every session. “There’s a slide in my presentation where I pause and tell them about my journey,” he shared. “I encourage every new team member to ask questions and get involved in the program.”

John also encourages Operators to make education benefits visible and celebrated in their restaurants. “If you have people attending the program, let them be your ambassadors and spokespeople. It’s life-changing to know you can earn a degree with minimal expense.”

Lessons From a Non-Traditional Student

Looking back, John’s experience as an adult learner taught him lessons that extend beyond the classroom. “I realized I’m not the best ‘sit in a classroom’ type of student,” he said. “The online experience kept me focused and accountable. I couldn’t skip a class — I had to pour myself into it. And I was rewarded for that effort.”

His advice to others is simple: don’t wait.

“If you think your time has passed or you can’t balance work and school, give this program a chance. I’m proof you can finish strong, and debt-free.”

Ready to Begin Your Own Journey?

Whether you’re a Chick-fil-A team member thinking about college or an Independent Chick-fil-A Operator exploring education benefits for your team, it’s never too late — or too early — to start.

Learn more about how Ficus Education helps team members earn degrees debt-free.