--- title: Student Journey description: Discover the step-by-step journey to tuition free college with employer-sponsored higher education benefits at Ficus Education. Get started by completing an interest form, connecting with admissions, and signing the employee agreement. Let's begin! --- [Skip to content](https://ficuseducation.com/student-journey#main-content) [![Ficus Education](https://ficuseducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FicusEducation_Logo_Secondary_CMYK.png?width=250&height=138&name=FicusEducation_Logo_Secondary_CMYK.png)](https://ficuseducation.com/?hsLang=en) - [Home](https://ficuseducation.com/) - [For Operators](https://ficuseducation.com/for-operators) - [Programs](https://ficuseducation.com/programs) - [About](https://ficuseducation.com/about) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Home](https://ficuseducation.com/) - [For Operators](https://ficuseducation.com/for-operators) - [Programs](https://ficuseducation.com/programs) - [About](https://ficuseducation.com/about) - [Schedule an Overview](https://ficuseducation.com/contact) [Schedule an Overview](https://ficuseducation.com/contact?hsLang=en) ## Your Education Journey Starts Here #### Step-by-Step to Success Ficus Education connects team members with education opportunities designed to help you reach your goals. Depending on the benefits offered by your independent Chick-fil-A Operator, you may be able to earn a debt-free college degree, prepare for the GED®, ACT® or SAT®, or build your English and other language skills.  ![Dining\_Options-22](https://ficuseducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Dining_Options-22.jpg?width=2000&height=1333&name=Dining_Options-22.jpg "Dining_Options-22") #### Choose Your Learning Path Earn a College Degree Choose from 120+ online undergraduate and graduate degree programs through University of the Cumberlands. Tuition and textbooks are covered for eligible team members. Prepare for the GED®, ACT® or SAT® Access flexible online test preparation from Kaplan to help you reach your next education milestone. Build Your Language Skills Learn English, Spanish or another language through flexible online learning and interactive practice. ![Screenshot 2026-05-11 180904](https://ficuseducation.com/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-05-11%20180904.png "Screenshot 2026-05-11 180904") #### **Ready to earn your degree?** #### Here’s what your college journey with University of the Cumberlands looks like. 1. **Get Started:** Scan the QR code provided by your Operator to explore your education benefits and tell us which learning opportunity interests you. 2. **Choose Your Degree:** Explore 120+ online undergraduate and graduate degree programs plus certificates and find the path that fits your goals. 3. **Enroll & Start Learning:** Complete your university application, enroll in classes and begin your degree online. 4. **Graduate Debt-Free:** Complete your degree without taking on student loan debt for tuition or textbooks. Founded in 1888 and located in Williamsburg, Kentucky, the [University of the Cumberlands](https://www.ucumberlands.edu/about) is a nationally recognized institution with a strong focus on online education for working adults. - Supports **more than 20,000 students online** - Offers **120+ accredited online degree programs** - Holds a **Top 10 national ranking** from Forbes Advisor for its online MBA program - Is recognized as a **College of Distinction** for student support and online learning - Ranks **Top 15 nationally for Best Online Colleges** by Niche, with strong placements for safety and value for working adults - Military Friendly® designated school ![University of the Cumberlands](https://ficuseducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/RED_Black_Full_Logo.png?width=2000&height=438&name=RED_Black_Full_Logo.png "University of the Cumberlands") ![Kaplan Logo](https://ficuseducation.com/hubfs/download-1.png "Kaplan Logo") #### Not Ready for College Yet? #### Start With Test Prep. ##### Your next step might come before college. Eligible team members can access online GED®, ACT® and SAT® preparation from Kaplan to help reach their next education milestone. **GED Test Prep** Build the skills and confidence to work toward your high school equivalency credential. **ACT & SAT Prep** Prepare for college entrance exams with flexible online resources you can use around your schedule. **Interested?** Talk with your Operator or team leader to find out if Kaplan test prep is available at your restaurant. #### Build Your Language Skills ![Chick-fil-A Team Members](https://ficuseducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CFA%20Lilburn%20-%2062%20(1).jpg?width=1323&height=2000&name=CFA%20Lilburn%20-%2062%20(1).jpg "Chick-fil-A Team Members") ##### Education isn't limited to earning a degree. Ficus Education also offers language learning opportunities designed to help team members communicate with greater confidence at work, at home and in everyday life. **Learn English** Build practical English skills and confidence through flexible online learning and practice. **Learn Spanish or Another Language** Explore Spanish and additional languages through interactive lessons and real-world practice. **Interested?** Talk with your Operator or team leader to find out if Language Learning is available at your restaurant. ![Chick-fil-A Team Member](https://ficuseducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CFA%20Newnan%20-%2048.jpg?width=2000&height=1333&name=CFA%20Newnan%20-%2048.jpg "Chick-fil-A Team Member") Should I Earn a Degree? Is It Worth It? YES! - **Accelerated Programs:** The generous transfer credit policies at our university partner can allow students to graduate faster by transferring credits from another community college or two-year degree program. - **Higher Earnings:** Employees with college education **earn on average 84% more** than their peers with only high-school education.1 - **Increased Job Security:** The **unemployment rate** for persons with a bachelor’s degree is **2.2% compared to a 4%** unemployment rate for individuals with only a high school diploma.2 - **Access to Other Benefits:** College graduates are more likely to work for companies that offer health insurance than high school grads. They are also more likely to work at companies that offer perks like paid vacation, sick days or retirement plans. 1: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quartiles and Selected Deciles of Usual Weekly Earnings by Educational Attainment, 2022. 2: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ## Ready to Take the Next Step?  Whether you want to earn a degree, complete your GED, prepare for college or learn a new language, your next step is simple. Talk with your Operator or team leader to learn which education opportunities are available to you. --- --- #### Explore [Programs](https://ficuseducation.com/programs?hsLang=en) [For Operators](https://ficuseducation.com/for-operators?hsLang=en) [About](https://ficuseducation.com/about?hsLang=en) #### Support [FAQ](https://ficuseducation.com/faq?hsLang=en) [Student Journey](https://ficuseducation.com/student-journey) [Contact](https://ficuseducation.com/contact?hsLang=en) #### Resources [Blog](https://ficuseducation.com/blog?hsLang=en) [Refer an Operator](https://ficuseducation.com/contact?hsLang=en#Referral) #### Operator Access [Customer Portal](https://portal.ficuseducation.com/) [facebook-f icon](https://www.facebook.com/p/Ficus-Education-61554780260347/) [linkedin-in icon](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ficuseducation/) [instagram icon](https://www.instagram.com/ficus.education/) ![Edited ficus Logo 2](https://ficuseducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Edited%20ficus%20Logo%202.png?width=300&height=55&name=Edited%20ficus%20Logo%202.png "Edited ficus Logo 2") Copyright © 2026 Ficus Group, LLC All Rights Reserved [Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions](https://ficuseducation.com/terms?hsLang=en)  [info@FicusEducation.com](mailto:info@ficuseducation.com) | 888-344-2053  ## *Disclaimer: Ficus Education serves private companies & independent franchisee owner/operators and does not claim franchisee brand endorsement or ownership of any franchisee brand trademark or copyright material.* ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "VideoObject", "contentUrl" : "https://23334333.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23334333/video_assets/207051852108/inherited/web_optimized.mp4", "dateModified" : "2026-09-03T22:05:11.025Z", "duration" : "PT3M38.367S", "height" : 1080, "name" : "University of Cumberlands Highlights", "thumbnailUrl" : "https://23334333.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23334333/UC_Highlights25_FD.mov/medium.jpg", "uploadDate" : "2026-02-06T16:53:47.834Z", "width" : 1920 } ```