Student Journey

Step-by-Step to Success

At Ficus Education, we partner with independent operators and franchise owners to provide debt-free college pathways to team members. Through our streamlined process and partnership with universities, we make it possible for students to pursue accredited online college degrees with no out-of-pocket tuition costs or student loans.

Whether you're the first in your family to attend college or picking up where you left off, our student journey is built to support your success from day one.

How It Works

We make going to college simple, affordable, and flexible. Here’s how:

Get Started: Your independent operator signs up for education benefits to cover college tuition for eligible team members.

Choose Your Degree: Once eligible, you’ll explore accredited online programs from our partner and pick the one that fits your goals.

Apply With Support: Our university partner will walk you through every step of the application process including submitting transcripts and applying for financial aid.

Start Class: Courses are fully online and asynchronous, so you can complete your studies without disrupting your work or life.

Graduate With No Student Debt: Earn a degree that opens doors, debt-free. Many students continue their education or grow within their company after graduation.

Founded in 1888 and located in Williamsburg, Kentucky (approximately 70 miles north of Knoxville, Tennessee), the University of the Cumberlands 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

Founded in 1937, our higher education partner, Point University, is an accredited four-year university located in West Point, Georgia. The private, Christian university provides online education for students to earn associates, bachelor's or master's degrees. Point University offers a character core path for students not interested in biblical studies. The online program, Elevate, provides the following:

Asynchronous learning - independent study and assignment completion so students can successfully balance course load with work and personal life
Online courses completed in 8-week sessions
Year-round admission with 6 entry points throughout the year
Students can earn an associates in 2 years or a bachelor's degree in 4 years, if desired
Tailored to the needs of working students

Step-By-Step Process

1. Complete Your Interest Form: Scan the QR code at your place of work to complete an inquiry form.

2. Connect with Admissions Team: An enrollment counselor from admission team will contact you to answer any questions you may have about the online programs and help you determine which degree program best aligns with your career goals.

3. Complete Application to University Partner: Completing the online application will take approximately 10 minutes.

4. Sign Your Employee Agreement: You'll also need to complete an employee agreement, which will outline the terms of your participation in the program and confirm that you're eligible to receive tuition assistance from your employer.

6. Submit Your Transcripts: Transcripts must be submitted from any previous academic institutions you've attended. Retrieving transcripts can take 1-3 weeks. The university will grant admission on unofficial transcripts so long as official transcripts are received within an approved timeframe.

7. Complete FAFSA^®: To ensure that we can continue to provide tuition-covered college education, applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. This application determines your eligibility for grants, work-study programs, and loans.

8. Determine Your Start Date: Admissions decisions typically take 1 week. During that time, you can review the available session dates to determine when you want to begin courses. The university will enroll you in classes that align with your area of study. Students can work with their academic advisor once admitted to select alternative courses, if desired.

Have More Questions?

We’ve answered the most common ones about tuition coverage, degree options, and getting started. View Student FAQs →

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.

Imani M.

Chick-fil-A Team Member

Student

When I found out it was 100% free, I was definitely jumping on the opportunity!

Hugo P.

Chick-fil-A Store Operating Partner

Student

It was an exciting moment for me, especially coming from a family that has never had a kid graduate. It was a great opportunity.

Alejandra R.

Chick-fil-A Team Member

Student

You cannot imagine how much of a blessing this is to me.