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Franchise Operator with Team and Partners
Why Ficus Education
Tuition-Covered College Designed for Independent Operators and Their Teams

Ficus Education helps independent operators and franchise owners attract, retain, and grow great people by offering a powerful benefit: debt-free college degrees for team members.

We handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on running your restaurant.

The Ficus Advantage: Employer-Sponsored Education Made Simple

Ficus Education delivers more than just a college benefit. We offer a proven, affordable way to invest in your people and strengthen your business. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Debt-Free College for Employees: Give your team access to accredited online degrees with no student loans or out-of-pocket tuition costs. Students pay only for textbooks and a administrative fees.

  • Built for Employers: Our employer-sponsored model is designed to deliver real ROI. You get a flat-rate, turnkey solution that engages employees and supports long-term retention.

  • End-to-End Support: From enrollment through graduation, our team and our higher-education partner provide hands-on guidance for both operators and students. We make the process simple so your team can focus on learning.

  • Customizable Solutions: Whether you’re a single-location business or a large institution, we offer flexible partnership options that meet your needs, ensuring you get the most value from our education benefits program.

Our process is built to be easy, for you and your employees. Here’s how we help you launch and sustain a successful education program:

Step 1: Easy Setup
We work directly with independent operators, franchise owners, or HR teams to integrate employer-sponsored education into your existing benefits. You'll get a full marketing toolkit including flyers, posters, and digital assets to promote the opportunity to your team.

Step 2: Seamless Enrollment 
Eligible team members enroll in flexible, fully online degree programs at our higher education partner, Point University. With 25+ accredited associate, bachelor’s, and master’s options, they can learn while continuing to work. The university manages all enrollment logistics.

Step 3: Ongoing Support 
Ficus Education provides progress tracking, support, and regular updates. Point University offers year-round enrollment, academic advising, and dedicated student services to keep your team on track.

Step 4: Graduation & Impact
Graduates bring new skills, leadership, and loyalty to your restaurant. You benefit from better retention, stronger engagement, and a team that sees their job as a long-term opportunity.

Step-by-Step Process
Operators with Graduates_Spring 2025
Operator Zach Thomas with Graduate_Spring 2025

Proven Impact: Build a Stronger Team, Grow a Better Business

Offering employer-sponsored education through Ficus doesn’t just cover college, it transforms your workforce.

  • Attract Stronger Talent: Stand out in a competitive job market. Education benefits signal long-term investment, helping you recruit motivated, growth-minded team members who want more than just a job.

  • Reduce Turnover: Companies offering education benefits have seen up to 30% higher employee retention. When employees can earn a degree without taking on debt, they stay longer and grow with your business.

  • Increase Engagement: Companies report up to 25% higher engagement when offering education benefits. When your team feels supported, they bring more energy, ownership, and initiative to work.

  • Drive Business Results: Education builds real skills, unlocks leadership potential, and fuels innovation. Operators see measurable improvements in performance, culture, and team loyalty.

Education isn’t just a benefit. It’s a business advantage.

Ready to Learn More or Partner with Ficus Education?

Are you ready to offer your employees a debt-free pathway to college while strengthening your business? Let’s explore how Ficus Education can help you create an empowered, educated workforce that drives success.

Ficus tree seedling growth stages and sfrom the soil

Meaning Behind Our Name

The hardy Ficus tree stabilizes soil and prevents erosion by forming a deep root system. The dropped leaves of a Ficus tree enrich the soil with nutrients and create a fertile environment for growth. 

The relationship between employers, employees, and the wider community can be compared to the story of the Ficus tree and its deep root system. Just as the Ficus tree stabilizes the soil and prevents erosion, employers can provide a stable and supportive environment for their employees to grow via college education by partnering with Ficus Education.