Starbucks Scholarship

What Is the Starbucks College Achievement Plan (SCAP)?

The Starbucks College Achievement Plan (SCAP) is here to help you earn your degree without the stress of overwhelming student debt. In partnership with ASU, SCAP offers Starbucks partners the chance to pursue higher education with full tuition coverage. Since 2014, thousands of your fellow partners have used this program to chase their academic dreams and get closer to their career goals.

The support you’ll receive can exceed $25,000 over several years, depending on tuition costs and financial aid. SCAP isn’t a traditional scholarship—it works as a tuition reimbursement, so Starbucks covers your tuition after financial aid has been applied.

While SCAP focuses on covering your tuition rather than offering direct cash awards, it’s all about making education more affordable for you. Though it doesn’t include formal mentorship or leadership development as part of the program, Starbucks has plenty of other resources to help you grow professionally.

On top of financial support, SCAP offers a solid system of resources designed to help you succeed in school and beyond. It’s an opportunity to take your future into your own hands, with Starbucks supporting you every step of the way, including:

• Mentorship: Students are paired with industry professionals who provide guidance and support throughout their academic careers.
• Career Counseling: Personalized advice on job opportunities and internships, aimed at helping students launch successful careers post-graduation.
• Leadership Development: Programs that focus on developing the leadership skills necessary to thrive in professional environments.

This plan not only eases the financial burden of attending college but also provides invaluable tools and connections that help recipients succeed long after they graduate.

Who Is Eligible for SCAP?

To qualify for SCAP, applicants must:

• Be a Starbucks employee, working at least 20 hours per week.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Meet ASU’s admission requirements for the online program.
• Maintain employment with Starbucks throughout their studies.

Unlike traditional scholarships, SCAP is not available to the general public, including high school seniors who are not employed by Starbucks. Additionally, SCAP applications are processed exclusively through Starbucks’ internal partner portal and ASU’s admissions system—there is no third-party entity such as a “Scholarship Institute” involved in the process.

Starbucks Scholarship Requirements

SCAP requires specific documentation for eligibility and enrollment, but it does not follow the same application process as traditional scholarships. Applicants must provide:

• Employment Verification: Proof of active employment at Starbucks, working at least 20 hours per week.
• ASU Application: Completion of the ASU admissions process for online undergraduate programs.
• Transcripts: High school or prior college transcripts may be required for ASU admission.
• FAFSA Submission: Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine any applicable financial aid before Starbucks covers the remaining tuition costs.

Unlike traditional scholarships, SCAP does not require essays, recommendation letters, or extensive financial documentation beyond FAFSA. There is no competitive selection process—eligibility is based on employment and ASU admission.

How to Apply for SCAP

SCAP applications are processed through the Starbucks partner portal and ASU’s admissions system. The steps include:

1. Enroll at ASU: Apply and gain admission to ASU’s online undergraduate program.
2. Verify Employment: Ensure eligibility through Starbucks’ internal system.
3. Apply for Financial Aid: Complete the FAFSA to determine any financial aid eligibility.
4. Begin Classes: Once approved, tuition coverage is applied after financial aid is factored in.

SCAP does not follow a competitive application timeline with fixed deadlines. There are no essay submissions, interviews, or selection committees. Instead, enrollment is based on ASU’s academic calendar, and employees can apply as long as they meet eligibility requirements.

Deadline & Important Dates

The Starbucks College Achievement Plan (SCAP) operates on a flexible, rolling basis designed to accommodate the schedules of working Starbucks partners. This approach reflects its nature as an employee benefit rather than a one-time award, allowing eligible participants to begin their educational journey at multiple points throughout the year.

Instead of a single application deadline, SCAP’s key dates are tied directly to ASU’s online academic calendar, which offers three primary enrollment periods:

• Fall Semester: Applications typically open in late spring or early summer. ASU admission deadlines for the fall term usually fall in early to mid-August, with classes beginning in late August.
• Spring Semester: Applications generally open in late summer or early fall, with ASU admission deadlines in early to mid-December. Spring classes typically start in mid-January.
• Summer Semester: Applications usually open in late fall or early winter, with ASU admission deadlines in early to mid-April. Summer classes often start in May or June.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning

• FAFSA Submission: To maximize financial aid eligibility, partners should complete the FAFSA as early as possible, ideally by June 30 for the upcoming academic year.
• Benefits Eligibility Confirmation: New Starbucks employees must complete at least 240 hours over three months to qualify for SCAP benefits. This means partners may apply to ASU upon hire, but tuition coverage only begins once this milestone is met.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Starbucks reimburses the remaining tuition costs after ASU’s 42% scholarship and financial aid are applied. Reimbursements typically occur at the end of each semester, after grades are posted.

Because SCAP follows ASU’s academic calendar rather than a fixed deadline model, Starbucks partners should proactively check ASU’s official website and the SCAP portal for the most up-to-date enrollment dates and deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions About SCAP

What is the Starbucks College Achievement Plan (SCAP)?

SCAP is a tuition coverage program offered by Starbucks in partnership with Arizona State University (ASU) for eligible U.S. employees (partners). It provides full-tuition reimbursement for an online bachelor’s degree at ASU after accounting for federal financial aid and an upfront 42% ASU scholarship.

Who is eligible for SCAP?

You’re eligible if you’re a U.S.-based Starbucks partner working at a company-owned store (e.g., Starbucks, Teavana), averaging at least 20 hours per week, and have worked 240 total hours over three consecutive months to become benefits-eligible. You must not have a bachelor’s degree already and need to be accepted into ASU’s online program. Employees at licensed stores (e.g., in airports or grocery stores) are not eligible.

Do I have to work at Starbucks while using SCAP?

Yes, you must remain a benefits-eligible partner (working 20+ hours/week) during each semester you receive tuition coverage. However, there’s no requirement to stay with Starbucks after you graduate.

How much does SCAP cover, and how does it work financially?

SCAP covers 100% of tuition and mandatory fees for ASU’s online undergraduate programs. Here’s the breakdown: ASU provides a 42% scholarship upfront, you apply for federal aid (e.g., Pell Grants) via FAFSA, and Starbucks reimburses the remaining balance at the end of each semester. Books and other expenses aren’t covered, but the tuition itself is fully funded.

When can I start using SCAP?

You can apply to ASU as soon as you’re hired, but tuition coverage begins once you’re benefits-eligible (after 240 hours over three months) and enrolled in classes. Start dates align with ASU’s online terms: fall (August), spring (January), or summer (May/June). Plan your hours to hit eligibility before your chosen term.

What if I don’t meet ASU’s admission requirements?

If you don’t qualify for direct admission (e.g., due to a low GPA), you can join the Pathway to Admission program. Starbucks covers up to 10 college-level courses (5–10 credits). Earning a 2.75+ GPA in these courses qualifies you for full ASU admission. This ensures everyone has a chance to participate.

Do I need to submit a FAFSA, and why?

Yes, you must submit the FAFSA every year you’re in SCAP. It determines your eligibility for federal aid, which reduces the tuition amount Starbucks covers—but doesn’t affect your total benefit (it’s still 100% covered). File early (ideally by late fall) for the upcoming academic year, with a final deadline of June 30.

Can I choose any degree, and does it have to be online?

You can pick from over 150 online bachelor’s degrees offered by ASU, ranging from business to nursing to computer science. SCAP is exclusive to ASU’s online programs—you can’t use it for in-person degrees or other universities.

What happens if I leave Starbucks before finishing my degree?

If you leave Starbucks, SCAP funding stops for future semesters, but you keep any credits earned. You’d need to pay ASU tuition out-of-pocket or through other means to finish your degree. There’s no penalty or repayment for what Starbucks already covered.

How competitive is SCAP, and how do I apply?

SCAP isn’t designed to be competitive—it’s a guaranteed benefit for all eligible partners, not a limited scholarship.

To apply, visit starbucks.asu.edu, apply to ASU’s online program (free application), submit transcripts and FAFSA, and enroll once accepted and benefits-eligible. Use ASU’s enrollment coaches for help.

Can my family use SCAP too?

If you’re a U.S. veteran partner, you can extend SCAP benefits to one family member (spouse or child) after two years of service. They get the same tuition coverage for an ASU online degree, but only one person can use this perk per veteran partner.

How long does it take to get funding, and when do I see it?

Funding is reimbursed at the end of each semester, typically a few weeks after grades are posted (e.g., January for fall).

You don’t pay upfront—ASU bills Starbucks directly for the remaining tuition after scholarships and aid. Confirm with Starbucks’ benefits team if delays occur.