INVESTIGATION

Starbucks' free ASU Online education costs students and the government

A sample of how federal and state "CAP" money is distributed in ASU Online's Starbucks college achievement plan. Coffee art provided by PresentationGO.

Michael McDaniel, Daily Independent

Arizona State University’s free online tuition for Starbucks learners comes at a cost to the federal government, state government, and some low-incoming students, according to records obtained by The Daily Independent.

Starbucks launched its Starbucks College Achievement Program in 2014, marketing it as a debt-free college option for adult learners. However, students previously and currently must apply for federal financial aid to be eligible for the program.

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