Ficus Education and University of the Cumberlands Partner to Offer Debt-Free College for Frontline Workers

University of the Cumberlands has partnered with Ficus Education to expand debt-free, career-aligned college degree opportunities for working adults employed by participating independent Chick-fil-A Operators and quick-service restaurant (QSR) franchisees nationwide. The partnership removes financial barriers to higher education while helping employers attract, retain, and develop frontline talent. 

Through the collaboration, team members gain access to online degree programs with no out-of-pocket tuition costs, allowing them to pursue a college degree without taking on student loan debt. Programs span high-demand fields including allied health, education, sciences, computer science, and information technology, aligning academic pathways with long-term career advancement. 

University of the Cumberlands offers flexible online learning with rolling eight-week start dates, enabling team members to balance full-time work, family responsibilities, and education. With more than 20,000 online students, the university has built academic and support systems tailored to the realities of today’s workforce. 

Flexible, Career-Aligned Degrees for Working Adults 

Cumberlands’ academic programs are intentionally designed for working adults. With rolling eight-week start dates and a flexible online learning format, team members can balance work schedules, family responsibilities, and college coursework without putting their lives on hold. 

Finances remain one of the biggest barriers to college completion for frontline workers. Through this partnership, eligible team members can pursue a college degree with no out-of-pocket tuition costs, eliminating a major obstacle to higher education and long-term career advancement. 

“Employers invest in education because it’s one of the most powerful ways to attract and retain great people,” Doug Danowski, president of Ficus Education, said. “When team members can pursue a college degree without taking on student debt and while continuing to work, it changes how long they stay, how they grow, and how they see their future with their employer. Partnering with University of the Cumberlands allows us to expand career-aligned degrees and deliver the academic support working adults need to succeed.” 

A Proven Track Record of Affordability and Student Success 

Team members who enroll through the program will experience a high-quality academic environment at University of the Cumberlands. The university has received national recognition for social mobility, affordability, and academic excellence from trusted organizations including, Forbes Advisor, Colleges of Distinction, and Niche. 

“At Cumberlands, we are focused on expanding access to high-quality education that leads to meaningful career advancement,” said Dr. Quentin Young, president of University of the Cumberlands. “Partnering with Ficus Education allows us to support restaurant team members with flexible, career-aligned degree programs while helping employers develop and retain talent in a highly competitive labor market.” 

With more than 20,000 online students, University of the Cumberlands has built robust academic and support systems specifically designed to serve working adults balancing full-time employment, family commitments, and education. 

About Ficus Education 

Ficus Education helps business owners invest in their teams by offering a simple, scalable path to debt-free college. Through its employer-sponsored education model, Ficus Education partners with accredited universities to provide working adults with access to fully funded online degree programs – without student loans or out-of-pocket tuition. With seamless implementation, hands-on support, and proven impact, Ficus Education empowers companies to retain talent, unlock potential, and drive long-term business growth.  

Learn more at www.ficuseducation.com 

About University of the Cumberlands

University of the Cumberlands is one of the largest and most affordable private universities in Kentucky. Located in Williamsburg, Kentucky, the university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and online degree programs designed to serve students at every stage of their academic and professional journey. 

Learn more at ucumberlands.edu.