I got a bachelor's degree for free through Starbucks. Working while studying was hard, but it made college possible for me.

Megan Allison at her graduation ceremony

Megan Allison

• Starbucks offers employees a free bachelor's degree through its College Achievement program.
• The company said about 13% of the chain's workers are working toward a degree through the program.
• One store manager who earned her degree this spring said it's inspired her to seek promotions.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Megan Allison, a 23-year-old Starbucks store manager in Philadelphia.