Can You Work at Starbucks and Finish College? Here’s How I Did It (and You Can Too)

If you’re juggling college dreams with the reality of paying bills — and you love coffee — you might be wondering if working at Starbucks is worth it.Let me tell you: it absolutely can be.

Jacobs story isn't perfect. It's messy, full of detours, and built on faith, coffee-fueled mornings, and second chances. But it’s also proof that with the right support (and a good cup of cold brew), you can transform your future, one small step at a time.

Barista in maroon graduation attire hands a coffee to an elderly man in a plaid shirt at a cozy cafe. Counter sign reads, "CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2023."

Finding My Path (and Purpose) Through Starbucks

My Starbucks journey began in 2017 when I started as a part-time barista while attending a local community college. At first, it was just a job — a way to earn extra money, pay for classes, and of course, indulge my love for coffee.

Life, however, had different plans. When my mom was diagnosed with cancer, my world shifted. I had to put school on hold to focus on family. After her passing in 2019 and the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, I made the difficult decision to step away from Starbucks to prioritize my mental health.

Those years away were some of the hardest — but they were also the most transformative. I spent time rediscovering who I was, trying different jobs, and figuring out what I really wanted from life. Honestly, going back to school felt impossible. Too much time had passed. I felt like I had missed my chance.

Then one day, scrolling through Twitter in early 2022, I saw an ad for the Starbucks College Achievement Plan (SCAP) — a partnership with Arizona State University (ASU) offering 100% tuition coverage for eligible partners.

I paused. Could this be my second chance?

I decided to find out.

In January 2022, I rejoined Starbucks. By August, I was enrolled in ASU Online, majoring in Organizational Leadership with a focus in Project Management.

Graduate in cap and gown making coffee at a café counter. Background shows modern interior and coffee equipment, creating a celebratory mood.

What Life Looked Like Balancing Starbucks and School

My daily routine wasn't glamorous — but it was structured and filled with purpose.I worked early morning shifts, often starting at 4:00 a.m.. That meant waking up at 3:30 a.m. (yes, coffee was essential!). After finishing around noon, I’d dive straight into schoolwork for several hours.

Sundays and my days off became sacred for catching up or working ahead on assignments. Thanks to my husband Patrick's advice, I lived by my calendar — planning out shifts, deadlines, and study blocks with military precision.

It was a grind. But it worked.

That structure, that discipline — it led me to graduate summa cum laude, with nearly a 4.0 GPA.If I could do it, so can you.

Unexpected Lessons Beyond the Coffee Bar

Working at Starbucks taught me much more than how to craft the perfect iced caramel macchiato (although, to this day, it’s my favorite drink to make — it’s just so beautiful and satisfying).

Time Management: Juggling the morning rush taught me to prioritize tasks quickly — a skill that transferred perfectly to balancing coursework and life.
Leadership and Communication: Managing a team during chaotic mornings showed me that true leadership is about inspiring others, not commanding them. Listening — really listening — became my superpower.
People Skills: Whether it was comforting a stressed customer or motivating a sleepy team, Starbucks showed me how small interactions can create a lasting impact.

Two hands exchange a coffee in a cozy café with warm lighting. A name tag on the cup reads "Jacob." Blurred background and hanging lamps.

Starbucks Benefits That Changed My Life

Starbucks isn’t just about serving coffee — it's about serving people, including their employees (called “partners”).

Some of the life-changing benefits I took advantage of included:

The Starbucks College Achievement Plan (SCAP): Full tuition coverage through ASU Online. No gimmicks. No catch. Just real support.
Free Mental Health Counseling: Through Lyra Health, I had access to free mental health sessions, something that made a huge difference during tough semesters.
Free Spotify Premium: A small but powerful perk — lo-fi playlists became my best study companion.

A person in a maroon graduation gown and cap works at a coffee shop counter, preparing a drink. The setting is warmly lit and inviting.

From Barista to Future Business Owner

Working at Starbucks and studying Organizational Leadership ignited a bigger dream: I want to open my own cold brew coffee business.

Learning about leadership, team building, and project management wasn’t just theory — it was something I practiced daily. I saw firsthand what it takes to run a successful business focused on quality, customer experience, and sustainability.

Today, I have the confidence to make that dream a reality. Starbucks wasn’t just a job for me — it was a launching pad.

Starbucks recognizes that students have a lot on their plates — and their benefits reflect that understanding.

Baristas working in a coffee shop, one in graduation attire. Bright interior with cups and equipment. Busy, focused atmosphere.

Advice for Students Thinking About Working at Starbucks while in college

If you’re considering working through college — especially with Starbucks — here’s my biggest piece of advice: You are more capable than you think.

The SCAP is designed with flexibility in mind. You can start small — even just one class at a time. There’s no pressure to rush.The support from Starbucks and ASU is limitless if you’re willing to put in the work.

Also, find your people — your support system. I couldn’t have done this without my husband Patrick, who encouraged me every step of the way. Having someone to believe in you when you’re too tired to believe in yourself makes all the difference.

Graduate in maroon gown and cap, wearing a green apron, laughs while sitting on a café counter. Books and a sign with “Class of 2023” visible.

A Letter to My Freshman-Year Self

If I could go back and talk to 18-year-old me, I would say:

I told you so. You’re stronger than the doubts in your head. You’re smarter than your fears and one day, you’ll look back and laugh at all the reasons you thought you couldn’t succeed.Keep going. You're a badass.

Graduate in maroon gown holds a box with a "Congratulations" certificate and green cloth. Warm background, celebratory mood.

Redefining Success

Today, I see success differently.It’s not just about crossing a stage, collecting a degree, or ticking off a box on a list — although those moments are worth celebrating too. 🎓✨

Real success, to me, is happiness. It’s waking up every day excited about where you’re headed. It’s finding fulfillment in the small moments and the hard-earned victories. It’s doing work you genuinely love, surrounding yourself with people who lift you higher, and building a life that feels authentic, meaningful, and entirely your own.

Success isn’t a final destination — it’s a daily choice to keep believing, keep showing up, and keep dreaming even when the path feels uncertain.

And sometimes, success starts small. It begins with a simple cup of coffee. An early morning shift before the sun rises. A crazy dream that refuses to let go, even when everything else tells you it’s impossible.

I’m living proof that your dreams — no matter how small they start — are worth chasing.And trust me, the view from the other side is more beautiful than you can imagine.

Final Thoughts: Ready to Brew Your Dreams?

If you're a student who loves coffee, dreams of earning a degree without drowning in debt, and craves a career filled with growth opportunities — Starbucks might just be your perfect first step.

Whether you’re dreaming of management, entrepreneurship, or simply making it through school with a steady paycheck, Starbucks can help you make it happen.

A Special Thank You from Jacob

Before I wrap up, I want to take a moment to give some very important shoutouts.

First, to my amazing husband, Patrick — thank you for being my biggest cheerleader through every early morning, late-night assignment, and everything in between. You have pushed me to places I never thought I could reach. Your constant support, encouragement, and belief in me made all the difference. I am confident that without you to lean on, I wouldn’t have achieved such a monumental milestone. I’m so lucky to have you by my side.

A heartfelt thank you to KimHearts Photography for capturing some of the most important moments of my journey. There truly aren’t enough words to express how much I LOVE KimHearts. She is so passionate about what she does and has an incredible ability to find beauty everywhere. She photographed my wedding a few months ago, and the photos are something my husband and I will cherish for a lifetime. If you’re ever looking for a photographer who pours her heart into her work, I can’t recommend her enough.

I’m beyond grateful for everyone who has supported me on this journey — every coffee poured, every late-night study session, every encouraging word. This is just the beginning. ✨

A message to Jacob from Kim Hearts:

Jacob,

From the bottom of my heart — thank you. It has been such an incredible honor to be part of your journey and to capture some of the most meaningful moments of your life. Your trust, kindness, and genuine spirit made every moment we spent together so special.

Working with clients like you reminds me exactly why I do what I do — to tell beautiful, authentic stories that can be treasured for a lifetime. Seeing your happiness, your love, and your strength through my lens has been nothing short of inspiring.

Thank you for choosing me, not just once, but again and again. It means more than you know. I’m truly blessed to have been part of your story, and I’ll always be cheering you on in all that’s ahead.

Here’s to celebrating all the chapters yet to come!

With so much love and gratitude,KimHearts Photography