Union Pacific is committed to growing its team’s potential, providing resources for employees to hone their skills and keep up with the latest trends in their field. In 2024, the railroad invested more than $1 million in free college tuition for employees through its industry-leading Educational Assistance Program.
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“At 39, I earned a bachelor’s degree with zero student loan debt – showing my teenage kids that if you’re disciplined, you can achieve any goal,” said Russell Parris, director-Signal Construction. “Being the first college graduate in my family motivated me, and Union Pacific provides the opportunity. How can you not take advantage of that?”
From day one, full-time employees can enroll in specialized courses to pursue advanced degrees at their own pace. Since the program’s launch in 2020, more than 1,000 employees across the railroad’s 23-state system have become students.
“I gained a lot from my program,” said Courtland Ferchaud, track inspector, who graduated cum laude with his bachelor’s degree remotely. “Your degree is something to be proud of. You gain skills for everyday life and your career.”
Thanks to strategic partnerships with the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Metropolitan Community College, employees enjoy benefits like accelerated admission, waived fees and dedicated enrollment counselors. Twenty-seven employees recently earned degrees through Union Pacific’s Educational Assistance Program.
“I’m motivated to keep learning and continue my education to show my kids they can do it, too,” Ferchaud said.
Searching for a tuition-free education?
Union Pacific’s Educational Assistance Program provides employees with the opportunity to further their skills and knowledge in partnership with the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), Metropolitan Community College (MCC) and other higher education institutions.
Interested in a new career where you can grow? Learn more about railroading careers at UP.jobs.
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