Union College Benefit Provides Accessible Higher Education for USA Members
Attending college can feel intimidating. While earning a degree opens doors to new opportunities, choosing the right field of study, applying for student loans, meeting deadlines, and managing class schedules can quickly become overwhelming.
To assist in the process, Employee Benefit Systems, INC (EBS) has partnered with the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) to support students during their college journey.
An exclusive benefit to USA members and their families, the union college benefit offers up to 50% discounted tuition rates at EBS network colleges and universities. It also offers a U-Learn program through Franklin University that allows for unlimited associate and bachelor level courses for only $5,250 per calendar year as well as free textbooks.
“The EBS Union College Benefit is a tremendous resource for USA members and their families to further their education without sacrificing their careers,” said Walt Ingram, USA executive director & CEO. “Earning a college degree is a life-changing experience that significantly impacts your future and opens doors to new opportunities. This partnership helps union members make a real difference in their communities by putting the knowledge and skills they’ve gained through their degrees to work.”
Since launching in 2022, the Union College Benefit has expanded to offer over 150 degree programs and certificates, including undergraduate certificates, graduate certificates, certificates of proficiency, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees.
According to Brittani Gassner, EBS union college benefit representative, popular areas of study are the RN to BSN program, Information Technology, Criminal Justice, education programs, Cybersecurity, Sports Management, Human Resource Management, MBA and DBA programs, and Engineering Analytics and Quality Control.
The program’s flexibility allows union members to work while pursuing their degrees.
“The USA College Benefit Program is specifically designed to accommodate the demanding schedules of union members,” Gassner said. “Our degree programs are offered 100% online with 24/7 classroom access, allowing students to complete coursework after work, on weekends, when the kids are asleep, or whenever it’s convenient for them.”
EBS has been a union-only benefit provider for almost 30 years, offering additional benefits like exclusive tuition discounts at colleges and universities, life insurance, catastrophic loss rider, critical illness plans, cancer plans, accident plans, short and long-term disability income, hospital indemnity policies, group Medicare and retiree dental coverages.
Gassner said the USA’s mission and EBS’s goals makes for the perfect partnership for this program.
“At EBS, we’re passionate about the outdoors, conservation, and passing these traditions down,” she said. “Partnering with the USA allows us to support union members in earning their degrees while also backing an organization that values education, sustainability, and community service. Together, we’re creating opportunities that will benefit union families for generations.”
To apply, USA members or their family members can complete a “Request a Match” form. From there, they will be matched with the college that fits their educational and career goals. The college admissions team will guide them through the admission, financial aid, and enrollment process. With start dates every eight weeks, there is no long onboarding process prior to starting classes.
For more information, visit the union college benefit’s frequently asked questions page.
