Union Pacific's Tuition-Free College Program Helps Employees Build Diverse Skill Sets

Union Pacific Railroad's Educational Assistance Program provides employees tuition-free courses at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), as well as an associate degree option at Metropolitan Community College - a valuable benefit as the cost of higher education continues to rise.

To date, hundreds of employees across the railroad's 23-state system have gone back to school, taking advantage of the education benefit that starts on day one of employment.

This spring, 15 Union Pacific employees joined the growing list of UNO alumni, including Austin Riffle, associate systems engineer, who earned a master's degree in computer science with a concentration in artificial intelligence.

"My managers were very supportive," Riffle said, describing his experience navigating both online and in-person classes. "It speaks volumes of a culture that actively supports learning and building new skill sets."

Riffle supports the development of tech-enabled operations such as Precision Gating Technology, which leverages information from truck containers, chassis and license plates to streamline movement at the railroad's intermodal terminals.

"With this degree, I can make informed decisions when designing AI systems to support our operations," said Riffle, who also is piloting camera technology to identify rail car defects.

Employees can take a single class, transfer credits to complete a degree or delve into an entirely new area of focus. The program encourages growth and development across all disciplines.

Korey Blackman, crew dispatcher, earned a bachelor's degree through UNO's flexible online courses.

"I listened to lectures on my commute and used my phone or tablet on breaks to go over assigned reading and take notes," said Blackman. "I encourage fellow railroaders to take advantage of this and other benefits Union Pacific offers."

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 Omaha (UNO), Metropolitan Community College (MCC) and other higher education institutions.

Full-time employees choosing to study through the UNO program (including the MCC associate degree option) are offered a variety of advantages, including company-paid registration fees and accelerated admission, as well as the choose-your-pace opportunity to take singular courses for professional development or to earn a degree.

Interested in a new career where you can grow? Learn more about railroading careers at UP.jobs.

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