Uber partnership helped recent grad Ryan Wilson pursue ASU supply chain education

Ryan Wilson (BA Global Logistics Management '24) was between jobs when he started doing deliveries through Uber Eats. He soon learned about a major benefit that would change his life: Uber and Arizona State University have a partnership that allows qualified drivers to receive 100% tuition coverage for an online undergraduate degree.

Ryan Wilson (BA Global Logistics Management '24) was between jobs when he started doing food deliveries through Uber Eats. As he continued his work with the company and moved through the ranks as a driver, he learned about a major benefit that would change his life.

Uber and Arizona State University have a partnership that allows qualified Uber drivers or a family member to receive 100% tuition coverage for an online undergraduate degree. For Wilson, this was the perfect opportunity at the perfect time.

"At the time, I was actually going to a community college out here," he says. "I thought, 'Wow, that just seems too good to be true.' I was quite surprised to look online and see people say, 'No, it's legit, you just have to fill out your FAFSA to qualify.'"

Drivers must complete 2,000 lifetime trips and have at least Gold status with Uber in order to be eligible, which requires high ratings and low cancellation rates. Spouses, domestic partners, siblings, parents, and children of Uber drivers are also eligible to receive tuition coverage. The benefit can be used for an online bachelor's degree or ASU CareerCatalyst courses in entrepreneurship.

"It's just a really amazing opportunity," Wilson says. "I can't tell you how many times I've told other Uber Eats or Uber drivers, 'If you don't know about this, look into it.' It's such a cool opportunity that not that many people know about, so I try to get the word out as much as I can."

W. P. Carey News spoke with Wilson to learn more about how the Uber partnership helped him reach his educational goals — and how his new W. P. Carey degree will help to propel his career.

Getting into logistics

When Wilson found out about the Uber program, he already knew what subject he wanted to study. He had discovered a passion for the world of logistics and supply chain through a previous retail job.

"I started off on the register," he says. "After that, I was able to talk to my general manager at the time, who offered me a position within purchasing, which sparked my interest in it. I had gone to community college prior to that, a couple of classes, but at the time, I wanted to just focus on work, because I really didn't know what I wanted to do."

"As I went through my career and started getting a little more experience in purchasing, I thought, 'You know, I can actually run with this. This is something I could enhance further and even study.'"

Wilson then learned about the W. P. Carey School of Business and its highly ranked Department of Supply Chain Management, and decided that the bachelor's degree in global logistics management was the perfect program to expand upon the skills and knowledge gained through his work experience.

The online experience

Finding a 100% online program meant Wilson could keep working while obtaining his degree, both continuing to drive for Uber Eats and a full-time role in purchasing. He could plan classwork and projects around his busy schedule. "It really gave me a lot of freedom," he says.

"I've done both. I've gone into classes as well, and just having to rush to get off of work in time to get to school before your class starts creates a lot of unnecessary stress, especially when you're able to get the exact same education in an online setting. It just makes a lot more sense for people like me who have a really busy schedule. It really does create a comfortable atmosphere."

That includes the ability to reach out to and receive support from W. P. Carey faculty. Wilson says he always received timely and helpful responses from his professors and felt that he could always reach out with questions.

"Every single class I had throughout my time at ASU, I've always felt extremely supported and always set up for success," he says. "I'm sure the professors have plenty of emails that they have to go through, but they get through them. I can't tell you one time I had a professor take longer than a day to get back to me."

One professor from a supply chain management class early in Wilson's journey made a strong impression on him, and they continue to connect even through his graduation.

"One of my first supply chain classes, the professor was named Eddie Davila, and he's been extremely helpful until this day," Wilson says. "He was just an amazing professor who always set me up for success. The fact that he still reaches out to this day, just checking in and sending me opportunities, it really means a lot. He made a huge impact on my career here at ASU."

What's next

After graduating in Fall 2024, Wilson feels ready to progress with his career in the purchasing and logistics world. He recently moved with his wife to Minnesota, where he's beginning a job at a building restoration company. "I'll be a buyer there as well, a purchasing procurement agent, and I'll be pretty much doing pretty similar to [my last job]," he says, comparing the job to his most recent position as a buyer at Honor Health.

"I'm just going to have more responsibility with reaching out to the vendors, negotiating contracts with them, negotiating pricing, and doing a little bit more hands-on work on the vendor relations side, which I'm very excited about. I feel that the degree definitely helped solidify that position."

Wilson expresses a lot of gratitude for the ASU and Uber partnership that allowed him to pursue his bachelor's degree, and he often tells others he meets about the program so more people can take advantage of the opportunity.

"I encourage more people to go this route," he says. "I mean, you've got to work for it, which, with any scholarship you get, you're going to have to work for it. But is it worth it? It was so worth it, getting to graduate and not having to worry about any student loans. Now my wife and I can focus on buying a home and just progressing in life. I feel super fortunate."