Steering The Future: Uber, Robert Morris University Partner to Lower Tuition Costs for Drivers

Groundbreaking partnership will give more than 10,000 Illinois drivers access to tuition discounts

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Nov 14, 2014, 03:40 ET

CHICAGO, Nov. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Uber and Robert Morris University Illinois unveiled today a unique partnership that will give more than 10,000 Uber driver partners in Illinois a 10 percent discount on tuition.

The discount will apply to all Robert Morris University campuses – Chicago, DuPage, Bensenville, Elgin, Arlington Heights, Orland Park, Peoria, Schaumburg, Springfield, and Lake County.

The partnership results from an idea hatched by a Robert Morris University student and Uber driver partner, Stephen King. King is working towards his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and is hoping to graduate by September 2015. King says the flexibility of being a driver on the Uber platform has allowed him to continue to work while pursuing his degree.

"I'm thrilled that Uber jumped at the opportunity to work with the University," said King. "Paying off my student loans is my number one priority and now my partnership with Uber not only puts money in my pocket, but lessens the financial burden of pursuing my degree."

With the average national cost of attending college over $30,000 a year, education has become a sizable economic hurdle for many. Through a flexible, gainful, earning opportunity and a reduced tuition cost, Uber and Robert Morris University Illinois are looking to lower that hurdle. Robert Morris University has one of the lowest tuition rates among private colleges and universities in the state of Illinois.

"The flexibility of partnering with Uber is a natural fit for students. Now more driver partners will have the opportunity to pursue the goal of a college degree without breaking the bank, while making money on their own time," said Chris Taylor, Chicago General Manager for Uber. "We are overjoyed to work with Robert Morris University to offer this program to driver partners who seek an affordable way to further their education."

"The great majority of RMU students work while pursuing a degree. Having a partnership with Uber, a company that offers flexibility to its driver partners and promotes continuing education, is a great match," said Betty O'Leary, Robert Morris director of corporate relations. "We hope many Uber driver partners and corporate staff members will take advantage of the opportunities for students at Robert Morris University and the Morris Graduate School of Management."

SOURCE Uber