Chipotle Launches a Customized Bachelor's Degree For Its Employees

Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. said Tuesday that it launched a customized Bachelor's degree in business for its workers. The degree, available through Bellevue University, a private, non-profit university, includes study that will accelerate career growth within Chipotle, and is open exclusively to the company's employees. The program is designed around a Chipotle worker's schedule. When combined with credits earned through the company's internal training, students can earn a degree in 18 months. The degree is one of 30 offered through Chipotle's education assistance program. Students who enroll in the new business program are eligible for up to $5,250 in tuition aid from Chipotle and other benefits, including a personal success coach who can help with financial aid. Chipotle shares are down 0.4% in Tuesday premarket trading and up 26.6% for the year so far. The S&P 500 index is up 6.7% for 2017 to date.