Union Pacific's Free College Program Helps Railroaders Build Careers

March 27, 2026

Through Union Pacific University, employees across the railroad can pursue a college education or enhance their skills, with 100% of tuition covered at nationally ranked partner institutions University of Nebraska Omaha and Metro Community College. The program embodies a core principle of The Great Connection: as the railroad grows, so do the opportunities for the people who power it.

Since the free college program launched in 2020, more than 1,000 Union Pacific employees have enrolled in the benefit and nearly 200 have earned degrees.

For Amanda Burrows, manager-Locomotive Maintenance Quality, in North Platte, earning her college degree marked the completion of a long journey. Taking advantage of the flexible, tuition-free program, she was one of more than 20 recent employees graduates.

"It brought a lot of joy because I was able to finish what I started and set a good example for my son," Burrows said.

Programs like Union Pacific University help employees like Burrows develop new skills and build lasting careers. In 2025, Union Pacific invested more than $1.6 million in tuition through the program.

Every Union Pacific employee has access to this opportunity starting on the first day of employment. Additional world-class benefits include free counseling and family-life services, company-supported employee assistance funds and an employee stock purchase plan with a company match giving workers a direct stake in the railroad's success.