Metropolitan College (MC) is a groundbreaking partnership between UPS, the University of Louisville, Jefferson Community and Technical College, Louisville Metro Government, and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. For more than 25 years, MC has been more than a tuition program—it’s a career accelerator that removes financial barriers and builds a skilled workforce for Kentucky.
Why MC Matters
Metropolitan College was a critical element of the incentive package that convinced UPS to remain in Kentucky and expand its major overnight air hub, Worldport—one of the largest logistics operations in the world and the largest employer in Louisville, KY. This innovative program provides eligible UPS Next Day Air employees with access to free post-secondary education, while strengthening Kentucky’s economy and workforce.
MC is designed to eliminate barriers to post-secondary education wherever they exist in the undergraduate journey. Students can enter and exit the program at any point or choose to utilize MC benefits for their entire degree, providing flexibility to meet individual needs and goals. The goal of MC is to help students earn a debt-free education, graduate with money in the bank, and obtain a credential that opens doors to high-demand career opportunities throughout Kentucky.
Unmatched Benefits
- 100% Paid Tuition: Full in-state undergraduate tuition at the University of Louisville or Jefferson Community and Technical College.
- Financial Extras: Academic completion bonuses, fee payment assistance, and the ability to combine MC benefits with other aid for maximum savings.
- Competitive Pay & Full Benefits: Part-time work at UPS starting at $21/hour, plus health, dental, vision, prescription, and life insurance for employees and dependents after nine months, and paid vacation after 9 months of employment.
- Career Development: Hands-on experience with a global logistics leader and access to comprehensive career services. MC connects students to high-demand career fields across Kentucky through its Career Pathways initiative, which aligns education with workforce needs to ensure graduates are prepared for roles that drive the state’s economy. While students can pursue any major or career path they choose, MC also provides resources, guidance, and employer partnerships to help them gain related work experience and make seamless transitions into high-demand careers throughout Kentucky.
- Wealth-Building Resources: Metropolitan College partnered with Commonwealth Credit Union to provide tools and guidance that support financial growth during and after college. These resources help students learn smart money management, build savings, and plan for long-term financial success.
Career-Ready Graduate Model
Every MC student gains paid work experience at UPS, developing transferable skills that apply across industries. This model ensures graduates are not only debt-free but also career-ready, prepared for high-demand jobs throughout Kentucky and beyond. Balancing third-shift work at UPS with academic responsibilities and personal life demonstrates exceptional time management, perseverance, and commitment. These qualities—combined with hands-on experience and a college credential—make MC graduates highly sought after by employers across the state.
Proven Impact
Recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor for best practices in workforce development.
- Over 24,067 students served since 1998.
- More than 16,017degrees and certificates earned.
- A well-documented solution for eliminating financial barriers to higher education and improving workforce retention.
More Than College—A Launchpad for the Future
With strong employer partnerships, comprehensive support from MC Student Success Counselors, and a proven track record of success, Metropolitan College is more than a way to pay for college—it’s a strategic investment in education, career, and financial stability.