My aunt did this 20 years ago. I know plenty of people that have done it at Northwestern, UChicago, Harvard. All upper middle class or higher. The only thing

My aunt did this 20 years ago. I know plenty of people that have done it at Northwestern, UChicago, Harvard. All upper middle class or higher. The only thing new is that the middle class have discovered this "trick." These kind of perks are how universities get away with less-than-market salaries for their white-collar staff. If you aren't old enough to have college-age kids, you can use the benefit for yourself. Get an office job, brown-nose for a year or two until they really like you, then tell them you want to get an MBA/masters/whatever. They'll consider it an act of loyalty, and help you get in to the program on a part-time basis!