Arizona State University Earned Admission: Students Forge Their Own Paths to Graduation
Why Earned Admission Is Transforming the Landscape of Higher Education
Arizona State University (ASU) has introduced a novel approach that lets prospective students demonstrate college readiness by excelling in university‑taught courses. The result is a low‑risk, flexible path that welcomes lifelong learners, veterans, parents, and career changers across the globe. In 2025, 166 graduates completed their bachelor’s degrees through Earned Admission, and nearly 10,000 individuals have climbed the first rung of the pathway.
Key Features of the Earned Admission Program
Universal Learner Courses (ULCs)
First, learners enroll in ULCs—self‑paced, low‑cost courses that span core subjects such as English, math, and introductory science. Students pay only for the courses they complete with a satisfactory grade. This structure removes financial and time barriers, making college a possibility for anyone willing to dedicate the effort.
Credit‐Transfer Accumulation
After obtaining the necessary grades in a set number of ULCs, students earn a conditional admission to a full degree program. Most progress continues on ASU Online, where the same flexibility and support help students finish their majors—whether in business, health sciences, or the liberal arts.
Built‑in Support Services
ASU’s Learning Enterprise offers academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling—all integrated into the enrollment process. Students receive real‑time feedback and are guided toward the courses that align best with their desired majors.
Real‑World Impact: Stories of Transformation
From GED to Business Degree
Abigail Gilpin, a 28‑year‑old lifelong learner from Oklahoma, began with a GED and no college credits. By completing a series of ULCs, she secured admission into the W. P. Carey School of Business and earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She describes the experience as a life‑changing “opening of a door” that validated her ability to thrive in higher education.
Re‑entering the Workforce with a Focus on Space Science
Dion Bumpus, a 46‑year‑old Maryland resident and former college dropout, leveraged Earned Admission to earn a bachelor’s degree in Astronomical and Planetary Sciences from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He now pursues a master’s in Space Systems Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, positioning himself in the rapidly expanding space sector.
Combining Recovery and Counseling
Caitlin Goins, a medical assistant who struggled to find a career fit during the pandemic, used the program to explore counseling. She earned a bachelor’s in Counseling and Applied Psychological Science, ultimately planning to help underserved communities with substance use counseling and family development programs.
Career Pivot and Quick Advancement
Alec Lajtos, formerly a junior designer, found his path in the social sciences after a ULC experience. He graduated with a Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies and secured a management role plus a project‑management certification—all within months of completing his coursework.
Starting Fresh at 61 Years Old
At 61, Celia Warren of Idaho believed a new challenge was too late—until she found Earned Admission. With an A‑average across ULCs, she was admitted to the College of Health Solutions and earned a degree in Applied Nutrition and Health. Her future goals include community outreach programs to improve nutrition among low‑income families.
The Process: From Enrollment to Graduation
Step 1 – Take a Universal Learner Course
Prospective students choose a ULC that aligns with their academic interests or major requirements. Courses are available 24/7, allowing learners to study at their own pace.
Step 2 – Submit Your Scores for Review
Once a course is completed, the final grade is electronically forwarded to the ASU Learning Enterprise. A departmental advisor evaluates the accumulation of credits and determines eligibility for conditional admission.
Step 3 – Transfer into a Full Degree Program
Upon acceptance, students transition to an ASU Online bachelor’s program, affording them continued flexibility while pursuing advanced coursework.
Step 4 – Complete Your Degree and Celebrate
With the same support services now centered on major-specific learning, students navigate thesis projects, capstones, and internship opportunities—ultimately culminating in graduation ceremonies streamed across venues.
Benefits Tailored to Modern Learners
Financial Flexibility
Because students pay only for the courses they finish, the upfront cost of starting university is drastically reduced. Partners with employer‑based learning funds and federal grants offer additional relief.
Career‑Ready Curriculum
Each ULC and subsequent degree course is designed by industry partners to integrate real‑world skills, ensuring graduates are employment‑ready upon certification.
Inclusivity Across Borders
With students coming from more than 100 countries, Earned Admission serves as a gateway for international learners to access U.S. higher education without traditional admission prerequisites.
How to Get Started – Apply for Earned Admission Today
Students interested in exploring this pathway should begin by reviewing the Earned Admission website for eligibility criteria and course catalogs. Once you’ve selected a ULC, you can enroll directly through ASU Online’s student portal.
Should you need guidance on course selection or financial aid options, submit your application today and leverage the university’s free consultation services.
Take the Next Step Toward Your Degree
Earned Admission provides a proven, step‑by‑step route to the bachelor’s degree that aligns with your personal and professional goals. Whether you’re a veteran, a working parent, or a career seeker, this program redefines what it means to leave no‑one‑behind in higher education.
Engineered for flexibility, backed by ASU’s robust support network, and built around real‑world learning, Earned Admission is more than a program—it’s a community of Sun Devils forging their own success stories.
Feel ready to apply? Schedule a free consultation to learn more about how Earned Admission can fit into your life plan.
Have questions? Write to us!
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