Katie Marquez, third-generation Sun Devil, balances a job with ASU Earned Admission

Investing in education without a clear goal can be daunting. Time, money and support are crucial factors, making the journey challenging — especially right after high school.

Many high school graduates prioritize gaining work experience before continuing their education. In 2023 less than half of high school graduates in Arizona pursued a college degree, according to a recent Arizona news report. Success takes many paths, and gaining life and work experience before committing to college can be a valuable choice for many. This was the case for Katie Marquez, a 24-year old native Arizonan. Katie attended several community college courses after high school, but wasn’t ready to fully commit to a degree program. “I didn’t want to go to college. My parents suggested I take a few classes here and there, but I lacked guidance and didn’t have a clear plan for my degree,” she says. 

Creating a timetable that works for you with ASU’s Earned Admission program

When Katie became serious about going back to school, she wasn’t sure where to start. Previously Katie found success as the Corporate Billing Director at Mountainside Fitness, but she wanted to enroll in ASU Earned Admission to broaden her opportunities. “I hadn’t been in school and I didn’t have anything that could transfer, so ASU told me to look into this program. The program seemed perfect. It allowed me to learn at my own pace and create my own schedule. Earned Admission has already opened so many doors for me,” she says.  

Returning to school was more challenging than Katie expected, but the resources and advisor support she found were invaluable. She shared that the program structure helps her stay on track, while still being able to meet other responsibilities in her life. “It’s nice to know somebody is available when I need help. The program’s flexibility and support system exceeded my expectations,” she says. 

Earned Admission creates new pathways in life

ASU’s Earned Admission program brought college within reach for Katie as a flexible, low-risk pathway to a college degree. She took first-year college courses online from ASU’s leading faculty, earning college credits. “It was a better financial option and a great way to explore my interests,” she says. 

This program allows aspiring students to experience college and only pay course fees when they pass with a C or better. After completing the required Universal Learner Courses with a GPA of 2.75 or higher, they are guaranteed admission into ASU or can transfer earned credits toward a degree at another institution.

The accessible, affordable, and tech-enabled nature of the Earned Admission program illustrates the mission of ASU. Guided by the belief that everyone should have universal access to learning, ASU has reimagined the role of universities in society to serve learners. 

Katie enjoyed classes she may have stayed away from without the flexibility of Earned Admission. “I took an astronomy class. That’s something I never thought I would take,” she says. “Earned Admission gave me an opportunity to not feel stressed about having to pass a class right away and to be able to enjoy what I’m learning. In the long run that made me a better student.”