ASU supports 1.2 million learners going “back to school”

For many learners today, the traditional “back to school” moment—marked by a calendar date—is being reimagined. Education now happens on a Tuesday night after work, during a career pivot, or even decades after last setting foot in the classroom. Arizona State University is meeting learners where they are with flexible, learner-first offerings.

To date, over 1.2 million unique learners worldwide have enrolled in ASU programs like Universal Learner Courses, career certifications and stackable credentials—all designed to fit varied life paths and schedules.

“We’re not just expanding access — we’re reimagining how education is designed, delivered and experienced,” says Marco Serrato, vice president of ASU’s Learning Enterprise. These programs are transforming when and how learning happens, across geographies and stages of life.

Through the Earned Admission pathway—a low-risk entry model—nearly 9,000 adult learners have started or returned to college on their terms, paying only for credit they pass. Students like Katie Marquez illustrate the model’s impact—balancing careers, regaining academic footing and discovering renewed confidence in subjects of interest.

Dual enrollment students are also part of the shift: high school graduates, particularly through Accelerate ASU and ULCs, are completing up to 24 college credits before even enrolling in college.

ASU’s global initiatives are also extending these opportunities beyond U.S. borders. Through partnerships with the International Baccalaureate and international schools, ASU is embedding career-aligned college coursework into over 150 countries. This global reach ensures students everywhere—not just in the U.S.—can build momentum toward university and careers.

CareerCatalyst, ASU’s professional learning platform, provides access to over 400 courses and 200 credentials. From AI and sustainability to health care and microelectronics, the offerings help learners and employers adapt to shifting workforce demands while building durable skills such as leadership and collaboration.

These initiatives reflect ASU’s mission towards affordable, learner-centered education, dismantling barriers such as cost, GPAs and timing. By embracing flexibility, eliminating unnecessary obstacles, and honoring the varied paths learners take, ASU is turning the idea of “going back to school” into something broader—more pragmatic and more attuned to the realities of modern life.

Read more about ASU’s initiatives in this full-length article on ASU News.