The EdPlus story: Redefining learning with flexibility, accessibility and scale

Arizona State University unlocks human potential and transforms lives by making higher education accessible, an essential part of the ASU Charter. EdPlus supports the university’s mission for greater access to education, ensuring that learning is limitless and anyone has the opportunity to earn a degree. Through innovative technologies and new approaches to higher education, EdPlus helps remove traditional barriers, overcoming financial, geographical, and systemic constraints to empower learners worldwide. 

The EdPlus Lookbook, “The Story of EdPlus at Arizona State University: Designed to Innovate for Impact,” elaborates on how Arizona State University works to widen access to high-quality learning experiences and sets the standard for meeting the needs of today’s learners. A key focus of this work is expanding access at scale through digital teaching and learning opportunities, such as ASU Online, Earned Admission and Study Hall. 

ASU Online: Quality education within reach

EdPlus supports the online student journey toward earning a degree through ASU Online, a proactive and purpose-driven approach established to increase access to a quality education. As the demands of higher education continue to change rapidly, ASU remains at the forefront of innovating and delivering digital teaching and learning within the ever-evolving landscape. Included in this approach is ASU’s digital immersion portfolio with 300+ offerings, connecting learners worldwide to the resources they need to complete their degrees. Over 200 interactive technologies also power the online platform to offer a world-class education built for flexibility and personalized learning journeys. 

ASU success stories: Students in the spotlight

More than 100,000 online students have graduated from ASU, each with a unique story of resilience and achievement. The EdPlus Lookbook highlights inspiring students like:

• Melody Trujillo, a mother of three whose degree in biological sciences taught her that she can overcome more than she thought and inspired her children to pursue higher education. 
• Sophia Choi, a behavioral therapist turned clinical supervisor, who advanced her education with ASU to make a lasting impact on the lives of others by earning a master’s in special education with a concentration in applied behavior analysis.
• Zach Featherstone, a professional baseball player, who turned the unexpected cancellation of the baseball season during COVID-19 into an opportunity to study biological and biomedical sciences in pursuit of a career in dentistry. 

These are among the tens of thousands of stories symbolic of lessons learned, goals accomplished and passions explored through ASU Online.

Earned Admission: A pathway for university admission

ASU’s Earned Admission program is built on the belief that education should be an opportunity for everyone. Through Universal Learner Courses, learners who do not meet traditional admission criteria can complete 4-8 courses and earn their way into an ASU degree program. With a 2.75 GPA or higher, these credits can be applied to an official ASU transcript, creating an affordable, low-risk pathway to university acceptance. More than 5,000 working adults, parents, transfer students, and returning learners have successfully enrolled at ASU through Earned Admission, providing these learners with the opportunity to advance their education. 

Study Hall: Making education understandable and achievable 

For many prospective students, the path to college can feel overwhelming. Some may not understand the admissions process, while others may struggle to choose a major or find guidance. Study Hall, a partnership between ASU and Crash Course, eliminates these barriers by connecting new tools and methods to learners who are curious, yet undecided. To help alleviate uncertainties about college or introduce a major, Study Hall uses YouTube to make educational content engaging and entertaining. From YouTube, learners can deepen their learning by enrolling in an ASU course through Study Hall with the chance to earn real, affordable college credits accepted by ASU and other universities. 

Expanding Access to Education at Scale

Starting or returning to college doesn’t look the same for everyone. Through ASU Online, and programs such as Earned Admission and Study Hall, ASU has created pathways for learners to pursue their educational goals, regardless of where they begin.

Explore the EdPlus Lookbook to see how ASU is shaping the future of higher education, and fulfilling the university Charter: ASU is a comprehensive public research university, measured not by whom it excludes, but by whom it includes and how they succeed.