Our Accelerate ASU program embodies this idea by providing international students an affordable and flexible digital platform to start their US undergraduate education while still in high school.

Here are some of the ways in which ASU, through the Accelerate ASU program, is redefining the US higher education landscape for the 21^stcentury.

Providing innovative technology that lets students determine their own study timeframes

Through Accelerate ASU, international high school students can start their courses online anytime from Year 9 onward. Students can study at a pace that is suitable to their schedules and desired workload, while balancing other commitments.

Accelerate ASU offers multiple start dates throughout the year, with asynchronous, adaptive learning technology, so students do not have to attend classes at a set time or adjust their clocks to study at odd hours during the night.

Some courses are self-paced, which allow students to submit assignments on their own timeframe and potentially complete these courses in less time than the traditional 15-week semester schedule.

Giving students access to university experiences while keeping costs low

Students in the Accelerate ASU program learn from the same top ASU professors that teach the on-campus courses. Depending on their chosen track, they may also connect with other students, staff and faculty through virtual events and remote networks within the university’s top-ranking schools:

• General Business, offered through the W. P. Carey School of Business
• Engineering and Technology, offered through the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
• Global Leadership, offered through the Thunderbird School of Global Management

While the US has a rich history and global reputation for higher education prestige, we realise that earning a degree from a US institution can be an expensive investment.

Accelerate ASU allows students to explore a US university experience commitment-free, while greatly reducing the cost of a degree along the way. Other institutions often charge the same rate for students enrolling in online courses as those attending on campus. For summer residential programs, families must factor in the additional cost of travel, lodging and meals.

The cost of the total Accelerate ASU program package (including the equivalent of a full semester of courses, support services and other benefits) is nearly equal to the tuition cost of just one on-campus course at a US university.

Fostering an environment of continual improvement

Accelerate ASU students each have a dedicated Learning Coach, who provides guidance and support to ensure they are successful in their courses. The Learning Coach helps students set goals, counsels them about college and career planning, and monitors academic progress.

This level of personalised support is unique among students who have not yet matriculated into a full university degree program.

For international students, Accelerate ASU courses are likely their first exposure to undergraduate-level learning and American classroom culture. Accelerate ASU provides the opportunity to learn how to adapt to this new system, culture, and coursework.

Giving them credits that count anywhere

Accelerate ASU students take a curated package of five online courses that have been carefully selected to match core requirements at most US universities and that are highly transferable, allowing students to keep their study options open.

“Enrolling in Accelerate ASU does not commit students to an ASU degree program”

They earn the equivalent of a full semester of undergraduate credits, identical to what they would earn on campus. They also receive an official ASU transcript when they complete the program.

Choosing a university is an important decision for a student and their family. Enrolling in Accelerate ASU does not commit students to an ASU degree program, though we anticipate that for many the experience as an Accelerate ASU student will lead them to apply and enroll. Our admissions representatives will happily guide them through the undergraduate application.

Those who choose to apply to other US universities can transfer their credits into another degree program. Even if they elect to enroll elsewhere, they’ll still be considered part of the ASU family.

We are delighted to announce that our strategic recruitment partner Kaplan International is available to support families, schools and agents who are interested in further information about the Accelerate ASU program.

About the author:

This is a sponsored post from Matthew López, Associate Vice President, Enrollment Services and Executive Director, Admission Services at Arizona State University. He has led multiple university-wide student systems, document management and CRM implementations; played a key role in the creation of an international recruitment and admission team, including as the first director of International Recruitment at a former school; and has served in a lead role in the creation and launch of the University of Utah’s Asia Campus in Incheon, South Korea.