$25
To enroll per course
To enroll per course
Universal Learner Courses
Give your student a college head start with Arizona State University
and pay for it with your 529
ASU Universal Learner Courses let high school students earn college credit for $25 to start and $400 to add credit, making it a smart, tax-advantaged use of your 529 savings plan.
$400
For college credit
For college credit
75+
Courses available
Courses available
No application required
Your student can start today — Universal Learner Courses may qualify as a 529 expense.
Most families don't realize their 529 can be used for college courses taken while their student is still in high school. Arizona State University is an eligible institution, and Universal Learner Courses may qualify as a 529 expense.
*Whether Universal Learner Course fees qualify as a 529 expense depends on your specific plan and state of residence. Confirm with your 529 plan administrator or a tax professional before making a withdrawal. Learn more about 529 funds and college courses for high school students here.
Why 529 funds work for ULCs
529 plans cover tuition and fees at any accredited college or university that participates in federal financial aid programs and ASU qualifies. When your student enrolls in a Universal Learner Course, the required fees may qualify as a 529 expense.
ASU is a fully accredited, federal financial aid-eligible institution
Universal Learner Course enrollment fees are a qualified 529 expense
No minimum enrollment requirement to use 529 funds for Universal Learner Course fees
Dual enrollment fees are now explicitly covered under the 2025 529 expansion
Withdraw only what you need. Start with $25 to enroll, and pay $400 to earn credit if you’re satisfied with your grade.
Four reasons to start now
What your student gains
Every Universal Learner Course completed while in high school creates lasting advantages for your student, both academically and financially.
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Jumpstart their college journey
Your student earns transferable ASU college credit before setting foot on campus. They enter college ahead with proven coursework, sharper study skills and the confidence of a student who has already succeeded at university-level work.
► College credit while in high school
Shorten time to a degree
Every Universal Learner Course completed is one fewer course to pay for in college. Students who enter with credit hours in hand can finish their degree faster, saving on fees, room and board. Total annual college costs can exceed $30,000 at many universities. (Source: U.S. Department of Education, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2024-25.)
► Graduate up to a year earlier
Strengthen college applications
Completing college coursework from a university repeatedly ranked #1 in innovation, sustainability, and global impact signals academic readiness to admissions committees. A transcript showing successful ASU credit alongside high school grades is a meaningful differentiator in a competitive applicant pool.
► Widely transferable college credit
Course Catalog
75+ courses across every interest
Expert ASU faculty design every course. Your student can explore areas they love or get required college courses out of the way before freshman year.
STEM and sciences
Biology, chemistry, computer science, statistics, taught by ASU researchers. Popular for pre-med and engineering.
Social sciences
Psychology, sociology, political science and global studies. Fulfills general education requirements.
Sustainability
Environmental science, sustainability leadership and conservation biology. ASU is ranked number one in sustainability.
Business and finance
Personal finance, computer applications, information technology and economic foundations.
Humanities and writing
English composition, literature, poetry and history. Core college requirements, often required freshman year.
Technology and computing
Programming, digital strategies, information systems and career opportunities in the digital age.
Browse all 75+ courses at ulc.asu.edu/explore-courses | No application required · Enroll anytime · 100% online
Simple process
Four steps to get started
1
Browse courses
Explore 75+ online ASU courses by subject or interest. No application, no waiting.
2
Enroll for $25
Sign up online and start the course. Pay just $25 to begin. These costs may qualify for 529 use depending on your specific plan and state of residence.
3
Complete the course
Your student learns from expert ASU faculty, fully online and on their schedule.
4
Earn college credit
If satisfied with their grade, pay $400 (529-eligible) to add the course to an official ASU transcript. These costs may qualify for 529 use depending on your specific plan and state of residence.
Common questions
529 + ULC: What parents ask
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Q: Can I use 529 funds for Universal Learner Courses?
529 plans can be used for tuition and required fees at eligible colleges and universities, including Arizona State University. For high school students, 529 plans may also be used for certain K–12 education expenses, including dual enrollment fees. Universal Learner Course fees may qualify. Check with your 529 plan provider or a tax professional to confirm eligibility. To learn more visit:
The Latest 529 Plan Rule Changes (SavingForCollege.com)
529 Qualified Expenses (SavingForCollege.com)
Using Your 529 Plan for Dual-Credit Classes (Virginia529)
Federal Changes to Qualified Education Expenses (my529)
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Q: Will the credit transfer to other colleges?
Universal Learner Course credits are official ASU credit and transfer to hundreds of institutions around the world. Transferability depends on the receiving institution's policies. Your student's target college can confirm what will apply toward their degree.
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Q: What if my student doesn't like their grade?
There is no risk to your student's GPA. Only pay the $400 to transcript the credit if they are satisfied with their grade. If not, simply don't add it to the transcript. No penalty, no record.
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Q: How much could we save compared to taking courses on campus?
A typical 3-credit course at a public university costs $1,200 to $2,000 or more for in-state students. A Universal Learner Course costs $425 for the same credit from ASU. A student who takes 5 to 6 courses before college and graduates even a semester early could save $12,000 to $25,000 in total college costs.
(Source: U.S. Department of Education, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2024-25.)
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Q: Do these courses help with college admissions?
Successful completion of college-level coursework at a major research university signals academic readiness. Students can choose to include their ASU Universal Learner Course transcript as part of their application, showing admissions officers proven university performance rather than projected ability.
Note on 529 eligibility
While Universal Learner Course fees at ASU can generally qualify as a 529 expense, 529 plan rules vary by state and plan. We recommend confirming qualified expense eligibility with your 529 plan administrator or a tax professional before making a withdrawal. This document is for informational purposes and does not constitute tax or financial advice.
