Is There a Cost to Using CreateAI?
One of the most common questions we receive from faculty and staff is:
“When I see the price listed next to a model in CreateAI, does ASU actually pay that? Should I be worried about assigning this to my students or using it with a large class?”
Short answer: At this time, you do not need to worry about being charged or your department receiving a bill for CreateAI usage.
Who Covers the Cost?
Right now, Enterprise Technology (ET) is covering the cost of nearly all projects created on the CreateAI platform including faculty-led bots, classroom use, and even large-enrollment courses (yes, even 500+ students!).
There is no expectation that individual programs or faculty will incur costs for platform use.
Why Do We Still Show Model Pricing?
You may notice that some models in CreateAI show a pricing estimate (e.g., $0.01 per 1,000 tokens). This is included for transparency, to help users:
- Understand that there is a real cost to using AI tools
- Compare the efficiency of different models
Make responsible, informed choices when building bots for large audiences
While these numbers reflect the underlying cost to ASU, they do not impact you at this time.
Will It Always Be Free?
We can’t guarantee that usage will always be free in the future. As CreateAI scales and usage grows, the university may explore different approaches to sustainability. However:
- Any changes would be communicated well in advance
- We are committed to keeping access as open and equitable as possible
- Our team will provide tools and guidance to help you monitor and manage usage if costs ever become a factor
Our Ask: Use Thoughtfully
We encourage all users to be good stewards of university resources. Some quick tips:
- Use the model that’s “good enough” for your needs: You can use this resource to help guide you CreateAI's Available LLM Models (includes CreateAI Builder, CreateAI Chat, CreateAI Compare)
- Turn off chat memory when it’s not needed
- Test bots with small groups before launching to large audiences
If you ever have questions about model costs, data usage, or how to manage your projects efficiently, feel free to [email protected] or drop into every Wednesday from 12:00PM - 1:00PM
Zoom Link: https://asu.zoom.us/j/89092293944
We’re here to support you!
Keep Reading
Can I Use FERPA Data in CreateAI Builder?
Faith Timoh Abang
Yes, you may use FERPA-regulated student data in CreateAI Builder, but only under specific conditions. This article explains what that means, what protections are in place, and what responsibilities you have as a project owner.
Accepted File Types in CreateAI Builder
Faith Timoh Abang
CreateAI Builder supports a wide range of file types for uploading into your project’s Knowledge Base. This guide provides the full list of accepted file formats.
Students Using CreateAI: What Happens When You Upload a File?
Faith Timoh Abang
If you’re using a CreateAI chatbot as part of a class, research, or student service, you may have the option to upload files like PDFs, assignments, or notes into the chat. Here’s what you need to know about how your files are handled and your privacy is protected.
CreateAI Builder: What Faculty Should Know About Student File Uploads
Faith Timoh Abang
If you’ve created a custom bot using CreateAI Builder for students to use whether for advising, coursework, or academic support, here's what you need to know about how student file uploads are handled and what safeguards are in place.
This guide covers storage, privacy, copyright, and recommended practices for faculty-led bots.