diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/programs/__init__.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/programs/__init__.py
index a6287c38bf..380a63c022 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/programs/__init__.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/programs/__init__.py
@@ -8,3 +8,10 @@ if and only if the service is deployed in the Open edX installation.
 To ensure maximum separation of concerns, and a minimum of interdependencies,
 this package should be kept small, thin, and stateless.
 """
+from openedx.core.djangoapps.waffle_utils import (WaffleSwitch, WaffleSwitchNamespace)
+
+PROGRAMS_WAFFLE_SWITCH_NAMESPACE = WaffleSwitchNamespace(name='programs')
+
+# This is meant to be enabled until https://openedx.atlassian.net/browse/LEARNER-5573 needs to be resolved
+ALWAYS_CALCULATE_PROGRAM_PRICE_AS_ANONYMOUS_USER = WaffleSwitch(
+    PROGRAMS_WAFFLE_SWITCH_NAMESPACE, 'always_calculate_program_price_as_anonymous_user')
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/programs/tests/test_utils.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/programs/tests/test_utils.py
index 107471bad2..9a8b6d32e9 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/programs/tests/test_utils.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/programs/tests/test_utils.py
@@ -17,6 +17,8 @@ from pytz import utc
 
 from course_modes.models import CourseMode
 from entitlements.tests.factories import CourseEntitlementFactory
+from waffle.testutils import override_switch
+
 from lms.djangoapps.certificates.api import MODES
 from lms.djangoapps.commerce.tests.test_utils import update_commerce_config
 from lms.djangoapps.commerce.utils import EcommerceService
@@ -29,6 +31,10 @@ from openedx.core.djangoapps.catalog.tests.factories import (
     SeatFactory,
     generate_course_run_key
 )
+from openedx.core.djangoapps.programs import (
+    PROGRAMS_WAFFLE_SWITCH_NAMESPACE,
+    ALWAYS_CALCULATE_PROGRAM_PRICE_AS_ANONYMOUS_USER
+)
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.programs.tests.factories import ProgressFactory
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.programs.utils import (
     DEFAULT_ENROLLMENT_START_DATE,
@@ -1535,6 +1541,31 @@ class TestProgramMarketingDataExtender(ModuleStoreTestCase):
         )
         self.assertEqual(data['discount_data'], mock_discount_data)
 
+    @httpretty.activate
+    @override_switch("{}.{}".format(
+        PROGRAMS_WAFFLE_SWITCH_NAMESPACE.name,
+        ALWAYS_CALCULATE_PROGRAM_PRICE_AS_ANONYMOUS_USER.switch_name
+    ), active=True)
+    def test_fetching_program_price_when_forced_as_anonymous_user(self):
+        """
+        When all users are forced as anonymous, all requests to calculate the program
+        price should have the query parameter is_anonymous=True
+        """
+        self._prepare_program_for_discounted_price_calculation_endpoint()
+        mock_discount_data = {
+            'total_incl_tax_excl_discounts': 200.0,
+            'currency': 'USD',
+            'total_incl_tax': 50.0
+        }
+        httpretty.register_uri(
+            httpretty.GET,
+            self.ECOMMERCE_CALCULATE_DISCOUNT_ENDPOINT,
+            body=json.dumps(mock_discount_data),
+            content_type='application/json'
+        )
+        ProgramMarketingDataExtender(self.program, self.user).extend()
+        self.assertEqual(httpretty.last_request().querystring.get('is_anonymous')[0], u'True')
+
     @httpretty.activate
     def test_fetching_program_discounted_price_as_anonymous_user(self):
         """
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/programs/utils.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/programs/utils.py
index 5f178b92dc..57dec906e7 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/programs/utils.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/programs/utils.py
@@ -28,6 +28,7 @@ from openedx.core.djangoapps.catalog.utils import get_programs, get_fulfillable_
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.commerce.utils import ecommerce_api_client
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.content.course_overviews.models import CourseOverview
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.credentials.utils import get_credentials
+from openedx.core.djangoapps.programs import ALWAYS_CALCULATE_PROGRAM_PRICE_AS_ANONYMOUS_USER
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.site_configuration import helpers as configuration_helpers
 from student.models import CourseEnrollment
 from util.date_utils import strftime_localized
@@ -614,8 +615,9 @@ class ProgramDataExtender(object):
 
                 api = ecommerce_api_client(api_user)
 
-                # Make an API call to calculate the discounted price
-                if is_anonymous:
+                # The user specific program price is slow to calculate, so use switch to force the
+                # anonymous price for all users. See LEARNER-5555 for more details.
+                if is_anonymous or ALWAYS_CALCULATE_PROGRAM_PRICE_AS_ANONYMOUS_USER.is_enabled():
                     discount_data = api.baskets.calculate.get(sku=skus, is_anonymous=True)
                 else:
                     discount_data = api.baskets.calculate.get(sku=skus, username=self.user.username)