Arizona State University

Tempe, AZ US News #105

88.0%

Acceptance Rate

1240

Avg SAT

Avg ACT

3.55

Avg GPA

Arizona State University has transformed American higher education through its innovative approach to access, excellence, and impact. Founded in 1885 as a territorial normal school, ASU has evolved into the largest public university in the United States by enrollment, serving over 140,000 students across its metropolitan Phoenix campuses and through ASU Online. Under visionary leadership, Arizona State has rejected the traditional model of exclusivity, instead embracing the principle that a great university is measured not by whom it excludes but by whom it includes and how they succeed. The university operates five distinct campuses across the Phoenix metropolitan area—Tempe, Downtown Phoenix, Polytechnic, West, and the ASU California Center—each with its own character and academic focus. ASU has been ranked the nation's most innovative university for multiple consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report, reflecting its pioneering approaches to teaching, research, community engagement, and solving society's most pressing challenges. Research expenditures exceed $700 million annually, placing ASU among the nation's top research universities. Arizona State University holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission and maintains specialized accreditations across its hundreds of programs. The university's commitment to sustainability, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary collaboration has created new models for higher education that institutions worldwide seek to emulate. ASU's alumni network exceeds 600,000, with graduates leading organizations and communities across the globe.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate: 88.0%
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Avg GPA: 3.55

Campus & Students

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Outcomes & Cost

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Student Life & Environment

Student life at Arizona State University pulses with energy across multiple campuses, offering something for everyone in a community of over 80,000 students pursuing on-campus and online degrees. The Tempe campus anchors the residential experience, with vibrant Greek life engaging approximately 7% of students and hundreds of student organizations spanning every conceivable interest. Memorial Union and the Student Pavilion serve as campus gathering places, housing dining options, study spaces, and programming that creates community among the diverse student body. Sun Devil Athletics generate tremendous excitement, with football games at Sun Devil Stadium and basketball at Desert Financial Arena creating shared experiences that unite students, alumni, and the broader Phoenix community. The Sun Devil Fitness Complex provides outstanding recreational facilities including multiple gyms, pools, climbing walls, and extensive outdoor sports courts. Mill Avenue, bordering the Tempe campus, offers restaurants, shops, and entertainment within walking distance. The university's metropolitan location provides access to professional sports, major concerts, cultural attractions, and internship opportunities throughout one of America's largest cities. ASU's commitment to sustainability extends to student life, with initiatives ranging from campus bike-sharing to urban farming projects to residence halls designed for minimal environmental impact. The university actively supports first-generation students, students from underrepresented backgrounds, and students with diverse life circumstances, creating a genuinely inclusive environment where everyone can find their place.

Location & Surroundings

The Phoenix metropolitan area provides ASU students with unique advantages including abundant career opportunities, year-round outdoor activities, and a dynamic urban environment in one of America's fastest-growing regions. The main Tempe campus occupies a central location in the Valley of the Sun, with the Salt River and Town Lake creating a refreshing waterfront environment in the heart of the campus. Greater Phoenix has emerged as a major technology and business hub, with companies including Intel, Honeywell, and numerous startups establishing significant operations and creating internship and employment opportunities for students. The region's healthcare sector, anchored by institutions including Mayo Clinic and Banner Health, provides extensive opportunities for students in health-related fields. Downtown Phoenix, home to ASU's downtown campus, has experienced remarkable revitalization with new restaurants, entertainment venues, and professional sports facilities. The climate features more than 300 sunny days annually, enabling year-round outdoor activities though summer temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Nearby outdoor recreation includes hiking in the McDowell Mountains, kayaking on the Salt River, and skiing at Arizona Snowbowl near Flagstaff. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, one of the nation's busiest, provides convenient connections for students traveling from any location. The cost of living, while rising, remains more affordable than California coastal cities, and housing options abound throughout the metropolitan area for students seeking off-campus accommodation.

Costs & Career Outcomes

As Arizona's largest public university, ASU provides significant value, particularly for state residents who benefit from in-state tuition rates that make a nationally-ranked education accessible to families across the economic spectrum. Annual tuition and fees for Arizona residents total approximately $12,000, while nonresident students should budget approximately $30,000 for tuition and fees alone. Total cost of attendance including housing, meals, books, and personal expenses ranges from $30,000 for in-state students to $50,000 for out-of-state students. The university awards significant financial aid, with need-based grants, merit scholarships, and work-study opportunities helping students finance their education. The Barack Obama Scholars program provides comprehensive support for high-achieving students from underserved communities. ASU's career outcomes reflect its strong industry connections and location in a dynamic metropolitan economy. Engineering and computer science graduates join technology companies including Intel, Microchip, and numerous startups throughout the Valley. Business graduates enter management positions with major corporations headquartered in Phoenix and beyond. Healthcare-related graduates staff hospitals and clinics throughout Arizona and the Southwest. The Career and Professional Development Services office provides comprehensive support including career coaching, resume development, interview preparation, and recruiting events that attract hundreds of employers. ASU's extensive alumni network spanning over 600,000 graduates provides mentorship and networking opportunities that help new graduates launch careers. Graduate and professional school placement is strong across all disciplines.