Arizona State University School of Sustainability
- Acceptance Rate
- 88.0%
- SAT Range
- N/A
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.55
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
- N/A
- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Students in the School of Sustainability join a community of passionate individuals committed to creating positive environmental and social change. The school's culture emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and practical impact, attracting students with diverse backgrounds united by shared values. Student organizations provide opportunities for leadership, networking, and extracurricular engagement with sustainability issues. ASU's Tempe campus provides extensive facilities and resources for students including modern classrooms, research laboratories, and collaborative spaces. The university's amenities include recreation facilities, diverse dining options, and cultural programming. The large undergraduate population creates a vibrant campus atmosphere with sporting events, performances, and social activities throughout the academic year. Housing options range from on-campus residence halls to off-campus apartments throughout the Tempe area. The cost of living in Phoenix and Tempe is relatively moderate compared to coastal cities, making student life more affordable. Many students share apartments in neighborhoods near campus accessible by walking, cycling, or ASU's extensive transit system. Graduate student life involves balancing coursework, research, and often teaching responsibilities. The graduate student community within the school provides peer support and intellectual engagement. Regular seminars, workshops, and social events bring students together across degree programs. The school's connections to sustainability practitioners through events and partnerships expose students to professional networks and career opportunities.
Location & Surroundings
The School of Sustainability is based on Arizona State University's Tempe campus, located in the Phoenix metropolitan area. The campus sits along the southern edge of Tempe, immediately adjacent to the Phoenix city limits. The greater Phoenix metropolitan area is the fifth largest in the United States, offering urban amenities while maintaining proximity to dramatic desert landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities. Phoenix features a hot desert climate with extremely warm summers (often exceeding 40 degrees Celsius) and mild, pleasant winters averaging 15-20 degrees Celsius. The region receives minimal rainfall and abundant sunshine, creating both challenges for sustainable development and opportunities for solar energy research. Students should prepare for summer heat and the unique lifestyle adaptations that desert living requires. Transportation in Phoenix relies heavily on automobiles, though ASU has invested significantly in alternative options. The Valley Metro light rail connects the Tempe campus to downtown Phoenix and other areas. ASU operates shuttle services across its multiple campuses. Cycling infrastructure continues to expand, and many students manage without cars by living near campus and using transit for longer trips. The Phoenix area's rapid growth makes it a living laboratory for sustainability challenges and solutions. Issues including water management, urban heat, transportation, and desert ecosystem conservation are immediately visible and relevant. The region hosts numerous sustainability-focused organizations, government agencies, and businesses providing internship and employment opportunities. Surrounding public lands including the Tonto National Forest and Sonoran Desert landscapes offer weekend escape opportunities.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition at ASU for the School of Sustainability varies by residency status and program level. Undergraduate in-state tuition runs approximately $11,000-12,000 annually, while out-of-state students pay roughly $30,000-32,000. Graduate tuition ranges from $11,000-12,000 for Arizona residents to $23,000-25,000 for non-residents, though many graduate students receive tuition remission through assistantships. Graduate assistantships provide tuition waivers plus monthly stipends (approximately $1,800-2,500 monthly) in exchange for research or teaching responsibilities. These positions are competitive but represent the primary funding pathway for graduate students. Fellowships and scholarships supplement assistantship funding for exceptional students. The school and university also provide need-based financial aid and loan options. Living costs in the Phoenix area are moderate by national standards. Students should budget approximately $15,000-20,000 annually for rent, food, transportation, and personal expenses. Shared housing near campus helps control costs, with rents for shared apartments typically ranging from $600-900 monthly per person including utilities. Career outcomes for School of Sustainability graduates span diverse sectors. Alumni work in government agencies at federal, state, and local levels; nonprofit organizations focused on environmental and social issues; corporate sustainability departments; consulting firms; and academic institutions. Common roles include sustainability managers, environmental analysts, program coordinators, and policy researchers. The school's career services assist students with job searches, networking, and professional development. ASU's extensive alumni network and reputation in sustainability fields facilitate career opportunities.
Campus Location
Explore More
See your match score for Arizona State University School of Sustainability
Find out how you compare to admitted students with a personalized admission assessment.
See your match score — Sign up free