Overview: Arizona State University
Arizona State University (ASU), officially established in 1885, is a comprehensive public research university located in Tempe, Arizona, United States. With additional campuses across the Phoenix metropolitan area, ASU is one of the largest public universities by enrollment in the U.S., hosting over 150,000 students (including online learners) and comprising 17 colleges and schools. Renowned for its innovation and scale, ASU is recognized as a top-tier research university, committed to access, excellence, and impact both locally and globally.
Academic Strengths and Structure
ASU is highly regarded for its strengths in engineering, business, sustainability, life sciences, journalism, and the humanities. Signature programs include the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering and the W. P. Carey School of Business, both ranked among the nation’s best. Its transdisciplinary approach emphasizes innovation and real-world problem-solving, encouraging collaboration across fields. ASU ranks among the top 1% of the world’s most prestigious universities and is consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the #1 most innovative university in the United States. With annual research expenditures exceeding $700 million, the university collaborates with institutions such as Mayo Clinic and NASA, and participates in academic consortia and global research initiatives. Its diverse online programs and partnerships further extend its academic reach.
Student Life and Community
ASU offers a vibrant campus life, with over 1,000 student organizations spanning academic, cultural, and recreational interests. The university hosts numerous events—from arts exhibitions to athletics—on its four metropolitan campuses and online. On-campus housing, comprehensive student support services, world-class Division I sports teams, and extensive wellness and multicultural centers foster community engagement and well-being. ASU strongly emphasizes diversity and inclusion, with students representing more than 150 countries, enhancing intercultural learning and global understanding. From residence life to volunteer programs, students are immersed in a supportive and dynamic environment promoting personal growth, leadership, and lifelong connections.
Mission, Vision, and Values
Guided by its charter, ASU is committed to inclusion, advancing research with public value, and assuming fundamental responsibility for the communities it serves. The university champions sustainability, innovation, equity, and global citizenship as central tenets of its educational philosophy.
