A Hub of Innovation, Inclusion, and Impact
Arizona State University (ASU), located in the heart of the American Southwest, is more than just one of the largest public universities in the United States. It’s a global leader in innovation, sustainability, and inclusive excellence. With a bold mission to redefine the role of higher education in the 21st century, ASU has consistently broken boundaries in research, community engagement, and student success.
A Brief History of Growth and Change
Founded in 1885 as the Territorial Normal School in Tempe, ASU began as a small teacher-training college with just 33 students. Over the decades, it evolved through various name changes and expanded its academic offerings. In 1958, it officially became Arizona State University. Since then, it has transformed into a multi-campus research powerhouse, with a student population that now exceeds 140,000 across all modalities (on-campus and online).
Today, ASU includes five major campuses across the Phoenix metropolitan area—Tempe, Downtown Phoenix, West, Polytechnic, and ASU at Lake Havasu—as well as a growing global presence through online programs and international partnerships.
Innovation Without Boundaries
ASU has been named the #1 “Most Innovative School” in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report every year since 2016, ahead of MIT and Stanford. This recognition comes from ASU’s radical approach to redesigning higher education—breaking down traditional silos between disciplines, expanding access to underserved communities, and integrating technology at every level of instruction and research.
One standout example is ASU’s online learning platform, which offers over 300 degree programs and certificates, allowing students from all over the world to earn an ASU degree. The university is also home to research centers focused on space exploration, sustainable energy, artificial intelligence, and health innovation.
In partnership with major organizations like NASA, Starbucks, and Mayo Clinic, ASU continues to push the boundaries of what a public university can achieve.
Academic Excellence and Opportunity
ASU offers more than 400 undergraduate majors and over 450 graduate degree programs across 17 colleges and schools. Whether you’re studying engineering, business, journalism, sustainability, or the arts, ASU provides a highly interdisciplinary and hands-on learning experience.
ASU’s Barrett, The Honors College is one of the top honors colleges in the nation, offering a rigorous academic program within a supportive community. Meanwhile, schools like the W. P. Carey School of Business, the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, and the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication are nationally recognized for their excellence.
In addition, ASU is known for its strong commitment to access and affordability. It offers robust financial aid, merit scholarships, and support services for first-generation, transfer, and underrepresented students.
Campus Life and Student Engagement
ASU boasts a vibrant and diverse student community. With students from all 50 U.S. states and more than 130 countries, the campus culture is dynamic and globally minded. There are over 1,000 student-led clubs and organizations, covering everything from academic interests and cultural associations to intramural sports and performing arts.
Sun Devil Athletics, ASU’s NCAA Division I sports program, adds a spirited energy to campus life. Whether it’s football at Mountain America Stadium or basketball at Desert Financial Arena, ASU students take pride in their school spirit.
In addition to academics and sports, ASU places a strong emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship, and service. Programs like Changemaker Central and the ASU Venture Devils initiative encourage students to start businesses, develop social enterprises, and lead meaningful change in their communities.
Global Reach and Societal Impact
ASU’s vision goes far beyond Arizona. Through its international campuses and online programs, the university is educating students in more than 150 countries. It also partners with global institutions and NGOs to tackle some of the world’s most urgent challenges, including climate change, education access, and health equity.
The university’s Charter—which emphasizes inclusion, research that benefits the public, and measurable societal impact—guides every decision ASU makes. It’s a model that other universities are beginning to study and emulate.
