University Spotlight: Arizona State University
If you're a student looking for big opportunities and bold ideas, Arizona State University (ASU) might just be the place for you. Here’s what you should know if you’re considering ASU as part of your college journey.
A Global University with a Local Feel
ASU is the largest public university in the country, with over 140,000 students across its multiple campuses in Arizona and its online community. But don’t let the size intimidate you. Each of ASU’s four campuses offers a unique experience based on major and student interests, creating smaller, more connected learning environments. For example:
Tempe Campus (57,500 students): Known for business, architecture, and sustainability.
Downtown Phoenix (12,000 students): Journalism, fashion, and public service.
Polytechnic Campus in Mesa (5,800 students): Focused on engineering and business.
West Valley Campus in Glendale (5,000 students): Offers a smaller class experience (13:1 student-to-faculty ratio).
There's also a growing downtown Los Angeles campus with programs in fashion and film, perfect for students interested in creative industries.
What Kind of Students is ASU Looking For?
ASU is all about access, innovation, and impact. They're looking for students who are curious, ambitious, and eager to make a difference. Whether you're interested in entrepreneurship, engineering, journalism, or nursing, ASU has direct-admit programs in over 300+ majors.
If you meet their academic requirements, you’re guaranteed admission. That’s right…no guessing games.
Admissions Requirements
To qualify for admission, ASU expects students to complete 16 core high school competency courses:
4 years of English
4 years of math
3 years of lab science
2 years of social science
2 years of the same second language
1 year of fine arts or CTE (career & technical education)
You also need to meet one of the following aptitude criteria:
A 3.0 GPA
An ACT score of 24
An SAT score of 1180
Be in the top 25% of your high school class
If you don’t quite meet these, don’t panic, ASU will do an individual review to determine eligibility.
Please note: Test scores are optional. However, you should consider submitting them for merit scholarship consideration if your score is above what’s listed in the aptitude criteria. Essays are also not part of the admissions review due to the large volume of applicants.
What Makes ASU Stand Out?
There are a few things that truly set ASU apart:
#1 in Innovation (ranked above MIT and Stanford!)
Over $1 billion in research funding
A major tech and sustainability hub, with partnerships with OpenAI and other global companies
Virtual reality in the classroom
Study abroad opportunities starting as early as your second semester
First-year support programs like eAdvisors, success coaches, and tutoring centers
And if you're an ambitious student looking for an honors experience, ASU is home to Barrett, The Honors College, one of the top public honors colleges in the nation.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a first-generation student or just starting to map out your college future, Arizona State University could be the perfect place to launch your journey. With clear, straightforward admissions, a deep commitment to student success, and hundreds of dynamic academic programs, ASU makes it easier to turn your goals into reality.
