Arizona State University (ASU) is one of the most innovative and fastest-growing public research universities in the United States. Located in Tempe, Arizona, ASU is known for its academic excellence, online learning innovation, and inclusive admissions policies.
Consistently ranked among the top universities for innovation and global impact, ASU offers over 800 undergraduate and graduate programs across diverse fields such as business, engineering, computer science, education, nursing, and social work.
Whether you’re an on-campus learner or an online student balancing work and study, ASU’s flexible and accredited programs make higher education accessible for all.
About Arizona State University
Founded: 1885ASU’s reputation stems from its research leadership, strong online programs, and commitment to sustainability and innovation. It has been ranked as the #1 Most Innovative University in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report for nine consecutive years (2015–2023).
ASU Campuses and Locations
1. Tempe Campus: Main research and academic hubEach campus has a distinct focus, offering students a variety of environments — from metropolitan learning in downtown Phoenix to cutting-edge innovation labs in Tempe.
ASU Rankings and Reputation
ASU consistently ranks among the top universities globally for both research and innovation.
U.S. & Global Rankings (2025):
- #1 in Innovation – U.S. News & World Report
- #6 in Online MBA Programs – QS World University Rankings
- #47 among Public Universities – U.S. News
- Top 100 Global Universities – Times Higher Education
Notable Achievements:
- Over 500,000 alumni worldwide
- Recognized for sustainability leadership and research excellence
- Partnerships with NASA, Intel, and Mayo Clinic
Accreditation and Online Legitimacy
Yes, Arizona State University is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), ensuring that both on-campus and online degrees are legitimate and recognized nationwide.
ASU Online degrees carry the same academic standards as those offered on campus — taught by ASU’s faculty, using advanced digital learning technology.
Is ASU Online Accredited?
Yes, ASU Online is HLC-accredited and offers more than 300 undergraduate and graduate programs entirely online.
Admissions and Application Requirements
Undergraduate Admission Requirements:
- GPA: Minimum 3.0 (B average)
- SAT: 1120 or higher (optional for 2025)
- ACT: 22 or higher (optional)
- High school transcript or equivalent
- English proficiency for international students (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo)
Graduate Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- GPA: Minimum 3.0 (some programs higher)
- GRE/GMAT (if required by program)
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose and résumé
Application Platforms:
Students can apply through the ASU Application or Common App.
Application Deadlines 2025
Undergraduate Deadlines:
- Spring 2025: November 1, 2024
- Fall 2025 (Priority): February 1, 2025
- Final Deadline: July 1, 2025
Graduate Deadlines:
Vary by program — typically between December and April for Fall admission.
Online Programs:
Rolling admissions, with multiple start dates throughout the year.
Tuition, Fees, and Costs (2025)
Annual Tuition (Full-Time Students):
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State | Online |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $12,051 | $32,193 | ~$13,000 |
| Graduate | $13,500 | $28,000 | $14,000–$20,000 |
| MBA (Online) | - | - | ~$64,000 total |
| MSW (Online) | - | - | ~$43,000 total |
Additional Costs:
- Room & Board (on campus): $13,000–$15,000
- Books & Supplies: $1,000
- Health Insurance (optional): $2,500
Cost per Semester:
Average $6,000–$8,000 (undergraduate, in-state).
Financial Aid:
ASU participates in FAFSA and offers scholarships, grants, and work-study programs.
ASU Online: Flexible & Accredited Learning
ASU Online offers more than 300 degrees fully online, covering disciplines from business and education to engineering, health, and social work.
Benefits of ASU Online:
- 100% accredited
- Flexible scheduling with multiple start dates
- Same faculty as on-campus programs
- 24/7 access to learning resources
- Personalized academic advising
Popular ASU Online Degrees:
- Online MBA
- Online MSW (Social Work)
- RN-to-BSN Nursing Program
- Master of Public Administration (MPA)
- Master’s in Teaching and Curriculum
Top Programs at Arizona State University
a. Online MBA (W.P. Carey School of Business)
ASU’s Online MBA is ranked among the Top 10 in the U.S. by U.S. News.
- Duration: 21 months
- Tuition: ~$64,000 total
- Features: Six start dates per year, leadership labs, and virtual networking
- Career Outcomes: Consulting, Finance, Management, Entrepreneurship
b. Online MSW (Master of Social Work)
Offered by the Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions, the ASU Online MSW prepares students for social impact careers.
- Duration: 2–3 years
- Tuition: ~$43,000 total
- Focus Areas: Child welfare, behavioral health, and community leadership
- Format: 100% online, with supervised fieldwork
c. RN-to-BSN Nursing Program
Designed for registered nurses looking to earn a bachelor’s degree while working.
- Duration: 14–16 months
- Credits Required: 39 upper-division credits
- Delivery: 100% online
- Tuition: ~$13,000 total
d. Master of Public Administration (MPA)
ASU’s MPA equips students for leadership in public and nonprofit sectors.
- Duration: 2 years
- Tuition: ~$30,000–$36,000
- Core Courses: Public Budgeting, Policy Analysis, Leadership Ethics
e. Industrial Design and Computer Science
The Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts offers one of the nation’s top Industrial Design programs, while the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering leads in Computer Science (CS) and Computer Engineering.
CS Highlights:
- Ranked among Top 50 globally
- Specializations: AI, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity
f. Psychology and Education
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers a diverse range of Psychology degrees — from B.A. to Ph.D.
ASU’s Education programs focus on teaching, curriculum design, and digital learning leadership.
Graduate and Professional Programs
ASU offers over 150 graduate programs, including:
- M.S. in Computer Science
- M.S. in Data Science
- M.Ed. in Educational Leadership
- M.S. in Biomimicry (unique interdisciplinary program)
- M.S. in Film and Media Studies
- Ph.D. programs in Science, Humanities, and Engineering
Tuition for Graduate and Master’s Programs
| Program | Tuition (Approx.) | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|
| MBA | $64,000 total | Online/On-campus |
| MSW | $43,000 total | Online |
| MPA | $30,000–$36,000 | Online/Hybrid |
| M.S. Computer Science | $28,000–$33,000 | On-campus/Online |
| RN-to-MSN | $24,000 | Online |
ASU also offers financial support through assistantships, tuition waivers, and graduate fellowships.
Research, Innovation, and Biomimicry at ASU
ASU is a global leader in sustainability research and innovation.
Notably, its Biomimicry Center integrates nature-inspired innovation into science and design programs.
Research Collaborations:
- NASA (Space Exploration Initiative)
- Intel & Amazon Web Services (AI & Cloud Research)
- Mayo Clinic (Health Innovation Partnership)
International Students and Global Opportunities
- Over 13,000 international students from 150+ countries
- Dedicated International Students Office (ISO)
- Assistance with visa documentation, housing, and orientation
- English Language Support through Global Launch
Top Programs for International Students:
- Engineering and Technology
- Business Administration
- Computer Science
- Sustainability Studies
Financial Aid and Scholarships
ASU offers numerous scholarships and grants:
Undergraduate:
- New American University Scholarship
- President’s Scholarship
- Provost’s Award
Graduate:
- Dean’s Fellowship
- Teaching & Research Assistantships
Federal Aid:
Available through FAFSA (School Code: 001081)
Credit Transfer and Online Flexibility
Students can transfer credits from other accredited institutions.
ASU’s Transfer Credit Tool helps students determine course equivalency in advance.
Online Transfer Benefits:
- 90 transfer credits accepted (undergraduate)
- Dedicated transfer advisors
Key Facts and Statistics
- Total Enrollment (2024): Over 150,000 students
- Online Enrollment: 75,000+
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
- Retention Rate: 89%
- Graduation Rate: 74%
ASU continues to expand globally, offering both accessibility and excellence in higher education.
Why Choose Arizona State University
#1 in Innovation for nine years
300+ online and hybrid degree programs
Affordable tuition with global recognition
Research partnerships with NASA and major tech companies
Diverse, inclusive, and sustainable learning environment
ASU’s model proves that accessibility, quality, and innovation can coexist to shape future-ready learners.
Contact and Address
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ 85281, United States
Phone: +1 855-278-5080
Website: www.asu.edu
Email (Admissions): admission@asu.edu
FAQs About Arizona State University (ASU)
Q1. Is ASU Online accredited?
Yes, ASU Online is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Q2. What is ASU’s acceptance rate?
Around 88%, making it moderately selective but highly competitive for some programs.
Q3. How much does ASU cost per year?
In-state: ~$12,000; Out-of-state: ~$32,000; Online: ~$13,000 per year.
Q4. What is the best online program at ASU?
ASU’s Online MBA, MSW, and RN-to-BSN are nationally ranked for quality and flexibility.
Q5. What is the application deadline for Fall 2025?
Priority: February 1, 2025; Final: July 1, 2025.
Q6. What is ASU known for?
Innovation, research, sustainability, and leadership in online education.
Q7. Does ASU accept credit transfers?
Yes, ASU has one of the most transfer-friendly systems in the U.S.

