Arizona State University
OVERVIEW
Arizona State University is a public research university in the United States. Enrolling 72,254 students in 2011, it is the largest public university in the United States by enrollment. At the same time, it is also the university with the largest undergraduate students both in Arizona and in the United States.
The university was established in 1885 as the Tempe Normal School for the Arizona Territory, and was renamed Arizona State College in 1945. As described by itself, ASU is “one university in many places”, which suggests that the university is not one with separate campuses, nor one main campus with branch campuses. Its four campuses spread across the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, with inter-campus shuttle and light rail making it convenient to travel between the campuses.
Arizona State University offers degrees in certificate bachelor’s, post-bachelor’s certificate, master’s, post-master’s certificate, and doctorate’s programs. In addition, a number of combined-degree programs are provided at the university as well. More than 250 majors are offered to undergraduate students, together with over 100 graduate programs leading to master’s and doctorate’s degrees.
The mission of ASU is:
To establish ASU as the model for a New American University, measured not by who we exclude, but rather by who we include; pursuing research and discovery that benefits the public good; assuming major responsibility for the economic, social, and cultural vitality and health and well-being of the community.
ACCREDITATION
Arizona State University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges since 1931. The last accreditation was conducted in 2003, and the next phase will be taken in the 2012-2013 academic year.
ACADEMICS
ASU comprises 15 colleges and schools:
- Arts and Sciences
- Business
- Design and the Arts
- Education
- Engineering
- Graduate
- Health Solutions
- Honors
- Journalism
- Law
- Nursing and Health
- Public Programs
- Sustainability
- Technology and Innovation
- University (Exploratory)
The most popular majors and course of study for students are as follows:
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
- Education
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
- Social Sciences
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
ASU is ranked No.78 in the world and 45th in the United States by the Academic Ranking of World Universities, and in the 2012 US News and World Report ranking of US colleges and Universities, its undergraduate program is ranked No. 132 among all the 262 national universities.
The Honors College in Arizona State University, or Barrett, is a residential, selective college which educates academically outstanding undergraduates. Students enrolled in Barrett are both part of a disciplinary college as they choose, and of the Honors College community at the same time.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
For freshman admission, applicants are expected to have a high school diploma, and submit their ACT or SAT scores, transcripts from each educational institution attended. English translation is required for foreign-language transcripts. The application needs to be completed online, with the application fee USD 50 for Arizona residents, and USD 65 for non-residents.
COSTS AND FINANCIAL AID
The annual in-state tuition is USD 7,322, and out-of-state tuition is USD 20,257. The room and board may cost about USD 9,706, and the book expense is USD 1,290 on average.
About 78.4 percent freshmen and 70.2 percent undergraduates receive certain kind of need-based scholarships or grant aids. A range of financial aid options are available, including scholarships, President Barack Obama Scholars Program, grants, federal work-study, hourly employment, and student & parent loans.
