Arizona State University, also known as ASU, is one of the largest public universities in the United States. With a diverse student body, a wide range of academic programs, and a reputation for innovation, ASU has become a popular choice for students seeking a top-notch education. However, the question remains: is ASU a good school?
There are many factors to consider when evaluating the quality of a university. One important metric is academic rankings, which are often used as a measure of a school’s overall reputation and prestige. According to the latest rankings from U.S. News & World Report, ASU is ranked #121 in National Universities, tied with several other schools. This places it in the top 25% of all universities in the country, and suggests that it is a solid choice for students seeking a high-quality education.
Of course, rankings are just one piece of the puzzle. Other factors that may influence a student’s decision to attend ASU include the quality of its faculty, the availability of academic resources and support services, and the overall campus experience. In the following sections, we will explore these and other factors in more detail to help answer the question of whether ASU is a good school.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Programs
Arizona State University offers a wide range of undergraduate programs in various fields of study. With over 300 undergraduate degree programs, ASU provides students with a diverse range of options to choose from. The university offers programs in fields such as business, engineering, journalism, education, health, humanities, and social sciences.
ASU’s undergraduate programs are designed to provide students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for the workforce. The university’s curriculum is designed to provide students with hands-on experience, research opportunities, and internships that help them gain practical skills and knowledge.
Some popular undergraduate programs at ASU include business, engineering, computer science, psychology, and biology. The university’s W. P. Carey School of Business is one of the top business schools in the country, offering undergraduate programs in accounting, finance, marketing, and management. The Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering offers undergraduate programs in aerospace, biomedical, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, environmental, materials, mechanical, and software engineering.
Graduate Programs
ASU’s graduate programs are among the best in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 “Best Graduate Schools” rankings. The university offers over 200 graduate degree programs in various fields of study, including business, engineering, law, education, health, humanities, and social sciences.
ASU’s graduate programs are designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in their chosen fields of study. The university’s faculty members are experts in their fields and are committed to providing students with a challenging and rewarding academic experience.
Some popular graduate programs at ASU include MBA, law, engineering, education, and public administration. The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law is one of the top law schools in the country, offering graduate programs in various fields of law, including business law, environmental law, and health law. The W. P. Carey School of Business offers graduate programs in MBA, accounting, business analytics, finance, management, and marketing.
In conclusion, Arizona State University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields of study. The university’s comprehensive curriculum, hands-on experience, research opportunities, and internships provide students with practical skills and knowledge that prepare them for the workforce. ASU’s faculty members are experts in their fields and are committed to providing students with a challenging and rewarding academic experience.
Faculty and Research
Faculty Credentials and Experience
Arizona State University has a diverse and highly qualified faculty, with over 3,000 full-time faculty members. More than 90% of the faculty hold doctoral or other terminal degrees in their fields, and many are recognized as leaders in their respective areas of study. ASU faculty members have won numerous awards and honors, including Fulbright Fellowships, Guggenheim Fellowships, and MacArthur Fellowships. Additionally, ASU has a strong commitment to hiring faculty from underrepresented groups, with over 30% of faculty identifying as members of minority groups.
ASU faculty members are dedicated to teaching and mentoring students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1. The university has a strong emphasis on experiential learning and offers a variety of opportunities for students to work closely with faculty on research projects and other scholarly activities. This close collaboration between students and faculty helps to ensure that students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for success in their chosen careers.
Research Opportunities
ASU is a research-intensive institution, with over $600 million in research expenditures in 2020. The university is home to numerous research centers and institutes, including the Biodesign Institute, the Global Institute of Sustainability and Innovation, and the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory. These centers and institutes bring together faculty members and students from across disciplines to work on some of the world’s most pressing challenges, such as climate change, health disparities, and cybersecurity.
ASU is also committed to providing undergraduate and graduate students with opportunities to engage in research and other scholarly activities. The university offers a variety of programs and resources to support student research, including the Undergraduate Research Program, the Graduate Research Support Program, and the Fulton Undergraduate Research Initiative. These programs provide students with hands-on experience in their fields of study and help to prepare them for careers in academia, industry, and other sectors.
Overall, ASU’s commitment to hiring highly qualified faculty and providing students with opportunities to engage in research and other scholarly activities makes it an excellent choice for students who are looking for a high-quality education that prepares them for success in their chosen careers.
Campus Life
Arizona State University offers a vibrant campus life that is perfect for students who are looking for a well-rounded college experience. With a variety of student organizations, housing options, and dining choices, ASU has something for everyone.
Housing and Dining
ASU offers a variety of housing options for students, including traditional residence halls, suites, and apartments. Living on campus is a great way to get involved in campus life and make new friends. ASU also has a variety of dining options, including on-campus restaurants, cafes, and food courts. Students can choose from a variety of meal plans to fit their needs and budget.
ASU’s housing and dining options are designed to provide students with a comfortable and safe living environment. The university has a number of safety measures in place, including 24-hour security and emergency response services.
Student Organizations
ASU has over 1,000 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural organizations, service groups, and recreational clubs. These organizations provide students with the opportunity to get involved in campus life, meet new people, and develop leadership skills.
Joining a student organization is a great way to pursue your interests and passions outside of the classroom. Whether you are interested in sports, music, or community service, ASU has a student organization that is right for you.
ASU also has a number of resources available to help student organizations succeed, including funding opportunities, leadership training, and event planning assistance.
Career Opportunities
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a college is the potential for career opportunities after graduation. Arizona State University (ASU) has a strong reputation for preparing students for successful careers in a variety of fields. Here are some key points to consider:
Employment Rates for Graduates
ASU has a high employment rate for its graduates. According to the university’s 2021-2022 Annual Report, 89% of ASU graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. This is a strong indication that ASU provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the job market.
Additionally, ASU has a robust career services department that provides students with resources and support to help them find job opportunities. The department offers career counseling, resume and cover letter reviews, job search strategies, and networking events, among other services.
Alumni Success Stories
ASU alumni have gone on to achieve great success in a variety of fields. For example, Hadi Partovi, an ASU alumnus, co-founded Code.org, a non-profit organization that aims to increase access to computer science education. Another ASU alumnus, Amanda Nguyen, founded Rise, an organization that advocates for the rights of sexual assault survivors.
ASU also has a strong alumni network that can be beneficial for students looking for career opportunities. The university’s Alumni Association provides networking events, career resources, and other opportunities for alumni to connect with each other and with current students.
Overall, ASU has a strong track record of preparing students for successful careers. Its high employment rate for graduates and impressive alumni success stories are a testament to the quality of education and resources provided by the university.
Conclusion
After researching and analyzing various sources, it is clear that Arizona State University (ASU) is a reputable and well-regarded institution of higher education. While it may have a reputation as a “party school” due to its high acceptance rate, ASU offers a quality education that is highly regarded by employers and other universities.
ASU’s Career and Professional Development Services department offers numerous resources to help students plan their careers and gain valuable experience, including career fairs, workshops, and the My ASU Career Milestones tool. Additionally, ASU has been recognized by The Princeton Review as one of “The Best 386 Colleges” in its 2021 rankings, highlighting ASU’s strengths in fields such as agriculture, business and finance, and journalism.
Furthermore, ASU has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a National University, placing it in the top tier of universities in the United States. While its in-state tuition and fees are relatively affordable at $11,618, out-of-state tuition and fees can be costly at $30,592.
In conclusion, ASU is a good school that offers a quality education and numerous resources to help students succeed in their careers. While it may have a reputation as a “party school,” this should not detract from the excellent education and opportunities that ASU provides to its students.
