When it comes to schools in Arizona, the Grand Canyon State has two top universities: the University of Arizona and Arizona State University. Each of these colleges offer competitive programs , a unique campus culture, and a fair bid for Arizona’s top university.
So, who wins the battle of ASU vs U of A? You be the judge! We have compiled everything you need to know about the University of Arizona vs Arizona State University to help you make your decision.
U of A vs. ASU: a General Comparison
| UA | ASU | |
| Location | Tempe, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
| U.S. News Ranking | #109 in National Universities | #121 in National Universities |
| Total Undergraduate Enrollment | 56544 (fall 2024) | 79,818 (fall 2024) |
| Fall 2024 Acceptance Rate | 88% | 90.1% |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 50% | 41% |
| Average First-Year Student Retention Rate | 85% | 85% |
| International Student Retention Rate | 83.5% | 90.4% |
| Estimated Cost of Books and Supplies | $600 | $1320 |
| Tuition and Fees (Out-of-State) | $43,100 | $37,297 |
| Tuition and Fees (In-State) | $13,900 | $14,215 |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 19:1 | 18:1 |
University of Arizona
Founded in 1855, The University of Arizona is one of the top STEM schools in the southwest, and it boasts famous alumni like Kristen Wiig, Rob Gronkowski, and Jerry Bruckheimer. The main campus is located in Tucson, but the university also offers extensive online opportunities. The University of Arizona has been ranked a Top 50 Public University and the 10th best online bachelor’s program in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report (2023).
U of A has approximately 42,000 undergraduate students, so this school definitely has the large-school feel. Students at U of A can choose from over 150 majors, including applied biotechnology, architectural engineering, bioinformatics, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, game design and development, aerospace eEngineering, and more. Students can also study abroad in locations like Australia, Indonesia, Brazil, Sweden, and Morocco.
Student life at the University of Arizona is about much more than education; with over 400 clubs to choose from, U of A prioritizes building connections and getting involved. From Greek life to Coaster Cats to the Arizona Golf Club, there is something for everyone!
If you love sports, you can cheer on your fellow Wildcats or get involved with 21 varsity sports teams! The University of Arizona is a member of the Pac-12 Conference and NCAA Division 1, claiming 19 NCAA championship titles.
But what about off-campus resources? The University of Arizona is located in Tucson, in the heart of the Sonoran Desert and about an hour from the Mexico border. Known for its rich history, unique culture, top-notch golf courses, and southwestern cuisine, Tucson is Arizona’s second-largest city. That means that as a University of Arizona student, you will have access to a vibrant city, amazing food, and dynamic cross-cultural experiences.
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The University of Arizona sounds great, but how does ASU compare?
Arizona State University
Arizona State University was founded in 1886, and the U.S. News Report has ranked it No. 1 in innovation for 9 years in a row. ASU’s Thunderbird School of Global Journalism has also been ranked #1 in the world for international trade, making ASU a standout school for aspiring global business leaders.
Arizona State University is one of the largest schools in the US, with over 142,000 undergraduate students between the main Tempe campus, online courses, and branch campuses. Notable alumni include Jimmy Kimmel, Kate Spade, and Barry Bonds.
ASU offers over 400 undergraduate majors, including computer science, business management, entrepreneurship, and graphic design. It also has 450 graduate degrees, accelerated programs, and study abroad opportunities in 65 different countries. If you want to experience everything a big university has to offer, stay at the same school for your graduate studies, or take advantage of online courses, ASU may be perfect for you.
ASU is also home to Barrett, the Honors College, which has been consistently recognized as a Top Producing Institution by the Fulbright US Student Program. Barrett students benefit from smaller student-to-faculty ratios and over 600 special honors experiences per semester.
With such a large campus, students have plenty of clubs to explore! ASU has over 800 student organizations to choose from, including Greek life, the Hacker Devils, and the Community Service Club. Clubs are the perfect way to make a big campus feel more personal and build connections within your college community.
The ASU Sun Devils also stand out in athletics. ASU is part of the Big 12 with over 26 varsity sports, including women’s water polo, gymnastics, and golf, and and men’s baseballl, wrestling, and hockey. The Sun Devils have even claimed 25 NCAA team titles! And if you want to get a glimpse at professional sports, the Diablo Stadium hosts spring training for the Los Angeles Angels.
Unlike U of A, Arizona State University isn’t located in a major city. However, it is just a 20 minute drive from Phoenix, Arizona’s state capital. So, ASU gives you all the perks of being a college town while still providing access to the resources of a major metropolitan area.
Tempe is perfect for outdoors enthusiasts, with a 25-acre lake for boating, kayaking, and paddle boarding, as well as a 7-mile loop for walking, running, or biking. Downtown Tempe features several great restaurants and bars, but if you’re feeling more adventurous, Phoenix’s high-end resorts, spectacular golfing, luxury shopping, and vibrant nightlife are just a quick drive away.
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Application Process and Deadlines
Both UA and ASU have straightforward application processes, although you should pay attention to differences in certain requirements and deadlines. Prospective students have the option to either through the Common Application or the schools’ respective application portals.
For the University of Arizona:
- $50 application fee for Arizona residents; $80 for other students (fee waivers available)
- The deadline to submit your application for fall admission is May 1.
- SAT/ACT scores must be received by May 2.
- Notifications are sent on a rolling basis (usually 2-3 weeks after submission)
If you want to be considered for a merit scholarship, submit your application by the priority deadline in December. Along with the application form, UA only requires applicants to provide their high school transcripts . Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), personal statements, and letters of recommendation are optional. Candidates for UA must also use the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) system to provide information about their high school coursework and grades.
For Arizona State University:
- $50 application fee for Arizona residents; $65 for other students (fee waivers available)
- For fall admission, the priority deadline is November 1st.
- The standard deadline is February 1st.
- Admissions are made on a rolling basis
Along with the application form, students are required to provide their high school transcripts and letters of recommendation. Test scores and a personal statement are optional.
Admission Requirements and Criteria
Let’s compare the admission requirements for the University of Arizona and Arizona State University so that you can understand what each school is looking for:
University of Arizona Admission
The University of Arizona places significant importance on academics. They take your GPA, class rank, and overall academic curriculum into account. That means the AP and honors classes are a huge plus! However, the University of Arizona also looks at your extracurriculars, so it may be a good idea to round out your application with a resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
If you’re an Arizona resident, you receive special priority in U of A’s admissions process. You are guaranteed an acceptance if you place in the top 25% of your high school graduating class or have a 3.0 unweighted GPA in competency courses.
Arizona State University Admission
Arizona State University has clearly outlined admissions criteria, demystifying the application process. First and foremost, you will not be considered for admission if you have a GPA under 2.0.
If you meet the minimum GPA requirement, ASU requires one of the following:
- Rank in the top 25% of your high school class
- Receive a 3.00 GPA in competency courses
- An ACT score of 22 (Arizona residents) or 24 (out-of state applicants)
- An SAT score of 1120 (Arizona residents) or 1180 (out-of-state applicants)
- A GPA of 2.75 or higher in ASU online courses
That means that even though standardized test scores are optional for ASU, they can make a big difference in your application!
Additional Insights Into The Admission Process
Acceptance Rates:
- ASU typically has a higher acceptance rate (90%) compared to UA (87%), making it slightly less competitive.
Transfer Students:
- Each university accepts transfer applications, but transfer students are required to meet certain requirements, like completing specific courses and maintaining a minimum college GPA.
International Students:
- Both UA and ASU warmly welcome international students.
- Additional requirements include English proficiency tests, such as TOEFL or IELTS, and credential evaluations.
Honors Colleges and Special Programs:
- Both universities provide honors colleges and special programs that may have additional admission requirements.
- These programs offer additional academic opportunities and resources for students who excel.
Application Deadlines:
University of Arizona:
- Due date: May 1
- Common Application Accepted: Yes
- Early Decision Deadline: N/A
- Required Standardized Tests: N/A
- SAT/ACT Scores Must Be Received By: May 2
- Notification Date: On a rolling basis
Arizona State University:
- Due date: February 1st
- Common Application Accepted: Yes
- Early Decision Deadline: N/A
- Required Standardized Tests: N/A
- SAT/ACT Scores Must Be Received By: N/A
- Notification Date: On a rolling basis
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Both the University of Arizona and Arizona State University are committed to making higher education affordable and accessible. They offer a wide range of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans. Here’s a comprehensive guide to navigating the financial aid process at both universities:
| Criteria | ASU | UA |
| Average Need-Based Scholarship or Grant Award | $17,539 | $15,837 |
| Average Non-Need-Based Scholarship or Grant Award | $8,689 | $12,913 |
| Average Debt After Graduation | $19,500 | $25,000 |
| Amount Received Aid | 55% | 46% |
| Average Need-Based Financial Aid Package (Undergraduates) | $14,258 | $16,153 |
| Separate Application Form Required | No | No |
| Application Deadlines | Feb. 1 | Fall – April 1; Spring – Nov. 1 |
Types of Financial Aid
Financial aid isn’t just about scholarships; students can fund their UA or ASU education through a variety of ways. Read on for an overview of the financial aid opportunities provided by UA and ASU.
Scholarships
Both UA and ASU offer numerous need- and merit-based scholarships. Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership experience, community service, and other accomplishments, with examples including the UA Wildcat Excellence Tuition Award and ASU’s New American University Scholarship. Specific departments within the universities may also offer scholarships based on your major or field of study.
Need-based scholarships are awarded based on your financial necessity, as determined by the Free Application for Student Aid, or FAFSA. Additionally, many private organizations and foundations offer external scholarships that can be used at UA or ASU.
Grants
Grants are a form of need-based aid that do not need to be repaid. You can apply federal grants, like Pell Grants and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG), or Arizona state grants like the Arizona Leveraging Educational Assistance
Partnership (AzLEAP), to your UA or ASU tuition. Both universities also provide their own institutional grant programs to assist students with financial need.
Work-Study Programs
Work-study programs offer part-time employment opportunities to students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay for college expenses. Both UA and ASU participate in the Federal Work-Study Program.
Career Services and Alumni Network
College is all about preparing for the next step in your career, and both the University of Arizona and Arizona State University offer resources to support students in their academic and professional journeys They help students connect with alumni mentors, explore career paths, and find job opportunities.
The UA Alumni Association provides a network of mentors who offer career development advice, job search strategies, and industry insights. They also organize networking events, career seminars, and alumni panels to introduce students to successful professionals.
Similarly, ASU’s Alumni Association offers mentoring, job leads, and professional guidance. They host networking events and alumni talks, providing students with valuable connections and career advice.
Companies that most frequently hire graduates from Arizona State University:
- Wells Fargo
- Microsoft
- Deloitte
- Apple
- Amazon
- American Express
- PepsiCo
- Honeywell
- Intel
- Banner Health
Companies that most frequently hire graduates from University of Arizona:
- Intel
- American Express
- Arizona Public Service
- AT&T
- Deloitte
- IBM
- Amazon
- Bank of America Merrill Lynch
- Wells Fargo
- Charles Schwab
Settle the Score: U of A vs ASU
So, which is better: U of A or ASU? ? It all depends on what you are looking for. Students often ask, “Where should I go to college?,” but the truth is, only you can decide which school is best for you.
Think about your priorities and how you learn best. Do you already have a specific major in mind, or are you looking to explore different options? Are there any faculty members, classes, or student organizations that you are particularly excited about? Does location matter? How do you feel on campus? Take all of these factors into account as you make your decision.
Here are a few more quick stats on University of Arizona vs. Arizona State University:
Is ASU or U of A Bigger?
ASU is much larger than U of A, with over 180,000 students, compared to approximately 53,000 at U of A.
Is ASU or U of A Easier To Get In To?
ASU and U of A have similar acceptance rates, with U of A being slightly more competitive (88% acceptance rate) than ASU, which has a 90% acceptance rate. Both universities are easier to get into than the average US college acceptance rate of 70%.
Is ASU or U of A More Expensive?
U of A is more expensive than ASU for out-of-state students, with non-resident tuition costing $43,100 at U of A, compared to $37,297 at ASU However, for in-state students, U of A is cheaper, with a $13,900 in-state tuition cost compared to ASU’s $14,215. Both schools offer financial aid, so your actual tuition cost may vary.
Is ASU or U of A Ranked Higher?
U of A is ranked higher than ASU, with the University of Arizona ranking #109 of National Universities and Arizona State University ranking #121.
Final Thoughts
The University of Arizona vs Arizona State University debate is a tough one. Both universities offer an excellent education in a large university setting, with extensive alumni networks and easy access to metropolitan areas. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to your personal preferences and career goals.
If you’ve just started filling out your college applications, you don’t have to decide just yet! Apply to both schools and any other institutions you may be interested in attending; it is good to cast a wide net.
And if you need some help navigating the application process, reach out to Empowerly. Our top-ranked college admissions counselors have the expertise you need to find the right school for you–and get accepted!
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