If you have been researching some of the top schools in the country, you have likely come across the top two contenders in Arizona. The question of University of Arizona vs Arizona State University is a hot topic in The Grand Canyon State. Each of these two schools offer some top program offerings, unique campus culture, and a fair bid for Arizona’s top university. So, what’s better in the battle of ASU vs U of A? You be the judge!
Here is everything you need to know about the University of Arizona vs Arizona State University.
University of Arizona
The University of Arizona is the home of the Wildcats. It was founded in 1855 and is one of the top STEM schools in the southwest. The main campus is located in Tucson and 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).
There are approximately 36,503 undergraduate students, so this school is a great pick for those who want a mid-size campus 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 Engineering, and more. Students can also participate in various global education programs by studying abroad in locations like Australia, Cambodia, China, Denmark, and Egypt.
Student life at the University of Arizona is about much more than education. It is about building connections and getting involved. There are over 400 clubs and organizations available that offer something for everyone. Some popular clubs and organizations include Women in Medicine and Science, Arizona Club Golf, Ramblers Hiking Club, Arizona SkyVats Skydiving Club, Wildcat Formula Racing, and Arizona Swing Club. There are also 12 Greek-letter organizations.
Sports fans, there is something at U of A for you too. The University of Arizona has 18 collegiate sports offerings and is in the NCAA Pac-12 conference. Their teams have won 22 National Championships.
Alumni of the University of Arizona join stars like Rob Gronkowski, Kristen Wiig, Kourtney Kardashian, Jerry Bruckheimer, Amanda Beard, and Gilbert Arenas.
The decision of where to attend school also includes the best places to live in Arizona. U of A is in Tucson located in southern Arizona, about an hour from the Mexico border. It is Arizona’s second-largest city and is known for its culture and great southwestern fare. In fact, it is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy with food culture dating back 4,000 years. The combination of Mexican and Native American traditions is one you need to experience for yourself. Tucson puts its residents in the heart of the Sonoran Desert offering historical sites and outdoor excursions. This area is also very popular for golf as there are more than 40 courses in this region.
The University of Arizona is a top pick for colleges in the country. So, how does ASU compare?
Arizona State University
Arizona State University was founded in 1886, well before Arizona was a state. It has been voted the “Most Innovative” university 6 years in a row and the #1 best online bachelor’s in business programs (2023) by the U.S. News & World Report. It has also been ranked #1 in the world for International Trade and Journalism and a Top 25 U.S. school for first-year experiences.
The Tempe campus is home to over 54,000 students with an additional 80,000+ students attending online or another campus location. This schedule is ideal for those who enjoy big campuses and room to roam. ASU offers over 400 undergraduate majors and 590 graduate degrees, including several accelerated programs. Online students have access to nearly 300 degree programs and certificates. ASU also features 85 degree programs in the top 25 in the US, 38 of which rank in the country’s top 10.
ASU boasts 16 colleges and schools offering majors like Computer Science, Business Management, Construction Engineering, Entrepreneurship, and Graphic Design. It also is home to Barrett, the Honors College. Barrett has been named the best honors college in the nation and has more National Merit Scholars than MIT, Duke, Brown, Stanford, or UCLA. Students in the honors college benefit from an exclusive $12 million endowment. Students at ASU also have an opportunity to participate in a Global Education program with more than 300 programs in 65 countries. Study abroad opportunities can help students learn language skills, and leadership skills, and enhance global awareness.
Student life at ASU includes more than 1,000 student clubs and organizations. From ROTC,
Aikido, Art, Figure Skating, and Performing to Greek Life, Service, Student Leadership, and beyond, you can find a way to get involved. Clubs are the perfect way to make a big campus feel more personal and help you build connections to create your own college community.
The ASU Red Devils are also well known for their athleticism. There are 650 student-athletes across 26 varsity sports programs including women’s water polo, gymnastics, triathlon, golf, and gymnastics, and Men’s football, golf, wrestling, and hockey. ASU holds 24 NCAA team national championships and is a part of the PAC 12.
The loud and proud Alumni of ASU number over 400,000 worldwide. In 2021, the university generated an economic impact of over $4 billion on the Arizona State gross product. Notable ASU alumni include Jimmy Kimmel, Phil Mickelson, Kate Spade, David Spade, Barry Bonds, Pat Tilman, and Brenda Strong.
In the battle of the University of Arizona vs Arizona State University, how does Tempe rank? Tempe sits just 20 minutes east of Phoenix. It has all the perks of being a college town with all the benefits of being near a major metropolitan area. Tempe features a 25-acre lake that’s perfect for boating, kayaks, and paddle boards. It also features a 7-mile loop for walking, running, or biking and enjoying the gorgeous Arizona weather. Downtown Tempe features several great restaurants and bars and is ideal for hopping from place to place. Tempe also hosts spring training at the Diablo Stadium as well as several outdoor festivals. Students also often frequent the Phoenix and Scottsdale areas. These locations are hot spots for high-end resorts, spectacular golfing, luxury shopping, and vibrant nightlife.
Settle the Score: U of A vs ASU
So, what is the score in the battle between ASU vs U of A? 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. Each student needs to identify what colleges offer and how it will help them to be the most successful. You also need to consider which schools offer your ideal major(s), minors, location, size, living quarters, student life, and beyond.
If you have narrowed down your top schools to the University of Arizona vs ASU, here are a few more stats that you need to know.
Is ASU or U of A Bigger?
In the size competition of ASU vs U of A, ASU is much larger. ASU has one of the largest student body populations at over 54,000 at the Tempe campus, compared to the UOFA population of approximately 38,000.
Is ASU or U of A Easier To Get In To?
The ASU acceptance rate in 2021 was 88.2% compared to The University of Arizona rate of 87.3%. Both universities rate high above the average US national acceptance rate of 68%.
Is ASU or U of A More Expensive?
The University of Arizona vs ASU cost is also an important aspect of many students’ decisions. The average cost after aid at The University of Arizona is $13,358 compared to $13,107 at ASU. Fortunately, both schools cost about the same so this won’t be a deciding factor unless one school offers more in scholarships or via individual financial aid letters.
Is ASU or U of A Ranked Higher?
The University of Arizona is ranked #105 of National Universities compared to #121 Arizona State University. However, the graduation rate at ASU is 66.9% compared to the University of Arizona’s 64%. Therefore, the traditional ranking system seems to be inconclusive.
Final Thoughts
The competition between the University of Arizona vs Arizona State University is a tough one. Both universities offer an excellent education with some terrific perks. Many students love the large campus feel of ASU while others may prefer a more mid-size feel at the University of Arizona. Both campuses also have ranked highly, but for different reasons. It all comes down to deciding what features of each campus you like better.
When it comes time to fill out your college applications, it is a good idea to cast a wide net. Apply to any school you may be interested in actually attending. Many students need some extra help when it comes to finding the right school or gaining acceptance into the nation’s top universities. Services like Empowerly offer families college admission services like essay editing, college counseling, financial planning, and more. If you are ready to get serious about planning and applying to college, check out Empowerly today to increase your chances of success.
