Overview

Arizona State University is a public research institution headquartered in Tempe, Arizona. Founded in 1885 as a territorial teacher training school, it has grown into one of the largest public universities in the United States by enrollment, serving a diverse student body (about 70,440 students). The university awards undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across many fields and is led by President Michael M. Crow.

Campuses and organization

ASU operates multiple metropolitan campuses and a substantial online program, each with distinct academic focuses and facilities. Major locations include:

  • Tempe campus — the historic and primary campus with many of ASU's academic colleges and major research facilities.
  • Downtown Phoenix campus — oriented toward health, public service and urban programs.
  • Polytechnic campus — emphasizing engineering, technology and applied sciences.
  • West campus — focused on liberal arts, interdisciplinary programs and smaller-campus experiences.
  • ASU Online — a large virtual campus offering distance degrees and certificates.

Academics and research

ASU comprises numerous colleges and schools that grant degrees across arts and sciences, business, engineering, education, public affairs, law, health and design. The university places strong emphasis on research, innovation and entrepreneurship, hosting research centers, laboratories and interdisciplinary initiatives that address applied problems in areas such as sustainability, biomedicine, engineering and social policy.

History and development

Established in 1885 as a normal school to train teachers, ASU evolved through decades of expansion into a comprehensive university system. Since the early 2000s, under the leadership of Michael M. Crow, the institution pursued a strategy of growth, greater access, and an innovation-oriented research mission that reshaped academic programs and campus partnerships.

Impact and student life

ASU contributes to Arizona's economy through education, research and community engagement. Students participate in a wide range of extracurriculars, including Division I athletics competing as the Sun Devils, research projects, internships and civic programs. The university's scale and metropolitan footprint give it a prominent role in higher education and regional development.