Arizona State University (ASU)

Having managed to “personalize every student’s experience” and offering “endless… opportunities for success,” Arizona State University is all about helping its undergraduates find their place in a diverse and dynamic community. To that end, it offers a wide range of exceptional academic departments and programs, including the “renowned business school, school of journalism, [and] Thunderbird School of Global Management,” and an “innovative engineering program with lots of hands-on learning experiences.” Many students describe “endless...opportunities for success,” including study abroad programs, internships, and undergraduate research through programs like the Fulton Undergraduate Research Initiative (FURI). There’s an “abundance of resources” and support that is much appreciated: “We have funding, students, professors, grants...you name it. Being the large university means having EVERYTHING at your fingertips.” Professors are described as “enthusiastic, supportive, and engaged,” often incorporating their “research interests and experiences” into coursework. As with any large university, the quality of instruction can vary across departments, but as one student shares, “Most of my professors would bend over backward to help me out—even when the issue wasn’t in their particular class,” and another adds, “I’ve met some stellar faculty throughout my journey at ASU and couldn’t be more thankful.”

At ASU, students describe their peers as having a “unique blend of intelligence and fun” and being “nice and welcoming.” As one student puts it, “Every person you meet has a smile on their face, ready to help.” In addition to being friendly, another student reports that ASU undergraduates “are excellent at getting involved in community activities and speaking up for what they believe in...[as well as] spread[ing] awareness about important issues.” One student points out that “since there are so many students [at ASU],…it also allows you to meet people with a variety of different perspectives, backgrounds, and interests.” Consequently, “everyone who comes to ASU is absolutely able to find other people with the same interests, passions, beliefs, and world views, as well as countless others who see the world very differently,” says one student, adding, “No matter who you are, you can find a community of peers” at ASU.

Life at Arizona State University is lively, and students fill their days with classes, activities, and social events. In addition, “Since it is always warm, we are very active and spend a lot of time outdoors.” One student adds, “There are always people out at the pools, exercising in the gym, playing sports on the sand volleyball courts or soccer fields, or riding bikes or long boards.” For those who prefer to stay indoors, ASU offers a “very strong gaming community,” as well as “really interesting lectures.” There are also “endless clubs and many athletic events,” and the “programming board… host[s] events every week, including free films and food” that keep campus life fresh and engaging. Off campus, downtown Tempe provides plenty of entertainment, including “a thriving alternative music and DIY scene in the Maple-Ash district… with ties to the local arts communities, political activism, and house shows where local bands play.” Greek life is also a vibrant part of the ASU experience. One undergrad shares that it’s “really fun [and] not as party-oriented as it used to be,” adding that “fraternities and sororities get involved around campus” through community service, philanthropy, and intramural games. Altogether, ASU offers an environment that encourages students to connect, get involved, and make the most of their college experience.

ASU is a school that “prepares you greatly for your future while also giving you experience to feel confident moving into the workforce.” The Career and Professional Development Services department has numerous resources available to students looking to map out their futures, including career fairs, workshops, and the My ASU Career Milestones tool, which helps students to keep track of their professional goals. ASU’s dashboards communication portal connects staff with employers and job recruiters so that they can find potential fits for students. The school provides plenty of off-campus options, including study abroad and a “crazy amount of research opportunities,” so “it’s hard to not fall in love with something.” PayScale.com reports that ASU alumni earn a median starting salary of $64,700. And 54 percent say their jobs give them a high level of meaning.