A new kind of university is already here
Traditional higher education in America feels broken. Overrated. Inaccessible. Too costly. A magnet for soaring operational bloat and sinking graduation rates.
Such is the increasingly loud chorus of criticism aimed at colleges from coast to coast, whether in halls of Congress or around kitchen tables. And you know what?
We agree.
Far too many universities fortify their elite status by raising the barriers to entry even higher. Far too often, universities fail to help students succeed. And many institutions stagnate around limited, legacy offerings that won’t translate into employable graduates who can meet modern demands.
That’s why Arizona State University has spent 20 years orchestrating the most significant shift in higher education since Socrates was giving lectures.
Hyperbole? Maybe.
But ASU is already answering the call for a different kind of American university. One already committed to broad accessibility. One already producing record numbers of graduates whom employers clamor to hire. One delivering quality education to over 450,000 learners of all ages. And one already laser-focused on changing the world through innovative research and action.
Our design makes us elite in every possible way — except in access. Let us show you how.
Take your seats — class is in session: This is how we’re building a better university
We’ve spent 20 years growing Arizona State University in new ways — opening the doors wider for more students, setting the bar higher for them to succeed at ASU and beyond. Did it involve a mad scientist Sparky in a secret lab somewhere? Maybe. You’ll have to check out the video below to see. Then we invite you to scroll through our chapters to see the data evidence of how our efforts are bearing fruit. We’re serious about redefining higher education. Join us and let’s see just how far all of our students can go.
Our approach
All are welcome to succeed at ASU
“Elite” institutions pride themselves on keeping people away by making the barriers to entry nearly insurmountable.
Not at ASU.
The average debt for our graduates? Less than you might think
Critics of higher education are rightly concerned about spiraling costs for students and families. Today, higher education seems more out of reach for more people.
Not at ASU.
Our tuition compared to the nation
Lean, efficient finances
Critics talk about excess within universities — the bloat — and how investments are not focused on helping students succeed.
Not at ASU.
As state investments decrease, our efficiency ramps up
Elite results, not elite admissions
Many universities attribute their “elite” status to exclusivity in admissions and legacy programs that still approach learning in the same old ways.
Not at ASU.
Innovation and research for the greater good
Universities are often justly criticized for being stagnant, resting on their academic laurels, and not having a real impact on the communities they serve.
Not at ASU.
Fixing higher education is a cause, not a competition.
To all of the universities out there, join us. Let’s work together to reimagine higher education, and create a new kind of American university where you don’t need to choose between access and excellence.
Send us a note at changehighered@asu.edu and let’s start the conversation.
As of November 2024, this website uses the most recent data available.