What Arizona State University costs and who pays what

Arizona State University charges different tuition rates depending on whether you live in Arizona, come from another state, or study online. For the 2024–2025 academic year, in-state undergraduate tuition is roughly $11,000 per year, while out-of-state tuition runs approximately $31,000 per year. These figures cover tuition and mandatory fees only — they do not include housing, meals, books, or personal expenses, which typically add $15,000 to $25,000 annually depending on where and how you live.

ASU has four physical campuses in the Phoenix area (Tempe, West Campus, Downtown Phoenix, and Polytechnic) plus an online platform called ASU Online. Each campus charges the same tuition rates, but living costs vary by location. The university also offers courses through partnerships with community colleges, which can reduce your first two years of cost before you transfer to an ASU campus to complete your degree.

Room and board, textbooks, and supplies are your responsibility to budget separately. ASU's cost of attendance estimate — the total you should plan for — ranges from about $28,000 to $58,000 per year depending on residency status and campus choice. You can find the exact breakdown for your intended campus and living situation on ASU's financial aid website.

Key Takeaways

  • ASU in-state tuition is approximately $11,000 per year and out-of-state tuition is approximately $31,000 per year for undergraduate students, not including room, board, or books.
  • The university operates four physical campuses in the Phoenix area plus an online program, all charging the same tuition but with different living cost ranges.
  • You can reduce costs by completing your first two years at a community college partner before transferring to an ASU campus for your final two years.
  • ASU offers merit scholarships, need-based financial aid, and work-study positions, though you must submit the FAFSA to be considered for federal aid.
  • Graduate tuition varies by program and degree level, ranging from roughly $400 to $900 per credit hour depending on the field of study.

How to pay: financial aid, scholarships, and loans

To be considered for federal financial aid — grants, loans, and work-study — you must complete the Free process for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year you are enrolled. ASU also requires the FAFSA to award its own need-based aid. The important date to submit the FAFSA for the following academic year is typically June 30, though ASU recommends submitting by March 1 to maximize aid may be able to access.

ASU awards merit scholarships based on test scores, GPA, and other achievements. These range from small awards of a few hundred dollars to full-tuition scholarships. Merit aid does not require the FAFSA, but you must be admitted to the university first. The university also offers automatic scholarships for Arizona residents who meet certain GPA thresholds.

Federal student loans — both subsidized and unsubsidized — are available through the FAFSA process. ASU also participates in federal work-study, which allows you to work part-time on campus while studying. Graduate students can borrow through federal graduate PLUS loans and private loans, though terms and interest rates vary by lender.

Undergraduate programs and majors

ASU offers more than 350 undergraduate degree programs across engineering, business, education, health sciences, liberal arts, agriculture, design, and technology. The largest colleges by enrollment are the W. P. Carey School of Business, the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Each college has its own admission requirements and course sequences.

Most undergraduate degrees require 120 credit hours to complete, typically finished in four years. However, some engineering and architecture programs require more credits and may take longer. ASU allows you to double major, pursue minors, or combine a bachelor's degree with a master's degree in an accelerated program if you meet the requirements.

The university uses a semester system (fall and spring) plus optional summer sessions. Class sizes vary — introductory lectures may have 200 or more students, while upper-level courses often have 20 to 50 students. ASU also offers online versions of many undergraduate programs through ASU Online, with the same degree and tuition as campus-based programs.

Graduate and professional programs

ASU awards master's degrees, doctoral degrees, and graduate certificates across dozens of fields. Graduate tuition is charged per credit hour rather than per semester, ranging from approximately $400 to $900 per credit depending on the program and whether you are in-state or out-of-state. A typical master's degree requires 30 to 36 credit hours, so total tuition ranges from roughly $12,000 to $32,000 before fees and living expenses.

Doctoral programs vary widely in length and cost. Some fields, like engineering and sciences, often provide graduate assistantships that cover tuition and provide a monthly stipend in exchange for teaching or research work. Other fields, like business and education, may require you to pay tuition while working toward your degree. ASU's Graduate College website lists funding opportunities by program.

Professional programs in law, medicine, nursing, and other fields have their own admission processes and cost structures. ASU's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, for example, charges approximately $50,000 per year for in-state students and $65,000 per year for out-of-state students. The College of Nursing and Health Innovation charges different rates depending on the specific degree (RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP).

Admission requirements and the process process

ASU uses a rolling admission process, meaning decisions are made as applications arrive rather than all at once on a single date. The university requires the Common process or the ASU process, high school transcripts, and standardized test scores (SAT or ACT). Test scores are optional for some applicants, though submitting them typically strengthens your process.

The middle 50% of admitted first-year students have SAT scores between 1190 and 1420 or ACT scores between 26 and 33, depending on the program. Engineering and business programs are more competitive than some other colleges within the university. International students must also demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS scores unless they attended high school in an English-speaking country.

ASU does not require letters of recommendation or essays for undergraduate admission, though some programs may request additional materials. The process fee is $50. Once admitted, you must submit your final high school transcript and confirm your enrollment by May 1 (or the date specified in your admission letter).

Campus life, housing, and student services

ASU's Tempe campus, the largest and oldest, sits in the Phoenix metropolitan area and houses about 70,000 students across all four campuses. On-campus housing is available but not may provide for all students. First-year students are not required to live on campus, though the university recommends it. Housing costs range from approximately $8,000 to $16,000 per year depending on the residence hall and meal plan you choose.

The university operates dining halls, recreation centers, libraries, and student organizations across all campuses. ASU has over 1,000 registered student clubs and organizations. The university also provides academic advising, tutoring, disability services, counseling, and career services through various departments. International students have access to a dedicated international student office.

ASU's athletic programs compete in the Pac-12 Conference at the NCAA Division I level. The university also offers club sports and intramural recreation for students who want to participate without the commitment of varsity athletics.

Transfer students and community college pathways

ASU accepts transfer students from Arizona community colleges and out-of-state institutions. If you complete an Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) at a community college, your credits transfer directly and count toward your ASU degree. This pathway can save you money by reducing the number of semesters you spend paying ASU tuition.

ASU has formal transfer agreements with all Arizona community colleges. If you complete an associate degree or the AGEC at schools like Phoenix College, Scottsdale Community College, or Mesa Community College, you are may provide admission to ASU (though not necessarily to your first-choice major or campus). Transfer students typically enter as juniors and complete their final two years at ASU.

Out-of-state transfer students must meet the same admission standards as first-year students, including GPA and test score requirements. ASU evaluates your college transcript, high school transcript (if you have fewer than 24 completed college credits), and test scores. Transfer credit evaluation happens after you are admitted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ASU offer in-state tuition to students from other states?

No. In-state tuition is reserved for Arizona residents. Out-of-state students pay approximately $31,000 per year in tuition. However, some out-of-state students become may be able to access for in-state rates after living in Arizona for 12 months and meeting other residency requirements — contact ASU's residency office to learn if you may have access to.

Can I attend ASU online and get the same degree as campus students?

Yes. ASU Online offers the same degrees as campus-based programs, and your diploma does not indicate whether you studied online or on campus. Tuition is the same for online and in-person undergraduate programs. Graduate online programs may have different tuition rates depending on the field.

What happens if I do not get into my first-choice major?

ASU may admit you to a different major within the university or place you in a general studies track where you can take prerequisite courses and reapply to your intended major after completing them. You can also start at a community college, complete your general education requirements, and transfer to ASU in your intended major once you meet the prerequisites.

Does ASU offer payment plans so I do not have to pay tuition all at once?

Yes. ASU offers a monthly payment plan through Nelnet, allowing you to spread tuition and fees across the semester instead of paying in full by the important date. There is no interest charge for using the plan, though a small enrollment fee applies. You can set up a payment plan through your ASU student account.

How much does it cost to attend ASU as a graduate student?

Graduate tuition ranges from approximately $400 to $900 per credit hour depending on the program and residency status. A 30-credit master's degree costs roughly $12,000 to $27,000 in tuition alone. Doctoral programs vary widely — some provide full funding through assistantships, while others require you to pay tuition. Check your specific program's funding page for details.