Arizona State University (ASU)

Students report that Arizona State University's focus on "innovation" and its "abundance of resources" are major factors in their school choice. ASU is a large university, yet manages to "personalize every student's experience," and offers "endless...opportunities for success." The university has many strong academic departments and programs of study, and students are quick to brag that ASU has "one of the best journalism schools in the nation" as well as a "renowned business school" and "great engineering program." Regardless of the academic discipline you choose, students suggest that you'll find research opportunities.

ASU students praise their "enthusiastic, supportive, and engaged" professors. Undergraduates report that most of the faculty is effective in incorporating "research interests and experiences" into coursework. "Most of my professors would bend over backward to help me out-even when the issue wasn't in their particular class," reports one enthusiastic undergraduate. It's "very easy to get help/make friends with professors." Another student admiringly tells us, "I had a professor who worked for the UN, as well as [one who was] a skateboarding punk music journalist."

Undergraduates at ASU love the "diversity" of the student body and describe meeting peers "from all different backgrounds, locations and cultures." There is a "large Greek life presence...along with a very serious academic body within Barrett, The Honors College, and a large section of international students." No matter where they come from, ASU undergraduates appreciate the student body's "unique blend of intelligence and fun." They also tend to be "nice and welcoming." One student sums it up: "Every person you meet has a smile on their face, ready to help with whatever problem there is." A number of undergraduates here also report that their peers "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." Thanks to the university's large size, many students insist that "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. No matter who you are, you can find a community of peers."

It's virtually impossible to be bored on the ASU campuses, as students are incredibly active. "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." If you prefer indoor sports, don't worry: ASU has a "very strong gaming community." Undergraduates can also enjoy "really interesting lectures" and participate in "fun clubs." There is a "programming board which host[s] events every week, including free films and food." Many students "have jobs and internships" as well. Additionally, Greek life is pretty popular at ASU. Students say that it's "really fun [but] not as party-oriented as it used to be. Fraternities and sororities [now] get involved around campus, whether it be [through] community service, philanthropy, or intramural games." Downtown Tempe offers plenty of excitement as well. For example, "there is a thriving alternative music and DIY scene in the Maple-Ash district just off campus with ties to the local arts communities, political activism, and house shows where local bands play."

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.