If you’re considering applying to Arizona State University (ASU), one of the first questions is often: how hard is it to get in? Below is a detailed, up-to-date overview (as of late 2025) of ASU’s acceptance rate — what it means, how it’s calculated, how it varies depending on campus/program, and what it implies for applicants.
What is ASU’s Acceptance Rate (2024–2025)
- For the 2024–2025 admissions cycle, ASU’s overall acceptance rate is widely reported as around 89.8%–90%.
- According to one recent breakdown, out of 70,928 applicants, ASU admitted 63,756 — giving an acceptance rate of approximately 89.89%.
- Historically, ASU’s acceptance rate has hovered in the upper 80s to around 90%.
- Some sources list slightly different numbers (e.g., ~88% for 2025), which may reflect different applicant pools or admit cycles — but the consensus remains: ASU is relatively non-selective compared to many U.S. universities.
What this means in practice: roughly 9 out of 10 applicants receive admission. For many, ASU presents a realistic and accessible opportunity for higher education — compared to more selective institutions where admission rates may be far lower.
Observations
- The number of applicants has increased over years (from ~53,500 in 2020 to ~70,900 in 2025), yet ASU has continued accepting a high percentage.
- The acceptance rate has remained remarkably stable, indicating that ASU has kept admission standards relatively consistent even with rising demand.
- That said, the acceptance rate doesn’t guarantee admission into a specific major or campus, which can be more competitive (see more below).
What the Acceptance Rate Means — And Doesn’t Mean
What it does mean:
- ASU is comparatively accessible — many qualified applicants stand a good chance of admission.
- Applicants who meet basic academic prerequisites (coursework, GPA, test scores if submitted) have a solid shot at acceptance.
- For many domestic and international students, ASU offers a realistic alternative to highly selective U.S. institutions.
What it does not guarantee:
- Admission to selective majors / programs — some fields (engineering, business, health, design, etc.) may be more competitive than “overall” numbers suggest. Several sources note that acceptance rates vary by major and program demand.
- Enrollment — being admitted doesn’t mean you must or will enroll. Yield (the share of admitted students who enroll) tends to be far lower. For example, in some cycles only ~22% of admitted first-year students end up enrolling.
- Automatic admission into preferred campus — ASU has multiple campuses and online programs; admission may vary depending on campus and modality (in-person vs online). Indeed, one breakdown shows different figures for a particular campus.
What Applicants — Especially International Students — Should Know
- ASU’s relatively high acceptance rate makes it an attractive option for international students seeking U.S. higher education. Many global applicants are admitted each year
- However, meeting entry requirements (transcripts, English proficiency, etc.) remains essential — and strong academics improve chances, especially for competitive majors.
- For programs with high demand or limited capacity (e.g., engineering, business), expect competition — treat ASU admissions similarly to applying to selective majors elsewhere.
- Being admitted early doesn’t guarantee course-of-study placement — some majors may require additional prerequisites or criteria on top of admission.
Caveats & Variations: Why “Overall 90%” Doesn’t Tell the Full Story
- Program-level variation: Different colleges and majors may admit at significantly different rates. High-demand majors often have lower effective admission chances than the “overall” figure.
- Campus or modality differences: ASU includes multiple campuses plus a large online-education component. Acceptance and admission statistics for a given campus (e.g., main campus vs online) may differ.
- Application type and applicant pool: International students, out-of-state U.S. applicants, or transfer students may face different standards than in-state first-time applicants. Some sources separate “overall” from “international acceptance rate.
- Self-selection & yield: Many admitted students decline offer letters; thus acceptance does not equal enrollment. The lower “yield rate” suggests admitted students weigh offers from multiple universities.
What This Means for You (If You’re Applying)
- If you meet ASU’s admission requirements (strong coursework, decent GPA, and any required English or standardized tests), your chances of acceptance are comparatively good.
- However, don’t assume admission to competitive majors — treat your application seriously: craft a strong academic record, prepare required documents, and — if applying to selective programs — aim to stand out.
- Consider backup majors or broader admission strategies: getting admitted to a general program and later transferring or switching majors is a common path.
- Use ASU’s flexibility (multiple campuses, online offerings, diverse programs) to your advantage — especially if you’re an international student seeking U.S. education.
Where These Numbers Come From — Key Sources & What to Check
- ASU admissions and enrollment reports (system-wide and campus-level) give the official counts of applications and admitted students.
- Independent college-data sites and admission-statistics aggregators also compile acceptance-rate data, with breakdowns by year, regular vs transfer admissions, and (sometimes) major.
- For prospective students, always check the latest ASU admissions page or program page, as admission criteria and capacity can shift annually.
Final Thoughts
ASU’s acceptance rate — hovering around ~90% in recent years — reflects the university’s commitment to accessibility and broad enrollment. For many applicants, domestic or international, this means a realistic chance of admission. But “getting accepted” doesn’t necessarily mean “getting into your dream program” — especially if your intended major is competitive.
If you aim to apply to ASU soon, treat the “90%” as a baseline opportunity — but prepare a strong, complete application, especially if you hope to enter a competitive major or program.