News Summary
Arizona State University (ASU) has achieved its largest student enrollment in history, surpassing 144,000 students this academic year. The new figures show a significant increase in diversity, with 25,000 new students identified as Hispanic/Latino. ASU’s commitment to inclusivity is further reflected in a record number of first-year students and a robust surge in online enrollment. Despite a decline in international students due to visa challenges, ASU continues to grow, expanding course offerings and enhancing campus facilities to support student engagement and wellness.
Arizona Sets Record for Largest Student Enrollment in History at ASU
Arizona State University (ASU) has announced its largest student enrollment ever for the current academic year, exceeding 144,000 students. This milestone reflects a significant growth in the university’s student body, which is expected to include over 80,000 students living on campus.
This year’s incoming class features a record number of 9,000 first-year students from Arizona, with an overall total of 25,000 new students identified as Hispanic/Latino. This statistic contributes to ASU’s recognition as a Hispanic Serving Institution, supporting the university’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity within its enrollment.
ASU anticipates a total of more than 42,000 new students, marking a 5% increase compared to the previous academic year. Among these first-year students, those from Arizona high schools have seen a 3% increase, bringing the total to 9,800. Additionally, enrollment in online programs has surged, with 79,000 students enrolled—an 8% rise from last year.
The university’s undergraduate admissions indicate a strong academic profile among incoming students, with the weighted GPA average for first-year in-state students set at 3.96, reflecting a high caliber of academic achievement.
ASU’s overall enrollment numbers illustrate a dramatic increase from 183,000 to 194,000 students when combining fall, spring, and summer enrollments. In particular, new master’s student enrollments have risen by 19% compared to last fall. Notably, the West Valley campus reported a staggering 25% increase in enrollment for first-year, transfer, and master’s students, showcasing the campus’s growing appeal to students.
The university is expanding its course offerings, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence, by adding numerous new classes for the academic year. ASU’s global reach is also noteworthy; it ranks fourth among four-year colleges and universities in the U.S. for total international student enrollment, hosting approximately 14,600 international students this fall. However, this figure has decreased from 18,400 last year, primarily due to ongoing visa challenges that have affected many students’ abilities to enter the country.
The decline in international student enrollment is echoed nationally, where a projected 15% decrease in international students is attributed to recent changes in federal visa policies. ASU has committed to supporting international students facing visa delays by offering alternative options like online programs and study abroad opportunities to ensure they can still pursue their education.
Classes for the fall semester commenced on August 17. The newly opened Casa del Valle residence hall on the West Valley campus features 507 double-occupancy suite-style rooms, which include a lounge, zen areas, study halls, and a courtyard designed for student engagement and wellness. This new facility is expected to further enhance the living experience for ASU students as the university continues to grow.
Overall, Arizona State University’s record-breaking enrollment figures signify a robust demand for higher education opportunities in the state and reflect the university’s ongoing efforts to foster an inclusive and dynamic learning environment.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Inside Higher Ed
- Wikipedia: Arizona State University
- Fox 10 Phoenix
- Google Search: Arizona State University enrollment
- KTAR News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University
- AZ Family
- Google News: Arizona State University 2023 enrollment

Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
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