Access to education
ASU opens doors for the people of Arizona—for first-generation and low-income students, for adults coming back, for veterans and for learners of any age.
Over the last 25 years, we've doubled the number of Arizonans we serve, while becoming one of the best public universities in the country.
69,000
1 in 3
25,000+
7,200
Accessibility for Arizonans
The number of students ASU serves from Arizona every year — nearly 70,000 — is bigger than the population of the average mid-size city. But equally important is that we're making sure high-quality learning is available to any Arizonan, no matter what challenges they face.
Putting education in reach for all Arizonans
Eric Davis entered college after growing up in the foster system and moving through group homes, unsure whether higher education was realistic. ASU became his “second home,” giving him support and resources to thrive and pursue a career in public service.
Read Eric’s story
Supporting disadvantaged students
Jim Armstrong was a homeless young man in Winnipeg before becoming a successful venture capitalist. Now he and his wife provide scholarships specifically for students lacking parental support, in foster care or living independently.
Learn how ASU supports foster students
Making a college comeback
We’ve seen the reasons people drop out of college, from sick parents to health crises to financial challenges, or just because it wasn’t the right time. ASU is making sure every Arizonan gets another shot at college.
Second chances for college
Joyce Plaisival and her sister Kimberly Colter were pursuing their bachelor’s degrees in non-profit leadership and management in 2014 when they left to care for their sick mother. Nearly 10 years later, ASU is helping them to make a comeback.
Learn about how ASU supports returning learners
9000+
Returning adult learners enrolled
International learning
Nearly 1 in 5 Arizonans — more than 1.3 million people — are over 65. ASU is giving them opportunities to make their golden years their best ever with opportunities to learn and contribute to the university community.
Lifelong learning and service
Bill Gates, a retired professional in his 70s, enrolled in ASU classes not for a degree but to stay mentally active after leaving the workforce. Now he attends courses alongside undergraduates, contributing decades of his real-world experience to class discussions and building new social connections.
Read the story
Serving Arizona’s K–12 students
Every year, thousands of Arizona teachers walk into K–12 classrooms with ASU training behind them — making ASU the state’s largest source of new teachers.
900+
5,000+
863
ASU also serves K–12 students across the state, including in rural communities, by helping teachers and schools to access courses and support that local districts can't always provide on their own.
7,280
160
21,000
ASU is bringing virtual reality into elementary schools in Maryvale to make science come alive for kids. With Dreamscape Learn, students step into interactive, story-driven worlds that spark creativity and interest in learning.
Learn more about Dreamscape Learn