ASU Welcomes Record-Breaking Number of New Students as Fall Semester Begins

As the fall semester kicks off at Arizona State University (ASU) on August 22, the university is celebrating a historic influx of new students, breaking multiple enrollment records. This fall, ASU welcomes approximately 40,800 new students across its campuses, locations, and online programs, including first-year, transfer, and graduate students. Impressively, nearly one in four students at ASU this semester are new to the university.

Among the new arrivals, 17,000 are incoming first-year students, with a remarkable 9,170 hailing from Arizona—marking the highest number of in-state first-year students in the university’s history. It’s not just undergraduates showing local pride; the number of incoming Arizona-based master’s students has surged to 3,150, reflecting a 19% increase from last year.

In total, ASU is welcoming 18,100 new students from Arizona, a 9% increase over the previous year, highlighting the university’s deep connection with its home state. The West Valley campus is experiencing a particularly significant growth, with a 25% increase in new first-year, transfer, and master’s students. To support this expansion, ASU is opening two new buildings, including the Casa del Valle residence hall. This state-of-the-art facility features 507 double-occupancy, suite-style units, along with amenities such as social lounges, zen areas, study halls, a creative hub, and a landscaped courtyard.

“It’s built into our name — we are first and foremost here to serve the people of Arizona,” said ASU President Michael M. Crow. “Our university is dedicated to enabling student success, leveraging its place, being socially embedded, and engaging globally. Ensuring that Arizonans have the knowledge and tools to build a bright future is fundamental to who we are. Our state has unbelievable potential for achievement, health, and prosperity, and ASU is here to help make it happen.”

With more than 181,000 students enrolling across fall, spring, and summer sessions each year, ASU continues to uphold its mission of providing access and opportunity to students across Arizona and beyond.