Arizona State University (ASU) has become the gold standard for online education in the United States. Ranked #1 for innovation by U.S. News & World Report for 10 straight years (2016–2025), ASU Online now enrolls over 80,000 fully online students — more than most traditional universities have on campus. Whether you’re a working parent in Texas, an active-duty military member overseas, or a high-school senior who wants Big 12 spirit without leaving home, here’s everything you need to know about ASU Online admission, programs, costs, and the “campus experience” for 2025–2026.
Why ASU Online Stands Out in 2025
ASU offers more than 300 undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates 100% online — the same diplomas and faculty as the on-campus programs. Starbucks employees famously get free tuition through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, but thousands of everyday students do too through generous scholarships.
Popular online majors include:
- Business (W.P. Carey School – ranked top 25 nationally)
- Engineering (Ira A. Fulton – top 30)
- Psychology, Criminal Justice, Nursing (RN-to-BSN), Computer Science, and Communication
- Unique offerings: Bachelor’s in Sustainability, Digital Culture, or even Coffee (yes, an actual coffee studies certificate!)
Every online course is built from scratch by ASU’s award-winning instructional design team, not just recorded lectures.
Admission Requirements & Deadlines (2025–2026)
ASU Online has rolling admissions with multiple start dates year-round:
- Spring 2026: Apply by December 1, 2025
- Summer 2026: Apply by April 15, 2026
- Fall 2026: Priority deadline May 1, 2026 (applications accepted until August)
Freshman Requirements
- 3.00 GPA in competency courses OR top 50% class rank OR ACT 22 (AZ residents) / 24 (non-residents) OR SAT 1120 (AZ) / 1180 (non-residents)
- No essays or letters of recommendation required for most programs
- Test-optional policy continues indefinitely
Transfer Students
- 24+ transferable credits and 2.50+ GPA = guaranteed admission for Arizona residents
- Non-residents need 2.75–3.00 depending on the major
- All previously earned college credits are evaluated — many students enter with junior standing
International Students Fully welcome! TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo accepted, and ASU offers conditional admission with free pathway programs.
The entire application is free and takes about 30 minutes.
Tuition & Real Cost in 2025–2026
ASU shocked the higher-ed world in 2023 by freezing online tuition for five years. For 2025–2026:
- Undergraduate online tuition: $561–$676 per credit (most classes are 3 credits)
- Average bachelor’s (120 credits) costs $67,000–$81,000 total if you pay full price
- 82% of students receive scholarships or grants — average award $12,500 per year
- Arizona residents pay the same low rate online as on-campus
- Active-duty military and veterans pay $250 per credit (huge savings)
The “Online Campus” Experience — It Actually Exists
ASU didn’t just slap courses online and call it a day. You get:
- Sun Devil spirit: Free football ticket access if you ever visit Tempe, automatic alumni status, and the famous pitchfork hand sign
- 1,000+ virtual student clubs (eSports, pre-med society, LGBTQ+ alliance, etc.)
- 24/7 live tutoring, writing center, and mental health counseling
- In-person immersion options: Many online students fly in for weekend “Session A” classes or graduation at the iconic Sun Devil Stadium
- Starbucks partners can study in any store and count shifts toward internship credit
The Tempe campus itself (when you want to visit) is stunning — palm trees, mountain views, and a resort-style vibe with pools and lazy rivers between classes.
Success Stories & Outcomes
ASU Online graduates earn the exact same diploma as residential students (“Arizona State University” — no “online” printed anywhere). Recent data:
- 91% employed or in grad school within six months
- Average starting salary $62,000+ for bachelor’s recipients
- Top employers: Intel, Amazon, Deloitte, Mayo Clinic, and all the Big Four accounting firms
Application Tips from Current Online Sun Devils
- Apply early — scholarship money runs out fast.
- Use the MyPath2ASU tool if transferring; it maps every credit.
- Mention life experience in the optional personal statement — military service, parenting, full-time work all count.
- Join the ASU Online admitted student Discord — current students answer questions in real time.
Final Verdict
ASU Online isn’t “college lite.” It’s a top-10 public university that removed the biggest barriers — location, cost, and rigid schedules — while keeping the academic rigor and school spirit intact. If you want a prestigious degree on your terms, with professors who actually answer emails at 10 p.m. and classmates literally around the globe, ASU Online in 2025 is hard to beat.
Start your (free) application today at asuonline.asu.edu — classes fill quickly, and the next start date is just weeks away.