Arizona State University (ASU), located in the Phoenix metropolitan area of Arizona, is one of the largest public universities in the United States and consistently ranks among the top institutions for innovation, research, and global engagement. Its diverse student body includes thousands of international students representing over 150 countries. For many of these students, the decision to study at ASU involves not only academic considerations but also a careful evaluation of tuition fees, living expenses, and available scholarships.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of ASU’s estimated fees and scholarships for international students in the 2025–26 academic year, helping prospective students and families make informed financial decisions.
Tuition and Cost of Attendance for International Students
ASU tuition and living costs vary based on level of study (undergraduate or graduate), chosen program, and lifestyle. Below are the officially published estimates for 2025–26.
Undergraduate International Students
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Base Tuition | $37,202 |
| Tuition Surcharge | $350 |
| College Fees (max estimate) | $2,130 |
| Student-Initiated Fees | $803 |
| Housing and Meals (on campus) | $19,140 |
| Books, Materials, Supplies | $1,320 |
| Travel | $1,650 |
| Personal Expenses | $2,343 |
| Health Insurance | $2,765 |
| International Student Fee | $400 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $64,938 |
This estimate assumes a student living on campus with meal plans. Off-campus costs can be slightly lower depending on housing and lifestyle choices.
Graduate International Students
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Base Tuition | $30,348 |
| Tuition Surcharge | $350 |
| Student-Initiated Fees | $803 |
| Housing and Meals (on campus) | $20,460 |
| Books, Materials, Supplies | $1,908 |
| Travel | $3,564 |
| Personal Expenses | $4,653 |
| Health Insurance | $2,765 |
| International Student Fee | $400 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $65,541 |
Some graduate programs, particularly in fields like business, engineering, or law, may have higher tuition due to program-specific fees.
Additional Considerations
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Program-Based Variations:
Colleges such as the W. P. Carey School of Business or Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering may impose additional program-specific surcharges. -
Health Insurance Requirement:
All international students must carry health insurance, which is included in the cost estimate. -
Travel & Personal Costs:
Travel costs are estimated averages; students from regions farther from Arizona may incur higher expenses. -
Duration of Study:
Undergraduate students typically require four years to complete their degrees, while graduate programs range from one to three years.
Scholarships for International Students
While tuition costs may appear high, ASU offers several scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships help offset expenses, though full-ride awards are rare.
1. New American University (NAMU) Scholarship
The New American University Scholarship is ASU’s flagship merit award for international students.
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Automatically considered during the admissions process.
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Based on academic excellence, standardized test scores (if submitted), and overall application strength.
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Renewable for up to 8 consecutive semesters (for undergraduates).
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Typical award ranges from a few thousand dollars per semester to as high as $16,000 annually for top candidates.
2. College and Departmental Scholarships
Many ASU colleges provide their own awards:
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Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering: Research assistantships and competitive merit scholarships.
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W. P. Carey School of Business: Limited merit-based scholarships for outstanding international applicants.
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Barrett, The Honors College: Offers additional funding opportunities for academically gifted students.
3. Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships
Graduate students may apply for:
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Teaching Assistantships (TA)
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Research Assistantships (RA)
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Graduate Fellowships
These positions often provide partial tuition remission, monthly stipends, and valuable academic experience. However, competition is high, and eligibility depends on department needs.
4. External and Private Scholarships
ASU encourages students to apply for external funding. Through its Scholarship Universe portal, students can search for awards offered by foundations, private organizations, and non-profit groups worldwide. Importantly, many of these scholarships do not require U.S. citizenship.
5. Part-Time On-Campus Employment
Although not classified as scholarships, F-1 visa holders are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the semester. This provides additional support for living expenses.
Limitations of Financial Aid for International Students
While ASU provides meaningful scholarship opportunities, there are some limitations:
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No Federal Aid: International students are not eligible for U.S. federal or state financial aid programs.
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No Full-Ride Funding: Full tuition and living expense coverage is extremely rare. Most scholarships reduce costs by a fraction rather than eliminating them.
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High Competition: Many international students apply for limited awards, making merit-based scholarships competitive.
According to student insights shared on platforms like Reddit, less than half of international students at ASU receive scholarships, and the average award is around $12,000 annually.
Tips for Securing Scholarships
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Strong Academic Record: High GPA and test scores improve eligibility for NAMU and departmental awards.
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Early Application: Applying well before deadlines increases chances of scholarship consideration.
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Personalized Applications: For departmental awards, a strong statement of purpose and letters of recommendation make a difference.
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Scholarship Universe: Regularly checking ASU’s portal can help identify lesser-known scholarships.
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Explore Home-Country Scholarships: Many governments and private organizations abroad fund study in the U.S.
Why ASU Remains Attractive Despite Costs
Even with high tuition, international students continue to choose ASU due to its:
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Global Reputation: Consistently ranked as the most innovative university in the U.S.
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Research Opportunities: Over $700 million in annual research expenditures.
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Diversity and Inclusion: Large international student community and support services.
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Employment Pathways: Opportunities through OPT (Optional Practical Training) and CPT (Curricular Practical Training).
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Location: Phoenix offers a growing economy, warm climate, and relatively affordable cost of living compared to other U.S. metropolitan areas.
Conclusion
For non-U.S. students planning to attend Arizona State University in 2025–26, the estimated annual cost ranges from $64,938 for undergraduates to $65,541 for graduates. While this investment is significant, ASU provides several scholarship opportunities, most notably the New American University Scholarship, as well as departmental awards, assistantships, and access to external funding.