What Happened to Arizona State University?
Arizona State University has continued its trajectory as a leading public research institution, marked by record-breaking enrollment exceeding 200,000 students in 2025-26 and surpassing $1 billion in annual research expenditures in fiscal year 2024. Under President Michael Crow's leadership, ASU maintains its top ranking in innovation, expands its global presence, and undertakes significant infrastructure projects, while also navigating recent controversies including a Justice Department investigation into its DEI policies and a high-profile faculty hiring issue.
Quick Answer
Arizona State University has experienced significant growth and continued its innovative approach to higher education, reaching over 200,000 students in 2025-26 and exceeding $1 billion in research funding in FY 2024. The university consistently ranks #1 in innovation and has joined the Big 12 Conference. However, ASU is currently under a U.S. Department of Justice investigation regarding its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies and recently faced scrutiny over a faculty hire, demonstrating a complex period of expansion and challenge as of September 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Michael Crow Becomes President
Michael Crow assumes the presidency of Arizona State University, initiating his vision for the 'New American University' focused on access, excellence, and societal impact.
ASU Foundation Commits to Net Zero Endowment
The ASU Foundation announces a commitment to achieve carbon neutrality for its endowment portfolio by 2035, emphasizing sustainable investing efforts.
ASU Joins Big 12 Conference
Arizona State University officially transitions from the Pac-12 to become a member of the Big 12 Conference, marking a significant shift in its athletic affiliations.
Record Enrollment Surpasses 200,000 Students
ASU announces a historic milestone, enrolling over 200,000 students during the 2025-26 academic year across its campuses and online programs, reflecting its growth and expanded reach.
Ranked #1 in Innovation for 11th Consecutive Year
U.S. News & World Report's 2026 'Best Colleges' rankings name ASU as the #1 most innovative university for the 11th year in a row, ahead of institutions like MIT and Stanford.
SAE Fraternity Chapter Suspended Amid Lawsuit
ASU officially suspends its Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) chapter following a lawsuit filed in September alleging the distribution of a non-consensual explicit video.
Research Funding Exceeds $1 Billion
Arizona State University surpasses $1 billion in annual research funding for fiscal year 2024, placing it among the top 4% of research institutions nationally.
Major Construction Projects Announced for 2026
ASU unveils plans for significant construction projects, including the new ASU Health building in downtown Phoenix and the John S. McCain III Library and Museum in Tempe.
Sustainability Initiatives Win Environmental Excellence Awards
Three initiatives from ASU's Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory receive Crescordia Awards at Arizona Forward's 2026 Environmental Excellence Awards for their impact on sustainability.
Justice Department Investigates DEI Policies
The U.S. Department of Justice launches a civil rights investigation into Arizona State University to examine whether its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies unlawfully discriminate based on race.
ASU Rises in Global University Rankings
ASU improves its standing in the QS World University Rankings for 2027, moving to 35th among all U.S. universities and 15th among U.S. public universities.
ASU Joins National Foundry School Initiative
Arizona State University is selected as one of eight universities to lead the new national Foundry School, a U.S. Department of State and Labor initiative to prepare the workforce for advanced manufacturing.
Controversy Over Faculty Hire
ASU faces scrutiny for hiring a professor who had resigned from the University of Wisconsin-Madison after an investigation found he violated consensual relationship policies.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Arizona State University, under the long-standing leadership of President Michael Crow since 2002, has solidified its reputation as a 'New American University' focused on inclusion, research, and societal impact. This vision has driven remarkable growth, with the university surpassing 200,000 students during the 2025-26 academic year, a historic milestone that reflects its expanded online offerings and diverse student body. While fall 2026 enrollment is projected at 158,000, a slight decline from 2025 due to a nationwide decrease in international students, ASU remains a top choice for Arizona residents.
A key turning point in ASU's recent history is its significant increase in research funding. In fiscal year 2024, the university officially surpassed $1 billion in annual research expenditures, placing it among the top 4% of research institutions nationwide and 21st among public universities. This eightfold increase since President Crow took office in 2002 underscores ASU's commitment to high-impact science, leading to advancements in areas like dementia care, cancer detection, defense, and artificial intelligence.
Academically, ASU has maintained its prestigious ranking as the #1 institution for innovation by U.S. News & World Report for the 11th consecutive year as of the 2026 rankings released in September 2025. Globally, ASU has also seen upward movement, ranking 173rd by QS World University Rankings 2026 and further improving to 35th among all U.S. universities and 15th among U.S. public universities in the QS World University Rankings for 2027. The university's commitment to sustainability has also been recognized, with several initiatives receiving top environmental excellence awards in April 2026.
In athletics, ASU made a significant move by joining the Big 12 Conference in August 2024, marking a new era after decades in the Pac-10/Pac-12. The Sun Devils quickly found success, securing five Big 12 team titles in the 2025-26 season. The university is also undergoing substantial infrastructure development, with over $1 billion in construction projects, including the new ASU Health building in downtown Phoenix and the John S. McCain III Library and Museum, both scheduled to begin construction in 2026.
However, ASU has also faced notable challenges and controversies. In March 2025, the U.S. Department of Education launched investigations into the university concerning alleged connections to a diversity initiative and antisemitism on campus. More recently, in June 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice initiated a civil rights investigation into ASU's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies, prompted by viral videos alleging discriminatory practices. Furthermore, the university suspended its Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) chapter in October 2025 following a lawsuit over a non-consensual explicit video, with a subsequent lawsuit in February 2026 alleging extensive hazing. As of September 2026, ASU also drew scrutiny for hiring a professor who had resigned from a previous university after an investigation found he violated consensual relationship policies. Despite these challenges, ASU continues to expand its influence, notably becoming a partner in the new national Foundry School, a White House initiative announced in September 2026 to advance American manufacturing workforce development.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Arizona State University made different choices?