ASU West Valley campus sees 15% enrollment growth over 2 years
Class of 2029 at the Golden Tradition event on ASU’s West Valley campus. Photo by Todd Sandrin
The Class of 2029 has arrived on Arizona State University’s West Valley campus as part of the campus’ 5,400-plus enrollment, representing a 15% increase since the recent launch of the West Valley Forward initiative in the spring of 2023. The growth reflects the campus’ growing reputation as a hub for innovative programs, hands-on learning and student-centered community.
Students from 44 U.S. states and 71 countries pursue their studies across eight colleges and schools at ASU’s West Valley campus, offering more than 125 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in fields such as forensics, business, engineering, education and honors curriculum. Last year, the campus awarded 1,351 diplomas, reflecting the strong growth and success of its student community. Now, more than 5,000 undergraduate and nearly 340 graduate students call West Valley home, drawn by the opportunity to earn an ASU degree in a comfortable, personable environment.
“This work is perfectly aligned with the ASU Charter,” said Todd Sandrin, dean of the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences and vice provost of the West Valley campus. “In New College, by designing with language and context in mind, we advance the concept of 'learning is for everyone.'”
Students are drawn to the West Valley campus because they receive a world-class ASU education in a close-knit community with modern labs, first-rate amenities and faculty who know them by name. Enrollment continues to grow as families recognize the campus as a place where students are truly supported both academically and personally.
Several new undergraduate and graduate programs have contributed to this growth. Notable additions include:
Undergraduate programs: forensic science (death investigations); engineering science (business); engineering science (microelectronics); and digital forensics.
- Graduate programs: master's degrees in sport psychology, positive psychology and forensic science; and graduate certificates in behavioral data science and biological data science.
Among these, sport psychology has emerged as one of the highest-enrolling and most popular programs on campus, while the forensic science MS program, which opened for applications last year, is growing quickly.
The new and growing programs in forensic science, environmental justice, cybersecurity and interdisciplinary arts are especially exciting to students, with coursework connections to real-world opportunities such as internships, research and community partnerships.
A commitment to access and innovation
The 15% increase in enrollment underscores ASU’s charter in action, measuring success by who is included and how they succeed. West Valley is committed to serving the 15 surrounding communities, which will account for more than half of Maricopa County’s future growth.
Dean of Students Regina Matos emphasized that the growth is shaping the student community in meaningful ways. "The enrollment growth at ASU’s West Valley campus reflects the strong sense of community students are choosing to join. As we expand, we remain committed to ensuring that every student feels supported and connected," Matos said.
Families are already seeing the difference. Diana Lopez, whose daughter Rebecca recently moved into one of the campus residence halls from Nogales to study environmental science, shared her excitement: “I’m loving ASU. From the moment my daughter applied, they’ve been fantastic, always checking in on us and making sure Rebecca was ready for this next step.”
The West Valley campus continues to expand academic offerings, enhance student spaces and strengthen partnerships with local businesses and nonprofits. Each new student adds momentum to the campus’ mission of supporting West Valley communities, contributing to a vibrant campus that reflects the energy and diversity of this fast-growing region.
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