Arizona State University vs Texas A&M University

Arizona State University vs Texas A&M University 

Subject Strength & World Rankings (2025/2026)

ASU and Texas A&M are both large public research universities with expanding international reputations. Though not Ivy League, they are institutions of strength in innovation, research, and workforce development. Arizona State University is approximately 173rd in the world in QS World University Rankings 2026 and demonstrates a consistent rise from prior rankings. It is positioned 201–250 in Times Higher Education (THE) rankings. Texas A&M University ranks 144th in QS 2026 and 143rd in THE 2025 rankings.

ASU excels in Sustainability, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, and Communication & Media Studies, with various programs featured in the global top 50–100. Texas A&M is well-established in Engineering, Agricultural Sciences, Business Analytics, and Aerospace Engineering, with numerous programs well placed in the global top 50–100. ASU's excellence is based on interdisciplinary innovation and applied research, whereas Texas A&M focuses more on conventional STEM disciplines as well as industry collaborations.

General Information

Arizona State University was established in 1885 and covers a 660-acre campus in Tempe, Arizona. It's amongst the largest universities within the U.S., with more than 145,000 students, 114,000 of whom are undergraduates. Texas A&M University, founded in 1876, occupies a vast 5,200-acre campus in College Station, Texas. It has about 79,000 students, including 61,000 undergrads. ASU is famous for its urban innovation zones and campuses spread throughout Arizona, whereas Texas A&M boasts a more conventional college-town environment with a rich military history and land-, sea-, and space-grant status.

Acceptance Rate & Admission

ASU has an acceptance rate of ~90% and is thus widely open. SAT scores range from 1140–1380, and ACT scores from 22–28. Texas A&M is moderately selective with an acceptance rate of ~64%. SAT scores are 1140–1380, and ACT scores are 25–31. ASU is test-optional and prioritises inclusive excellence, while Texas A&M prefers in-state students and provides automatic admission to the top 10% of Texas high school graduates.

Research Impact & Facilities

ASU is among the fastest-growing research universities in the U.S., with $904 million in research expenditures in 2023. It is a leader in sustainability, space science, and urban innovation, with facilities such as the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Lab and ASU NewSpace. Texas A&M has more than 50 core research buildings, including the Center for Infrastructure Renewal, the National Center for Therapeutics Manufacturing, and the Low-Speed Wind Tunnel. It's a flagship R1 university with robust federal and industry partnerships. ASU excels at interdisciplinary, entrepreneurial research, whereas Texas A&M excels in engineering, agriculture, and life sciences with a strong-rooted infrastructure.

Cost & Financial Aid

ASU's in-state tuition is approximately $12,223 and out-of-state is approximately $33,139, with total expenses levelling out at $53,412 for non-residents. It provides liberal merit scholarships and need-based aid, with 55% of students receiving aid. Texas A&M is $12,413 in-state and $40,307 out-of-state, with total costs at approximately $60,115 for non-residents. Approximately 44% of students receive need-based aid, and the average award package is $14,388. Both institutions provide solid value, but ASU's urban location could be accompanied by more expensive living costs, whereas Texas A&M's rural presence keeps them down.

Graduate Studies & Career Outcomes

ASU graduates have median salaries of $64,510 five years after graduation, with 92% being employed after one year. Its alumni base is found in tech, media, sustainability, and public service. Texas A&M doctoral graduates earn $100K+ salaries, with 95% having secondary employment related to their field. Master's recipients earn an average of $70K+, and the Aggie network has strong industry connections and a lifetime of support. ASU graduates gain from the innovation ecosystem and international reach of ASU, whereas Texas A&M graduates perform well in engineering, agriculture, and business, and are sometimes supported by a loyal and powerful Aggie network.