Until we started to look at universities for our kids, I didn't really get the rivalry or what the big difference was, but now that my son is at U of A, I have gained some insight. If you too are wondering which university to root for, read on for a deep dive into what makes each university unique and why we love them both!
Arizona State University (ASU) and the University of Arizona (U of A) are distinct public research universities in the state of Arizona, and they have several key differences:
Location:
ASU is located in Tempe, in the south-central part of the Phoenix area. It has a thriving college town atmosphere. It offers a wide range of cultural, recreational, and entertainment opportunities for students. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, music venues, and art galleries in the area. Tempe Town Lake is located in the heart of the city and offers opportunities for boating, fishing, picnicking, and jogging. Additionally, it is home to various community events and concerts throughout the year. The Mill Avenue District, Tempe Center for the Arts, Papago Park and South Mountain Park are all close at hand, providing plenty of recreational avenues for all types of students. ASU is well-connected to the greater Phoenix area through major highways and public transportation, including Valley Metro Light Rail. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the United States, is located nearby. Tempe's economy is diverse and includes technology companies, manufacturing, healthcare, and education. ASU plays a significant role in the local economy.
Uof A is located in Tucson, which is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, natural beauty, and unique desert landscapes. Tucson is situated in the Sonoran Desert and is surrounded by five mountain ranges, including the Santa Catalina Mountains to the north and the Tucson Mountains to the west. The city's high elevation (around 2,400 feet or 732 meters) contributes to its relatively mild climate compared to other desert regions. Tucson is a diverse and culturally rich city. It has a significant Hispanic and Native American population, and this cultural diversity is reflected in its cuisine, festivals, and art. The city has a rich history, and you can explore its heritage through historic sites and attractions. Mission San Xavier del Bac, a beautifully preserved Spanish colonial mission, is one of Tucson's most iconic landmarks. The city also has a vibrant downtown with historic architecture and cultural institutions. The Tucson Museum of Art and the Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson are two notable institutions. The city hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year celebrating music, dance, and visual arts, and the final HOCO Fest happens this weekend!
Campus Size:
ASU is the larger of the two universities in terms of student population. It is one of the largest public research universities in the United States and is known for its large and diverse student body. As of September 2021, Arizona State University (ASU) had an enrollment of approximately 103,000 students across its multiple campuses and online programs.
In September 2021, the U of A had an enrollment of approximately 45,918 students. U of A is also known for its diverse student population. Students come from all 50 U.S. states and from around the world, contributing to a multicultural and inclusive campus environment.
Academic Focus:
Arizona State University (ASU) is known for offering a wide range of degree programs across various disciplines. Its reputation and strengths can vary across different academic areas, but here are some degree programs and areas of study for which ASU is particularly well-regarded:
Sustainability: ASU is known for its strong commitment to sustainability and offers a variety of programs related to sustainability and environmental studies. The university's School of Sustainability is one of the first of its kind in the nation.
Engineering: ASU's Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering are highly regarded and offer a wide range of engineering programs. The school has a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.
Business: The W. P. Carey School of Business at ASU is recognized for its business programs and is accredited by AACSB International. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in various business disciplines.
Public Policy: ASU's School of Public Affairs and other related programs in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions are well-known for their research and education in public policy, public administration, and related fields.
Education: ASU offers programs in education and teacher preparation. Its Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College is known for its innovative approaches to teacher education.
Health Sciences: ASU has a College of Health Solutions that offers programs in health sciences, health care delivery, and health innovation. It also has partnerships with health institutions in the Phoenix area.
Biodesign and Biotechnology: The Biodesign Institute at ASU is a hub for cutting-edge research in biotechnology, bioinformatics, and health-related fields.
Social Sciences: ASU's social science programs, including psychology, sociology, and anthropology, are recognized for their research and contributions to understanding societal issues.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship: ASU places a strong emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship across various disciplines. The university supports startups and offers programs related to entrepreneurship and innovation.
Space and Astronomy: ASU is known for its involvement in space exploration and astronomy research. It collaborates with NASA and operates the School of Earth and Space Exploration.
Law: ASU's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law is a well-regarded law school that offers a Juris Doctor (JD) program and various legal specialties.
Creative Arts: ASU has a strong arts and design program, including areas such as fine arts, design, and film. Its Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts fosters creativity and artistic expression.
U of A is also a comprehensive research university, but it has different strengths and areas of expertise compared to ASU. It is particularly known for its programs in areas like astronomy, space science, and the health sciences.
Some of the degree programs and areas of study for which the University of Arizona is particularly well-regarded are:
Astronomy and Space Sciences: U of A is renowned for its expertise in astronomy and space sciences. It is home to the Steward Observatory, which plays a significant role in astronomical research. The university's involvement in space exploration and research is highly regarded.
Optical Sciences and Engineering: The College of Optical Sciences at UA is one of the leading institutions in the world for the study of optics, photonics, and optical engineering.
Agriculture and Environmental Sciences: U of A is recognized for its programs in agriculture, environmental science, and sustainable resource management. The university's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences conducts research and offers programs related to these fields.
Earth Sciences and Geology: U of A's Department of Geosciences is known for its research in earth and planetary sciences, including geology, geophysics, and environmental science.
Health Sciences and Medicine: The University of Arizona College of Medicine is well-regarded for medical education and research. It also offers programs in nursing, pharmacy, public health, and related health fields.
Public Health: U of A's Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health is a respected institution for public health research and education.
Law: The James E. Rogers College of Law at U of A offers a Juris Doctor (JD) program and various legal specialties. It is known for its legal research and law clinics.
Business and Management: The Eller College of Management offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in business and management disciplines. It is accredited by AACSB International.
Engineering: U of A offers a variety of engineering programs through its College of Engineering, including aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, and materials science and engineering.
Creative Arts: U of A has a strong creative arts program, including fine arts, music, theater, and dance. The College of Fine Arts supports artistic expression and innovation.
Native American Studies: U of A has a strong focus on Native American studies, with programs and research centers dedicated to the study of indigenous peoples and their cultures.
Social Sciences: The university offers programs in various social science disciplines, including psychology, sociology, anthropology, and political science.
Education: U of A offers programs in education and teacher preparation through its College of Education.
It's important to note that both ASU and the University of Arizona are comprehensive research universities with a broad range of academic offerings. Strengths can vary among different departments and programs, and they may evolve over time as new initiatives and research opportunities emerge.
Athletic Rivalry:
ASU and U of A have a longstanding athletic rivalry known as the "Territorial Cup," which includes competitions in various sports. The rivalry between the two schools is intense and well-known in the state.
Culture and Atmosphere:
ASU, being located in a larger metropolitan area, often has a more urban and diverse atmosphere. It is known for its innovation and entrepreneurship. Arizona State University (ASU) has several slogans and mottos that capture the spirit and values of the university. Here are some of ASU's notable slogans and mottos:
"The New American University": This is one of ASU's primary slogans. It reflects the university's commitment to innovation, access, and excellence in higher education. ASU strives to be a model of what a modern American university should be.
"Invent the Future": This slogan emphasizes ASU's dedication to fostering innovation, creativity, and forward-thinking solutions to the world's challenges.
"The Sun Devil Way": This motto encapsulates the values and principles that ASU promotes among its students, including integrity, accountability, and community engagement.
"Dream, Discover, Deliver": This slogan highlights the university's mission to encourage students and researchers to dream big, explore new horizons, and make a meaningful impact on society.
"Fear the Fork": The pitchfork is a prominent symbol of ASU's mascot, Sparky the Sun Devil. "Fear the Fork" is a rallying cry often used in athletics to support ASU's teams and instill a sense of pride and competition.
"Access, Excellence, Impact": This phrase underscores ASU's commitment to providing a high-quality education that is accessible to a diverse student population and aims to have a positive impact on the community and the world.
"Together, We Will": ASU often uses this phrase to convey the idea that by working together and collaborating, the ASU community can achieve great things and overcome challenges.
These slogans and mottos reflect ASU's values, aspirations, and mission as a leading research university. They convey the university's dedication to innovation, inclusivity, and its role in shaping the future.
U of A has a distinct desert Southwest culture and has a somewhat more traditionally collegiate academic and social atmosphere. One cannot really mention U of A culture without discussing the phrase, "Bear Down," which can be really confusing to someone unfamiliar with the school, especially noting the mascot is a wildcat?
The phrase "Bear Down" is a unique and cherished slogan at the University of Arizona. It is deeply ingrained in the university's culture and history. The origin of "Bear Down" as the university's motto and rallying cry can be traced back to a significant event in the school's history.
In 1926, John "Button" Salmon, a student-athlete at U of A, was seriously injured in a car accident. On his deathbed, he reportedly told his coach, Pop McKale, "Tell them...tell the team to bear down." This inspirational message from Salmon became a source of motivation and unity for the university's athletic teams and the entire university community.
"Bear Down" serves as a reminder of resilience, determination, and the spirit of facing challenges head-on. It embodies the idea of pushing through adversity and striving for success. As a result, the phrase has become an integral part of U of A's identity and is used in various contexts, including in athletic events, academic settings, and as a general source of pride and motivation for students, alumni, and supporters of the university.
The tradition of "Bear Down" is celebrated at U of A, and it's not uncommon to see it on banners, clothing, and at events throughout the campus. It's a symbol of unity and school spirit that connects the university community to its history and the values of perseverance and determination.
Colors and Mascots:
ASU's colors are maroon and gold, and their mascot is Sparky the Sun Devil.
U of A's colors are red and blue, and their mascots are Wilbur & Wilma (the Wildcats).
Both universities offer high-quality education and have their own unique strengths and opportunities for students. The choice between ASU and U of A often depends on individual preferences, academic interests, and career goals.
