ASU Surpasses $1 Billion in Research Funding, Ranks High Nationally
Arizona State University (ASU) has achieved a significant milestone, surpassing $1 billion in annual research funding for the first time. This accomplishment places ASU among the top 4% of research institutions across the United States, according to the latest data from the National Science Foundation’s Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) survey.
This remarkable growth reflects ASU’s dedication to translating research investments into meaningful benefits for the community, including advancements in health care, enhanced safety measures, and cutting-edge technology. “We have remained steadfast and determined in our goal to build a new model of a great American research university,” said ASU President Michael Crow. “Surpassing $1 billion in research expenditures underscores our unwavering commitment to be a new gold standard of service to the community, our state, and our nation.”
Ranking and Recognition
The HERD survey reported ASU’s total research expenditures for fiscal year 2024 at $1.003 billion. This represents an eightfold increase since Crow took office in 2002. The university now ranks 37th overall among research institutions, ahead of notable universities such as Michigan State University, Purdue, and the University of Chicago. Among public universities, ASU stands at 21st, surpassing schools like Indiana University and Rutgers.
ASU also secured the 5th position among institutions without a medical school, ahead of respected institutions like Princeton and Purdue. Notably, ASU’s John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering recently received preliminary accreditation, with its first class set to begin in summer 2026.
The university has consistently been recognized for its innovative contributions, having been ranked No. 1 in innovation by U.S. News & World Report for the past 11 years. Furthermore, ASU was named the top institution in the United States for global impact toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals for the last six years by Times Higher Education. In 2023, ASU’s research accomplishments were further acknowledged with an invitation to join the prestigious Association of American Universities.
Diverse Funding and Research Impact
The NSF’s annual HERD survey collects data from hundreds of institutions, providing a comprehensive view of research expenditures across the country. ASU’s funding comes from various sources, including federal agencies, state and local grants, and private organizations. This diverse funding portfolio is seen as a critical asset in the university’s growth.
“Our rapid growth and achieving the $1 billion milestone reflects their confidence in our ability to deliver valuable results,” said Sally C. Morton, executive vice president of ASU Knowledge Enterprise. ASU ranked 14th in National Science Foundation funding, 10th in NASA expenditures, and 10th in funding from state and local governments, outperforming several elite institutions.
The university also achieved top rankings in various academic disciplines. ASU was ranked No. 1 in anthropology and non-science and engineering, and No. 2 in education and visual and performing arts. These achievements highlight ASU’s ability to attract distinguished faculty, including six Nobel laureates and over 300 Fulbright U.S. Scholars.
ASU’s research initiatives have led to impactful projects that benefit local communities and beyond. For instance, researchers are utilizing artificial intelligence to enhance health care outcomes worldwide. An AI-based tool called HLA-Inception decodes immune system responses, potentially leading to more personalized cancer therapies. Another tool, Ark+, improves the accuracy of chest X-ray readings, aiding in faster diagnoses.
Additionally, ASU is addressing environmental concerns affecting fishing communities. Researchers have developed modified fishing gear that reduces bycatch of endangered species while still meeting the needs of fishers. In field tests, nets equipped with green LED lights significantly decreased unintended captures, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices.
ASU students have also engaged in community-oriented projects through the YouthMappers initiative, creating open-access maps that help address local challenges, including heat-related health issues in Mesa, Arizona. Their work has provided essential data to researchers, enabling targeted interventions.
The university’s commitment to national priorities extends to developing new technologies for defense. A project funded by DARPA is focused on creating a chip called COCHON, which enhances communication between satellites. This technology is expected to improve data relay capabilities in space, ultimately benefiting both government and commercial applications.
As ASU continues to align its research with pressing societal challenges, it remains dedicated to fostering innovation and training the next generation of scholars. “Research is essential to the thriving future we envision and the goals we all share,” Morton stated. “Guided by our charter, ASU will continue to create solutions that touch people’s everyday lives.”
With these advancements, ASU is poised to play a vital role in shaping the future of research and community impact.
