Arizona State University (ADT to ASU)

Arizona State University (ASU) is a public research university in Tempe, Arizona, part of the larger Phoenix metropolitan area, offering over 400 undergraduate degree programs. Founded in 1885, ASU is continually ranked among colleges and universities in the United States as a leader in educational innovation, employability and inclusivity.

Benefits of Earning an ADT

In 2026, the California Community Colleges system entered into an agreement with Arizona State University that extends the advantages of earning an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) beyond the California State University system to include ASU. Students who earn an ADT at De Anza College receive these benefits from ASU:

  • Guaranteed admission to Arizona State University
  • Junior standing in an aligned bachelor's degree program
  • A pathway to earn an aligned bachelor's degree in two years, with no more than 60 additional transfer units after transfer
  • All ASU lower-division general education requirements considered fulfilled
  • Students transferring to an ASU Online program or the ASU California Center may be eligible for adjusted tuition rates

How to Get Guaranteed Admission to ASU With an ADT (AA-T or AS-T)

In order to qualify, students will simply need to earn an Associates Degree for Transfer at a California Community College, then:

  1. Use the ASU pathway finder to see which ASU bachelor's degrees align with your ADT, interests and career goals.
  2. See how your courses apply to your bachelor's degree pathway with the MyPath2ASU tool.
  3. Contact an ASU Admissions Team member with any questions.
  4. Apply to ASU online, and be sure to indicate in the section on academic history that you are completing or will complete an Associate Degree for Transfer.
  5. In your last term, fill out the ADT application with a De Anza counselor. If you do not apply for graduation, the degree will not be awarded and will not appear on your De Anza official transcript.
  6. Submit all official transcripts (including De Anza, other accredited institutions, and standardized test scores, like AP/IB credit score reports).

Learn more about the partnership between Arizona State University and the California Community Colleges system on ASU's ADT partnership website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer to Arizona State University without completing an Associate Degree for Transfer?

Yes. Admission to ASU does not depend on completing a transfer degree, and not all ASU majors align with one of the 60 ADT programs. Without an ADT, you may not have guaranteed admission or the other benefits of the ADT program.

My degree is still in progress, but I want to apply with guaranteed admission. How will ASU know I should have guaranteed admission?

The academic history section of the application asks for all prior colleges, any degrees and graduation or completion dates. Enter De Anza as a prior college, then enter your ADT in the degrees section. For the graduation date, enter your expected future graduation date (for example, June 2027) so ASU knows your degree is in progress. You should receive conditional admission. ASU will need official transcripts after your degree posts to verify it and remove the "conditional" qualifier.

Does guaranteed admission work for any ASU campus, including online?

Yes. Guaranteed admission applies to all ASU campuses in Arizona, the ASU California Center in downtown Los Angeles and ASU Online.

Is guaranteed admission only for fall?

No. ASU offers six start dates throughout the year, and guaranteed admission can be used for any starting term. Specific start dates vary by program and by how you choose to attend. See the ASU academic calendar for more information.

Will I be considered a junior after I transfer with my ADT?

Yes. ASU has committed to accepting a minimum of 90 quarter (60 semester) units from students with ADTs, so they have junior standing on transfer.

How long will it take me to earn my bachelor's degree after I transfer?

ASU has developed pathways in its aligned majors that require no more than 60 semester units after transfer to earn the bachelor's degree. For full-time students, that is typically two years of study, though it may take longer if you attend part time or circumstances prolong your studies.

Does ASU accept Cal-GETC to meet its general education requirements?

Yes. ASU accepts Cal-GETC to fulfill its lower-division requirements, whether or not a student earns an ADT.

Does my ADT meet the requirements for guaranteed admission?

Yes. ASU accepts all 60 ADT pathways toward its affiliated majors, and many ADTs correspond to more than one major. An AA-T or AS-T in any transfer major earns guaranteed admission.

Disclaimer: The final responsibility for successful transfer rests with the student. The information posted on this website is designed to assist students in obtaining the most accurate transfer-related information possible. However, this information is subject to change without notice, which may subsequently impact admission to a transfer college or university.

Students are encouraged to meet as early as possible in their academic careers and periodically with a DAC counselor or academic adviser to develop a Student Education Plan and with a transfer college or university admissions representative to confirm their choice of classes.

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