If you’re weighing options between the UK and US for higher education, comparing specific institutions like Rowan University and Arizona State University (ASU) offers insight into each system’s strengths. Here’s how they stack up in terms of academics, admissions, outcomes, and student life.
1. University System: UK vs US
- In the UK, most three-year degrees begin with specialization immediately, while Scotland offers greater flexibility with four-year programs allowing some subject switching. University of Dundee
- US universities, such as Rowan and ASU, promote broader general studies before narrowing focus later. University of Dundee
2. Size & Campus Environment
| University | Location & Size | Student-to-Faculty Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Rowan University | Glassboro, NJ – ~19,600 students Wikipedia | 16:1 College Simply |
| Arizona State University | Multiple campuses across Arizona – ~80,000 students Wikipedia | 19:1 College Simply |
- ASU embraces a new American university model focusing on inclusion, access, and impact. Wikipedia
3. Admissions & Outcomes
| Metric | Rowan University | Arizona State University |
|---|---|---|
| SAT Score Avg | ~1090–1300 College Simply | ~1100–1320 College Simply |
| Acceptance Rate | ~77% College Simply | ~90% College Simply |
| Graduation Rate | 68% College Simply+1 | 57% College Simply+1 |
| Median Earnings (10 Years Out) | $53,300 College Simply+1 | $52,600 College Simply+1 |
| Median Loan Debt | $20,000 College Simply+1 | $20,278 College Simply+1 |
Rowan shows slightly stronger outcomes in graduation rates and financial payoff among alumni.
4. Academic Environment & Campus Life
Rowan University stands out for:
- Strong research focus with personalized teaching and small class sizes Uniabroad
- A tight-knit, affordable suburban campus near Philadelphia Uniabroadstandyou.com
- Many students praise its supportive professors and accessible research opportunities Reddit
Arizona State University offers:
- A vast array of campuses, each tailored to specific academic disciplines Wikipedia
- The W. P. Carey School of Business, one of the largest business schools globally Wikipedia
- A highly inclusive and ambitious model promoting access Wikipedia
5. Deciding Between the UK and US
Beyond Rowan vs. ASU, choosing between UK and US education involves broader factors:
- UK degrees tend to be shorter and more focused.
- US universities often provide more flexibility in early study.
- Career and visa implications may differ significantly.
Explore more on UK university options:
👉 Top Universities in the UK for International Students in 2025
Final Thoughts
| Ideal For | Rowan University | Arizona State University |
|---|---|---|
| Smaller campus, tight community | Yes | |
| Higher graduation success and lower debt | Yes | |
| Wide academic variety and urban setting | Yes | |
| Inclusive model and multiple learning modalities | Yes |