Arizona State University Shuts Down Lake Havasu Campus

By Staff Reporter |

Arizona State University (ASU) is set to close its Lake Havasu campus in the summer of 2025, marking a significant shift in the institution’s trend of growth. This decision impacts over 200 students and 20 faculty members at a campus that opened in 2012.

In conjunction with the closure, ASU plans to raise tuition fees for remaining students: full-time students will incur an additional $350 charge, while part-time students will face a proportional increase. The university attributes its decision to state budget cuts, including an $11 million reduction in funding for higher education.

ASU President Michael Crow criticized state legislators for their ongoing failure to adequately fund higher education, framing the closure as an inevitable consequence of insufficient public investment. “These necessary actions reflect the continuing lack of public investment from state government for higher education in Arizona,” Crow stated. He emphasized the importance of state support for the university’s efforts to expand educational opportunities and develop a skilled workforce.

Governor Katie Hobbs, despite often clashing with the Republican-dominated legislature, backed the recent budget that includes these cuts. In a statement, she referred to it as a “bipartisan, balanced budget” aimed at stabilizing state finances.

Lawmakers, however, have expressed dissatisfaction with ASU’s decision, especially regarding the apparent lack of public discourse surrounding it. House Majority Leader Leo Biasiucci and Republican State Rep. John Gillette voiced their disappointment. They pointed out that ASU’s financial health does not support the closure, noting that the university’s budget has seen a substantial increase of approximately 22% since fiscal year 2020.

Gillette characterized the decision as potentially politically motivated, suggesting that ASU should implement cost-saving measures during tough financial times, just as other public agencies are compelled to do. “We call on ASU to immediately reconsider this closure,” he stated, urging the Arizona Board of Regents to review the decision closely.

Local leaders in Lake Havasu City have expressed frustrations over being excluded from the decision-making process. Mayor Cal Sheehy lamented the lack of opportunity to explore alternatives. “It’s really sad that ASU has made the decision to close,” he said, emphasizing the city’s innovative spirit and past investment in bringing the university to the area.

Business owner Steve Greeley echoed these sentiments, questioning the necessity of the closure given the community’s efforts to establish the campus. “You would think they would have a workaround before making a decision so burdensome,” he remarked.

Editorial staff from local publications criticized ASU’s decision, stressing its negative impact on students and families. They lamented the loss of a school that has become integral to the community and declared that the university’s commitment to relocate students does not compensate for the void left by the campus closure.