Times Higher Education GEURS 2026 Recognises ASU as a Leader in Graduate Employment

ASU’s Focus on AI-Proof Skills and Digital Literacy Drives Global Employability Success

Founded in 1885 and based in Phoenix, Arizona, Arizona State University (ASU) is regarded as one of the world’s top public research universities, with an endearing reputation for innovativeness, inclusiveness, and real impact. It prides itself on marrying academic excellence with an avenue of practical experience, thereby equipping students with the necessary skills to be competitive in an increasingly global workforce. Over the years, ASU has expanded its influence into business, engineering, sustainability, data science, and public policy-these fields being the ones that directly relate to the needs of modern industries and society.

When Mariana Torres, a first-generation Latina student, first arrived on the ASU campus, she reported having entered new and uncharted realms for herself both in her personal and academic life. The first in her family to attend university, in fact, at the start, she was quite intimidated, stating that she had no idea how to go about getting internships, networking, or really understanding higher education. But over time, she turned that uncertainty into stupendous success. Now a successful student at ASU's W. P. Carey School of Business, Torres has received numerous academic honours, completed internships with Walmart and Google, and conducted data research for Intel, Netflix, and The Grammys. ASU, she says, opened her to a plethora of professional opportunities that might not have been tracked from elsewhere; it has indeed been a life-changing experience.

ASU, meanwhile, moves from singular achievements to larger, institutional accomplishments, once again gaining worldwide recognition for its exceptional career outcomes. In the 2026 Times Higher Education Global Employability University Ranking and Survey (GEURS), it placed second among public U.S. universities for graduates most employable, ahead of names like UCLA, University of Michigan, and Purdue. Within all American institutions, ASU ranked 14th and 37th in the world- a phenomenal jump from last year's 41st place. Nancy Gonzales, Executive Vice President and University Provost, states that ASU graduates are characterised by creativity, resourcefulness and adaptability. In a fast-evolving job market, employers value these qualities more than ever. According to her, the university deliberately nurtures through its educational programs and experiential work “AI-proof” and long-lasting skill-sets. This year's ranking thus reaffirmed ASU's placement among the finest universities in the USA for employability, producing graduates ready to tackle complex global challenges.

On a broader spectrum, with GEURS being the only global ranking institution made entirely from the employer perspective, it takes quite a big position. Having been founded in 2010 by Emerging and being published by Times Higher Education, GEURS now probably serves as the most logical measuring rod for global graduate employability. With ASU being at the heart of the 2026 survey, the needs of employers for graduates able to merge digital literacy with profound knowledge on a subject were increasing, in line with sustainability, data analytics, healthcare, engineering, and digital media being the focus areas for ASU.

Employers have long held that ASU graduates combine technical skills with a global perspective and dedication to lifetime learning. This recognition can be seen in the ranks of the top employers of ASU graduates, which include Amazon, Intel, Banner Health, Deloitte, Honeywell, Boeing, Charles Schwab, Pepsico, Honour Health, and the U.S. federal government. Continuing on student support, Joanne Vogel, Vice-President of Student Services, highlighted that ASU offers unparalleled opportunities for students from the time of their first interaction with the university to the time of graduation and beyond. She stated that students also have access to digital career tools, interview preparation, resume reviews, career fairs, mentoring programs, and partnerships with industry. According to Vogel, internships are extremely important for career readiness because students with internships finish their education with greater knowledge, thus leading to quicker job placements and higher salaries.

Under Vogel's mentorship is Sedra Shahin, a Barrett, The Honours College student who will graduate in 2026, with degrees in business administration, business law, and public service and public policy. Born in Syria and a first-generation student, Shahin personifies ASU's dedication to the success of first-generation students. Her experiences through internships with the League of Arizona Cities and Towns and Wells Fargo, complemented by her leadership as student body president, positioned her well in the areas of policy, business, and ethics. Shahin's full-time hire at Wells Fargo for a position as a control management analyst is indicative of the university's strong graduate employment rate.

On the academic side, faculty members at ASU reaffirmed that linking education with employability remains central to the university's mission. Associate Dean for Students and Academic Innovation at the Rob Walton College of Global Futures, Kate Eaton, asserted that ASU focuses on hard skills such as data literacy and collaborative problem-solving, paired with leadership in emerging areas like sustainable energy, ethical AI, and community resilience. She maintained that ASU enables students for careers today and those that have yet to emerge.

In the continuation of the same spirit, Detra Montoya, Clinical Professor of W. P. Carey School of Business, expressed that she is connecting students with employers by coordinating career fairs, live company projects, and sales competitions. The department concentrates on technical skills and soft skills in a balanced way, enabling students to secure professional success. Montoya expressed satisfaction to be part of a university that “prioritises career readiness and supports students in transitioning confidently into the workforce.”

Its gradual ascent in the ASU Global Employability Ranking 2026, thereby confirming its stronghold among the top graduate employability universities across the world, reflects the commitment of ASU to prepare its graduates to thrive in this ever-changing global marketplace. By seriously emphasising AI-proof skills, digital literacy, awareness of the world, and a range of career counselling services, Arizona State University continues to nurture its graduates for long-term success in an ever-changing global labour market.

Editor’s Note

The latest Arizona State University ranking 2026 results reaffirm the university’s consistent progress as one of the top public institutions for graduate employability. The rise in the Times Higher Education Global Employability University Ranking and Survey (GEURS) reflects not only ASU’s strong academic foundation but also its forward-looking approach to education. The university’s focus on AI-proof skills, digital literacy, and sustainability has positioned its graduates favourably in an increasingly competitive global job market. Moreover, ASU’s commitment to inclusivity and practical learning deserves recognition. By supporting first-generation students and providing comprehensive career services, the university demonstrates that employability extends beyond academic achievement; it is about nurturing confidence, competence, and adaptability. In this sense, ASU’s success serves as a reminder that higher education should evolve in step with industry needs, ensuring students remain both employable and impactful.

Skoobuzz underlines that the ASU Global Employability Ranking 2026 underscores a broader truth: universities that align learning with real-world relevance are those that ultimately define the future of global education.

FAQs

1. What is Arizona State University’s position in the 2026 Global Employability Ranking?

In the Times Higher Education Global Employability University Ranking and Survey (GEURS) 2026, ASU ranked 2nd among U.S. public universities, 14th nationally, and 37th globally, improving from 41st last year.

2. What factors led to ASU’s higher employability ranking?

ASU’s rise is credited to its strong focus on AI-proof skills, digital literacy, and practical learning. Its programmes in business, data analytics, sustainability, and engineering align closely with global workforce needs, supported by active employer partnerships and experiential learning.

3. How does ASU prepare students for global careers?

ASU equips students through internships, mentoring, digital career tools, and hands-on projects. Career services provide support in resume building, interviews, and job placement, ensuring graduates are adaptable and globally competitive.

4. Why is the GEURS ranking important?

GEURS is based entirely on employers’ perceptions, measuring how well universities prepare students for the workforce. ASU’s strong showing indicates that global recruiters value its graduates for their creativity, adaptability, and technical expertise.

5. How do students and faculty contribute to ASU’s employability success?

Students like Mariana Torres and Sedra Shahin reflect ASU’s focus on achievement through internships and leadership. Faculty members such as Kate Eaton and Detra Montoya connect students directly with employers, reinforcing ASU’s reputation for career-ready graduates.