Discover Most Popular Colleges in Arizona
Learn what the top-rated Arizona colleges offer and find the one that fits your educational needs!
- By: The College Compass Team
Arizona is home to a rich and varied landscape of educational opportunities, where more than 50 colleges offer countless chances for you to advance your learning in all fields.
From the urban campus life of the University of Arizona in Tucson to the desert views at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, each college in Arizona offers something unique and exciting.
No matter what major you are looking for, you will find classes taught by passionate educators and an atmosphere rooted in innovation and academic excellence unmatched anywhere else.
Plus, many colleges throughout Arizona also offer opportunities outside of the classroom such as clubs and activities, internships and even study abroad programs.
Ready to take on higher education?
Let’s explore what some of the best colleges in Arizona have to offer!
Higher Education in Arizona: Overview & Important Info
Arizona has quickly become a hotbed for undergraduate and graduate studies, providing exceptional academic opportunities in the Southwest.
Moreover, with its vibrant political discourse, bustling metropolitan areas, and thriving job market, students also find an ideal place to enjoy myriad career paths while studying at these outstanding educational hubs.
Quick facts about colleges in Arizona:
- Types of Colleges in Arizona – Public colleges, Private colleges for profit, Private colleges not for profit, and Community colleges
- Number of Colleges & Universities by type – 5 public colleges, 28 Private colleges, 20 Community colleges
- Number of Students – 600,103 students
- Average tuition cost from colleges listed – $14435
- Popular student cities, areas, or towns – Glendale, Tempe, Tucson & Phoenix
The Most Popular Colleges in Arizona
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ
ASU is a leader in online education, having been the first university to offer an entire degree program over the internet.
Yet its academic excellence reaches far beyond just online studies – you can choose from hundreds of majors and minors and unique study abroad opportunities such as the concurrent media program or school of sustainability.
ASU has achieved many accolades due to its research output; U.S News & World Report ranks it high among public universities, while Forbes honored them with “Most Entrepreneurial Universities.”
On top of all this, there is an engaging campus life filled with student organizations and clubs catering to any interest!
Avg. Tuition Cost
$26,640
Duration
4 Years
Type
Public
Enrollment
Less Selective
SAT
Required
Graduation Rate
64%
Acceptance Rate
88%
Classes
Online, On-campus & Hybrid
Types Of Degrees
Certificates, Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s & Doctorate
Popular Degrees & Majors
• Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
• Engineering
• Biological and Biomedical Sciences
• Computer Science
• Political Science and Government
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ
At The University of Arizona, be prepared to turn your academic dreams into realities.
This esteemed educational institution offers top-notch business, engineering, law, medicine, and more programs!
Plus, you won’t have to worry after graduation; the career development team has the resources to ensure you’re ready for whatever comes next. And don’t worry about how you’ll pay – financial aid is available with an array of grants, scholarships, loans, and even work/study opportunities so that UA can help set up a successful future – all at your fingertips!
Avg. Tuition Cost
$13,200
Duration
4 Years
Type
Public
Enrollment
Less Selective
SAT
Not Required
Graduation Rate
64%
Acceptance Rate
85%
Classes
Online, On-campus & Hybrid
Types Of Degrees
Certificates, Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s & Doctorate
Popular Degrees & Majors
• Aerospace Engineering
• Animal & Veterinary Sciences
• Architecture, Planning & Development
• Liberal Arts and Humanities
• Physiology and Pathology
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott
Prescott, AZ
Nestled in the beautiful Prescott Valley, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Prescott offers students a one-of-a-kind educational experience.
With an impressive selection of aviation courses and certificate programs covering everything from unmanned systems to airport administration, it’s no wonder graduates get snapped up by employers worldwide!
Not only that but with plenty of student organizations and intramural sports available on campus, too, there are loads more ways to expand your skillset beyond the classroom walls!
Avg. Tuition Cost
$42,240
Duration
4 Years
Type
Private, Not for Profit
Enrollment
Close, Selective
SAT
Not Required
Graduation Rate
66%
Acceptance Rate
74%
Classes
Online, On-campus & Hybrid
Types Of Degrees
Certificates, Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s & Doctorate
Popular Degrees & Majors
• Aeronautics and Aviation Technology
• Cyber/Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism
• Professional Pilot
• Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
• Mechanical Engineering
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ
With a staggering 20k students on campus and 70K+ online, GCU has become the biggest worldwide! It offers countless research opportunities to help you grow intellectually and has many amenities like housing, dining areas, fitness centers, libraries & art galleries for when it’s time to unwind or just relax after long study hours!
And let’s not forget about those chapels, too, if you want a little quality me-time away from all the hustle and bustle. Achieving the ‘Higher Learning Commission’ accreditation seals the deal; Grand Canyon University truly stands out as one inspiring educational powerhouse where your dreams can take off towards new heights day by day!
Avg. Tuition Cost
$16,500
Duration
4 Years
Type
Private, For Profit
Enrollment
Less Selective
SAT
Required
Graduation Rate
41%
Acceptance Rate
81%
Classes
Online, On-campus & Hybrid
Types Of Degrees
Certificates, Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s & Doctorate
Popular Degrees & Majors
• Psychiatric/Mental Health
• Nursing
• Business
• Human Services
• Elementary Education
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ
With a stunning Flagstaff campus and its coveted place among the top universities in the West on U.S. News & World Report’s list of “Best Colleges,” Northern Arizona University is an extraordinary institution for anyone seeking to reach the highest potential academically, athletically, and even beyond!
As part of this commitment to excellence, NAU embraces diversity through initiatives that foster inclusion; sustainability projects lead you towards global engagement with study abroad opportunities or service learning trips, while experiential learning experiences like research internships provide hands-on, real-world training – setting graduates up for success when you take flight into life after college!
Avg. Tuition Cost
$11,024
Duration
4 Years
Type
Public
Enrollment
Less Selective
SAT
Not Required
Graduation Rate
59%
Acceptance Rate
82%
Classes
Online, On-campus & Hybrid
Types Of Degrees
Certificates, Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s & Doctorate
Popular Degrees & Majors
• Liberal Arts and Humanities
• Business
• Psychology
• Criminology
• Biomedical Sciences and Molecular Medicine
University of Advancing Technology
Tempe, AZ
UAT is a high-tech university that prepares you for the best of both worlds – meaningful lives and successful careers!
Founded in 1983 by John D. Mitnick, UAT offers an array of degree programs ranging from computer science to game design & development, alongside experiential learning and real-world simulations crafted with leading industry professionals through CATEL (Center for Advancing Technology and Experiential Learning).
But it doesn’t end there: alum networks and career services; UAT has it all covered when your graduation day comes around! From Arizona’s sunny Tempe to your dream tech job, unleash ‘the power within’ at UAT today.
Avg. Tuition Cost
$12,950
Duration
4 Years
Type
Private, For Profit
Enrollment
Less Selective
SAT
Not Required
Graduation Rate
29%
Acceptance Rate
81%
Classes
Online, On-campus & Hybrid
Types Of Degrees
Certificates, Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s & Doctorate
Popular Degrees & Majors
• Game Design and Interactive Media
• Graphic Design
• Intelligence
• Computer Game Programming
• Animation, Video Graphics, and Special Effects
Arizona Christian University
Glendale, AZ
From meaningful career paths to community service, ACU offers exceptional education, abundant research opportunities, and numerous study abroad programs.
With ample majors, programs, and certificates available, you will gain the tools necessary to reach your goals today and become a leader tomorrow.
The curriculum at ACU introduces classroom-based learning and provides hands-on field experiences so that graduates are prepared for success when they enter their chosen professions.
Now is the time to discover what awaits you by exploring higher learning possibilities at ACU.
Avg. Tuition Cost
$16,249
Duration
4 Years
Type
Private, Not for Profit
Enrollment
Close, Selective
SAT
Not Required
Graduation Rate
48%
Acceptance Rate
71%
Classes
Online, On-campus & Hybrid
Types Of Degrees
Certificates, Associate & Bachelor’s
Popular Degrees & Majors
• Business Administration and Management
• Elementary Education and Teaching
• Psychology
• Bible/Biblical Studies
• Biology/Biological Sciences
Phoenix College
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix College has been empowering the Phoenix, Arizona, community for a century – since 1920!
The college is renowned for providing quality education to its 10,000 students through over 100 associate degree and certificate programs. Aviation Technology or Automotive Tech? Spanish language courses or business manager workshops?
Phoenix College offers it all, plus continuing education classes that will give you access to knowledge beyond what’s offered in standard curriculums.
Avg. Tuition Cost
$9,671
Duration
2 Years
Type
Public
Enrollment
Open, Nonselective
SAT
Not Required
Graduation Rate
14%
Acceptance Rate
100%
Classes
Online, On-campus & Hybrid
Types Of Degrees
Certificate & Associate
Popular Degrees & Majors
• Arts
• Commercial Photography
• Design and Visual Communications
• Drama and Theatre Production
• Fashion and Apparel Design
Glendale Community College
Glendale, AZ
Established in 1965, Glendale Community College is a leader in providing accessible and affordable education.
With its acclaimed curriculums and student resources, the college continues striving for excellence across numerous majors that range from associate degrees to certificates.
GCC has its main campus in Glendale and several other sites throughout the Valley, including Downtown Phoenix, so you can easily access support services such as academic counseling, career planning, transfer aid, tutoring & library resources – fostering success no matter where they are!
Avg. Tuition Cost
$9,605
Duration
2 Years
Type
Public
Enrollment
Open, Nonselective
SAT
Not Required
Graduation Rate
15%
Acceptance Rate
100%
Classes
Online, On-campus & Hybrid
Types Of Degrees
Certificate, Associate & Bachelor's
Popular Degrees & Majors
• Business
• Physiology and Pathology
• Sociology
• Accounting Technician and Bookkeeping
Dine College
Tsaile, AZ
Nestled in the heart of Tsaile, Arizona, on the Navajo Nation, lies Dine College: a public institution of higher learning and home to students from all walks of life.
As America’s only tribally-controlled college, it offers its community an unrivaled education through four schools – providing you with solid foundations for your future studies as well as professional pathways beyond graduation day.
But that’s not all; at Dine College, you are encouraged to participate outside the classroom too! From intramural sports teams and Greek organizations like fraternities or sororities right down to individual clubs/societies, there is something here for everyone keen to explore new extracurricular possibilities.
Avg. Tuition Cost
$10,604
Duration
4 Years
Type
Public
Enrollment
Open, Nonselective
SAT
Not Required
Graduation Rate
13%
Acceptance Rate
100%
Classes
Online, On-campus & Hybrid
Types Of Degrees
Certificate, Associate & Bachelor's
Popular Degrees & Majors
• Public Health Education
• Business
• Psychology
• Social Science Research Methods
• Elementary Education
Disclaimer:
All of the data about acceptance rates, graduation rates, tuition costs, and other relevant details for the list of popular colleges in Arizona mentioned above is sourced from CollegeScoreCard by the U.S. Department of Education and each college’s respective official website.
Please use the information and data provided only as a general guideline and verify it before making decisions based on it.
Accreditation for Arizona Colleges
In Arizona, colleges are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association. This accreditation ensures that the institutions meet certain standards and that credits earned at one institution can be transferred to another.
Additionally, HLC accreditation indicates that an institution is reputable and provides a quality educational experience.
As such, you should always verify that the college you are considering is accredited.
Things to Consider when Choosing a College in Arizona
When selecting the ideal college in Arizona, you, as a student, have numerous essential elements that need examination. From campus culture and class size to job potentials and cost of living, everybody has different considerations when scouting for their dream university.
Therefore, you must take time to research your options properly before finally settling on one. By carefully assessing all possible prospects, you can guarantee to find a perfect fit without any regrets!
Let us look at some tips below to guide your journey toward picking the right school:
Reasons to choose Arizona
- Arizona has an abundance of exciting destinations, world-renowned universities, breathtaking scenery, and year-round sun.
- Many colleges are ranked in the top 75 nationwide per U.S. News & World Report’s annual rankings for best-value colleges and universities, from the University of Arizona to Northern Arizona University.
- The diverse environment provides numerous opportunities to make lifelong connections – whether interacting with peers from all walks of life or participating in internships and study abroad programs – you have plenty of chances to develop as an individual while in school.
Student tips for choosing a college in Arizona
- Evaluate the economic value – beyond tuition rates and housing costs, look for internship programs that provide invaluable experiences leading to post-graduation success.
- Consider climate – Arizona has very hot summers and mild winters, so make sure you look into what kind of climate you’ll be living in before choosing a college.
- Think About Career Opportunities – You need to go beyond your walls and think about available career opportunities in your locations of interest post-graduation. Are there enough companies hiring graduates that match your area of expertise? Ask yourself these questions while shortlisting colleges based on academic fit or fees.
Campus Life at Arizona Colleges
Students in Arizona have access to a wide range of campus resources to help them succeed in their academic endeavors.
Depending on the institution, you can access academic advising, career counseling, job placement services, libraries with extensive books and other media collections, computer labs with high-speed internet connections, research centers, recreation centers, fitness centers, and student clubs and organizations.
Financial Aid & Cost of Living
While less expensive than many other states, Arizona’s living cost can still be quite high. According to The Economist’s comparison index, it falls just above the median cost of living—meaning its prices are slightly higher than average.
Fortunately, there are plenty of options for people looking for assistance with living costs, such as scholarships, grants, and loan programs. For example, the Arizona State Aid Grant offers tuition assistance for qualified undergraduate students enrolled in degree-granting institutions.
The federal Pell Grant program also provides non-repayable grants to low-income individuals who need additional financial assistance to pay for college.
Other resources available to students include scholarships, grants, and loans from private organizations, as well as work-study programs.
FAQ about Arizona Colleges
– Education: High school diploma or GED
– Transcripts: Official transcripts from all high schools attended
– Test Scores: ACT/SAT scores
– Application Fee: A nonrefundable fee for processing the application (varies by institution)
– Personal Essay/Statement of Purpose: An essay or statement of purpose outlining an applicant’s reasons for applying to the college and their goals after graduation.
– Letters of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, employers, etc.
– Financial Aid Forms: FAFSA forms completed online
Note: Every college has different admissions requirements, so it is important to check the specific requirements for each one.
Which colleges in Arizona are less-selective?
The colleges in Alaska that accept the majority of their applicants are Phoenix College, Glendale Community College, and Dine College.
Yes, there are several scholarships available for Arizona college students. The Arizona Community Foundation offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to eligible students, including grants tailored explicitly to those studying in-state.
Additionally, the University of Arizona has several merits, need-based awards, and department-specific scholarships.
Furthermore, the Arizona Board of Regents awards various scholarships to students in the state, including those attending private and tribal colleges.
Colleges in Arizona that have free tuition programs for senior citizens are:
– Arizona State University
– Northern Arizona University
– University of Arizona
– Yavapai College
– Cochise College
– Eastern Arizona College
– Glendale Community College
– Mesa Community College
– Northland Pioneer College
– Pima Community College
Yes, many research opportunities are available to students at Arizona colleges and universities. For instance, the University of Arizona has a variety of research initiatives ranging from engineering to medicine and health sciences, as well as social science research initiatives. You can participate in research by speaking with faculty members in the department to learn about possible projects and initiatives. You can also join student organizations and clubs committed to research or attend events hosted by university departments.
Arizona colleges and universities offer a wide variety of extracurricular activities that are accessible.
Depending on the school, there may be intramural sports teams, student organizations and clubs, volunteer opportunities, research projects, social events and activities, community service initiatives, and more.
For most schools, getting involved is as easy as visiting the Student Life or Activities office or checking out the website for more information. Most extracurricular activities and clubs have an email address where you can reach out for more details.
Depending on the activity, there may be additional forms to fill out or applications that need to be completed before joining any particular club.
Summary
Arizona is home to a number of excellent colleges and universities, each offering its own unique academic opportunities.
Whether you are looking for an Ivy League institution or something more regional in focus, the state has plenty of options available. No matter what your educational goals may be, Arizona’s diverse range of institutions can help you achieve them.
From traditional four-year programs to specialized graduate degrees, there is sure to be a college that meets your needs and provides the learning environment that best fits your lifestyle. With so many great choices available throughout the state, it won’t take long before you find the perfect fit for achieving success in higher education!
Editorial Disclaimer
The College Compass is reader-supported and committed to maintaining complete editorial independence. All views expressed are solely ours and are not influenced by any external party. We may include affiliate links in the article, which helps us earn a small commission to support our work. We always have a link to the source for any data or information we include. Learn more about our editorial practices.
Explore More Colleges & Universities