Best Colleges in Arizona
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Arizona offers beautiful vistas, world-class space research, a vibrant community life, and a low cost of living. The best colleges in Arizona give you a high-quality education with low tuition and unique academic opportunities.
Students may choose to attend Arizona colleges to enroll in top aeronautics, aviation, and space programs, excellent business programs, and more. Universities in Arizona host prestigious faculty, cutting-edge research facilities, and generous grant programs.
You can also choose an Arizona online college, gaining access to the state's excellent universities from anywhere in the country. Whether you need the flexibility to study on your own terms or want to save on costs, the best colleges in Arizona provide many attractive options.
Featured Online Bachelor's Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
5 Popular Colleges in Arizona
We've compiled a list of some of the most popular universities in Arizona. These well-known colleges in Arizona offer benefits like low costs, high acceptance rates, and industry-leading research opportunities.
The following school data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and corresponds to the 2021-2022 academic year.
1. University of Arizona
- Avg. Undergraduate Tuition & Fees: $13,626 (in-state), $41,095 (out-of-state)
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Total Student Enrollment: 49,403
The University of Arizona is a public school that offers over 300 majors, a vibrant college campus, and a diverse student body. With a 15-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, you'll get a personalized experience in the classroom.
The college is known for research and has secured several NASA grants, including a $3 million grant in 2023. UArizona receives more than $580 million in research funding annually, and its faculty has won numerous national and international awards.
With a high acceptance rate, UArizona is also pretty easy to get into. And, once accepted, 9 out of 10 students receive financial aid.
Popular majors include business, marketing, biological and biomedical sciences, science technologies, engineering, and computer and information science.
2. Arizona State University
- Avg. Undergraduate Tuition & Fees: $12,051 (in-state), $32,193 (out-of-state)
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Total Student Enrollment: 80,065
Arizona State University is a large public university with many top-ranked programs. The school's sports teams have won over 270 conference and national titles. Its faculty includes five Nobel Laureates, 11 MacArthur Fellows, and 10 Pulitzer Prize winners.
ASU is also known for innovation: It regularly ranks among the top U.S. universities for patents. Students at ASU come from nearly 160 countries, and 33% of ASU undergrads are first-generation students.
Popular majors at ASU include information technology, psychology, liberal studies, biological sciences, business, software engineering, electrical engineering, and English.
3. Northern Arizona University
- Avg. Undergraduate Tuition & Fees: $12,652 (in-state), $28,900 (out-of-state)
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Total Student Enrollment: 28,086
Northern Arizona University is a public university with nearly 200 undergraduate programs. Approximately two-thirds of its students are Arizona residents. Although NAU began as a teachers' college, it now offers a host of degree options, and many of its faculty conduct interdisciplinary research.
The smallest of Arizona's three main public universities — and the only one based outside of a major metro area — NAU may be an especially good fit for students who want the benefits of a larger school but with a smaller-town feel.
Popular degrees at NAU include forestry, education, hotel and restaurant management, applied linguistics, environmental sustainability, engineering, and physical therapy.
4. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott
- Avg. Undergraduate Tuition & Fees: $42,204
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Total Student Enrollment: 3,162
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott is a private university with exceptional aerospace and aeronautics programs. It's the world's largest, fully accredited university specializing in aviation, aerospace, and security and intelligence.
In addition, the school reports that 96% of its first-year students receive some form of financial aid.
The university offers more than 70 bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. degree programs. Popular majors include aerospace, aeronautical, astronautical, and space engineering; aeronautics and aerospace science and technology; international relations; and computer forensics and counterterrorism.
5. Grand Canyon University
- Avg. Undergraduate Tuition & Fees: $17,450
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Total Student Enrollment: 101,816
Grand Canyon University is a nondenominational Christian university with a large online degree presence. It is committed to combining its Christian beliefs, values, and practices with a postsecondary education. Nearly 60,000 students from around the world enroll in GCU's online degree programs.
In addition to offering many online degrees, GCU boasts new STEM programs and several NCAA Division I sports teams.
Popular majors at GCU include nursing, business, elementary education, human services, andspecial education and teaching.
List of All Colleges in Arizona
Below, we've compiled a complete list of all four-year nonprofit universities in Arizona. You can use the table to compare data on student population, average net cost, acceptance rate, and number of applicants.
The following information comes from NCES, and all data is from 2022. Schools with fewer than 500 undergraduates are not included in this list.
| School | Total Student Enrollment | Avg. Annual Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Number of Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Christian University | 1,082 | $28,755 | 70% | 1,316 |
| Arizona State University - Campus Immersion | 80,065 | $14,808 | 90% | 68,789 |
| Arizona State University - Digital Immersion | 62,551 | NA | 64% | 8,424 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | 3,162 | $38,909 | 68% | 3,547 |
| Grand Canyon University | 101,816 | $21,939 | 78% | 29,304 |
| Northern Arizona University | 28,086 | $17,115 | 80% | 44,855 |
| Ottawa University-Surprise | 1,736 | $35,402 | 29% | 1,155 |
| University of Arizona | 49,403 | $17,075 | 87% | 52,091 |
Cost of College in Arizona
According to NCES, the average public in-state tuition in Arizona for the 2021-2022 academic year was $11,452 — higher than the national average of $9,596.
However, private four-year Arizona college tuition ($13,272) was significantly less than the national average of $34,041, making Arizona a good choice if you're interested in a private college degree.
Additionally, online degree programs may be more affordable than in-person programs. They often offer the same rate to all students, regardless of residency. You can also consider living at home or applying for scholarships, grants, and financial aid to save on out-of-pocket costs.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees |
|---|---|
| Public Four-Year (In-State) | $11,452 |
| Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) | $26,025 |
| Private Four-Year | $13,272 |
| Public Two-Year (In-State) | $2,182 |
| Public Two-Year (Out-of-State) | $7,333 |
Why Study in Arizona?
Students may want to study in Arizona for various reasons, including the vibrant culture and growing industries. Arizona boasts a low cost of living, cultural diversity, and a growing economy. Additionally, Tucson — home to the University of Arizona — is one of just two cities in the United States designated as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
Arizona universities have many world-class educational programs, but beyond that, you can enjoy beautiful outdoor spaces and a warm climate conducive to healthy living.
Arizona is a leader in the country's aerospace and defense industry. It's also known for electronics, communications, aeronautics, and aluminum.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges in Arizona
What is the #1 college in Arizona?
The University of Arizona and Arizona State University are generally considered the top colleges in Arizona due to their variety of program options, research opportunities, and renowned faculty.
UArizona is located in Tuscon, which is a large city but maintains a college-town feel. ASU has a much bigger online division, and its main campus near downtown Phoenix offers access to a bustling city life.
How many four-year colleges are there in AZ?
According to NCES' College Navigator, Arizona is home to 35 nonprofit, four-year colleges and universities. This includes large universities like Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, and Grand Canyon University. It also includes smaller institutions like Indian Bible College and Prescott College.
Is it expensive to go to college in Arizona?
Arizona public colleges are slightly more expensive than the average public college nationwide. Average in-state tuition for public institutions at four-year public schools is about $2,000 higher than the national average, according to NCES.
On the other hand, the average annual cost of private four-year colleges in Arizona is significantly less than the national average: $13,272 in Arizona compared to a national average of $34,041.
What is the hardest college to get into in Arizona?
Ottawa University in Surprise admitted just 29% of applicants in fall 2022, making it one of the hardest four-year colleges to get into in Arizona.
Is ASU a good school?
Yes, ASU is generally considered a good school. It has world-class faculty and many top-ranked programs. The university is known for its STEM programs and tech industry connections.
ASU is also an excellent college for innovation and future leaders, with many popular business programs. It also has a large online presence, enrolling tens of thousands of distance learners from across the country.
