Applying to college can be quite tricky when you have a wide variety of options to choose from. Deciding on the schools that will best suit your educational and career goals is no small feat, and with a long list of schools to choose from, you will need guidance to ensure that you make the best decision.
If you want to pursue your college degree in Arizona, there are multiple schools that you can explore. This article covers some of the most prestigious universities in Arizona. We have a list of the top 10 universities in Arizona, so keep reading to find out which of the best universities in Arizona you should consider applying to.
How We Defined Arizona University Rankings
We have defined our Arizona university rankings based on the graduation and retention rates, academic quality, student-faculty ratio, campus resources, graduation rates, and undergraduate academic resources. These are factors that determine the best universities in Arizona. These schools promise to offer a positive experience to their incoming students.
Arizona Universities Ranked: Top 10 Universities in Arizona
- Arizona State University, Tempe
- The University of Arizona
- Northern Arizona University
- Grand Canyon University
- Arizona State University, Downtown Phoenix
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott
- Arizona Christian University
- University of Advancing Technology
- Prescott College
- Arizona State Unversity, West Campus
The Best Colleges and Universities in Arizona, Explained
This section includes a brief description of the best colleges in Arizona. It includes information that demonstrates the excellence of the schools and what they offer. They are schools that offer world-class education and guarantee the safety of students. All the information in this section has been carefully sourced from each school’s official website.
1. Arizona State University, Tempe
- US News National Ranking: #117
- Campus Location(s): Tempe, Arizona
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 54,866
- Graduation Rate: 67%
Arizona State University is one of the largest public universities in the US by enrollment. It is a public research university founded in 1885. ASU is a reputable university that offers a variety of programs ranging from behavioral sciences to business and entrepreneurship. With over 350 undergraduate degree programs and 450 graduate degrees, there’s something for everyone.
2. The University of Arizona
- US News National Ranking: #103
- Campus Location: Tucson, Arizona
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 38,528
- Graduation Rate: 64%
The University of Arizona is a public research university founded in 1885 and a public ivy university. Undergraduate applicants can choose from over 300 majors, and this institution also offers athletic options with over 500 student athletes. This amazing institution boasts a 15 to one student-faculty ratio, a diverse student body, and three Nobel Prize winners.
3. Northern Arizona University
- US News National Ranking: #288
- Campus Location: Flagstaff, Arizona
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 24,168
- Graduation Rate: 55%
Northern Arizona University is a public research university in the Arizona territory founded in 1899. The school offers a wide variety of in-person and online programs in different fields of study, from certificate to graduate degree programs. It offers over 180 bachelor’s degrees, over 100 online degrees, and over 90 undergraduate and graduate certificates.
4. Grand Canyon University
- US News National Ranking: #299-391
- Campus Location: Phoenix, Arizona
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 58,997
- Graduation Rate: 57%
Grand Canyon University is one of the largest private universities in the world. It offers over 200 programs from undergraduate to doctoral degrees, online and on-campus with multiple locations. The school is has a 73 percent acceptance rate and promotes Christian beliefs, values, and practices while giving students the best educational experience possible.
5. Arizona State University, Downtown Phoenix
- US News National Ranking: N/A
- Campus Location: Phoenix, Arizona
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 7,827
- Graduation Rate: 51%
Arizona State University has four campuses, one of which is the downtown Phoenix campus. The school offers a variety of programs ranging from biomedical sciences, law, arts, and journalism. University attendees can benefit from a breadth of resources including state-of-the-art digital learning tools and an excellent faculty.
6. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott
- US News National Ranking: #2
- Campus Locations: Prescott, Arizona
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 9959
- Graduation Rate: 59%
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers programs to aviation students in multiple fields. While its main area is aeronautics, the school also offers programs in business administration, computer engineering, data science, aerospace engineering, and electrical engineering. It offers undergraduate degree programs and graduate programs in select fields.
7. Arizona Christian University
- US News National Ranking: #13
- Campus Location(s): Glendale, Arizona
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 925
- Graduation Rate: 50%
Arizona Christian University is a private non-profit Christian liberal arts university founded in 1960. It is one of the top Christian colleges in Arizona. It offers online degrees and in-person programs, including certificate programs, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees. It also combines biblical studies into the curriculum to maintain the students’ Christian faith.
8. University of Advancing Technology
- US News National Ranking: N/A
- Campus Location: Tempe, Arizona
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 789
- Graduation Rate: 40%
The University of Advancing Technology is a private for-profit technology institution founded in 1983. University attendees can choose from over 20 programs in various technical disciplines, from business technology to software engineering and cyber security. It has an average class size of 15 undergraduate students and a 14 to one student-to-faculty ratio.
9. Prescott College
- US News National Ranking: #94 – #122
- Campus Location(s): Prescott, Arizona
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 503
- Graduation Rate: 57%
Prescott College is a private liberal arts university founded in 1966. It offers several programs online and on-site, from undergraduate degrees to graduate degrees. This institution is a small progressive school that thrives in fields like psychology and social sciences.
10. Arizona State Unversity, West Campus
- US News National Ranking: N/A
- Campus Location(s): Glendale, Arizona
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 4,076
- Graduation Rate: 51%
The West Campus is one of the five campuses of Arizona State University. This institution focuses on blending liberal arts with career-centered programs for the 21st-century workforce. It is best for students pursuing programs in health, business, education, and science. Students can choose from a wide range of over 50 undergraduate and graduate programs.
Is a University in Arizona Right for You?
Yes, a university in Arizona is right for you if you live in the state or want to attend some of the best colleges in the country. Some of the top schools in the US are in this state and have a lot to offer to students who want quality education. These schools provide academic quality, experiential learning opportunities, and financial aid opportunities, making it easier for students to afford tuition fees.
These schools have high acceptance rates compared to other institutions and equally high retention and graduation rates. Another outstanding quality is its cultural diversity. These schools accept students from all over the world, ensuring no student feels left out. You’ll also have a competitive advantage in the job market when you list any of these schools on your resume.
Best Universities in Arizona FAQ
Arizona State University, Tempe is the number one university in Arizona based on multiple rankings. According to US News, it’s the 117th best university in the country. This college has earned its position in the state based on its performance across all sectors, including academic quality and graduation rates.
The University of Arizona is worth it as it is one of the highly ranked schools in Arizona and the United States. It ranks highly for academic quality and value, which should be looked out for when choosing a good college. It also has great student life with tons of on-campus clubs and organizations.
Yes, there are many good colleges in Arizona, including the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and Prescott College.
Yes, the University of Arizona is a top school in Arizona and the US. The average tuition at The University of Arizona is $12,384 for in-state students and $34,667 for out-of-state students.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
