Best Colleges in Arizona

Arizona has a desert climate and is home to 27 federally-recognized Native American tribes. Colleges in Arizona are scattered across the state and include 4-year, 2-year, and graduate options. Manufacturing, mining, and tourism are the leading industries for the state, but it is also home to one of the fastest growing bioscience and healthcare industries in the nation. Main attractions in Arizona include the Grand Canyon, the Hoover Dam, and the state capital, Phoenix.

How Were the Top Schools in Arizona Chosen?

Appily determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.

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Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix

Arizona State University is a comprehensive public research university that measures itself by whom it includes and how they succeed; advances research and discovery of public value; and assumes fundamental responsibility for the economic, social...

“…

ASU's Downtown campus feels more like a group of business buildings than a college town. I personally prefer this over the layout of most other universities. It is near several different types of public transportation (ASU's inter-campus shuttle...

” – Rebecca from Glendale, AZ
Arizona State University Campus Immersion

Arizona State University is a comprehensive public research university that measures itself by whom it includes and how they succeed; advances research and discovery of public value; and assumes fundamental responsibility for the economic, social...

“…

Arizona State was my top choice based on the wide spread of classes offered, the great education, and the world changing young men and woman that have prospered out of ASU. My classes are challenging but with hard work A's are capable. I no longer...

” – Joel from Chandler, AZ
Arizona State University-West

Arizona State University is a comprehensive public research university that measures itself by whom it includes and how they succeed; advances research and discovery of public value; and assumes fundamental responsibility for the economic, social...

“…

Despite taking numerous classes on subjects which I am quite familiar with, I have learned more than I'd imagined upon enrolling. There are often free information/educational events around campus as well, and numerous support services to help...

” – Nomad
Arizona State University-Polytechnic

Arizona State University is a comprehensive public research university that measures itself by whom it includes and how they succeed; advances research and discovery of public value; and assumes fundamental responsibility for the economic, social...

University of Arizona

Founded in 1885, Arizona is the state's flagship 4-year public institution. The University of Arizona features 20 colleges, hundreds of degree options, and top-ranked online programs. Committed to innovation and impact, the university's research and...

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Not all of the learning you do is academic. Much of my first year was personal growth learning. Just be expected for both.

” – Alexis from Phoenix, AZ
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers a comprehensive collection of programs designed to position students for success in aerospace, aviation, business, security and intelligence, engineering and beyond. Its campus in Prescott, Arizona, is home...

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Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott has a huge advantage when it comes to classroom learning. The university is fairly small, an estimated 1500 students total which provides a small faculty-student ratio. Many of my fellow peers who attend...

” – Anna from Fountain Hills, AZ
Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University is a four-year public research institution in Flagstaff, Arizona, which is consistently named among the nation’s best college towns. A variety of award-winning student resources and support are available to all students...

“…

The teachers that I have had for the most part have been amazing. Use upperclassman and online prof. grading sites as a resource though, because there are a few snoozers out here. If you can catch the right professor at this school, they can change...

” – Christian from Las Vegas, NV
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Arizona Christian University is a non-denominational Christian liberal arts college in Phoenix. Arizona Christian offers bachelor’s degrees in 15 academic majors and all degrees include a minor in Bible. Additionally, ACU features a CORE academic...

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Students attending the college will learn so much about the Bible. Each student is required to take at least 18 hours of Bible courses. The teachers at the college are also willing to be of assistance to the students outside the classroom, whether...

” – Matthew from Peoria, AZ
Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University, Arizona's premier, private Christian university, offers affordable, next-generation education with innovative, hands-on learning experiences. GCU has 30 labs available for use at no cost, featuring advanced equipment and...

Prescott College

Prescott College is a private, non-profit, liberal arts college located in Prescott, Arizona. With a focus on social justice and the environment, the college favors intellectual exploration and community over academic hierarchy. Resident students at...

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This school offers me the ability to apply all of the courses I take, directly to my life experience as Galadriel. I can so easily make the connections between my courses and how they all work together to formulate the degree of my dream: Holistic...

” – Ariel from Wolfeboro, NH
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The University of Advancing Technology is a private, 4-year institution established in Tempe, Arizona. UAT offers 20 undergraduate programs, as well as four master’s degree programs in Cyber Security, Game Production, Software Engineering, and...

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I've taken some of the most interesting classes here. The teachers are great and they are more than willing to help you. Also the class sizes are smaller so you don't get lost in the crowd.

” – Devon from Tempe, AZ
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Arizona State University at Skysong is an innovation center affiliated with ASU in Scottsdale. ASU Skysong combines academia with local industry by providing university programs to support entrepreneurs from area businesses. Skysong also facilitates...

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With campus a short distance from the Colorado River, Arizona State University-Lake Havasu is a public school and part of ASU system in western Arizona. ASU Lake Havasu confers undergraduate degrees in eight fields of study with a focus on immersive...

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Established in 1998, Tohono O'odham Community College is a public, tribal institution located in Sells, Arizona. TOCC offers nearly 20 degree programs designed for transfer, as well as nearly 30 Direct Employment and certificate programs. As a member...

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Eastern Arizona College is the only community college in the state, as well as the oldest. Founded in 1888 by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the main EAC campus is located in Thatcher, while there are slo two satellite sites in Gila...

“…

The teachers here at Eastern Arizona College are very helpful, if you show that you are interested in their class. If you don't pay attention and don't care about your grades or homework, then they won't care about you.

” – Garrett from Thatcher, AZ
University of Phoenix-Arizona

The University of Phoenix is a private, open-enrollment institution established in the state of Arizona. The college is home to over sixty campuses around the country, as well as a heavily populated online campus. Students attending this for-profit...

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I have had several schools tell me that they can give me just as good of an education as the University of Phoenix, but for a lot less money, and I always reply with: I am happy where I am, I like everything and everyone at the University of Phoenix...

” – Sandy from Argyle, WI
Cochise County Community College District

 

Cochise College is a 2-year community college in southern Arizona. The college grants degrees and certificates in over 70 fields of study, including over 50 workforce development and certificate programs. Cochise also offers the FlyCochise...

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Right now, I am taking two remedial courses because of a placement test that I was required to take. The college does not understand that I took pre-calculus which leads me into calculus. But no, I had to take trig again to get into calculus. For my...

” – Aaron from Sierra Vista, AZ
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Brookline College is a career-focused institution for adult and working students with four campuses in Phoenix, Tucson, Tempe, and Albuquerque. Brookline is home to academic programs in Nursing, Business, Healthcare, and Criminal Justice offering...

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Midwestern University is a private medical education institution, established in 1900. The Glendale campus is located in the state of Arizona, approximately 15 minutes from downtown Phoenix. The Glendale campus is home to a wide variety of facilities...

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It is a great private, graduate school. The people here are open and friendly to differing backgrounds. It has brand new buildings and facilities with up-to-date technology which keeps students in the loop.

” – Julie from South Dakota