Best Colleges in Arizona (2023 Rankings)

Whether you're looking to earn your bachelor's degree or are on the hunt for a good associate degree program, Arizona has got you covered with a strong selection of colleges to choose from. From small specialty schools to large four-year research universities with highly regarded graduate and doctoral programs, Arizona has something for everyone.

Get started on your search for the right school for you with an introduction to some of the best colleges in the state (in no particular order). We'll give you a solid overview of what each has to offer and even point you in the direction of some of the best runner-ups and community colleges along the way.

The University of Arizona, Tucson

In-state tuition: $12,716

Out-of-state tuition: $36,743

Fast facts:

• 35,357 undergraduate students
• Acceptance rate: 85%
• Graduation rate: 49% (4-year), 65% (6-year)

A large public college, the University of Arizona is an excellent choice for learners of all levels and interests. If you're a recent high school graduate looking to earn an undergraduate degree, you'll find over 150 majors to choose from.

Looking to continue your path to higher education with a graduate program? The University of Arizona has got you covered with 150+ master's degrees and over 100 doctoral degree options.

A celebrated research university, U of A offers cutting-edge research opportunities whether you're into medical science, astrophysics, or anything in between. Cheer on the Wildcats sports teams, go Greek, or get involved with one of over 500 on-campus student organizations!

You might also like: Grand Canyon University, Phoenix

Arizona State University, Tempe

Fast facts:

• National ranking: 214

If you don't think a certain degree exists, then the odds are you've yet to check out the massive course offerings at Arizona State University. A huge public research university, ASU offers over 200 undergraduate degrees and more than 300 graduate degree programs, including over 250 accelerated options.

Not sure where to start? Check out the fun me3 game that uses image response testing to match you up with the majors you're the most likely to love. ASU also has a great fit quiz that can help you figure out which campus is the best for you.

As it turns out, ASU not only offers a great selection of online degrees for learners of every type, but they also have physical campuses all over the place! From the ASU West campus and Polytechnic campus to extension campuses in Los Angeles and Washington D.C., ASU has a program for you no matter where you are.

You might also like: University of Phoenix, Phoenix 

Arizona State University, Phoenix

Fast facts:

• National ranking: 377

One of Arizona State University's many extension locations is its Downtown Phoenix campus, where you'll find a smaller student body but just as many opportunities. The Phoenix campus offers 80 different undergraduate degree options, ranging from Fashion and Sports Journalism to Health Sciences and Pre-Law.

Take a virtual student-led tour to see what the Phoenix campus has to offer, or download a handy self-guided audio tour if you prefer to visit in person. ASU-Phoenix also offers several great graduate programs in fields of study like law, journalism, healthcare, and more.

You might also like: Mesa Community College, Mesa

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott

Tuition: $37,864

Fast facts:

• 2,961 undergraduate students
• Acceptance rate: 67%
• Graduation rate: 38% (4-year), 59% (6-year)

If you're into aviation or are looking to sharpen your STEM skills, then Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University may just be your dream come true. The private four-year college offers degrees in everything from Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering to Forensic Psychology and Security & Intelligence.

You'll learn from an expert faculty who fly some of today's most advanced aircraft and enjoy access to flight simulators and a full fleet of aircraft. If research is more your thing, rest assured you'll find no shortage of cutting-edge laboratories on campus just waiting to be explored.

You might also like: University of Advancing Technology, Tempe

Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff

In-state tuition: $11,896

Out-of-state tuition: $28,842

Fast facts:

• 25,228 undergraduate students: 
• Acceptance rate: 82%
• Graduation rate: 42% (4-year), 57% (6-year)

While you'll find the main campus of Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, NAU boasts over 20 different campuses, from Scottsdale to Yuma and beyond. The public university also offers over 150 online programs for students who prefer to learn from anywhere!

With over 180+ on-campus programs of study, you'll feel right at home whether you're interested in studying Nursing, Business, or Parks & Recreation. NAU is home to 15 NCAA Division 1 sports teams and over 400 student organizations, so you'll have no problem making friends as you explore new learning opportunities.

You might also like: Dine College, Tsaile

Prescott College

Tuition: $33,669

Fast facts:

• 422 undergraduate students
• Acceptance rate: 98%
• Graduation rate: 32% (4-year), 49% (6-year)

Prescott College is a small private college that's honestly one of the most unique we've come across. Here you'll find degrees in things like Adventure Education, Sustainable Community Development, and Nature-Based Counseling.

Whether you're an adventurer at heart, want to start your own non-profit someday, or have a passion for social justice, you'll feel right at home at Prescott College. Join a free-spirited community where you'll find plenty of support and lots of great hands-on internship opportunities.

You might also like: Glendale Community College, Glendale

Arizona Christian University, Glendale

Tuition: $29,250

Fast facts:

• 925 undergraduate students
• Acceptance rate: 71%
• Graduation rate: 38% (4-year), 44% (6-year)

If you're interested in faith-based education, then check out Arizona Christian University, a private liberal arts college with a Bible-based foundation. While some Christian schools are only loosely associated with various religions, Arizona Christian weaves Christ-based teachings into the fabric of student life.

With a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 15, each student receives plenty of individual attention. Choose from over 50 different degree programs, including options like Christian Ministries, Education, or Behavioral Health & Counseling.

You might also like: International Baptist College and Seminary, Chandler

Arizona colleges FAQ

Are there any good colleges in Arizona?

Arizona is home to plenty of great colleges, from massive universities like ASU with hundreds of degree programs to small schools like Prescott, which offer innovative specialty degrees. Whether you want to study business administration, art, law, or anything in between, you'll have no problem finding the perfect college program in Arizona.

What is the hardest school to get into in Arizona?

The good news is that even though Arizona is home to plenty of top universities, none tend to be overly stingy about offering enrollment. As you may have noticed, many of the universities in Arizona are huge and have multiple campuses throughout the state, offering plenty of room for everyone.

What is the most prestigious school in Arizona?

While Arizona State University and the University of Arizona are both highly ranked among American research universities, each of Arizona's colleges has its own unique vibe. The key to success lies less in trying to score a spot in a certain school based on rankings and more in focusing on finding a college that's tailored to your unique needs, goals, and personality.

Find the perfect Arizona school with College Rover

At College Rover, we reject the idea of a one-size-fits-all college experience. These days, there are more higher education options than ever before, from online programs to on-campus learning opportunities.

We designed our College Rover search tools to simplify the process of researching the best colleges and programs in America. Use our customizable filter options to discover schools based on your own unique preferences or compare your top choices side by side.

No matter what your personal college-hunting methodology may be, College Rover is here to make it a whole lot easier.

College Rover gets the majority of its data directly from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). The DOE publishing schedule "lags" the most current data which some colleges post on their official websites. This may cause there to be a difference in the data you see on College Rover and an individual college website. College Rover's website is updated as the DOE data becomes available and is configured for the College Rover website.