Best Arizona Colleges & Universities for 2017-2018

With Arizona’s diverse educational landscape, prospective students from all backgrounds can find a great fit for college. The state is home to over 24 four-year institutions and 21 community colleges. Some students may be interested in big public universities like Arizona State University, while others may seek a smaller, private education from an institution like Grand Canyon University. Keep reading to see which Arizona colleges took the top spots in our rankings, compare Arizona college costs against the national average, learn about college readiness programs, and find other resources to help make a smart college decision.

Ranking Arizona’s Best Colleges for 2017-2018

There are key differences among colleges in Arizona that push some above the rest. We’ve performed a comprehensive evaluation of Arizona colleges based on essential criteria to create an unbiased ranking of the state’s best two- and four-year colleges. Students can compare these top-ranked institutions on features like alumni earnings, tuition cost, financial aid, student-to-teacher ratio, and graduation rate.

Methodology +

• 2-Year Colleges
• 4-Year Colleges

Rank	School Name	Score	Tuition Fees	Alumni Earnings	Student/Teacher Ratio	Gift Financial Aid	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate	# Online Programs	# Total Programs	Placement Services	Credit for Experience
1	Cochise College	99.80	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $31,200	16:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 22%	18%	N/A	8	103	No	Yes
2	Northland Pioneer College	99.64	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $22,100	10:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 37%	11%	N/A	0	92	Yes	Yes
3	Mesa Community College	98.64	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $36,000	20:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 25%	12%	N/A	8	143	Yes	Yes
4	GateWay Community College	98.43	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $29,800	13:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 32%	13%	N/A	3	111	No	Yes
5	Eastern Arizona College	98.22	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $27,800	20:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 26%	22%	N/A	1	82	Yes	Yes
6	Pima Community College	97.79	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $30,100	25:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 9%	7%	N/A	4	191	No	Yes
7	Yavapai College	97.64	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $28,200	18:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 15%	17%	N/A	7	85	No	Yes
8	Arizona Western College	97.62	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $25,600	21:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 20%	18%	N/A	7	116	Yes	No
9	Phoenix College	97.48	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $32,500	17:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 13%	11%	N/A	3	127	No	Yes
10	Paradise Valley Community College	97.48	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $32,300	18:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 35%	17%	N/A	0	71	No	Yes
11	Estrella Mountain Community College	97.35	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $30,800	19:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 26%	12%	N/A	0	64	Yes	Yes
12	Chandler-Gilbert Community College	97.24	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $39,400	21:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 22%	19%	N/A	6	63	Yes	Yes
13	Rio Salado College	96.81	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $36,600	20:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 4%	17%	N/A	16	93	Yes	No
14	Central Arizona College	96.51	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $28,700	17:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 25%	18%	N/A	0	76	No	No
15	South Mountain Community College	95.74	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $27,100	17:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 28%	16%	N/A	0	60	No	Yes
16	Mohave Community College	94.99	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,700	14:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 9%	18%	N/A	12	94	No	No
17	Coconino Community College	93.59	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $29,100	27:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 10%	5%	N/A	2	51	Yes	No
18	Scottsdale Community College	86.56	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $35,700	17:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 23%	15%	N/A	1	99	No	No
19	Glendale Community College	86.12	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $33,300	21:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 25%	12%	N/A	0	93	No	Yes
20	Tohono O’Odham Community College	86.00	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. N/A	8:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 23%	25%	N/A	0	20	No	No

Rank	School Name	Score	Tuition Fees	Alumni Earnings	Student/Teacher Ratio	Gift Financial Aid	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate	# Online Programs	# Total Programs	Placement Services	Credit for Experience
1	Arizona State University-Tempe	99.65	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $45,200	22:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 86%	58%	84%	12	190	Yes	No
2	University of Arizona	98.45	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $44,400	20:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 77%	61%	75%	12	241	Yes	No
3	Northern Arizona University	93.96	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $38,800	18:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 66%	49%	81%	47	186	Yes	No
4	Arizona Christian University	89.60	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $31,000	15:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 94%	51%	57%	0	18	Yes	Yes
5	Prescott College	87.96	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $35,200	9:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 90%	45%	69%	43	57	No	Yes
6	Ottawa University-Phoenix	86.00	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $40,700	6:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. N/A	N/A	N/A	19	41	No	Yes

Search and Compare Colleges in Arizona

Finding the right fit in a university is a critical step for an applicant. There are many things to consider, and the decision-making process should be careful and deliberate. When searching for and deciding on a school, students should consider many things, including their desired field of study, financial aid opportunities, student population, and public or private school type. The search tool below allows students to narrow this search according to these facts, making the decision process easier.

Cost Analysis of Arizona Colleges

The cost of an Arizona college degree depends on a number of factors, including residency, program type, course load and school choice. The graphic below will help prospective applicants compare Arizona college costs with those on the national level, and give an accurate idea of the percentage of students that receive financial aid.

The Most Affordable Colleges in Arizona

College affordability is not simply a matter of tuition, though that certainly plays a role. Excellent financial aid, costs of living and other expenses all contribute to one’s final cost—and the amount of education debt they’ll likely carry. The information below highlights which Arizona colleges score best on overall net price.

• 1
  
  Dine College$8,382
• 2
  
  Arizona State University (All campuses)$11,206
• 3
  
  American Indian College Inc$12,580

• 4
  
  University of Arizona$13,617
• 5
  
  Northern Arizona University$15,011
• 6
  
  International Baptist College and Seminary$17,163

Average
Annual Net
Price

Cost for students awarded federal financial aid, after school and government aid is deducted. At public colleges, only applies to in-state students.

Arizona College Net Price vs. National Average

$16,688

Average Annual Net Price

$18,073

Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Best Arizona Colleges for Maximizing Earnings Potential

Many students’ top priority when selecting schools and majors is their long-term return on investment. Graduates may have student loan debt to pay off in addition to real-life expenses. Some universities in Arizona also have high job placement rates, usually through highly-ranked degree programs. The comparison below provides a snapshot of graduates’ median annual earnings by school, and how they compare to the national average.

• 1
  
  Midwestern University-Glendale$117,000
• 2
  
  Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott$60,900
• 3
  
  Arizona State University-Tempe$45,200

• 4
  
  University of Arizona$44,400
• 5
  
  Ottawa University-Phoenix$40,700
• 6
  
  Northern Arizona University$38,800

Annual
Median Earnings
10 Years
After Entering
College

Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.

Arizona Alumni Salaries vs. National Average

$48,411

Annual Median Earnings 10 Years After Entering College

$42,759

Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Best Arizona Colleges for Minimizing College Debt

The Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education reports that students received nearly $2.5 million in financial aid in 2015. There are a number aid sources available to Arizona students, including federal grants and loans, private scholarships, and university- or department-specific. Graduates of the following universities in Arizona tend to carry the least amount of educational debt.

• 1
  
  University of Arizona$19,000
• 2
  
  Arizona State University (All campuses)$20,375
• 3
  
  Northern Arizona University$21,450

• 4
  
  Arizona Christian University$22,625
• 5
  
  Ottawa University-Phoenix$25,000
• 6
  
  Prescott College$25,000

Median
Federal Student
Loan Debt After
Graduation

Only for undergraduates who completed college; does not include Parent-PLUS loans.

Arizona College Grad Debt Vs. National Average

$22,483

Median Federal Student Loan Debt After Graduation

$23,145

Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Evaluating Arizona’s Cost of Living

Arizona has no shortage of enticing college towns, but its average cost of living exceeds the national average. Like other states, some cities or regions are more affordable than others — something to consider when budgeting for college. See how the five most populous cities in Arizona compare in characteristics like housing, food, utilities and health care.

Source: The Council for Community and Economic Research

Arizona College Accreditation

Accreditation indicates that an independent body fully evaluated and confirmed that a college meets certain quality standards. In other words, it certifies that students can expect to receive an education on par with state and national standards. Arizona has multiple national and regional accrediting bodies, including the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education and the Higher Learning Commission. Some national, industry-specific organizations accredit individual college departments or degree programs. Some of those at work in Arizona include:

• The American Psychological Association accredits counseling and psychology programs at University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Midwestern University.
• The Council on Academic Accreditation certifies the speech-pathology program at Northern Arizona University.
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits the nursing programs at Brookline College, the University of Arizona and the University of Phoenix.

Arizona Cities With a Major College Presence

Tempe

The U.S. Census indicates Tempe was home to nearly 162,000 people in 2010. A large portion of this population was composed of students and faculty members at Arizona State University, the country's largest public university, or Rio Salado College.

College Name	School Type	Annual Net Price	Annual Median Earnings 10 Years After College Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
Arizona State University	Public	$11,480	$45,200
ASU, the nation's largest public university, serves more than 82,000 students and faculty members, and, in 2010, maintained a 50 percent four-year graduation rate. Students can find a total college experience at ASU: they can choose from hundreds of degree programs, countless clubs and Greek organizations, and nationally-competitive sports programs.
Rio Salado College	Public	$11,439	$44,200
Rio Salado offers degree programs to traditional and non-traditional students. Its numerous online learning options are an excellent solution for veterans, parents, and older students unable to attend regular campus-based courses. The college also offers GED Prep and other educational advancement courses.

Tuscon

Many Arizona colleges call Tucson, the state's second-largest city, home. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated a metropolitan population exceeding 1 million in 2010. Tucson's unique college vibe is perfect for nature lovers, history buffs and art enthusiasts.

College Name	School Type	Annual Net Price	Annual Median Earnings 10 Years After College Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
Pima Community College	Public	$21,849	$48,000
PCC is an open-admissions institution that aims to provide an affordable education. It has six campuses in the across the Tucson metro, which extend college access and give students more options. In addition to associate-level degree programs, PCC offers workforce development, career training programs, and adult education.
University of Arizona	Public	$4,963	$33,500
Established in 1885 as the state's first university, U of A draws 50,000 students and faculty members from around the world. A global leader in research, it claims 100 percent of undergraduates will get a chance to conduct hands-on research or gain internship experience before they graduate. The college offers more than 300 individual programs.

Source: College Scorecard

Arizona College Resources for Further Research

Potential applicants to Arizona colleges should take advantage of the multitude of resources available online. Every university has a website with corresponding information on degree programs and financial aid. Additionally, there are many external, objective sources from which to draw information, including the state’s accreditation agencies and organizations for higher education. Here a few to get started.