Best Colleges in Arizona 2024

Badge for BEST IN ARIZONA COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Published:
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • Seven schools in Arizona meet our criteria for the best colleges and universities in the state.
  • Attending one of the Arizona colleges on our list will ensure that you will be taught by some of the most influential professors in the world.
  • When choosing which Arizona college or university you want to attend, it is important to know what academic program you are interested in and if you want to study at a research university, a liberal arts college, or a Christian university.

Best Colleges in Arizona

Sort by:
  1. University of Arizona
  2. Arizona State University
  3. Northern Arizona University
  4. Grand Canyon University
  5. Prescott College
  6. Arizona Christian University
  7. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott
  1. University of Arizona
  2. Arizona State University
  3. Northern Arizona University
  4. Grand Canyon University
  5. Prescott College
  6. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott
  7. Arizona Christian University
  1. Prescott College 98%
  2. Arizona State University 90%
  3. University of Arizona 87%
  4. Northern Arizona University 80%
  5. Grand Canyon University 78%
  6. Arizona Christian University 70%
  7. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott 68%
  1. Northern Arizona University 20 to 1
  2. Grand Canyon University 20 to 1
  3. Arizona State University 19 to 1
  4. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott 18 to 1
  5. University of Arizona 17 to 1
  6. Arizona Christian University 15 to 1
  7. Prescott College 9 to 1
  1. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott $40,464
  2. Prescott College $35,450
  3. Arizona Christian University $31,650
  4. Grand Canyon University $17,800
  5. University of Arizona $11,210
  6. Arizona State University $10,978
  7. Northern Arizona University $10,644
  1. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott $19,488
  2. Prescott College $16,824
  3. University of Arizona $12,348
  4. Arizona State University $12,014
  5. Northern Arizona University $11,103
  6. Grand Canyon University $10,655
  1. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott
  2. Arizona Christian University
  3. Prescott College
  4. Grand Canyon University
  5. Northern Arizona University
  6. Arizona State University
  7. University of Arizona
  1. Arizona Christian University
  2. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott
  3. Prescott College
  4. Grand Canyon University
  5. Northern Arizona University
  6. Arizona State University
  7. University of Arizona
  1. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott 68%
  2. Arizona Christian University 70%
  3. Grand Canyon University 78%
  4. Northern Arizona University 80%
  5. University of Arizona 87%
  6. Arizona State University 90%
  7. Prescott College 98%
  1. Prescott College 9 to 1
  2. Arizona Christian University 15 to 1
  3. University of Arizona 17 to 1
  4. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott 18 to 1
  5. Arizona State University 19 to 1
  6. Northern Arizona University 20 to 1
  7. Grand Canyon University 20 to 1
  1. Northern Arizona University $10,644
  2. Arizona State University $10,978
  3. University of Arizona $11,210
  4. Grand Canyon University $17,800
  5. Arizona Christian University $31,650
  6. Prescott College $35,450
  7. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott $40,464
  1. Grand Canyon University $10,655
  2. Northern Arizona University $11,103
  3. Arizona State University $12,014
  4. University of Arizona $12,348
  5. Prescott College $16,824
  6. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott $19,488

Colleges and Universities in Arizona

Both traditional and online students hoping to attend college in Arizona have a lot to choose from. With both in-person and online degrees at every level of education, Arizona offers educational variety and excellence. Students can choose from associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs anywhere in the state.

The state’s largest university, the University of Arizona located in Tucson, offers a competitive tuition rate for its 39,000 students. Arizona’s public universities and colleges, such as Northern Arizona University located in Flagstaff, offer both on-campus and online students a variety of study concentrations, including mathematics, education, political science, and psychology.

Private schools make up about one third of the higher education institutes in Arizona. One of the schools on our list, Prescott College, is a private liberal arts college that offers a comprehensive range of both traditional and online degrees.

Arizona is also home to three religiously affiliated schools, one of which made our list of the best colleges in the state: Arizona Christian University.

While this ranking is not specifically about online education, if you’re looking for flexibility and an excellent learning experience, Arizona also has 14 colleges and universities offering entirely online degrees.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.


What are Arizona’s Colleges & Universities?

Arizona’s Best Overall

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

We’ve identified 7 colleges and universities in Arizona that meet our criteria. This list of the top colleges in Arizona below focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in Arizona.

two students standing together on a college campus
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Best Colleges in Arizona

  1. #1

    University of Arizona

    Tucson , AZ
    #3 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #13 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #19 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Arizona 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1255/25

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Arizona

    Cost of Degree: $12,937
    Expenses: $18,350
    Starting Salary: $56,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Arizona known for?

    University of Arizona’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    The University of Arizona is a public research institution offering more than 150 Undergraduate Majors and at least 300 graduate-level degree and certificate programs. It also offers online programs at all levels.

    What we love about the University of Arizona:

    The University has received various recognitions, landing in the top rankings for public research and best online bachelor’s programs.

    The University of Arizona is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for a Hispanic-serving public university with an excellent reputation in academics and research.

    The University of Arizona might not be the best fit for students who:

    Easily lose their focus on their studies when there are over 400 student clubs/organizations and plenty of recreation centers on and off campus.

    University of Arizona’s Online Degrees

    BA in Africana Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Administration of Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Care, Health and Society
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Emergency Medical Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Cyber Operations
    Degree Concentrations
    • Engineering
    • Defense & Forensics
    • and Cyber Law & Policy
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Early Childhood
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of General Studies in Economy and Industry
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Environmental Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of General Studies, in Arts, Media and Entertainment
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of General Studies in Global and Intercultural Understanding
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Global Media
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Government and Public Service
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Human Rights Practice
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Geographic Information Systems Technology (GIST)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Literacy, Learning and Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Information Science and ESociety
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Law
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Regional Commerce
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Intelligence and Information Operations
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Philosophy: Ethics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Biology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nutritional Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Spanish
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of General Studies in Sports and Society
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sustainable Built Environments
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of General Studies in Social Behavior and Human Understanding
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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  2. #2

    Arizona State University

    Tempe , AZ
    #2 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2024 #2 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #12 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #22 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    85K

    Career Outlook for degree at Arizona State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,618
    Expenses: $19,509
    Starting Salary: $55,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Arizona State University known for?

    Arizona State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Arizona State University was established in 1885 initially as a “normal school” to train teachers, and is now one of the top universities in the US, offering over 400 Undergraduate and at least 450 graduate degrees in various fields of study. Its degree programs under ASU Online are delivered with the same quality teaching as their on-campus counterparts.

    What we love about Arizona State University:

    ASU has repeatedly received No. 1 rankings in many categories, including innovation, global impact, sustainability, and many others.

    Arizona State University is ideal for students who:

    Want to experience world-class learning with plenty of enrichment opportunities and academic support.

    Arizona State University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a campus community with a small population size surrounded by a rural vibe.

    Arizona State University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Applied Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Project Management
    • Health Sciences
    • Required Credits: 111-120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Communication
    • Sustainability
    • Required Credits: 114-120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Educational Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business
    • Community Health
    • Family and Human Development
    • Global Studies
    • Health Innovations
    • Personal Health
    • Political Science
    • Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 114-120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
    3. two college students sitting together looking at a laptop
  3. #3

    Northern Arizona University

    Flagstaff , AZ
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Arizona 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Arizona 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Arizona 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    32K

    Career Outlook for degree at Northern Arizona University

    Cost of Degree: $11,810
    Expenses: $16,928
    Starting Salary: $44,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Northern Arizona University known for?

    Northern Arizona University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Established in 1899, Northern Arizona University currently offers 207 Undergraduate, 159 Graduate and 193 Minors/Certificate programs in both on-campus and online learning formats.

    What we love about Northern Arizona University:

    NAU is a public doctoral university that provides students with many research opportunities in various fields of study.

    Northern Arizona University is ideal for students who:

    Want to make the most of their education through hands-on learning, community engagement, and research.

    Northern Arizona University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Struggle to find a balance between academic and entertainment pursuits, given that NAU supports several events, including concerts, across its campus.

    Northern Arizona University’s Online Degrees

    BAS in Applied Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Administration
    • Emergency Management
    • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
    • Public Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of Science in Education in Career and Technical Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business and Marketing
    • Education and Training
    • Family and Consumer Science
    • Health Careers
    • Industrial and Emerging Technologies
    • Occupational
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Dental Hygiene
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Sciences
    Degree Concentrations
    • Diagnostic Medical Imaging and Therapy
    • General Allied Health
    • Medical Assisting
    • Paramedic Care
    • Physical Therapist Assisting
    • Respiratory Care
    • Surgical Technology
    • Public Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS/BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders
    Degree Concentrations
    • Communication General
    • Organizational Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Hotel and Restaurant Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Entrepreneurship and Small Business
    • Global Business
    • Human Resource Management
    • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Administration
    • Early Childhood
    • Technology Management
    • Humanities
    • Public Administration
    • Technology Management
    • University Studies
    • Emergency Management
    • Industrial Leadership
    • Technology Management
    • Justice Studies: Intelligence Studies
    • Criminal Justice Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS/BA in Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Health Care
    • Entrepreneurship and Business Development
    • Human Resource
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Parks and Recreation Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Community
    • Commercial and Tourism
    • Outdoor Education and Leadership
    • Park Protection
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Public Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSW in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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  5. #4

    Grand Canyon University

    Phoenix , AZ
    #8 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Arizona 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Arizona 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Arizona 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    155K

    Career Outlook for degree at Grand Canyon University

    Cost of Degree: $17,205
    Expenses: $14,300
    Starting Salary: $58,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Grand Canyon University known for?

    Grand Canyon University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Grand Canyon University is a Christian university established in 1949. It currently offers more than 335 academic programs at bachelor, master and doctoral levels through its ten colleges. It also offers a range of accredited degree programs in an online learning format.

    What we love about Grand Canyon University:

    GCU’s online degree programs are sought after, with more than 92,000 students enrolled. This figure stands in stark contrast to the 25,000 students enrolled in on-campus and traditional programs.

    Grand Canyon University is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for a university highly dedicated to providing quality education by investing heavily in academic technology and infrastructure.

    Grand Canyon University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Can’t focus on their studies while pursuing their passion for sports, considering that GCU engages in 21 NCAA Division I events and has more than 30 club sports teams.

    Grand Canyon University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Behavioral Health Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Adolescent Disorders
    • Family Dynamics
    • Infancy and Early Childhood Studies
    • Substance Use Disorders
    • Trauma
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Animation and Digital Design
    Degree Concentrations
    • Web Design
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Applied Entrepreneurship
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Applied Human Resources Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Applied Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Applied Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Counseling
    Degree Concentrations
    • Addiction
    • Chemical Dependency
    • and Substance Abuse
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Advertising and Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Applied Business Analytics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Applied Business Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Applied Marketing and Advertising
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Digital Film
    Degree Concentrations
    • Screenwriting
    • Production
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Information Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Advertising and Graphic Design Degree
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    Degree Concentrations
    • Secondary Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Programming
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity Degree
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English
    Degree Concentrations
    • Professional Writing
    • Secondary Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Entrepreneurship
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Christian Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Biblical Studies
    • Global Ministry
    • Philosophy
    • Worship Leadership
    • Youth Ministry
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Government
    Degree Concentrations
    • Legal Studies
    • Public Policy
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Hospitality Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Educational Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communications
    Degree Concentrations
    • Broadcasting New Media
    • Interpersonal and Human Relations Emphasis
    • Political Campaigns
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Elementary Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Christian Education
    • English as a Second Language
    • STEM
    • Teaching Reading
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Forensic Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Elementary Education and Special Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursuing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Analytics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Homeland Security and Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Secondary Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Mathematics for Secondary Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Justice Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Risk Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Social Media
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sociology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Finance and Economics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sports Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Software Development
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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  6. #5

    Prescott College

    Prescott , AZ
    #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arizona 2024 #1 Best Small Colleges Arizona 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Arizona 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Prescott College

    Cost of Degree: $35,450
    Expenses: $12,247
    Starting Salary: $34,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Prescott College known for?

    Prescott College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Prescott College offers 22 online and on-campus undergraduate and graduate programs in multiple fields. These include education, counseling, social justice, environment, and psychology.

    What we love about Prescott College:

    Since its establishment in 1966, the College has been dedicated to fostering a community of changemakers who make a lasting impact on environmental sustainability and social justice.

    Prescott College is ideal for students who:

    Love hiking and related activities, as the institution is recognized as one of the best colleges for hikers.

    Prescott College might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer to study in a campus community with more than 1,000 students located in an urbanized area.

    Prescott College’s Online Degrees

    BA in Adventure Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Cultural & Regional Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Arts & Humanities
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BFA in Arts & Letters
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Environmental Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Environmental Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology And Human Development
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sustainability Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
    7. college student standing on campus
  7. #6

    Arizona Christian University

    Glendale , AZ
    #2 Best Christian Colleges in Arizona 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arizona 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Arizona 2024 #3 Best Small Colleges Arizona 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Arizona Christian University

    Cost of Degree: $31,846
    Expenses: $19,300
    Starting Salary: $34,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Arizona Christian University known for?

    Arizona Christian University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Arizona Christian University was originally founded as Southwestern Conservative Baptist Bible College in 1960 and became a non-denominational Christian college in 2007. It got its modern-day name in 2011. Today, it offers 46 bachelor’s degrees (including Concentrations), five master’s degrees, three associate degrees, and some minor,certificate, and post-baccalaureate certificate programs.

    What we love about Arizona Christian University:

    The University makes it a mission to prepare students to become leaders of excellence and influence founded on the teachings of Jesus Christ.

    Arizona Christian University is ideal for students who:

    Are aspiring student-athletes and can still manage their academic responsibilities, considering that the University is among the top institutions for student-athlete GPA.

    Arizona Christian University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are looking for liberal arts education that isn’t heavily integrated with Biblical principles and values.

    Arizona Christian University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Behavioral Health
    Degree Concentrations
    • Counseling
    • Coaching
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Biblical and Theological Studies
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accounting
    • Economics
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • Marketing
    • Management
    • Non-Profit Management
    • Sports Management
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Family Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Marriage and Family Practicum
    • Family Counseling
    • Human Sexuality
    • Psychology of Marriage
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Elementary Education
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS/BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  9. #7

    Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott

    Prescott , AZ
    #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arizona 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in Arizona 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges Arizona 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1275/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott

    Cost of Degree: $40,464
    Expenses: $19,694
    Starting Salary: $70,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott known for?

    Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    The residential campus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, offers 25 bachelor-degree programs in the fields of aviation, applied science, business, engineering, computers & technology, space and security, intelligence and safety. It also offers master of science degree programs in cybersecurity, safety science, and security and intelligence studies. Certificate and non-degree programs are available as well.

    What we love about Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University:

    The University is recognized for its innovative training and instruction for future leaders in the intelligence and security, space, and aviation industries.

    Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is ideal for students who:

    Are passionate about high-tech flight devices, airplanes, technology, cybersecurity, and related fields of study.

    Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a campus location in an urban area bustling with commercial and cultural activities.

    Compare school

Student Submitted Questions about the Best Colleges in Arizona

What is the most affordable college in Arizona?

While public universities in Arizona tend to be the most affordable options, Diné College has the lowest tuition in the state at $1,000.

What is the best college in Arizona?

The University of Arizona and Arizona State University are generally considered the top schools in the state.

Why would a college student want to study in Arizona?

Arizona has a low cost of living and a number of growing industries. The state is known as a leader in aeronautics and technology.

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Arizona’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

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2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. University of Arizona
  2. Arizona State University
  3. Prescott College
  4. Northern Arizona University
  5. Grand Canyon University
  6. Arizona Christian University
  7. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott
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