Best Colleges in Arizona 2023
Here are the best colleges and universities in Arizona ranked by the influence of faculty and alumni, respective to the schools size. In other words, most influential schools per capita, which we call “concentrated influence.”
Best Colleges in Arizona
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, at $12,000, for its 39,000 students.Moreover, Arizona’s most affordable schools, such as the tribally-owned Diné College, offer tuition as low as $1,000.
Private schools make up about one third of the higher education institutes in Arizona. Arizona’s private schools offer a comprehensive range of traditional and online degrees from fine arts to naturopathic medicine.
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. If you’re looking for flexibility, Arizona has 14 colleges and universities offering entirely online degrees.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
Arizona is also home to three religiously affiliated schools: Arizona Christian University, Phoenix Seminary, and International Baptist College. While tuition varies greatly among these three schools, each school provides unique degree programs, such as music ministry at International Baptist College.
Arizona boasts year-round sunshine, the Grand Canyon, award-winning restaurants, and several professional sports teams? With more than 30 colleges and universities to choose from, Arizona allows students to get their degrees while cashing in on some of life’s greatest pleasures.
If you want to experience the state of Arizona while taking some online courses, you may be able to take a hybrid degree program. Many Arizona colleges and universities allow you to earn a degree through a combination of online learning and on-campus courses.
Arizona offers a variety of excellent and affordable colleges and universities for on-campus and online students at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree level.
What are Arizona’s Colleges & Universities?
- 4 Research Universities
- 3 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 5 Graduate Schools
- 3 Public Colleges & Universities
- 7 Private Colleges & Universities
- 3 Christian College
- 4 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 9 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 21 Community Colleges
- 14 Online Colleges
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.
Best Colleges in Arizona 2022
- #13 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2023 #19 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2023 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023 #1 Best Public Colleges in Arizona 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
64%
Student body
40K
Median SAT/ACT
1220/25
What is University of Arizona known for?
University of Arizona’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Anthropology
- Earth Sciences
- Physics
- Communications
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Criminal Justice
- Chemistry
- History
Most Influential Alumni
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
- #22 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2023 #22 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2023 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023 #2 Best Public Colleges in Arizona 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
66%
Student body
73K
Median SAT/ACT
1210/24
What is Arizona State University known for?
Arizona State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Business
- Communications
- Chemistry
- Education
- Physics
- Engineering
- Political Science
- Anthropology
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
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
- #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023 #3 Best Public Colleges in Arizona 2023 #3 Best Research Universities in Arizona 2023 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Arizona 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
59%
Student body
25K
What is Northern Arizona University known for?
Northern Arizona University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Physics
- Earth Sciences
- Communications
- Anthropology
- Biology
- Computer Science
- Literature
- Education
- Mathematics
- History
Most Influential Alumni
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
- #1 Best Christian Colleges in Arizona 2023 #1 Best Private Colleges in Arizona 2023 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023 #4 Best Research Universities in Arizona 2023
Tuition + fees
$18K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
45%
Student body
94K
What is Grand Canyon University known for?
Grand Canyon University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Religious Studies
- Education
- Business
- Political Science
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- History
- Medical
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
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
- #1 Best Small Colleges Arizona 2023 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arizona 2023 #2 Best Private Colleges in Arizona 2023 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
40%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1192/19
What is Prescott College known for?
Prescott College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
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
- #2 Best Christian Colleges in Arizona 2023 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arizona 2023 #3 Best Small Colleges Arizona 2023 #3 Best Private Colleges in Arizona 2023
Tuition + fees
$31K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
36%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1028/19
What is Arizona Christian University known for?
Arizona Christian University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
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
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arizona 2023 #4 Best Small Colleges Arizona 2023 #4 Best Private Colleges in Arizona 2023
Tuition + fees
$39K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
70%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1230/26
What is Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott known for?
Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Arizona’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 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.
