Best Grad Schools in Arizona 2025

Badge for BEST IN ARIZONA GRADUATE SCHOOLS
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski
Published:
Updated:

Graduate school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession. The best graduate schools in Arizona offer advanced degrees, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

Key Takeaways

  • Many graduate schools in Arizona emphasize interdisciplinary approaches, allowing students to work across fields such as business, public health, and environmental sciences, which enhances their academic experience and equips them for a wide range of careers.
  • Arizona’s top grad schools maintain strong partnerships with local industries, tech companies, and government agencies, providing students with extensive internship opportunities, career networking, and hands-on experience that directly translate into professional growth.
  • Many of the best graduate schools in Arizona offer robust graduate programs focused on cutting-edge research in areas such as artificial intelligence, sustainability, and biomedical engineering, giving students access to advanced labs and real-world problem-solving opportunities.

Best Grad Schools in Arizona in 2025

  1. University of Arizona
  2. Arizona State University
  3. Northern Arizona University
  4. Prescott College
    +1
  5. Grand Canyon University
    –1

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top schools in our ranking of the best graduate schools in Arizona remained fairly stable. Prescott College gained one ranking position as the college expanded their Sustainability and Environmental Studies Program, offering new hands-on fieldwork opportunities and research projects in areas like regenerative agriculture, climate resilience, and conservation. The college has also enhanced its online and hybrid learning platforms, providing more flexibility for students pursuing degrees remotely.

Additionally, Prescott College has upgraded its social justice and community engagement initiatives, offering students new courses and immersive experiences focused on activism, equity, and advocacy. These updates reflect the college’s commitment to environmental stewardship, flexible learning, and social justice.

There are 5 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Arizona. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the Arizona is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.

Best Grad Schools in Arizona

  1. #1

    University of Arizona

    Tucson , AZ
    #3 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #18 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #20 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #20 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025
    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: $13,277
    Expenses: $19,500
    Starting Salary: $56,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    As a public graduate university, the University of Arizona is famous for its groundbreaking research in diverse fields of study. Every graduate student can thrive in pursuing the topics they are passionate about while receiving support from the school staff and mentors.

    What we love about the University of Arizona:

    The University of Arizona continues to improve and maximize human potential through their research. They continuously apply innovative ways of study to help students become more adaptive and resilient, as well as people who are equipped to solve current issues.

    The University of Arizona is ideal for students who:

    Want to participate in innovative research.

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

    Prefer colleges with more advising services.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Arizona State University

    Tempe , AZ
    #3 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #3 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #12 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #23 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    85K

    Career Outlook for degree at Arizona State University

    Cost of Degree: $12,051
    Expenses: $21,219
    Starting Salary: $55,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Arizona State University is another public research university in Arizona, located in Tempe. It offers diverse graduate programs and is famous for its online offerings for working adults. The school has received many honors and awards for being a great role model and leader for the public.

    What we love about Arizona State University:

    Seeking to build a new generation of leaders, Arizona State University is devoted to creating innovative and comprehensive strategies for learning. They aim to produce master learners who can contribute actively to numerous industries all over the world.

    Arizona State University is ideal for students who:

    Want to form a solid network with other industry leaders and experts.

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

    Prefer to have smaller-sized classes.

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Northern Arizona University

    Flagstaff , AZ
    #3 Best Colleges in Arizona 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Arizona 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Arizona 2025 #3 Best Public Colleges 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: $12,238
    Expenses: $17,028
    Starting Salary: $44,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Northern Arizona University used to be a teachers’ college but is now known as a public research university in Flagstaff. They boast of an inclusive community, respecting boundaries and celebrating diverse cultures and identities.

    What we love about Northern Arizona University:

    The key feature of Northern Arizona University is the quality support that graduate students get from their experienced and tenured professors. They offer an unparalleled learning experience both online and in traditional settings, elevating the college experience.

    Northern Arizona University is ideal for students who:

    Want to attend a school that offers numerous learning experiences.

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

    Prefer to attend more challenging classes and programs.

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Prescott College

    Prescott , AZ
    #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arizona 2025 #1 Best Private Colleges in Arizona 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges Arizona 2025 #4 Best Colleges in Arizona 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Prescott College

    Cost of Degree: $35,625
    Expenses: $12,876
    Starting Salary: $34,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    No matter what area of study you wish to explore, Prescott College offers diverse graduate degrees. They aim to produce graduates who can create a better society. Join a community of change seekers when you study at Prescott College.

    What we love about Prescott College:

    If you love to try out unique and daring hands-on learning opportunities, Prescott College comes with these experiences. Along with like-minded students and professors, you can evolve and make the world a better place.

    Prescott College is ideal for students who:

    Want a fulfilling college life characterized by experiential learning.

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

    Prefer a more responsive administration.

    Compare school
  6. #5

    Grand Canyon University

    Phoenix , AZ
    #5 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Arizona 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Arizona 2025 #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: $17,263
    Expenses: $16,212
    Starting Salary: $58,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Grand Canyon University is a Christian university with many graduate programs in diverse fields. You will be encouraged to enhance your knowledge and skills while discovering your purpose and calling.

    What we love about Grand Canyon University:

    Grand Canyon University is unique in the sense that it integrates faith into all its graduate programs. All the staff, students, and professors are living out their purpose as they empower communities.

    Grand Canyon University is ideal for students who:

    Want to enhance your skills and knowledge as well as your spiritual life.

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

    Prefer to attend small-sized classes.

    Compare school
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Arizona’s Best Grad School for 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. Northern Arizona University
  4. Grand Canyon University
  5. Prescott College
  6. Phoenix Seminary
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