Best Private Colleges in Arizona 2025

Badge for BEST IN ARIZONA PRIVATE COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski
Updated:

Private colleges, unlike large public institutions, can be a great option for students wanting a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Here is our list of the best private colleges in Arizona.

Key Takeaways

  • Many of Arizona’s private colleges emphasize unique programs, such as Embry-Riddle’s focus on aviation and aerospace engineering and Prescott College’s emphasis on environmental studies and sustainability, offering students hands-on experience and access to industry-specific expertise.
  • Colleges of the best privates colleges in Arizona emphasize outdoor and experiential learning opportunities, allowing students to engage with Arizona’s diverse landscapes through fieldwork, research, and immersive learning experiences in environmental conservation and outdoor education.
  • The best private colleges in Arizona offer low student-to-faculty ratios, ensuring students receive personalized attention, mentorship, and close relationships with professors, fostering a more engaging academic environment.

Best Private Colleges in Arizona in 2025

  1. Prescott College
    +1
  2. Grand Canyon University
    –1
  3. University of Advancing Technology
    +2
  4. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott
  5. Arizona Christian University
    –2
  6. National Paralegal College
    +1
  7. International Baptist College
    –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 private colleges in Arizona saw a considerable amount of shuffling. The University of Advancing Technology gained the most ranking positions as the university expanded its Virtual Reality and Game Development Labs, offering students hands-on experience with cutting-edge VR and AR technologies, as well as game design tools. The university has also launched new cybersecurity and ethical hacking programs, incorporating state-of-the-art tools and real-world simulations to prepare students for the growing demand in tech security fields.

Additionally, UAT has enhanced its online learning platform, providing more flexible course options and interactive virtual labs for remote students. These updates reflect UAT’s commitment to innovation, technology, and student flexibility.

This list is composed entirely of private colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 7 private universities in Arizona. To be included in the list below of the best private universities in Arizona, schools must be fully accredited, private, non-profit institution, and must offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.

Best Private Colleges in Arizona

  1. #1

    Prescott College

    Prescott , AZ
    #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arizona 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges Arizona 2025 #4 Best Colleges in Arizona 2025 #4 Best Grad Schools in Arizona 2025

    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
    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
    Compare school
  2. #2

    Grand Canyon University

    Phoenix , AZ
    #5 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Arizona 2024 #4 Best Research Universities in Arizona 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Arizona 2025

    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
    What is Grand Canyon University known for?

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

    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
    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of Advancing Technology

    Tempe , AZ
    #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Animation Illustration 2025 #6 Best Online Colleges in Arizona 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Advancing Technology

    Cost of Degree: $19,312
    Expenses: $15,592
    Starting Salary: $57,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Advancing Technology known for?

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

    University of Advancing Technology’s Online Degrees

    BS in Advancing Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Data Science
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Digital Maker and Fabrication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Digital Video
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Artificial Intelligence (AI)
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Game Design
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Game Programming
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Computer Interaction (HCI)
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Game Art and Animation
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Digital Marketing
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Robotics and Embedded Systems
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Network Engineering
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Network Security
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Technologies Studies
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Virtual Reality
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  4. #4

    Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott

    Prescott , AZ
    #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arizona 2025 #3 Best Small Colleges Arizona 2025 #6 Best Colleges in Arizona 2025

    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: $42,204
    Expenses: $21,064
    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:

    Compare school
  6. #5

    Arizona Christian University

    Glendale , AZ
    #2 Best Christian Colleges in Arizona 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arizona 2025 #4 Best Small Colleges Arizona 2025 #7 Best Colleges in Arizona 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Arizona Christian University

    Cost of Degree: $34,697
    Expenses: $21,390
    Starting Salary: $34,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 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’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
  7. #6

    National Paralegal College

    Phoenix , AZ
    #14 Best Online Colleges in Arizona 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    <1K

    What is National Paralegal College known for?

    National Paralegal College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    National Paralegal College’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Legal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  8. #7

    International Baptist College

    Chandler , AZ
    #3 Best Christian Colleges in Arizona 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    <1K

    What is International Baptist College known for?
    Compare school
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Arizona’s Best Private Colleges in Your Area 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. Prescott College
  2. Grand Canyon University
  3. Arizona Christian University
  4. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott
  5. University of Advancing Technology
  6. National Paralegal College
  7. The Art Institute of Phoenix
  8. Southwest University of Visual Arts
  9. Brookline College
  10. International Baptist College

Check out our directory of private colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top private schools in every state.

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