Best Private Colleges in Arizona 2023
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.
Best Private Colleges in Arizona
- National Paralegal College 39 to 1
- Grand Canyon University 21 to 1
- Arizona Christian University 12 to 1
- Prescott College 9 to 1
- Prescott College $34,701
- Arizona Christian University $30,624
- Grand Canyon University $17,800
- Prescott College $14,880
- Grand Canyon University $10,621
- Prescott College 9 to 1
- Arizona Christian University 12 to 1
- Grand Canyon University 21 to 1
- National Paralegal College 39 to 1
- Grand Canyon University $17,800
- Arizona Christian University $30,624
- Prescott College $34,701
- Grand Canyon University $10,621
- Prescott College $14,880
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.
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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
What is the difference between public and private colleges?
Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.
Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.
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 Best Christian Colleges in Arizona 2023 #4 Best Research Universities in Arizona 2023 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Arizona 2023 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 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 Liberal Arts Colleges in Arizona 2023 #1 Best Small Colleges Arizona 2023 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023 #5 Best Grad Schools in Arizona 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 Liberal Arts Colleges in Arizona 2023 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Arizona 2023 #3 Best Small Colleges Arizona 2023 #6 Best 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 #7 Best 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:
Tuition + fees
$19K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
36%
Student body
1K
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
Tuition + fees
$13K
Graduation
67%
Student body
<1K
What is International Baptist College known for?
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
29%
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
Arizona’s Best Private Colleges in Your Area 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.
Check out our directory of private colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top private schools in every state.
