Best Private Colleges in Arizona 2025

Badge for BEST IN ARIZONA PRIVATE COLLEGES

By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski

Published: Feb 26, 2021
Updated: Oct 15, 2024

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.

Table of Contents

Best Private Colleges in Arizona in 2025

Prescott College
+1
Grand Canyon University
–1
University of Advancing Technology
+2
Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott
Arizona Christian University
–2
National Paralegal College
+1
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

Last Year’s Ranking:
1. Grand Canyon University
2. Prescott College
3. Arizona Christian University
4. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott
5. University of Advancing Technology
6. International Baptist College
7. National Paralegal College
#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
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
What is Prescott College known for?

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

Psychology
Education
Sociology
Business
Social Work
Medical

Most Influential Alumni

Gary Paul Nabhan
Tom Udall
Lisa Popeil
David Mindell
Charles M. Roessel
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
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix , AZ
#5 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Arizona 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Arizona 2024 #4 Best Research Universities in Arizona 2025
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
What is Grand Canyon University known for?

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

Nursing
Religious Studies
Education
Political Science
Engineering
Mathematics
Business
History
Communications
Medical

Most Influential Alumni

James White
Rob Babcock
Steve Green
Henry Cejudo
Robin E. Baker
Bill Engvall
Samiha Mohsen
Darion Clark
Evan Waldrep
Damian German
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
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:

Computer Science
Criminal Justice
Engineering
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
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:

Engineering
Psychology
Physics
Criminal Justice
Biology
Political Science
Computer Science
Compare school
#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
Other Rankings
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:

Religious Studies
Political Science
Biology
Communications
Education
Criminal Justice
Computer Science
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
#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:

Law
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
#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

Build Your Own Custom College Rankings

Arizona’s Best Private Colleges in Your Area Interest

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.

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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