Is a research university right for me?–

Research universities are colleges and universities whose faculty are active in research and publishing. Research universities offer a wide array of doctoral programs, especially in the sciences. They tend to be big, with tens of thousands of students. Do you prefer a larger university setting, such as largest public university in your state? Research universities are typically big, offering degrees in many different disciplines. Is a big high-powered research environment the thing for you? If not, you should think about a liberal arts college. In deciding on an undergraduate institution, ask yourself what sort of environment will best help you to be happy and excel. Consider whether you are self motivated enough to be a face in the crowd for some classes and largely unknown on campus at a large university. Of course you can find clubs and friends at a large university, but often liberal arts colleges have a more personal quality to them. If you want the community feel, a research university may not fit you well. Are you interested in STEM fields? Research universities have that name for a reason – real research is happening there. This can create an exciting atmosphere for students interested in STEM. Attending a research university can give you a better chance of getting into better programs for graduate degrees, although a lot of that depends on your performance.

Is an online college right for me?–

Online colleges are typically the same colleges and universities you could attend in-person, but for certain degree programs the college or unviersity has made the degree programs available to be completed online. For over 5 million students, online degree programs allow students to earn their degrees in the most flexible format available. Online degrees are as respected as the on-campus degrees you could earn from the same schools. There’s usually no distinction between the two degrees, and your degree and transcript will not say that the degree was earned online. Online degree programs are offered by a vast majority of colleges and universities, and the number of offering continues to grow. Whether you are searching for an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate, there’s a good chance you can earn your degree online from a respectable online college. Are you a self-driven student? Perhaps the hardest aspect of obtaining an online degree is whether you will be disciplined enough to manage your time and course demands. Many online students report that online college made them more disciplined in all areas of their lives, but the flexible, self-paced learning that makes online colleges attractive can often be the same qualities that make it difficult. If you tend to be a procrastinator, you need to be honest with yourself. You can change your habits and propensities, or you can throw money down the drain. Do you need the flexibility of an online degree program? Most online students study online because of time demands of balancing work and life, or because the online college affords them the chance to attend a better school without moving. If you are serious about earning your degree for career advancement, online colleges make it possible. The most flexible options among online degrees are those that are asynchronous, meaning you don’t have scheduled times to meet with your class online. However, many students seek synchronous online degree programs so that they have some structure – set meeting times, scheduled exams, etc. The good news is that attending an online college doesn’t mean you will miss out on getting to know your professors and classmates. In fact, many online students who have experienced both online and on-campus courses report having easier access to their professors. Since most communication with your professor is expected to be in text – via email or your class learning management system – it makes asking your questions easier. The same students also report that they got to better know the thoughts of their classmates. While in-person course conversations can be dominated by a few extroverts, online courses that require online discussions make it so that you see all of your classmates’ thoughts and questions. If you’re interested in an online bachelor’s degree, check out what the best online colleges offer, or search our online degrees for the exact program that interests you. In either case, you will find well respected colleges and universities that offer online degrees.

Best Research Universities in Arizona 2025

Q: Is a liberal arts college right for me?–

Often referred to as “teaching colleges” liberal arts colleges put a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. Do you want your professors to know you? Liberal arts colleges strive to cultivate campus cultures that encourage tight bonds between professors and students. Professors at these schools will typically conduct original research. Yet the best of these schools offer their faculty reduced teaching loads so that they can both be productive researchers and still have plenty of time for students (both in and outside the classroom). Do you want to feel like you know everybody? One of the most enticing features of a liberal arts college is that in very little time, you can feel like you know who’s who, which can create strong friendships and make walks across campus more fun. While your sports teams may never be on ESPN, it’s more likely that you’ll know the athletes as your peers. Beyond student and faculty relationships, it’s not unusual for the school president and other administrators to learn who you are. When faced with problems with your student account or the need to switch classes, this can be comforting during a stressful moment.

Badge for BEST IN ARIZONA RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES

By Dr. James Barham

Updated: Oct 2, 2024

Interested in attending a STEM school in Arizona? Our ranking of top research universities for bachelor’s degrees displays schools that will best prepare you for STEM careers.

Key Takeaways

Arizona’s top research universities have robust connections with tech companies, healthcare institutions, and government agencies, providing students with internships, job placements, and hands-on research experiences tied directly to industry needs.
These universities offer state-of-the-art labs and research centers, particularly in fields like biosciences, renewable energy, and space exploration, giving students access to cutting-edge technologies and research opportunities.
These institutions prioritize sustainability research and innovation, with interdisciplinary programs addressing environmental challenges, urban planning, and renewable energy, which appeal to students interested in making a global impact.

Table of Contents

Best Research Universities in Arizona in 2025

University of Arizona
Arizona State University
Northern Arizona University
Grand Canyon University

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 ten schools in our ranking of the best research universities in Arizona saw no change in ranking positions. This was a result of all the schools in the ranking making similar improvements to their curriculum, internship opportunities, and other program features.

A research university is a great option for students interested in obtaining STEM degrees. Research universities invest heavily in research, which consequently provides meaningful and extensive opportunities for its students and faculty to participate in research. We’ve identified 4 research universities in Arizona. To be included in our ranking, schools must be a fully accredited universities and must must offer doctoral degrees across the range of STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).

Best Research Universities in Arizona

Last Year’s Ranking:
1. University of Arizona
2. Arizona State University
3. Northern Arizona University
4. Grand Canyon University
#1
University of Arizona
Tucson , AZ
#3 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025 #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
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
What is University of Arizona known for?

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

Anthropology
Physics
Earth Sciences
Communications
Psychology
Sociology
Criminal Justice
Philosophy
Chemistry
Business

Most Influential Alumni

Geraldo Rivera
Clifford Stoll
Temple Grandin
Garry Shandling
Clyde Snow
Brian Schmidt
Henry Eyring
Michael McClure
Barbara Kingsolver
George H. Smith
Allen Buchanan
Frank Press
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
Compare school
#2
Arizona State University
Tempe , AZ
#3 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #3 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #12 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #23 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025
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
What is Arizona State University known for?

Arizona State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Earth Sciences
Business
Engineering
Education
Anthropology
Physics
Computer Science
Political Science
History
Psychology

Most Influential Alumni

Jimmy Kimmel
Michael I. Jordan
Bernie Grundman
David Spade
Temple Grandin
Robert O. Pihl
Barry Bonds
Larry Schweikart
Linda Ronstadt
Matthew Desmond
Reggie Jackson
Kim Komando
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
Compare school
#3
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff , AZ
#3 Best Colleges in Arizona 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Arizona 2025 #3 Best Public Colleges in Arizona 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Arizona 2025
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
What is Northern Arizona University known for?

Northern Arizona University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Physics
Earth Sciences
Criminal Justice
Anthropology
Biology
Computer Science
Mathematics
History
Education
Engineering

Most Influential Alumni

Clyde Tombaugh
William A. Stein
Danny Jorgensen
Raymond R. Rogers
Howard Cannon
Jennifer Nez Denetdale
David Mangelsdorf
Aimée Classen
Karletta Chief
LaVerne Jeanne
Frederick Colwell
Lucille Watahomigie
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
Compare school
#4
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 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:

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

Build your own college rankings

Find the Best Research Universities in Arizona for Your Area of Interest

Frequently Asked Questions About Research Universities, Liberal Arts Colleges, Online Colleges

In pursuing a bachelor’s degree, you will need to choose between three kinds of schools: research universities, liberal arts colleges, and online colleges.

Research universities are colleges and universities whose faculty are active in research and publishing. Research universities offer a wide array of doctoral programs, especially in the sciences. They tend to be big, with tens of thousands of students.

Do you prefer a larger university setting, such as largest public university in your state? Research universities are typically big, offering degrees in many different disciplines.

Is a big high-powered research environment the thing for you? If not, you should think about a liberal arts college. In deciding on an undergraduate institution, ask yourself what sort of environment will best help you to be happy and excel.

Consider whether you are self motivated enough to be a face in the crowd for some classes and largely unknown on campus at a large university. Of course you can find clubs and friends at a large university, but often liberal arts colleges have a more personal quality to them. If you want the community feel, a research university may not fit you well.
Are you interested in STEM fields? Research universities have that name for a reason – real research is happening there. This can create an exciting atmosphere for students interested in STEM. Attending a research university can give you a better chance of getting into better programs for graduate degrees, although a lot of that depends on your performance.

Learn more about research universities by reading about the best research universities in the US.

Often referred to as “teaching colleges” liberal arts colleges put a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree.

Do you want your professors to know you? Liberal arts colleges strive to cultivate campus cultures that encourage tight bonds between professors and students.

Professors at these schools will typically conduct original research. Yet the best of these schools offer their faculty reduced teaching loads so that they can both be productive researchers and still have plenty of time for students (both in and outside the classroom).

Do you want to feel like you know everybody? One of the most enticing features of a liberal arts college is that in very little time, you can feel like you know who’s who, which can create strong friendships and make walks across campus more fun. While your sports teams may never be on ESPN, it’s more likely that you’ll know the athletes as your peers.

Beyond student and faculty relationships, it’s not unusual for the school president and other administrators to learn who you are. When faced with problems with your student account or the need to switch classes, this can be comforting during a stressful moment.

Learn more about liberal arts colleges by reading about the best liberal arts colleges in the US.

Online colleges are typically the same colleges and universities you could attend in-person, but for certain degree programs the college or unviersity has made the degree programs available to be completed online. For over 5 million students, online degree programs allow students to earn their degrees in the most flexible format available.

Online degrees are as respected as the on-campus degrees you could earn from the same schools. There’s usually no distinction between the two degrees, and your degree and transcript will not say that the degree was earned online.

Online degree programs are offered by a vast majority of colleges and universities, and the number of offering continues to grow. Whether you are searching for an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate, there’s a good chance you can earn your degree online from a respectable online college.

Are you a self-driven student? Perhaps the hardest aspect of obtaining an online degree is whether you will be disciplined enough to manage your time and course demands.

Many online students report that online college made them more disciplined in all areas of their lives, but the flexible, self-paced learning that makes online colleges attractive can often be the same qualities that make it difficult. If you tend to be a procrastinator, you need to be honest with yourself. You can change your habits and propensities, or you can throw money down the drain.

Do you need the flexibility of an online degree program? Most online students study online because of time demands of balancing work and life, or because the online college affords them the chance to attend a better school without moving.

If you are serious about earning your degree for career advancement, online colleges make it possible. The most flexible options among online degrees are those that are asynchronous, meaning you don’t have scheduled times to meet with your class online. However, many students seek synchronous online degree programs so that they have some structure – set meeting times, scheduled exams, etc.

The good news is that attending an online college doesn’t mean you will miss out on getting to know your professors and classmates. In fact, many online students who have experienced both online and on-campus courses report having easier access to their professors.

Since most communication with your professor is expected to be in text – via email or your class learning management system – it makes asking your questions easier. The same students also report that they got to better know the thoughts of their classmates. While in-person course conversations can be dominated by a few extroverts, online courses that require online discussions make it so that you see all of your classmates’ thoughts and questions.

If you’re interested in an online bachelor’s degree, check out what the best online colleges offer, or search our online degrees for the exact program that interests you. In either case, you will find well respected colleges and universities that offer online degrees.

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 research universities throughout the U.S. for a look at the top research institutions in every state.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here

Best Research Universities in Arizona 2025

Key Takeaways

Best Research Universities in Arizona in 2025

2025 Ranking Update

Best Research Universities in Arizona

Last Year’s Ranking:

University of Arizona

Career Outlook for degree at University of Arizona

Most Influential Alumni

University of Arizona’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Arizona State University

Career Outlook for degree at Arizona State University

Most Influential Alumni

Arizona State University’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Northern Arizona University

Career Outlook for degree at Northern Arizona University

Most Influential Alumni

Northern Arizona University’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Grand Canyon University

Career Outlook for degree at Grand Canyon University

Most Influential Alumni

Grand Canyon University’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Find the Best Research Universities in Arizona for Your Area of Interest