Best Private Colleges in Arizona 2024

Badge for BEST IN ARIZONA PRIVATE COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
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.

Best Private Colleges in Arizona

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  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. Grand Canyon University
  2. Prescott College
  3. University of Advancing Technology
  4. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott
  5. Arizona Christian University
  6. National Paralegal College
  7. International Baptist College
  1. Prescott College 98%
  2. University of Advancing Technology 92%
  3. Grand Canyon University 78%
  4. Arizona Christian University 70%
  5. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott 68%
  1. National Paralegal College 43 to 1
  2. Grand Canyon University 20 to 1
  3. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott 18 to 1
  4. Arizona Christian University 15 to 1
  5. University of Advancing Technology 11 to 1
  6. Prescott College 9 to 1
  7. International Baptist College 4 to 1
  1. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott $40,464
  2. Prescott College $35,450
  3. Arizona Christian University $31,650
  4. University of Advancing Technology $18,794
  5. Grand Canyon University $17,800
  6. International Baptist College $13,200
  7. National Paralegal College $7,995
  1. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott $19,488
  2. Prescott College $16,824
  3. University of Advancing Technology $15,164
  4. Grand Canyon University $10,655
  5. International Baptist College $7,920
  6. National Paralegal College $5,850
  1. National Paralegal College
  2. International Baptist College
  3. University of Advancing Technology
  4. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott
  5. Arizona Christian University
  6. Prescott College
  7. Grand Canyon University
  1. International Baptist College
  2. National Paralegal College
  3. Arizona Christian University
  4. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott
  5. University of Advancing Technology
  6. Prescott College
  7. Grand Canyon University
  1. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott 68%
  2. Arizona Christian University 70%
  3. Grand Canyon University 78%
  4. University of Advancing Technology 92%
  5. Prescott College 98%
  1. International Baptist College 4 to 1
  2. Prescott College 9 to 1
  3. University of Advancing Technology 11 to 1
  4. Arizona Christian University 15 to 1
  5. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott 18 to 1
  6. Grand Canyon University 20 to 1
  7. National Paralegal College 43 to 1
  1. National Paralegal College $7,995
  2. International Baptist College $13,200
  3. Grand Canyon University $17,800
  4. University of Advancing Technology $18,794
  5. Arizona Christian University $31,650
  6. Prescott College $35,450
  7. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott $40,464
  1. National Paralegal College $5,850
  2. International Baptist College $7,920
  3. Grand Canyon University $10,655
  4. University of Advancing Technology $15,164
  5. Prescott College $16,824
  6. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott $19,488

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.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

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?

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.

Arizona's Best Private Colleges and Universities Badge
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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.

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Best Private Colleges in Arizona

  1. #1

    Grand Canyon University

    Phoenix , AZ
    #8 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Arizona 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Arizona 2024 #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: $17,205
    Expenses: $14,300
    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
  2. #2

    Prescott College

    Prescott , AZ
    #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arizona 2024 #1 Best Small Colleges Arizona 2024 #5 Best Colleges in Arizona 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Prescott College

    Cost of Degree: $35,450
    Expenses: $12,247
    Starting Salary: $34,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 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
  3. #3

    Arizona Christian University

    Glendale , AZ
    #2 Best Christian Colleges in Arizona 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arizona 2024 #3 Best Small Colleges Arizona 2024 #6 Best Colleges in Arizona 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Arizona Christian University

    Cost of Degree: $31,846
    Expenses: $19,300
    Starting Salary: $34,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 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
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  4. #4

    Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott

    Prescott , AZ
    #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arizona 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges Arizona 2024 #7 Best Colleges in Arizona 2024

    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: $40,464
    Expenses: $19,694
    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
  5. #5

    University of Advancing Technology

    Tempe , AZ
    #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Animation Illustration #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: $18,708
    Expenses: $11,550
    Starting Salary: $57,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
  7. #6

    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
  8. #7

    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
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Arizona’s Best Private Colleges in Your Area Interest

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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.

  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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