Best Colleges in Arizona
Arizona has a desert climate and is home to 27 federally-recognized Native American tribes. Colleges in Arizona are scattered across the state and include 4-year, 2-year, and graduate options. Manufacturing, mining, and tourism are the leading industries for the state, but it is also home to one of the fastest growing bioscience and healthcare industries in the nation. Main attractions in Arizona include the Grand Canyon, the Hoover Dam, and the state capital, Phoenix.
How Were the Top Schools in Arizona Chosen?
Cappex determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.
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Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix is a 4-year public university and a campus in the ASU system located in Arizona’s capital city. ASU Downtown is home to nine colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in 69 fields of study. The...
ASU's Downtown campus feels more like a group of business buildings than a college town. I personally prefer this over the layout of most other universities. It is near several different types of public transportation (ASU's inter-campus shuttle...
” – Rebecca from Glendale, AZ
Arizona State University is a public research university with its main campuses located in the metro Phoenix area. The university is repeatedly ranked No. 1 in categories such as innovation, global impact and sustainability. ASU is a comprehensive...
Arizona State was my top choice based on the wide spread of classes offered, the great education, and the world changing young men and woman that have prospered out of ASU. My classes are challenging but with hard work A's are capable. I no longer...
” – Joel from Chandler, AZ
Arizona State University-West is a 4-year public school in the Phoenix metro area and part of the ASU System. ASU West is home to seven colleges and schools conferring bachelor’s degrees in over 50 academic programs as well as the first undergrad...
Despite taking numerous classes on subjects which I am quite familiar with, I have learned more than I'd imagined upon enrolling. There are often free information/educational events around campus as well, and numerous support services to help...
” – Nomad
Originally founded as ASU East, Arizona State University Polytechnic is a school specializing in STEM-related subjects in the Phoenix metro area and a campus of the ASU system. ASU Polytechnic is home to schools of Engineering, Business, Teaching...
Founded in 1885, Arizona is the state's flagship 4-year public institution. The University of Arizona features 20 colleges, hundreds of degree options, and top-ranked online programs. Committed to innovation and impact, the university's research and...
Not all of the learning you do is academic. Much of my first year was personal growth learning. Just be expected for both.
” – Alexis from Phoenix, AZ
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers a comprehensive collection of programs designed to position students for success in aerospace, aviation, business, security and intelligence, engineering and beyond. Its campus in Prescott, Arizona, is home...
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott has a huge advantage when it comes to classroom learning. The university is fairly small, an estimated 1500 students total which provides a small faculty-student ratio. Many of my fellow peers who attend...
” – Anna from Fountain Hills, AZ
Northern Arizona University is a four-year public research institution in Flagstaff, Arizona, which is consistently named among the nation’s best college towns. A variety of award-winning student resources and support are available to all students...
The teachers that I have had for the most part have been amazing. Use upperclassman and online prof. grading sites as a resource though, because there are a few snoozers out here. If you can catch the right professor at this school, they can change...
” – Christian from Las Vegas, NV
Arizona Christian University is a non-denominational Christian liberal arts college in Phoenix. Arizona Christian offers bachelor’s degrees in 15 academic majors and all degrees include a minor in Bible. Additionally, ACU features a CORE academic...
Students attending the college will learn so much about the Bible. Each student is required to take at least 18 hours of Bible courses. The teachers at the college are also willing to be of assistance to the students outside the classroom, whether...
” – Matthew from Peoria, AZ
Grand Canyon University is a 4-year interdenominational private school in Phoenix and the largest Christian university on the planet. GCU hosts eight colleges conferring undergraduate degrees as well as an honors college. The university is also home...
Prescott College is a private, non-profit, liberal arts college located in Prescott, Arizona. With a focus on social justice and the environment, the college favors intellectual exploration and community over academic hierarchy. Resident students at...
This school offers me the ability to apply all of the courses I take, directly to my life experience as Galadriel. I can so easily make the connections between my courses and how they all work together to formulate the degree of my dream: Holistic...
” – Ariel from Wolfeboro, NHThe University of Advancing Technology is a private, 4-year institution established in Tempe, Arizona. UAT offers 20 undergraduate programs, as well as four master’s degree programs in Cyber Security, Game Production, Software Engineering, and...
I've taken some of the most interesting classes here. The teachers are great and they are more than willing to help you. Also the class sizes are smaller so you don't get lost in the crowd.
” – Devon from Tempe, AZArizona State University at Skysong is an innovation center affiliated with ASU in Scottsdale. ASU Skysong combines academia with local industry by providing university programs to support entrepreneurs from area businesses. Skysong also facilitates...
With campus a short distance from the Colorado River, Arizona State University-Lake Havasu is a public school and part of ASU system in western Arizona. ASU Lake Havasu confers undergraduate degrees in eight fields of study with a focus on immersive...
Established in 1998, Tohono O'odham Community College is a public, tribal institution located in Sells, Arizona. TOCC offers nearly 20 degree programs designed for transfer, as well as nearly 30 Direct Employment and certificate programs. As a member...
Eastern Arizona College is the only community college in the state, as well as the oldest. Founded in 1888 by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the main EAC campus is located in Thatcher, while there are slo two satellite sites in Gila...
The teachers here at Eastern Arizona College are very helpful, if you show that you are interested in their class. If you don't pay attention and don't care about your grades or homework, then they won't care about you.
” – Garrett from Thatcher, AZ
The University of Phoenix is a private, open-enrollment institution established in the state of Arizona. The college is home to over sixty campuses around the country, as well as a heavily populated online campus. Students attending this for-profit...
I have had several schools tell me that they can give me just as good of an education as the University of Phoenix, but for a lot less money, and I always reply with: I am happy where I am, I like everything and everyone at the University of Phoenix...
” – Sandy from Argyle, WI
Cochise College is a 2-year community college in southern Arizona. The college grants degrees and certificates in over 70 fields of study, including over 50 workforce development and certificate programs. Cochise also offers the FlyCochise...
Right now, I am taking two remedial courses because of a placement test that I was required to take. The college does not understand that I took pre-calculus which leads me into calculus. But no, I had to take trig again to get into calculus. For my...
” – Aaron from Sierra Vista, AZBrookline College is a career-focused institution for adult and working students with four campuses in Phoenix, Tucson, Tempe, and Albuquerque. Brookline is home to academic programs in Nursing, Business, Healthcare, and Criminal Justice offering...
Midwestern University is a private medical education institution, established in 1900. The Glendale campus is located in the state of Arizona, approximately 15 minutes from downtown Phoenix. The Glendale campus is home to a wide variety of facilities...
It is a great private, graduate school. The people here are open and friendly to differing backgrounds. It has brand new buildings and facilities with up-to-date technology which keeps students in the loop.
” – Julie from South DakotaFrom its main campus in downtown Phoenix, the Thunderbird School of Global Management is an international business school affiliated with Arizona State University. Thunderbird offers two bachelor’s degrees in Global Management and Science in...
Established in 1981, International Baptist College and Seminary is a private, Christ-centered institution located in Chandler, Arizona. IBCS offers a certificate in Biblical Studies, an associate’s degree in Bible and Christian Service, a bachelor’s...
American InterContinental University is a for-profit college with campuses in Houston and Atlanta. AIU confers bachelor’s degrees in seven fields of study and associate degrees in Business Administration and Criminal Justice. The university makes...
Chandler-Gilbert Community College is a public, 2-year institution located in the state of Arizona. Along with its main campus in Chandler, the college also maintains satellite locations in Mesa, Sun Lakes, and Queen Creek. The Student Life at CGCC...
Very small classes compared to a university and easy to connect with your professor.
” – Ashley from Gilbert, AZEstablished in 1992, Estrella Mountain Community College is a public, 2-year institution located in Avondale, Arizona, with satellite facilities also located in Buckeye. EMCC is a member of the Maricopa Community College District, serving a student...
I started college the summer before my sophomore year in high school. I was 14 years old and the professor astonished me, I was learning so much!
” – Yolanda from Litchfield Park, AZGateWay Community College Arizona is a public, 2-year institution established in Phoenix, and it is a member of the Maricopa County Community College District. GateWay offers over 150 academic programs, including associate’s degree and certificate...
I love Gateway! Everyone is friendly and helpful. The campus is nice and easy to find your way around.
” – Renee from Scottsdale, AZ
Glendale Community College is a public, 2-year institution located in the state of Arizona. GCC primarily serves students in the northwestern region of Maricopa County. Students can enroll in classes in the daytime, evening, or online, and can take...
The professors at the Glendale Community College Main and North Campus are equally able to help students individually despite the major size differences. I attend both the main and north campuses and i get equal attention and help. There are many...
” – Justine from Surprise, AZMesa Community College is a public institution with an open admissions policy based in Mesa, Arizona, conferring associate and professional certifications. The school operates two campuses, Red Mountain as well as the Southern and Dobson location...
They have helpful teachers and offer a vast assortment of resources to utilize in your studies. Plus, there are two campuses to choose from that each have there own great qualities. I attend both campuses for the best selection of classes and the...
” – Kristen from Mesa, AZOttawa University-Phoenix is a private, Christ-centered institution established in 1865. The Phoenix campus is an adult learning facility, offering more than 90 different graduate and undergraduate degree and certificate programs, many of which can...
This is an awesome school. The academic structure is great! The professors work very hard to help you do well and they give positive feedback.
” – Tonya from Durham, NCParadise Valley Community College is a public, 2-year institution established in Phoenix, Arizona, with a satellite facility located in Scottsdale. The college offers over 60 Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree and Certificate of Completion...
I know many preconceptions about community colleges revolve around them not providing the same quality of education as the big universities do, but I'm happy to report that those judgements are sadly incorrect. From learning how to successfully...
” – Stephanie from Phoenix, AZ
Established in 1920, Phoenix College is the flagship of the Maricopa Community Colleges, the largest provider of higher education and career training in Arizona. Phoenix College offers a variety of facilities for students, including a dental clinic...
university of phoenix is a wonderful school. uop is very helpful and understanding of their students needs. uop offer classes to fit your lifestyle.
” – Meloldy from Bradenton, FL
Pima Community College is one of the biggest multi-campus community colleges in the nation. PCC serves the Tucson metropolitan area of Arizona and operates six campuses and four education centers. It has an open admissions policy and offers non...
How much you learn here is completely up to you. Your schedule is created by you; this makes it easy to find a way for college to fit your life, but also to allow yourself to slack. Pima Community College is not a huge step from high school but a...
” – Tanya from Oro Valley, AZRio Salado College is a public, 2-year institution established in Tempe, Arizona, with satellite education centers throughout the region. Rio Salado primarily serves students through online programs, though it offers in-person and hybrid options as...
I learned a lot. The teachers are very supportive and assist you in numerous ways.
” – Gina from Tonopah, AZScottsdale Community College is a 2-year community college. SCC awards degrees in over 100 fields of study and 60 certificates. In addition to the regular offerings on its Scottsdale campus, SCC courses are also available as online, hybrid, and 8...
I am currently attending Scottsdale Community College and love it. The teachers I have experienced in the Music program are passionate, helpful, and motivational. My English teach Professor Eric Loring has been an amazing teacher, he loves his work...
” – Allison from Phoenix, AZUniversal Technical Institute is a for-profit technical and vocational school with 12 campuses throughout the United States. UTI offers two-year career-oriented programs in seven technical fields of study. In addition, UTI holds partnerships with...
Arizona Western College offers workforce, academic, and career technical programs throughout their 12 locations in AZ. The main campus is located in Yuma, the sunniest year-round city in the US and has the warmest winters. Arizona Western College has...
Arizona Western College is a great place to achieve your educational goal. It is a college with great opportunities for students. It can help you achieve your eductional plan to be very successful.
” – Iliana from Yuma, AZCentral Arizona College is a public, community college primarily located in the city of Coolidge, with seven additional campuses throughout Pinal County. The CAC focus is to provide a wide variety of affordable degrees and certificates to an equally...
Central Arizona College is a wonderful place to go for students starting a college career right out of high school, or adults returning to school to get their degrees. Everyone on campus, from students to teachers, is very open and friendly, and more...
” – Haley from Queen Creek, AZCoconino Community College is a 2-year institution with three campuses in northern Arizona. CCC confers over 25 associate degrees including such environmentally conscious fields of study as Sustainable Green Building and Alternative Energy Technology...
i currently attend coconino community college as a full time student. the lone tree campus is a fairly new and visually appealing school, with a small college atmosphere. the professors are both helpful and professional, and are able to create a...
” – Brian from Flagstaff, AZProviding educational services to over 27,000 square miles of Navajo Nation, Diné College is America’s first tribally-controlled institution of higher learning. Among the college’s four schools, the School of Diné Studies and Education offers degree...
Dine College is a great school attend. It may be in a very rural area but it has its resources there. The mission and vision of the school is exceeding and its a school to find yourself spiritually, and culturally.
” – Kamille from Blue Gap, AZMohave Community College is a 2-year institution with four campuses serving northwest Arizona and surrounding counties in Nevada, Utah, and California. MCC offers degrees and certificates in over 60 academic programs. Students in MCC’s Dental Hygiene...
This school has small class sizes that provide a more one-on-one feeling that allows professors to get to know the students and really provide insight into all of their courses.
” – Michelle from AZNorthland Pioneer College is a 2-year community college with four campuses and five academic centers serving two northeastern Arizona counties. NPC offers 108 degree and certificate-granting academic programs and holds partnerships with Arizona State...
South Mountain Community College is a 2-year institution in Phoenix. Over 70 percent of its enrollment is made up of first-generation college students and SMCC is federally designated as an Hispanic-Serving Institution. SMCC is home to five academic...
south mountain community college is an awesome school. it is safe and a well rounded of staff. i would not choose any other college!
” – michelle from phoenix, azYavapai College is a 2-year community college in central Arizona with two campuses and four academic centers. Yavapai is home to six schools awarding associate degrees and certificates in over 50 fields of study. For students interested in the fine...
I believe that I will learn much more than I expect and I'm excited for that.
” – Stephanie from San Manuel, AZEstablished in 1988, Phoenix Seminary is a private, Christ-centered institution located in Scottsdale, Arizona. The college offers seven graduate degree and certificate programs, with fields of study including Ministry, Theology, Divinity, Counseling...
Established in 1993, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences is a private, medical education institution located in Tempe, Arizona. SCNM offers a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree program, with two additional dual degree...
From its campus featuring Frank Lloyd Wright’s former winter home in Scottsdale, The School of Architecture at Taliesin is an institute originally founded by Wright himself as an apprentice program. The SOAT offers a 3-year Master of Architecture...
