Best Colleges in Arizona of 2023

Set in Tempe, Arizona State University has one of the largest undergraduate populations in the country and offers a full range of academic programs and extracurricular activities. The school offers 85 programs that have been ranked in the top 25 in the United States, and 38 have been ranked in the top 10. With over 270 national and conference titles, ASU is a prime destination for students who want to pursue collegiate athletics. ASU Online offers students the opportunity to earn a degree by enrolling in one of the 300+ undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered 100% online, and the school is home to many research facilities, like the Global Institute of Sustainability. Beyond its undergraduate programs, ASU offers many top-ranked graduate programs through its many schools, including the W. P. Carey School of Business and the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law.

The only school in the state with an athletics program that can rival ASU's, the University of Arizona is the best option for student athletes and students who want to attend a school with a thriving sports culture. The University of Arizona has much more to offer than sports, though. With over 50 fraternities and sororities, intramural sports, and countless student organizations, there is plenty to do for students living on or off campus. Undergraduate students can pursue popular programs like engineering, technology, chemistry, and environmental studies, and the university offers several graduate programs, including accounting, philosophy, and education. Arizona Online is a great option for distance learners around the world as many of the courses are available in asynchronous formats, giving students the flexibility to learn on their own schedules.

Though its main campus is in Florida, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona, offers students in Arizona the opportunity to specialize in aeronautics. Students can choose from majors such as aeronautics, aerospace and occupational safety, and aeronautical science. The school also offers graduate programs in aviation, aerospace engineering, aerospace business analytics, and aviation business administration. Some online coursework is available, though Embry-Riddle prioritizes hands-on learning experiences. Depending on their major, students may receive supervised professional training while working on a variety of aircraft and vehicles. The university also utilizes simulators to train students and features state-of-the-art propulsion systems labs, robotics testing facilities, and engineering design studios.

Best for Online Learning

Set in the capital of Arizona, Arizona Christian University is a great choice for students who want to integrate their faith with their education. The Office of Spiritual Life focuses on engaging students through worship, discipleship, and service. Students, staff, and faculty come together for student-led worship during Chapel on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and the university requires all students to complete two service projects per semester, which may include participating in programs like Operation Christmas Child and Feed My Starving Child. ACU's CORE curriculum strategically integrates the Bible with the Humanities to prepare students for life postgraduation. ASU offers six certificate programs, three associate degrees, and 18 bachelor's degrees across 41 areas of study, including biblical and theological studies, Christian ministries, family studies, and behavioral health.

Prescott College is a private institution in Prescott that offers students unique and impactful experiential learning opportunities. Prescott College has learning centers in locations like Mexico, Kenya, and Costa Rica. Students can study at these centers to gain practical experience, engage with communities around the world, and participate in activism. The school offers undergraduate degrees in fields such as adventure education, arts and humanities, environmental studies, and social justice studies. Prescott also offers graduate programs in disciplines ranging from counseling to sustainable food systems. A selection of programs can be completed fully online, and Prescott remains dedicated to helping students fund their education by providing scholarships to students that plan to work in public service after graduation.

Diné College is the first tribally controlled and accredited college in the United States, and its stated goal is to advance quality postsecondary student learning and development to ensure the well-being of the Diné People. Diné College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers over 20 degree programs through four schools. These programs cover disciplines that include art, humanities, English, engineering, and business. Native American undergraduate students are eligible to apply for both the American Indian College Fund TCU Scholarship Program and the American Indian College Fund Full Circle Scholarship Program, which can greatly offset the cost of their education. All incoming students are required to take placement exams that assess their reading, writing, and mathematics skills.