We have taken the time to explore universities and colleges across Arizona and carefully put together a list of the top ten schools in the state for 2026.
Arizona has a lot of higher institutions, from large universities with thousands of students to smaller colleges that focus on specialized programs. With so many choices, it’s easy for someone planning to apply to college to feel a little confused about where to start. After all, the best option is usually the one that aligns with your personal goals, values, and the kind of future you’re working toward.
That is why, in creating this list, we based our selection on important factors that matter to students: accreditation status (to ensure your degree holds weight), the variety and quality of courses offered, the expertise of the faculty, student support services, campus facilities, and even the school’s reputation with employers. By looking at these areas, we were able to identify the schools that truly stand out.
Each college featured here shines in its own way, through academic excellence, career opportunities, or a vibrant campus life. Take a look, explore your options, and see which school feels like the right fit for you.
Best Colleges in Arizona 2026
Take a moment to explore our list of the top 10 best universities in Arizona below.
1. Arizona State University (ASU)
First on our list of the best colleges in Arizona is Arizona State University (ASU). It was founded in 1885 as the Territorial Normal School and is one of the largest public universities in the United States.
ASU offers a huge variety of programs; over 350 undergraduate majors and more than 100 graduate programs, including master’s and doctoral degrees. You can study everything from liberal arts and sciences, design and arts, engineering, and journalism to education, business, law, nursing, public policy, technology, and sustainability. These programs are spread across 16 colleges and schools, supported by more than 170 centers and institutes that encourage students to explore multiple fields and learn across disciplines.
2. University of Arizona
Next on our list of the best colleges in Arizona is the University of Arizona, often called U of A or UA. This public research university was founded back in 1885, making it the first university in the Arizona Territory.
U of A offers a variety of programs for students at all levels, including bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees. Undergraduates can choose from 32 different degree programs.
Aside from its strong academics, the University of Arizona is fairly transparent about costs. Tuition for full-time undergraduates is $12,700 per semester for in-state students and $37,200 per semester for out-of-state students.
3. Grand Canyon University
Another top choice for students in Arizona is Grand Canyon University (GCU), a private Christian university located in Phoenix. GCU is well-known for blending faith-based learning with a wide range of academic programs, making it ideal for students who want both strong academics and a supportive community.
The university offers over 200 degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. These programs are organized across ten colleges, including the Colangelo College of Business, College of Education, College of Engineering and Technology, College of Arts and Media, College of Nursing and Health Care Professions, and more. GCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
4. Northern Arizona University
Northern Arizona University (NAU), located in Flagstaff, is a public research university founded in 1899. It offers students a wide range of academic options across eight colleges, with a ninth, the College of Medicine, currently in development.
Students can choose from over 130 undergraduate programs, more than 80 master’s programs, and roughly 20 doctoral programs, along with 50 undergraduate and 40 graduate certificate programs for those seeking specialized skills.
Tuition is $12,652 per year for in-state students and $28,900 for out-of-state students, making NAU an excellent choice for quality education that’s accessible and affordable.
5. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Prescott, AZ
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, often called ERAU, is a private university with a strong focus on aviation and aerospace education. It has campuses in Prescott, Arizona, and Daytona Beach, Florida, and is widely recognized as the largest accredited university system in the world dedicated to aviation and aerospace studies.
The school offers programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, covering areas such as aeronautical science, air traffic management, aerospace engineering, aviation safety, airport management, and meteorology. Many of these programs carry specialized accreditation, such as from ABET for engineering and the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) for aviation-related courses.
ERAU also provides short professional courses in areas like Unmanned Aircraft Systems (drones) and Aircraft Accident Investigation.
6. Prescott College
Prescott College, founded in 1966, is a private school in Arizona that focuses heavily on hands-on, real-world learning. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Association for Experiential Education, which shows its strong commitment to quality education.
Students at Prescott can choose from four main pathways: traditional on-campus undergraduate programs, limited-residency undergraduate programs (a mix of in-person and online), master’s programs that can also be done either fully on campus or in limited-residency format, and even a Ph.D. program in Sustainability Education.
7. Arizona College of Nursing
Arizona College of Nursing in Tempe is a private institution that offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program designed to be completed in three years. The program is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring it meets established professional standards.
Students follow a curriculum that combines classroom learning with clinical training, preparing them for licensure and practice as registered nurses.
8. Arizona Christian University
Arizona Christian University is a private Christian university that was established in 1960 as Southwestern Conservative Baptist Bible College. Over the years, it has grown to offer a variety of programs including master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degrees, along with minors and certificate options.
Students can study in areas such as psychology, education, business, theology, music, and the sciences, making it a well-rounded institution that combines academic study with faith-based learning.
9.University of Advancing Technology (UAT)
The University of Advancing Technology (UAT) is a private university in Tempe that focuses on preparing students for careers in the fast-changing tech world. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, both on campus and online.
UAT keeps its programs very tech-centered. Students can choose from about 20 undergraduate majors and several graduate programs, with areas of study like video game design, digital media, robotics, cyber security, computer science, and technology innovation.
10. Arizona State University – Polytechnic Campus (Mesa, Arizona)
The Polytechnic Campus of Arizona State University (ASU) is one of ASU’s four main campuses, located in Mesa. This campus is often called ASU’s “innovation and hands-on learning hub” because of its strong focus on practical, career-driven education.
Students here can choose from more than 95 undergraduate programs and 45 graduate degrees, covering fields like engineering and technology, applied sciences, creative arts, health sciences, and business. The Polytechnic Campus is especially popular among students who want an education that blends classroom learning with real-world problem-solving and project-based experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Best Colleges in Arizona
1. What should I look for when choosing a college in Arizona?
Consider things like tuition costs, available degree programs, class sizes, student support services, and whether the school is accredited. You also want to ask yourself if the college’s strengths line up with your career goals.
2. Which college in Arizona is the most affordable?
Tuition varies widely depending on whether you’re an in-state or out-of-state student. Public universities like Arizona State University, University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University generally offer lower tuition rates for Arizona residents. Private universities tend to cost more but may provide scholarships and financial aid to help reduce expenses.
3. Which college in Arizona has the best employment opportunities after graduation?
It depends on your chosen field of study. For example, Arizona State University (ASU) is well-known for its business and engineering programs, which connect students to top employers. Meanwhile, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott is one of the best in the country for aviation and aerospace careers. So, the “best” for jobs will really depend on the career you want to pursue.
4. What are the most lucrative courses to study in Arizona?
Fields like engineering, computer science, nursing, business, and aviation tend to lead to some of the highest-paying careers. Arizona’s top universities, including ASU, University of Arizona, and Embry-Riddle, all have strong programs in these areas, giving graduates a competitive edge in the job market.
5. Do Arizona colleges offer online programs?
Yes! Many Arizona colleges and universities now offer online or hybrid programs. For example, ASU has one of the largest and most respected online learning platforms in the U.S., giving students the flexibility to earn a degree while working or managing other responsibilities.
The schools on our list of the Best Colleges in Arizona all offer excellent academic opportunities, but the best one for you depends on your personal and career goals. Take time to go through the list, compare what each college offers with what you’re looking for, and make a choice that fits you.