Top Value Arizona Colleges

Below you will find a list of the colleges in Arizona that we found to provide the best value for students. In our study, we utilized a number of data sources from the US Census Bureau to the US Department of Education coupled with student and alumni feedback to ascertain the important elements of value in a college education. Our team collected college data and arrived at the top Arizona colleges for you to research further. Remember to use your best judgment and prioritize your academic goals and career aspirations to narrow down your list of top colleges.

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott Campus (Prescott, AZ) is a residential campus that offers bachelor, master’s, and PhD degree programs. Students can choose among programs in arts, sciences, aviation, business, engineering, and security & intelligence. Embry-Riddle was established in 1925 in Ohio. It eventually moved to Florida and in 1978, it established its second campus in Prescott, AZ. The university is equipped with facilities and laboratories that helps students further their learning particularly in aviation, and STEM programs. The university manages a STEM Education Center that promotes STEM education across local K-12 schools, and the Embry-Riddle community. Residence halls are also available on campus. Students and professionals also have the opportunities for study abroad programs, professional programs, and summer camps.

Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (Scottsdale, AZ) is a private for-profit network of technical colleges across the country established in 1965. The institute is affiliated with several brands including Universal Technical Institute (UTI), Motorcycle Mechanics Institute and Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI), and NASCAR Technical Institute (NTI). Most training programs are focused on developing skills for entry-level technicians in the transportation industry. Degrees, diplomas, and certificates are awarded to students who successfully completed the designated program curriculum. The institute also provides support services for interested students including employment assistance, housing assistance, military & veterans services, disabilities services, and others. Financial aids and scholarships are also offered to students.

Pima Medical Institute-Tucson (Tucson, AZ) is a private for-profit college that is known for its allied health care programs. The school trains students to be the best health professionals. The institute is the largest independently owned, private allied health school in the country. It manages 17 campuses across the western United States. Not all campuses offer the same sets of programs. Tucson campus was founded in 1972 and boasts its quality education on programs like dental, medical assisting, nursing, physical therapy or respiratory therapy, and more.

InterCoast Colleges (Riverside, CA) is a private university that offers associates degrees and certificate programs on allied health, business, and skilled trade industries. The training programs are designed to meet the skills and knowledge expected for an entry level employment. The college offers special programs on mental health and counseling. The college also manages online distance education. Financial support through military and veterans’ educational programs and scholarships are granted in the college. It was founded in 1989.

University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ) is a public research university and it is the first university established across the state in 1885. The university is organized into 19 schools and colleges. The university fosters a very high research activity. It was granted funding for its Lunar and Planetary Laboratory (LPL) used to lead NASA’s Mars expedition in 2007-2008. UA is also part of the OSIRIS-REx mission, the first in U.S. history to sample an asteroid. The university is also affiliated with global partners and other foreign universities in providing education and research to the community. UA also consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the United States and across the world. Admissions in UA is “selective” according to U.S. News & World Report.

Arizona State University (Tempe, AZ) was established as a public research university in 1885. The university houses one of the highest numbers of students in the United States. It awards undergraduate and graduate degrees. On-campus and online programs are available for students. ASU manages five campuses and several regional learning centers across the state. Every campus offers different academic programs and houses a variety of student facilities. However, the university still considers itself as one university just located in many places. The university has a high acceptance rate and class size. Moreover, ASU has a long list of relevant faculties, who are members of prestigious organizations in their respective areas of study. ASU is also recognized as the #1 Most Innovative University in the country.

The Refrigeration School (Phoenix, AZ) is a private university that provides high-quality education and specializes in air conditioning and refrigeration training. RSI designed its training programs based on the demand of a particular industry. RSI fosters a student-centric learning environment. The school has special services and considerations for military, international, and out of state students. It also offers a variety of scholarship grants and financial aids for students. Interested students can continue their education at the University of Phoenix through transfer credits during their stay at the Refrigeration School.

Brookline College-Tempe (Tempe, AZ) is a private college that awards associate and bachelor’s degrees for programs in business, healthcare and law. A master’s degree in nursing is also granted at the college. It was originally established as the Arizona Institute of Business and Technology in 1979. The college manages three campuses across the state – Phoenix, Tempe, Tucson. It also has a campus in Albuquerque, NM. Online programs are also offered in the college. Students who are interested to pursue further studies can use transfer credits for university admissions. Military financial aids and student scholarships are available. The college boasts its accelerated programs, flexible curriculum, and hands-on training programs.

Arizona Christian University (Phoenix, AZ) is a private Christian university that offers a variety of academic programs. Its Christian affiliation is highlighted across its curriculum and activities. The university was founded in 1960 to prepare students in careers in vocational ministry and missions. Biblical Studies and Christian Ministries are the initial degree programs offered in the university. Eventually, ACU started to include programs in education, business administration, behavioral health, and music. During its 50th founding anniversary, ACU launched the Daniel Award for Courageous Public Faith. It is awarded to an individual who courageously stood for his or her Christian faith in the public. The first recipient of the award was President George W. Bush. The university values faith and spiritual formation. It requires students to attend activities that could strengthen students’ faith.

Ave Maria University (Ave Maria, FL) is a private Catholic university founded in 1998. The founder of the university is Tom Monaghan, who is also the founder of Domino’s Pizza. Its Roman Catholic affiliation is highlighted in its academic curriculum and activities. Monaghan aims to a liberal arts education in a Catholic environment. The first campus was established in Michigan, near the farm for Domino’s Pizza before it found its way to Florida. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees including a doctoral program in Theology. The university fosters a small class size according to the U.S. News & World Report. The university also provides opportunities to study abroad.

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock (Little Rock, AK) is a public research university that was founded as Little Rock Junior College in 1927. The university awards undergraduate and graduate degrees and it has an active research environment. It houses state-of-the-art facilities that can help them with their research needs including the Center for Nanotechnology Integrative Sciences, the Emerging Analytics Center, the Sequoyah Research Center. Programs are delivered through both traditional and online modes. Admissions are also open for military, international, and transfer students. The university also provides its students opportunities for internships and employment. An astronomy faculty co-discovered several astronomical bodies such as Eris, Sedna, and are major participants in the search for the hypothetical Planet Nine. In addition, the university also fosters a high research activity.

Northern Arizona University (Flagstaff, AZ) is a public research university that awards bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. It was founded in 1899 Students can also earn a degree through online programs. The university offers two tracks for students who opt for online degrees. They can choose between a traditional online class or a study at your own pace option. It also manages statewide campuses that offer a wide range of academic programs. NAU is well-known for its academic programs as well as its highly regarded faculty. Opportunities to study abroad are also provided to interested students. The university has existing and strong partnerships across a wide range of professional industry.

Miller-Motte College-Raleigh (Raleigh, NC) is an institute located across the United States. It offers a wide range of technical and education training programs in the fields of health, business, technology, skills trade, education, and protective services. Students can enjoy externship opportunities, and career assistance through a range of industry partners. Degrees and certificates are awarded to students who successfully finished their chosen program requirements. The institute also offers a flexible online option. The university was established in 1916.

Grand Canyon University (Phoenix, AZ) is a for-profit private Christian university that was established in 1949. Due to financial losses after ending its affiliation with the Southern Baptist Convention, the school’s trustees authorized its sale in January 2004 to California-based Significant Education, LLC. This move made the university the first for-profit Christian university in the United States. The university awards undergraduate and graduate-level degrees including doctoral degrees. It provides academic programs across a wide range of disciplines including business, education, fine arts and production, humanities and social sciences, allied health, science, engineering and technology, and theology. GCU also provides an online bridge program for students and individuals who are interested to take a new career path or gain advanced knowledge and skills in their current field of study. GCU offers a traditional, online, and hybrid mode of education allowing a more flexible learning environment for the students. The university gained its popularity as a beacon of Christian education and academic excellence. The university’s sporting teams also bagged several awards through the years.

Oklahoma Technical College (Tulsa, OK) is a two-year private career school opened in 2009. OTC is one of the main colleges under the Community Care College which was founded in 1995. Clary Sage College gained success leading to the establishment of OTC. The college is focused on providing career-oriented programs. OTC offers degrees and certificates in Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology, Electrical Technology, Welding, and Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Refrigeration. The technical college offers hands-on training using state-of-the-art facilities and industry-based curriculum. The college is also one of the Top 10 Military-Friendly Private Vocational and Technical Schools, providing education and training for veterans after their service for the country.

InfoTech Career College (Paramount, CA) is part of Health Care Career College. The college is focused on providing vocational health care training to students and working adults. It was founded in 1990 aimed to provide individuals with a fast career pathway to employment. The college allows students to gain hands-on training and experience through community engagements. HCC made sure that it has the latest and state-of-the-art facilities to provide students a better learning environment. Upon graduation, HCC also provides job placement assistance to its students.

Apollo College (Phoenix, AZ) is now Carrington College. The original institution was founded as Northwest College of Medical Assistants and Dental Assistants in 1967. The U.S. Education Corporation acquired the college as well as Apollo College. The name Carrington College was coined in 2008 when the U.S. Education Corporation decided to integrate several colleges into one. Carrington’s Trades Education Center was established in 2020 in Phoenix, AZ. The college is focused on providing academic programs across a variety of disciplines. It has programs in medicine, dental, allied health, criminal justice, and industrial programs. It awards associate degree or certificate level education. Students are provided with hands-on experience as well as tutorial assistance and advising.

Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque (Albuquerque, NM) is a private for-profit college that is known for its allied health care programs. The school trains students to be the best health professionals. The institute is the largest independently owned, private allied health school in the country. It manages 17 campuses across the western United States. Not all campuses offer the same sets of programs. Albuquerque campus was founded in 1985 and it is popular to be a medical career school. It boasts its quality education on programs like dental, medical assisting, pharmacy, practical nursing or veterinary assistant profession and more.

Faust Institute of Cosmetology-Spirit Lake (Spirit Lake, IA) is a private institution focused on providing education to individuals who are interested in cosmetology since 1990. Individuals are trained to have a career in the industry as qualified and licensed professionals. The institute provides one of the most affordable cosmetology education options in the state. Some certificates can be earned within at least 5-14 months of training. The institute also offers financial assistance to students who are qualified.

Additional College Research

For additional information about MatchCollege, visit our world-class college search tools or locate the top degree programs available online. In addition, you may find it useful to start with our award-winning list of college and degree rankings for this academic year. Be your own advocate and invest the time needed today to find the best college program for you.