Rankings / By State

Best Business Colleges in Arizona

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 10 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$55,978

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

43%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$21,257

Avg. Net Price

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Choosing the right business college in Arizona is a crucial decision that can significantly impact a student's career trajectory. With an average earning potential of $55,978 among graduates, the stakes are high. Families and prospective students are weighing options that promise not only academic rigor but also strong post-graduation outcomes.

What sets the top business colleges apart in Arizona? Key factors include graduate earnings, completion rates, student debt, and the potential for upward mobility. The programs listed below reflect a combination of these outcomes, giving students a clearer picture of what to expect after graduation. Understanding the balance between these metrics can guide students toward the right fit for their future.

For instance, Arizona State University Campus Immersion and the University of Arizona both offer solid earning potential, with ASU graduates averaging $62,668 and UA graduates at $59,979. However, ASU boasts a higher graduation rate at 68%, compared to UA's 67%. This subtle difference highlights the importance of program completion in achieving those higher earnings, making it essential for students to consider which factors matter most to their individual goals.

Key Findings

Arizona State University graduates earn an average of $62,668, the highest in the state.

The average graduation rate among the top business colleges is 43%.

Paradise Valley Community College has the lowest graduation rate at 19%, indicating potential challenges.

Northern Arizona University has a net price of $14,158, the most affordable among the top five.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 10

Avg. earnings at 10yr $55,978

Avg. graduation rate 43%

Avg. net price $21,257

Avg. median debt $18,787

How We Ranked

Business programs in Arizona ranked by outcomes and program concentration

Read our full methodology →

Earnings vs. Cost

Each dot is a ranked school. Up = higher earnings. Right = higher cost. Top-left is the best value.

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Top 3

Arizona State University Campus Immersion

Tempe, AZ

Graduation68%

Earnings$62,668

Net Price$14,967

View full profile →

Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, AZ

Graduation59%

Earnings$54,384

Net Price$14,158

View full profile →

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ

Graduation67%

Earnings$59,979

Net Price$16,674

View full profile →

Featured Programs From Accredited Schools

Accredited schools accepting applicants in this field.

Full Rankings

Arizona State University Campus Immersion

Tempe, AZ · 64,674 students · Public

With almost 65,000 students, Arizona State University in Tempe is a vibrant hub for those seeking a diverse and engaging college experience. The school has a strong graduation rate of 68%, and graduates can expect a median earning of about $62,668 a decade after finishing their degrees, showing that many students find rewarding careers after attending ASU.

90% accepted 68% graduate $62,668 earnings

Arizona's full profile

Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, AZ · 22,903 students · Public

Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff is home to nearly 23,000 students who enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings while pursuing their education. Though the graduation rate is 59%, graduates can still expect median earnings of $54,384 a decade after they leave, highlighting the potential for career success post-graduation.

90% accepted 59% graduate $54,384 earnings

Northern's full profile

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ · 42,537 students · Public

The University of Arizona, located in Tucson, offers a dynamic campus experience with a student population of over 42,000. With a graduation rate of 67%, many find their way to successful careers, earning a median salary of $59,979 ten years after graduation, making it a sound option for students focused on future employment prospects.

86% accepted 67% graduate $59,979 earnings

University's full profile

Arizona State University Digital Immersion

Scottsdale, AZ · 53,782 students · Public

With nearly 54,000 students, Arizona State University's Digital Immersion program is a significant player in online education. The university's commitment to accessible learning is highlighted by its 67% acceptance rate and the 40% of students receiving Pell Grants, making it an option for a diverse range of learners.

67% accepted 29% graduate $62,668 earnings

Arizona's full profile

Ottawa University-Surprise

Surprise, AZ · 836 students · Private nonprofit

Ottawa University in Surprise serves a smaller student body of around 836, creating an intimate learning environment. However, the low graduation rate of 21% raises questions about student support and outcomes, which is something to weigh alongside the school’s welcoming acceptance rate of 78% and 40% Pell Grant recipients.

78% accepted 21% graduate $55,552 earnings

Ottawa's full profile

Paradise Valley Community College

Phoenix, AZ · 5,117 students · Public

Paradise Valley Community College in Phoenix is a great starting point for students looking to enter higher education without the hefty price tag. With only a 19% graduation rate, it might seem challenging, but those who complete their studies can still expect median earnings of $47,196 ten years post-graduation, which can provide a solid foundation for career development.

19% graduate $47,196 earnings

Paradise's full profile

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott

Prescott, AZ · 3,218 students · Private nonprofit

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott is a focused institution for those passionate about aviation and aerospace. With a graduation rate of 69%, it shows a strong commitment to student success, preparing graduates for lucrative careers in a booming field, as indicated by the median earnings of $84,131 a decade post-graduation.

77% accepted 69% graduate $84,131 earnings

Embry-Riddle's full profile

Prescott College

Prescott, AZ · 219 students · Private nonprofit

With a small student body of just 219, Prescott College fosters a close-knit community where students can form meaningful connections with peers and faculty alike. This environment can be particularly appealing for those seeking personalized attention and a supportive atmosphere as they pursue their education.

95% accepted 44% graduate $42,359 earnings

Prescott's full profile

Arizona Christian University

Glendale, AZ · 1,165 students · Private nonprofit

Located in Glendale, Arizona Christian University is a smaller institution with about 1,165 students, ideal for those seeking a tight-knit college experience. While the graduation rate is 41%, the university emphasizes a Christian ethos, attracting students who value a faith-based education alongside their academic pursuits.

71% accepted 41% graduate $51,612 earnings

Arizona's full profile

#10

Tohono O'odham Community College

Sells, AZ · 998 students · Public

Located in Sells, Arizona, Tohono O'odham Community College serves a unique mission, focusing on the educational needs of Indigenous students and the surrounding community. With nearly 1,000 students, it provides a welcoming environment for those looking for a culturally relevant education that respects and nurtures their heritage.

16% graduate $39,229 earnings

Tohono's full profile

While Arizona State University Campus Immersion leads in earnings, Northern Arizona University offers a more affordable net price of $14,158, even though it has a lower graduation rate of 59%. This suggests that while ASU might provide higher financial returns, the cost of attendance at NAU could appeal to budget-conscious students seeking a business degree.

As you sift through these options, consider what aspects matter most to you. Are you prioritizing a strong earning potential, a manageable debt load, or a location that feels like home? Each of these schools has unique strengths that align differently with individual preferences and financial situations. Weigh these factors alongside the data to make an informed choice that suits your priorities.

Ultimately, these numbers reflect a broader truth about the pathway from college to a stable life. Students who graduate from programs with higher completion rates and earnings are more likely to secure stable employment and financial success. The choice of college is not just an academic decision; it’s a pivotal moment in determining future opportunities for one family, one student at a time.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

Sources & Citations

[1]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →

[2]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →

David Krug

Co-Founder, CollegeRanker

David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.

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