Skip to content
CollegeRanker

Rankings / By State

Best Colleges in Arizona

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 11 schools · Agent Insights
11
Schools Analyzed
$54,346
Avg. Earnings (10yr)
42%
Avg. Graduation Rate
$19,924
Avg. Net Price

Find Your Program

Explore Accredited Programs in This Field

Find accredited programs in this field accepting applicants.

✓ Accredited programs ✓ 100% free ✓ No obligation

When considering higher education in Arizona, students and families face a diverse range of institutions, each with its own strengths and challenges. With 11 schools making the list, this ranking highlights colleges that not only provide degrees but also impact graduates' futures. For instance, the average earnings of graduates from these institutions is about $54,346, a crucial consideration for anyone weighing their options.

The schools in this list stand out based on key metrics, including graduation rates, average earnings, student debt, and overall mobility. Understanding these factors is essential to deciphering the list below. For example, while Arizona State University has a graduation rate of 68% and graduates who earn an average of $62,668, other institutions may offer lower earnings and grad rates but come with less financial burdens.

Take Arizona State University and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University as examples. While Arizona State's grads earn $62,668 against a net price of $14,967, Embry-Riddle’s graduates earn a higher $84,131 but face a steeper net price of $40,287. This contrast reveals the different trade-offs families must consider when evaluating their choices in Arizona's higher education landscape.

Key Findings

Arizona State University graduates earn an average of $62,668, with a 68% graduation rate.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers the highest average earnings at $84,131, but has a net price of $40,287.

Northern Arizona University graduates earn $54,384, with a lower graduation rate of 59%.

Paradise Valley Community College has the lowest average earnings at $47,196, with a graduation rate of just 19%.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 11
Avg. earnings at 10yr $54,346
Avg. graduation rate 42%
Avg. net price $19,924
Avg. median debt $17,583

How We Ranked

Composite score for institutions in Arizona

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.

$15K$68K$120K$0$50KNET PRICEArizona StateNorthern ArizonaUniversity ofEmbry-Riddle AeronauticalPrescott College

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Arizona State University…68%Northern Arizona Univers…59%University of Arizona67%Embry-Riddle Aeronautica…69%Arizona State University…29%Prescott College44%Paradise Valley Communit…19%Cochise County Community…30%Ottawa University-Surpri…21%Tohono O'odham Community…16%Arizona Christian Univer…41%

Top 3

#1

Arizona State University Campus Immersion

Tempe, AZ

Graduation68%
Earnings$62,668
Net Price$14,967

View full profile →
#2

Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, AZ

Graduation59%
Earnings$54,384
Net Price$14,158

View full profile →
#3

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ

Graduation67%
Earnings$59,979
Net Price$16,674

View full profile →

Sponsored

Featured Programs From Accredited Schools

Accredited schools accepting applicants in this field.

Ad

Full Rankings

#1

Arizona State University Campus Immersion

Tempe, AZ · 64,674 students · Public

With nearly 65,000 students, Arizona State University in Tempe creates a vibrant campus life full of diverse experiences. The university's graduation rate sits at 68%, suggesting that many students find their path through the range of programs available, leading them to solid post-graduation outcomes.
90% accepted 68% graduate $62,668 earnings
Arizona's full profile
#2

Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, AZ · 22,903 students · Public

Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University is home to around 22,900 students. While the graduation rate is lower at 59%, the university's focus on personal growth and community engagement helps many students find their fit and succeed in their fields. Graduates earn a median of $54,384 ten years after leaving, reflecting a solid return on investment.
90% accepted 59% graduate $54,384 earnings
Northern's full profile
#3

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ · 42,537 students · Public

The University of Arizona in Tucson has a storied reputation, with over 42,500 students fostering a collaborative environment. With a graduation rate of 67%, many students are able to find their way to successful careers, as evidenced by the median earnings of $59,979 ten years post-graduation.
86% accepted 67% graduate $59,979 earnings
University's full profile
#4

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott

Prescott, AZ · 3,218 students · Private nonprofit

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott specializes in aviation and aerospace, attracting students passionate about these fields. With a graduation rate of 69%, many students find fulfilling careers after completing their degrees, reflected in a striking median earning of $84,131 a decade later.
77% accepted 69% graduate $84,131 earnings
Embry-Riddle's full profile
#5

Arizona State University Digital Immersion

Scottsdale, AZ · 53,782 students · Public

Arizona State University Digital Immersion in Scottsdale enrolls over 53,000 students, blending a robust educational experience with the flexibility of online learning. This program is designed for those who thrive in a digital environment and seek a path to a bachelor’s degree, making it a great option for tech-savvy learners.
67% accepted 29% graduate $62,668 earnings
Arizona's full profile
#6

Prescott College

Prescott, AZ · 219 students · Private nonprofit

Nestled in the scenic town of Prescott, Prescott College is known for its commitment to experiential learning and small class sizes with just 219 students. The college has a notable graduation rate of 44%, reflecting its focus on student engagement and success, particularly for those who prefer a more personalized educational experience.
95% accepted 44% graduate $42,359 earnings
Prescott's full profile
#7

Paradise Valley Community College

Phoenix, AZ · 5,117 students · Public

With a vibrant campus in Phoenix, Paradise Valley Community College is a gateway for many students looking to further their education without breaking the bank. The school serves over 5,100 students and has a diverse range of programs, making it a solid choice for those interested in pursuing an associate degree or starting their path to a bachelor’s degree.
19% graduate $47,196 earnings
Paradise's full profile
#8

Cochise County Community College District

Sierra Vista, AZ · 3,096 students · Public

Cochise County Community College District, located in the picturesque Sierra Vista, offers a supportive environment for students looking to gain practical skills and knowledge. The college serves just over 3,000 students and has a commendable graduation rate of 30%, suggesting that many students find their path to success here.
30% graduate $38,033 earnings
Cochise's full profile
#9

Ottawa University-Surprise

Surprise, AZ · 836 students · Private nonprofit

With a welcoming acceptance rate of 78%, Ottawa University-Surprise caters to a diverse range of students, including a significant number of Pell Grant recipients at 40%. This private nonprofit institution emphasizes a personalized education experience, with small class sizes that can foster close relationships between students and faculty. The school's location in Surprise, Arizona, offers a sunny climate and vibrant community, creating a supportive environment for academic growth.
78% accepted 21% graduate $55,552 earnings
Ottawa's full profile
#10

Tohono O'odham Community College

Sells, AZ · 998 students · Public

Tohono O'odham Community College serves as an essential educational hub for the local community, focusing on accessible education for its nearly 1,000 students. With a net price of just $4,233, it stands out for its affordability, especially for students from low-income backgrounds, as 27% of the student body are Pell Grant recipients. This public institution is dedicated to providing tailored support for its students, many of whom are balancing work and family commitments while pursuing their studies.
16% graduate $39,229 earnings
Tohono's full profile
#11

Arizona Christian University

Glendale, AZ · 1,165 students · Private nonprofit

Arizona Christian University in Glendale offers a unique blend of academic rigor and faith-based education that appeals to students seeking a community focused on spiritual growth. With a graduation rate of 41%, the university supports a student body of 1,165, and 34% of its students receive Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to making education accessible to a diverse population. This environment encourages students to pursue their passions while integrating their beliefs into their studies.
71% accepted 41% graduate $51,612 earnings
Arizona's full profile

Looking closely at the data, we see that Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University outperforms the others in average earnings at $84,131, but this comes with a significant price tag of $40,287. In contrast, Arizona State University offers a more accessible net price of $14,967, yet its earnings are lower at $62,668. This trade-off highlights the importance of balancing potential financial return against educational costs when making a decision.

After reviewing this list, it’s essential to weigh these statistics against your personal priorities. Consider what matters most to you: Is it the potential earnings post-graduation, the cost of attendance, or the graduation rates? Take time to visit campuses if possible and assess the programs offered to ensure they align with your career goals. Each school has its unique environment and focus, so choosing the right fit is key.

These outcomes reflect the broader reality of college as a pathway to stable employment and financial independence. With an average debt of $19,500, many graduates are stepping into their careers with significant financial responsibilities. One family may find that investing in a degree from Embry-Riddle is worthwhile for the high earnings, while another may prioritize affordability and choose a different institution. Ultimately, the decision should align with both financial goals and personal aspirations.

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). →

DK

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.

Related Rankings

All Rankings Methodology Best Colleges Social Mobility Highest Mobility