# Best Colleges in Arizona

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 11 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-arizona

## Methodology

Composite score for institutions in Arizona

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

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%.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Arizona State University Campus Immersion](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/arizona-state-university-campus-immersion) | Tempe, AZ | 68% | $62,668 | $14,967 | $19,500 | 0.31x |
| 2 | [Northern Arizona University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northern-arizona-university) | Flagstaff, AZ | 59% | $54,384 | $14,158 | $19,000 | 0.35x |
| 3 | [University of Arizona](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-arizona) | Tucson, AZ | 67% | $59,979 | $16,674 | $19,620 | 0.33x |
| 4 | [Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/embry-riddle-aeronautical-university-prescott) | Prescott, AZ | 69% | $84,131 | $40,287 | $23,666 | 0.28x |
| 5 | [Arizona State University Digital Immersion](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/arizona-state-university-digital-immersion) | Scottsdale, AZ | 29% | $62,668 | N/A | $19,500 | 0.31x |
| 6 | [Prescott College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/prescott-college) | Prescott, AZ | 44% | $42,359 | $22,583 | $16,300 | 0.38x |
| 7 | [Paradise Valley Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/paradise-valley-community-college) | Phoenix, AZ | 19% | $47,196 | $12,180 | $6,995 | 0.15x |
| 8 | [Cochise County Community College District](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/cochise-county-community-college-district) | Sierra Vista, AZ | 30% | $38,033 | $7,929 | $6,750 | 0.18x |
| 9 | [Ottawa University-Surprise](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/ottawa-university-surprise) | Surprise, AZ | 21% | $55,552 | $33,393 | $21,500 | 0.39x |
| 10 | [Tohono O'odham Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/tohono-oodham-community-college) | Sells, AZ | 16% | $39,229 | $4,233 | N/A | N/A |
| 11 | [Arizona Christian University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/arizona-christian-university) | Glendale, AZ | 41% | $51,612 | $32,839 | $23,000 | 0.45x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Colleges in Arizona." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-arizona

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.