# Most Affordable Colleges in Arizona

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 26 | Category: By State (Affordable)
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/most-affordable-colleges-arizona

## Methodology

Ranked by lowest net price 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 it comes to choosing a college, affordability often tops the list of concerns for students and families alike. In Arizona, several institutions stand out for their low net prices, helping students access higher education without drowning in debt. For instance, the average net price across these affordable colleges is just $6,553, making them attractive options for budget-conscious learners.

The schools on this list share a commitment to providing cost-effective education, but they also differ significantly in terms of outcomes. Key metrics like graduation rates, average earnings, and student debt levels reveal which institutions are likely to set students on a path to financial success. Look closely at the earnings figures: the average earnings among graduates of these colleges is $46,269, but this varies widely across schools, indicating differing returns on investment.

Take Pima Community College and Mohave Community College as examples. Pima has an impressively low net price of $3,405, but its graduation rate is only 25%. In contrast, Mohave's net price is slightly higher at $5,974, yet it boasts a graduation rate of 35%. These differences highlight the trade-offs students must consider when weighing affordability against long-term outcomes.

## Key Findings

- Pima Community College has the lowest net price on the list at just $3,405.
- Mohave Community College offers a higher graduation rate at 35%, compared to Pima's 25%.
- The average earnings for graduates across these colleges is $46,269.
- Arizona Western College graduates have an average debt of $4,826, one of the lowest among the top schools.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Pima Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/pima-community-college) | Tucson, AZ | 25% | $39,810 | $3,405 | $7,000 | 0.18x |
| 2 | [Central Arizona College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/central-arizona-college) | Coolidge, AZ | 25% | $40,513 | $4,714 | $10,010 | 0.25x |
| 3 | [Mohave Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mohave-community-college) | Kingman, AZ | 35% | $35,522 | $5,974 | $9,700 | 0.27x |
| 4 | [Arizona Western College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/arizona-western-college) | Yuma, AZ | 22% | $36,857 | $8,983 | $4,826 | 0.13x |
| 5 | [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 |
| 6 | [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 |
| 7 | [Yavapai College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/yavapai-college) | Prescott, AZ | 33% | $39,890 | $8,683 | $9,000 | 0.23x |
| 8 | [Estrella Mountain Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/estrella-mountain-community-college) | Avondale, AZ | 29% | $44,356 | $12,254 | $7,500 | 0.17x |
| 9 | [Chandler-Gilbert Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/chandler-gilbert-community-college) | Chandler, AZ | 27% | $51,111 | $12,726 | $7,000 | 0.14x |
| 10 | [Eastern Arizona College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/eastern-arizona-college) | Thatcher, AZ | 42% | $38,018 | $9,197 | N/A | N/A |
| 11 | [Northland Pioneer College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northland-pioneer-college) | Holbrook, AZ | 22% | $34,199 | $9,240 | N/A | N/A |
| 12 | [Northern Arizona University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northern-arizona-university) | Flagstaff, AZ | 59% | $54,384 | $14,158 | $19,000 | 0.35x |
| 13 | [Glendale Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/glendale-community-college) | Glendale, AZ | 15% | $43,108 | $11,650 | $6,960 | 0.16x |
| 14 | [Mesa Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mesa-community-college) | Mesa, AZ | 16% | $44,034 | $12,132 | $7,473 | 0.17x |
| 15 | [Paradise Valley Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/paradise-valley-community-college) | Phoenix, AZ | 19% | $47,196 | $12,180 | $6,995 | 0.15x |
| 16 | [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 |
| 17 | [Coconino Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/coconino-community-college) | Flagstaff, AZ | 23% | $40,420 | $13,996 | $10,250 | 0.25x |
| 18 | [GateWay Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/gateway-community-college) | Phoenix, AZ | 24% | $46,147 | $13,339 | $6,750 | 0.15x |
| 19 | [South Mountain Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/south-mountain-community-college) | Phoenix, AZ | 16% | $39,825 | $12,780 | $8,000 | 0.2x |
| 20 | [University of Arizona](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-arizona) | Tucson, AZ | 67% | $59,979 | $16,674 | $19,620 | 0.33x |
| 21 | [Scottsdale Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/scottsdale-community-college) | Scottsdale, AZ | 17% | $47,905 | $13,336 | $8,000 | 0.17x |
| 22 | [GateWay Community College-Central City](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/gateway-community-college-central-city) | Phoenix, AZ | 55% | $46,147 | $14,438 | $6,750 | 0.15x |
| 23 | [Prescott College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/prescott-college) | Prescott, AZ | 44% | $42,359 | $22,583 | $16,300 | 0.38x |
| 24 | [Arizona Christian University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/arizona-christian-university) | Glendale, AZ | 41% | $51,612 | $32,839 | $23,000 | 0.45x |
| 25 | [Ottawa University-Surprise](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/ottawa-university-surprise) | Surprise, AZ | 21% | $55,552 | $33,393 | $21,500 | 0.39x |
| 26 | [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 |

## 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. "Most Affordable Colleges in Arizona." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/most-affordable-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/.