Best Colleges in Phoenix
It’s Getting Hot Down Here
Learning to balance textbooks and water bottles
Phoenix survival kit: water, sun tan lotion, sunglasses, and an amazing air conditioning system. Once you’ve checked off your list, you’ll realize Phoenix, Arizona is absolutely amazing, and you’ll never want to leave. Phoenix is known for its triple digit temperatures, but it’s also known for its health services, finance, and government jobs.* There are 2 major universities offering more than 30 programs, an air force base, an array of technical and community colleges, and a top ranked online university.* And once you have your degree, major employers in the area include Intel, USAA, US Airways, and Cardinal Health.*
With more than 1.5 million people trolling about the city, you can make new friends in just 30 minutes. Then, you wouldn’t have to visit the world-renowned spas and shopping centers, hiking trails, and hundreds of golf courses alone.* And for you ethnic dining enthusiasts, Phoenix has some of the best Mexican in the country food due to the large Hispanic population and its close proximity to the Mexico border.* It’s a win-win situation here in the Valley of the Sun. Just remember to leave your winter coats in the attic. Since Phoenix is located in the Sonoran Desert, you can appreciate sundresses, flip flops, and shorts practically year round.
*U.S. Census *Bureau of Economic Analysis *Wikipedia, “Companies in Phoenix” *travel.usnews.com/Phoenix_AZ
Best Four Year Universities in Phoenix
| Rank | School Name | Location | Description | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arizona State University-Tempe | Tempe, AZ |
Arizona State University-Tempe offers 371 Degree programs. It's a large public university in a mid sized city. In 2015, 15,064 students graduated with students earning 9,906 Bachelor's degrees, 3,377 Master's degrees, 997 Certificates degrees, and 784 Doctoral degrees. | Based on 152 Reviews |
Read more: Arizona State University-Tempe Reviews
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| 2 | Arizona Christian University | Phoenix, AZ |
Arizona Christian University offers 55 Degree programs. It's a very small private university in a large city. In 2015, 124 students graduated with students earning 123 Bachelor's degrees, and 1 Associate's degree. |
Read more: Arizona Christian University Reviews
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| 3 | Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ |
Grand Canyon University offers 125 Degree programs. It's a large private university in a large city. In 2015, 17,005 students graduated with students earning 9,574 Bachelor's degrees, 7,173 Master's degrees, 184 Certificates degrees, and 74 Doctoral degrees. | Based on 8 Reviews |
Read more: Grand Canyon University Reviews
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| 4 | Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix | Phoenix, AZ |
Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix offers 90 Degree programs. It's a large public university in a large city. In 2015, 3,905 students graduated with students earning 2,824 Bachelor's degrees, 676 Master's degrees, 304 Certificates degrees, and 101 Doctoral degrees. | |||
| 5 | Arizona State University-West | Glendale, AZ |
Arizona State University-West offers 49 Degree programs. It's a medium sized public university in a large city. In 2015, 1,130 students graduated with students earning 943 Bachelor's degrees, 158 Master's degrees, 16 Certificates degrees, and 13 Doctoral degrees. |
Read more: Arizona State University-West Reviews
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| 6 | University of Advancing Technology | Tempe, AZ |
University of Advancing Technology offers 18 Degree programs. It's a very small private university in a mid sized city. In 2015, 164 students graduated with students earning 144 Bachelor's degrees, 12 Master's degrees, and 8 Associate's degrees. |
Read more: University of Advancing Technology Reviews
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| 7 | National Paralegal College | Phoenix, AZ |
National Paralegal College offers 7 Degree programs. It's a small private university in a large city. In 2015, 280 students graduated with students earning 124 Associate's degrees, 84 Bachelor's degrees, 72 Certificates degrees. |
Read more: National Paralegal College Reviews
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| 8 | Brookline College-Phoenix | Phoenix, AZ |
Brookline College-Phoenix offers 26 Degree programs. It's a small private university in a large city. In 2015, 693 students graduated with students earning 423 Certificates degrees, 149 Associate's degrees, 103 Bachelor's degrees, and 18 Master's degrees. |
Read more: Brookline College-Phoenix Reviews
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| 9 | CollegeAmerica-Phoenix | Phoenix, AZ |
CollegeAmerica-Phoenix offers 5 Degree programs. It's a very small private university in a large city. In 2015, 146 students graduated with students earning 134 Associate's degrees, and 12 Bachelor's degrees. |
Read more: CollegeAmerica-Phoenix Reviews
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| 10 | ITT Technical Institute-Phoenix | Phoenix, AZ |
ITT Technical Institute-Phoenix offers 14 Degree programs. It's a very small private university in a large city. In 2015, 59 students graduated with students earning 50 Associate's degrees, and 9 Bachelor's degrees. |
Read more: ITT Technical Institute-Phoenix Reviews
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Best Community Colleges in Phoenix
| Rank | School Name | Location | Description | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Central Arizona College | Coolidge, AZ |
Central Arizona College offers 108 Degree programs. It's a medium sized public college in a outlying rural. In 2015, 1,180 students graduated with students earning 611 Associate's degrees, and 569 Certificates degrees. |
Read more: Central Arizona College Reviews
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| 2 | Chandler-Gilbert Community College | Chandler, AZ |
Chandler-Gilbert Community College offers 72 Degree programs. It's a large public college in a large suburb. In 2015, 2,608 students graduated with students earning 1,409 Certificates degrees, and 1,199 Associate's degrees. |
Read more: Chandler-Gilbert Community College Reviews
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| 3 | Southwest Institute of Healing Arts | Tempe, AZ |
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts offers 28 Degree programs. It's a small private college in a mid sized city. In 2015, 764 students graduated with students earning 574 Certificates degrees, and 190 Associate's degrees. |
Read more: Southwest Institute of Healing Arts Reviews
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| 4 | Mesa Community College | Mesa, AZ |
Mesa Community College offers 150 Degree programs. It's a very large public college in a large city. In 2015, 4,623 students graduated with students earning 2,460 Certificates degrees, and 2,163 Associate's degrees. |
Read more: Mesa Community College Reviews
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| 5 | Phoenix College | Phoenix, AZ |
Phoenix College offers 145 Degree programs. It's a large public college in a large city. In 2015, 2,595 students graduated with students earning 1,425 Certificates degrees, and 1,170 Associate's degrees. |
Read more: Phoenix College Reviews
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| 6 | Glendale Community College | Glendale, AZ |
Glendale Community College offers 100 Degree programs. It's a very large public college in a large suburb. In 2015, 4,280 students graduated with students earning 2,469 Certificates degrees, and 1,811 Associate's degrees. | Based on 4 Reviews |
Read more: Glendale Community College Reviews
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| 7 | Estrella Mountain Community College | Avondale, AZ |
Estrella Mountain Community College offers 70 Degree programs. It's a large public college in a mid sized suburb. In 2015, 2,194 students graduated with students earning 1,121 Associate's degrees, and 1,073 Certificates degrees. |
Read more: Estrella Mountain Community College Reviews
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| 8 | GateWay Community College | Phoenix, AZ |
GateWay Community College offers 124 Degree programs. It's a medium sized public college in a large city. In 2015, 1,760 students graduated with students earning 1,165 Certificates degrees, and 595 Associate's degrees. |
Read more: GateWay Community College Reviews
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| 9 | Paradise Valley Community College | Phoenix, AZ |
Paradise Valley Community College offers 77 Degree programs. It's a medium sized public college in a large city. In 2015, 2,065 students graduated with students earning 1,267 Certificates degrees, and 798 Associate's degrees. |
Read more: Paradise Valley Community College Reviews
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| 10 | Refrigeration School Inc | Phoenix, AZ |
Refrigeration School Inc offers 6 Degree programs. It's a small private college in a large city. In 2015, 702 students graduated with students earning 574 Certificates degrees, and 128 Associate's degrees. |
Read more: Refrigeration School Inc Reviews
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List of all Colleges in Phoenix
| School Logo | School Name | Average tuition | Student Teacher Ratio | Enrolled Students |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Arizona State University-Tempe Tempe, AZ |
3/5
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27 : 1 | 51,984 |
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Arizona Christian University Phoenix, AZ |
4/5
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20 : 1 | 779 |
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Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZ |
4/5
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39 : 1 | 69,444 |
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Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix Phoenix, AZ |
3/5
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25 : 1 | 10,952 |
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Arizona State University-West Glendale, AZ |
3/5
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15 : 1 | 3,619 |
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Central Arizona College Coolidge, AZ |
2/5
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29 : 1 | 5,849 |
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Chandler-Gilbert Community College Chandler, AZ |
2/5
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49 : 1 | 14,654 |
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Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences Tempe, AZ | 23 : 1 | 655 | |
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Southwest Institute of Healing Arts Tempe, AZ | 21 : 1 | 690 | |
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Mesa Community College Mesa, AZ |
2/5
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39 : 1 | 21,491 |
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Phoenix College Phoenix, AZ |
2/5
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35 : 1 | 11,865 |
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Glendale Community College Glendale, AZ |
2/5
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40 : 1 | 19,871 |
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Estrella Mountain Community College Avondale, AZ |
2/5
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42 : 1 | 9,303 |
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GateWay Community College Phoenix, AZ |
2/5
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27 : 1 | 5,637 |
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Paradise Valley Community College Phoenix, AZ |
2/5
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36 : 1 | 8,684 |
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Refrigeration School Inc Phoenix, AZ | 35 : 1 | 688 | |
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Midwestern University-Glendale Glendale, AZ | 12 : 1 | 3,295 | |
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University of Advancing Technology Tempe, AZ |
4/5
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17 : 1 | 724 |
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Rio Salado College Tempe, AZ |
2/5
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77 : 1 | 20,533 |
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South Mountain Community College Phoenix, AZ |
2/5
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32 : 1 | 4,083 |
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Arizona Automotive Institute Glendale, AZ | 22 : 1 | 655 | |
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Allen School-Phoenix Phoenix, AZ | 30 : 1 | 686 | |
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National Paralegal College Phoenix, AZ |
2/5
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50 : 1 | 1,038 |
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Penrose Academy Scottsdale, AZ | 17 : 1 | 183 | |
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Brookline College-Phoenix Phoenix, AZ | 42 : 1 | 1,379 |
Top Schools offering Specific Degrees in Phoenix
Questions About Going to College in Phoenix
How are the career opportunities for college graduates in this city?
College grads flock to Phoenix, and not just for the excellent weather (though seasonal tourism does make for a thriving hospitality industry). As the state’s capital, Phoenix hosts numerous U.S. governmental organizations. Many foreign governments also have consular offices, chambers of commerce, and trade associations in Phoenix. Private sector employment includes everything from tech jobs to financial and business services. And the future looks promising: Forbes expects Phoenix to be one of the top 10 best places for job growth over the next three years.
What major companies/industries are hiring what type of graduates/skills in Phoenix?
Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and JPMorgan Chase provide jobs in the banking and financial sector. Health science grads find opportunities with Banner Health Systems and Mayo Clinic. As well, Honeywell’s North American aerospace business makes its home in Phoenix, hiring engineers, research and development scientists, marketers, and sales reps. For graduates with education degrees, the city’s large public school system employs teachers and other administrators.
Is Phoenix more of a college town or a great place to start a career and family?
More than 30 institutions of higher learning make their home in Phoenix, including the downtown campus of Arizona State University. The city as a whole has some 1.5 million residents. Many grads stay in Phoenix due to its job opportunities and wonderful climate. (Who can resist a place that’s sunny 85 percent of the time?) Young professionals can enjoy the urban vibe of downtown Phoenix. And couples with children can find a niche too in the north-central region with its highly regarded public and Catholic schools.
What do the locals in Phoenix like to do for fun?
With approximately 200 golf courses in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area and little chance of being rained out, the region is a golfer’s paradise! People who prefer the sidelines cheer on baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks, basketball’s Phoenix Suns, and football’s Arizona Cardinals. Jazz lovers head to The Nash in Roosevelt Row. And the interactive displays at the Phoenix Children’s Museum keep families coming back for more.
What's the dating scene like in Phoenix? Will I meet my perfect mate?
Sure, the city has its share of retirement communities, but Phoenix boasts an active downtown nightlife. Singles can view the city from the rooftop at Bar Smith or listen to live music while feasting on Mexican food at Crescent Ballroom. The culturally inclined may bump into someone special while attending the Arizona Opera at Symphony Hall or viewing the latest exhibit at the Phoenix Art Museum. Get out and explore the Valley of the Sun!