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2019 Best Value Colleges in ArizonaAbout this List

Explore the colleges that are the best value for your money based on net price, alumni earnings, graduation rates, and student debt using data from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews. The ranking compares the most affordable colleges with the best return on investment. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

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  1. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Prescott

    • 4 Year
    • Prescott, AZ
    • 852
    1 Best Value Colleges in Arizona

    Junior: ERAU-Prescott is known as a piloting school, but in recent years has fixated on STEM education; particularly aerospace engineering. Their engineering programs rival those of MIT, Georgia Tech, and CalPoly, boasting a blend of a traditional 4 year degree with a trade school environment. Students learn in small classroom settings (1:20) that cater to kinesthetic learners, some of whom have ADD, ADHD, or fall on the Autism spectrum. Freshmen are given invaluable opportunities building robots, satellites, and rockets in their first semester attending, and with the rigorous course load, offers students a 99% job place rate within one year after graduation. While ERAU has extensive educational prospects, this University is not for everyone. Students struggle feeling connected to the town, which is a retirement community. Even so, many ERAU employees are working with the city to build community bridges and bring more engineering businesses to Prescott for internship and job opportunities.
    Read 852 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Value
    • 76% Acceptance Rate
    • $32,681 Net Price
    • 1040-1280 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. Arizona State University

    • 4 Year
    • Tempe, AZ
    • 9,727
    2 Best Value Colleges in Arizona

    Junior: My experience at ASU was an experience like no other. My course and professors all inspired me to find my passion. I changed my major after the first semester; which allowed me to explore the different career paths before I chose my current career goal. ASU truly opened my eyes to a lot of wonderful opportunities. I am taking my experiences working alongside my peers in the school newspaper "State Press" and student outreach "Programming and Activities Board" to learn valuable work ethics for future career skills. As a medical studies major, I still find it important to surround myself with other activities and involvements that are not related to my major. Therefore, the school paper gives me sense of the journalism world and the PAB allows me to explore skills in marketing and event planning. Overall, my experience at ASU change my life and improved my skills that pertains to social, professional, and personal life skills. Thank you ASU for everything!
    Read 9,727 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Value
    • 83% Acceptance Rate
    • $13,007 Net Price
    • 1020-1280 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. University of Arizona

    • 4 Year
    • Tucson, AZ
    • 5,879
    3 Best Value Colleges in Arizona

    Junior: The University of Arizona is an amazing opportunity that a lot of people can overlook. This institution has world-class professors and equipment in fields such as engineering, astrology, optics, and more. The strong athletic programs at the U fo A also bolster the school spirit and makes it easy to get fired up at sporting events with your schoolmate. As a student, you also have the best opportunity to mingle and network with industry professionals throughout the school year. Companies consistently send representative directly to the school for seminars and job fairs with the sole purpose of finding a college student to potentially employ. Having the chance to land an internship or even get a job offer at the U of A can often be a simple as showing up to a school event! To summarize, the University of Arizona is an amazing opportunity for anyone looking to get a world-class education in an environment where employers often come directly to you.
    Read 5,879 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Value
    • 79% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,466 Net Price
    • 983-1230 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. Northern Arizona University

    • 4 Year
    • Flagstaff, AZ
    • 4,867
    4 Best Value Colleges in Arizona

    Senior: What I loved about Northern Arizona University were the different types of activities and clubs, which were fun and extremely helpful. I participated in the Pre-Dental club and it helped me to gain volunteer and shadowing experiences inside a dental clinic. There were many times where I struggled with my classes, but with the help of my professors and the study sessions I was able to get through my courses successfully. One thing I would change about NAU are the prices for housing and parking. I have suffered greatly with living expenses because housing is expensive.
    Read 4,867 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Value
    • 78% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,664 Net Price
    • 940-1160 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. Grand Canyon University

    • 4 Year
    • Phoenix, AZ
    • 8,227
    5 Best Value Colleges in Arizona

    Sophomore: Grand Canyon University is a beautiful campus located in Phoenix. GCU offers a plethora of majors to all students with a desire to learn. Despite the high tuition, counselors at this university work with all students to ensure that their financially secure during the process of obtaining a degree. Meanwhile, professors do everything they can to find the education styles best suited for you! Not to mention, there are so many extra-curricular events and opportunities available to all students from music to math to sports. While GCU doesnt have a football team, soccer, rugby, and basketball are fairly popular and the purple pride is real! The local area isn't high maintenance but campus security is 10/10 as security guards stand at all entrances! If you're looking for a great time with good people and an even better education, Grand Canyon University is that place.
    Read 8,227 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Value
    • 57% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,168 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. Arizona Christian University

    • 4 Year
    • Phoenix, AZ
    • 244

    Sophomore: I wanted to attend a small Christian college. Arizona Christian is perfect. I'm on the baseball team but also find time for inter mural sports and pick-up basketball games. The campus is small but the people and professors are great! They also have most varsity sports such as football, basketball, soccer, golf and more!
    Read 244 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C+
      Value
    • 59% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,491 Net Price
    • 860-1088 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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  9. Pima Medical Institute - Tucson

    • 4 Year
    • Tucson, AZ
    • 223

    Freshman: 40+ years ago, in the sleepy desert town of Tucson, AZ- my hometown- Pima Medical Institute opened their first campus. 10+ years later, my mom walked through their doors determined to become a college graduate and medical professional....and succeeded. 30 years later my mom is an accomplished Director of Staffing for a recruiting agency, specializing in national healthcare recruiting. In my 21 years, after a couple years in community college prerequisites, fitness sciences, nutrition courses, personal training and customer service occupations,combined with my grandfather's quadruple bypass surgery and health issues of family and clients, I realized my excitement was healthcare. From the minute I walked into the Administration building, the environment, campus and upbeat positive vibe and energy was as welcoming as my mom had described it from 30 years ago! I knew instantly Respiratory Therapy was for me. I am so excited to start classes this fall.
    Read 223 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C+
      Value
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,478 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  10. University of Phoenix - Phoenix

    • 4 Year
    • Tempe, AZ
    • 5,080

    College Senior: My experience with University of Phoenix has been both challenging and rewarding. I have gained so much discipline from learning how to set a schedule to get my work done online in timely manner. However most students have issues with finding a career after college. Every single rep has helped me with open arms and because of them I was able to tap into all of the resources and tools for everything from resumes, to additional programs in continuing education, to learning seminars and networking events. There is an overwhelming worth of tools and resources that are just invaluable for all students of any background. I have even fixed my resume, gotten on a career path of my field and landed a few interviews in my field of study! I am super excited to continue to use their resources i couldn't thank The University of Phoenix enough. I am excited to start my certificate program with them in a few weeks!
    Read 5,080 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C+
      Value
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,743 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  11. Argosy University - Online

    • 4 Year (Online)
    • 903

    Junior: I've been attending Argosy University-Online since 2013 on and off. I love how supportive the staff is and the variety of tools that the campus common provides me with! After receiving my Associate's, my Success advisor walked me through my transition into my Bachelor's program.
    Read 903 Reviews

    • C-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C-
      Value
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,205 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  12. Sponsored

    Cochise College

    • 2 Year
    • Douglas, AZ
    • 391

    Freshman: The campus is very beautiful and not too large so you won’t get large. Unlike big universities, Cochise college professors are focused on each individual and their success. Cochise college is a great school, affordable and caring!
    Read 391 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $5,160 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  13. CollegeAmerica - Phoenix

    • 4 Year
    • Phoenix, AZ
    • 95

    Freshman: College America Is a good college to start at. Ive finally had the courage to apply at college america. At this point I have a few options on helping my situation by calling my instructor, and letting him or her know my circumstances and then use strategies and backup options available to me. To conclude, my time management skills, motivation and organization and preparation guides and molds me to maintain being a successful college student. Your statement reminded me that everyone has an opportunity to better themselves.
    Read 95 Reviews

    • C-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C-
      Value
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,322 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. Brookline College - Phoenix

    • 4 Year
    • Phoenix, AZ
    • 193

    Sophomore: My experience at Brookline so far has been very good! The professors are all supportive and want to see you succeed. They are willing to help you anytime that you need it so that you fully understand the material. I am glad that I chose Brookline College to begin my dream of becoming a nurse. If i could change one thing, it would be that we got our class schedules a little sooner than the week before the semester.
    Read 193 Reviews

    • C-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • D+
      Value
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,629 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  15. Arizona State University - West Campus

    • 4 Year
    • Glendale, AZ
    • 205

    Freshman: I really love Arizona State University's West campus. It is on the smaller side which enhances friendships and learning experience in the classroom. It is well kept up with and has very beautiful scenery. They offer a numerous amount of resources that you can look to if you are in need of assistance. This campus ensures you are safe at all times and strives for the ultimate best! I truly can't think of something they could do differently they pretty much have mastered everything in my eyes. However, if I really had to say one thing that could change it would be something as small as providing more cheap and healthy food choices around campus.
    Read 205 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Value
    • 78% Acceptance Rate
    • $8,692 Net Price
    • 960-1168 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  17. Chamberlain College of Nursing - Phoenix

    • 4 Year
    • Phoenix, AZ
    • 147

    Freshman: I love everything about this campus! The student life, sim lab, professors and students are all wonderful. I would highly recommend this school to anyone. There are cheaper ways to go around buying textbooks. Never order them new directly through the campus always order them online through third party websites like Chegg. You can search for books by the ISB numbers located on the back of the books or on your class syllabus.
    Read 147 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Value
    • 80% Acceptance Rate
    • $30,873 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  18. Arizona State University - Downtown Phoenix Campus

    • 4 Year
    • Phoenix, AZ
    • 431

    Freshman: I love the intimate experience that I've had downtown. The campus is small, meaning smaller class sizes, less students in the dorm, and easy walking distance to classes. The academics are challenging, yet rewarding. Here, professors are genuinely interested in their own field and care about making a difference in the students' learning from day to day. The relationships I have built over simply the past semester are unbreakable. I have full faith that a good portion of the people I have met here so far will be in my future for a long time. Overall, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else!
    Read 431 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Value
    • 77% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,876 Net Price
    • 960-1180 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  19. Arizona State University - Polytechnic Campus

    • 4 Year
    • Mesa, AZ
    • 162

    Senior: Being at ASU Polytechnic campus has been one of the greatest experiences I have had. I am an engineering major and this campus has given me the ability to truly feel like an engineer. Professors are constantly teaching me more and giving me the tools to become a better engineer. The campus is also decent in size- nor too big or too small. There is a great sense of safety and comfort on the campus and makes college an enjoyable experience!
    Read 162 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Value
    • 76% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,370 Net Price
    • 1013-1250 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  20. Southwest University of Visual Arts - Tucson

    • 4 Year
    • Tucson, AZ
    • 72

    College Freshman: SUVA is small and intimate. The maximum students in a class is around 25 students, the teacher has time to give each student full attention. SUVA doesn't hold any student back; if you want to create something, they encourage and help you achieve your goals. My classmates are fantastic! Supportive, honest, and open. Critique is professional and we support one another with our ideas. Two classes per day allow students to have a job and a life outside SUVA. Homework isn't over done either; its a steady pace. Its easy to focus on the task at hand; there is plenty of time to balance each work. The staff is small as well, so needing an answer to a question can be answered relative quickly with an email or an appointment. SUVA is a wonderful place for passionate artistic people.
    Read 72 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Value
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,017 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  21. University of Phoenix - Southern Arizona

    • 4 Year
    • Tucson, AZ
    • 74

    College Senior: This has been a great experience for me! Online classes have made it easier for me to be a full time mom, student and wife. The available resources made it possible for me to be able to search and navigate right within the pages themselves. I would definitely choose Phoenix again because of the length of the classes offered and it allows you to be flexible. You always know what you are expected to do prior to doing it.
    Read 74 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Value
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,039 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  24. University of Advancing Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Tempe, AZ
    • 258

    Freshman: I am an online student currently attending this university. The professors are very helpful and respond quickly. The online programs have many different people in it. Some of the students have just finished high school, and some have already been in an industry for many years and are looking to earn another degree. Regardless of how you start out, the classes feel accessible to everyone, and anyone can learn knowledge in the courses. The professors are very knowledgeable on the subject matters that they teach. The subject matters seems up-to-date, which is a necessity as this school primarily has technology based majors and technology can change fairly quickly. I would highly recommend this university for anyone interested in working in a technology field.
    Read 258 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Value
    • 85% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,079 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  25. Prescott College

    • 4 Year
    • Prescott, AZ
    • 264

    Alum: The instructors and the library workers made up the core of this school for me. I adored all my instructors, and greatly valued the one-on-one time I had with them to help my academic and general life learning. The administration was unimpressive. They spoke about themselves well but the admin frequently disappointed students. The school is very ableist overall. I came to this school as a transfer student. I did well as a transfer student, but know I would not have stayed if I'd started my bachelor's degree at this school. I was involved in some Title IX work at the school and was disappointed by the school's lack of action to help students seeking protection under Title IX. This school was moderately trans-friendly. It painfully lacked in diversity, but in some ways is very well-suited to neurodivergent students with non-traditional learning styles.
    Read 264 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C+
      Value
    • 68% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,280 Net Price
    • 920-1200 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  26. University of Phoenix - Online

    • 4 Year
    • Phoenix, AZ
    • 12,266

    Junior: Great school! Great Professors! Faculty and staff work together to help current and future students reach their goals. The classes are flexible and smaller sizes so there is more interaction and communication among students and staff. Classes are interesting and useful in today's society. There are even more courses that focus on today's new way of learning and communicating. I would recommend this school to any new mom, stay at home mom, recent high school grads and even working individuals. I am very thankful for the knowledge and information that I have gained from the University of Phoenix on line campus.
    Read 12,266 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C+
      Value
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,252 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  27. DeVry University - Arizona

    • 4 Year
    • Phoenix, AZ
    • 337

    College Junior: I love DeVry because they took the time to help explain the program to me. In which my experience with other schools I was reviewing at that time was not as well explained. I didn't feel rushed or pressured into choosing DeVry and I didn't feel like a dollar sign. The care that the academic adviser showed in his delivery of information about the classes and curriculum made me feel confident in choosing DeVry for my education journey. I am now in my last year and I still feel as confident today as Ifelt then... even more so!
    Read 337 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C+
      Value
    • 88% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,039 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  28. National Paralegal College

    • 4 Year (Online)
    • 32

    Senior: The program is rigorous, with a workload comparable to any brick and mortar school. Most of the professors are top notch, and have or are currently working within the field they are teaching, meaning, law classes are taught by practicing or retired lawyers, accounting by accountants, IT by IT professionals, etc. This has made this experience well worth the price of admission. Whether I go on to work in a law firm or continue working in the field of taxes and accounting, the education I've received here has made a positive impact on my life and been well worth the time and money to attend.
    Read 32 Reviews

    • D+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C
      Value
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,043 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  31. Dine College

    • 4 Year
    • Tsaile, AZ
    • 193

    Freshman: The College is Fantastic. Excellent teachers who know what they are doing! You get the higher education that you need and for such a great price! The food here is excellent and the students are great to get along with. With fast WiFi you do not have to worry about online classes taking forever you will always be up to date. The college is a bit isolated so there are not many stores to travel to, but they do know how to have fun here! The dorms are old but in good condition and you have just enough living space to be comfortable. The safety on campus is OUTSTANDING. The campus Police are always patrolling day and night 24/7 rain sleet or snow! the diversity is not too diverse with it being a native school so as expected it is a majority native population. The athletics here are OK with there being a basketball team and an archery team with a coach who was elected coach of the year for archery. All in all this is a great college and highly recommend it. 4 stars!
    Read 193 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C
      Value
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $10,065 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  32. CollegeAmerica - Flagstaff

    • 4 Year
    • Flagstaff, AZ
    • 150

    College Junior: CollegeAmerica is great! I wouldn't have chose a better school to attended right now. There helpful, offers tutoring if needed. Faculties are polite, motivated, help you to understand everything and they actually try to get to know you and the instructors make sure they know your name. I like it because its also smaller classrooms and you get the one on one interview with an instructor in the middle of the module to ask how your doing and if you need help. Overall it's an awesome school.
    Read 150 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C-
      Value
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,034 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  33. Brookline College - Tucson

    • 4 Year
    • Tucson, AZ
    • 78

    Freshman: Im going thete now. I was very nervous but they make it fun and less stressul. They are right there with you if you have any questions. They came in an helped us learn how to prepare for anything while reading and doing homework and taking breaks every 5o mins for 10 mins. Very much appreciated." No critics" motto there.
    Read 78 Reviews

    • C-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C-
      Value
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,178 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  34. Sponsored

    Northern Arizona University

    • 4 Year
    • Flagstaff, AZ
    • 4,867

    Senior: What I loved about Northern Arizona University were the different types of activities and clubs, which were fun and extremely helpful. I participated in the Pre-Dental club and it helped me to gain volunteer and shadowing experiences inside a dental clinic. There were many times where I struggled with my classes, but with the help of my professors and the study sessions I was able to get through my courses successfully. One thing I would change about NAU are the prices for housing and parking. I have suffered greatly with living expenses because housing is expensive.
    Read 4,867 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 78% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,664 Net Price
    • 940-1160 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?