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For high school graduates and students looking for top ranked public colleges in Arizona will have ample choices to consider. Public colleges near you in Arizona may include a number of great academic options. Both the University of Arizona and Arizona State University have been consistently ranked very high on our lists for best public colleges in the nation and in the southwest. Other schools of note include Northern Arizona University and Dine College in the desert state of Arizona. The bulk of the state colleges in Arizona are located near Phoenix or a nearby suburb such as Scottsdale and Glendale.

2024 Best Public Colleges in Arizona

The University of Arizona (UA) in Tucson was the first university to be established in the state of Arizona, in 1885. The three campuses stretch over 387 acres and constitute the oldest continually maintained 'green space' in this otherwise desert region. The university serves over 35,000 students across all disciplines, including both undergraduate and postgraduate students. For example, UA offers 300 undergraduate degrees in 20 colleges and 11 schools. The faculty includes Nobel and Pulitzer prize winners and the National Science Foundation has ranked the University of Arizona as the 16th top public university in the country.

There are a large number of residences for students, almost all of which are co-ed. Residence Life has all the information you need to apply to a residence hall and be sure of getting the most out of your time on campus. The Admissions Office provides information on a wide variety of scholarships and financial aid as well as everything else you need to know about applying to the university.

Communication and community spirit are encouraged at UA. The Faculty Fellows is one example of a program in place to help generate both of these. The aim of this program is to enable the students to spend time with the faculty outside of the classroom and engender a spirit of community in the university. UA aims to be as diverse as possible and has a number of programs in place to ensure the continued diversity of both the student body and the faculty. This diversity includes both minority groups, international students and disabled staff and students. Disabled staff and students should contact the Disability Resource Center to learn about the specific details of assistance. Outreach programs are also available, as UA is committed to making a difference in people's lives.

The Student Recreation Center provides information on a variety of different things to do besides studying. A wide variety of sports are offered at the university as well as a variety of other student societies. There are art galleries, museums, theatres and a large number of libraries with an enormous amount of resources on offer to the student.

Enrollment

44,097

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Arizona State University is the largest research university in the US, with four campuses; the Tempe Campus being the original and the largest campus. It is located approximately eight miles from downtown Phoenix, in the heart of Tempe, Arizona.

History

The first building erected on the Tempe Campus was Old Main. It remains a part of the Tempe Campus today and was built in 1898. That was 14 years before Arizona officially became a state. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. The Tempe Campus includes several notable buildings, including Grady Gammage Memorial Auditorium, which was designed by American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright.

Academics

There are several schools and colleges within the boundaries of the Tempe Campus. Examples include:

  • College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • Herber Institute for Design and the Arts
  • Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering
  • Sandy Day O' Conner College of Law

Courses and programs offered by other schools that are hosted by the Tempe Campus include:

  • Barrette, The Honors College
  • College of Teacher Education and Leadership

Campus Life

Danforth Meditation Chapel was built in 1947 and is a place where students can relax and meditate. It is located south of Hayden Library Entrance on Cady Mall. A large fountain adds to the atmosphere with the soothing sound of water.

There are more than 500 clubs where students can make friends, gain leadership skill and become involved in community activities. The Memorial Union is a community center for students, staff and guests. The building has four levels that offer programs, services and student involvement opportunities.

Sports and Recreation

Cheer the Sun Devils on to victory or participate in other activities and sports. If you enjoy working out, be sure to visit the weight rooms and cardio machines. Tempe Campus also offers an Introduction to Personal Training.

Support Services

There are a variety of support services for students at the Tempe Campus, including disability services, computer services, commuter services, a bookstore and Adult Learner Resources.

Community

Tempe is the seventh largest city in Arizona. Visit the Tempe Historical Museum to learn of the city's history or visit the University of Arizona's Art Museum. Admission to both of these attractions is free.

If you enjoy beating the heat, spend a day at Big Surf water park swimming. The water slides at Big Surf are popular with people of all ages.

Kiwanis Park offers a wide variety of activities including baseball, softball, racquetball, tennis, volleyball and an indoor wave pool.

Those who enjoy the great outdoors can hike up Tempe Butte. If you love shopping till you drop, check out Arizona Mills Mall, which as 175 stores, an IMAX theatre, restaurants and more.

Whether you enjoy the activities above or prefer golfing, the arts, concerts or festivals, there's always something to enjoy in Tempe, Arizona.

Enrollment

51,585

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Northern Arizona University (NAU) is one of three state universities in Arizona. It has a main campus located in Flagstaff, Arizona, and many statewide campuses and learning centers. NAU is a public, research university offering degrees at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels. It offers additional degrees through its online programs. NAU has 95 undergraduate programs, 57 graduate programs and more than 70 online programs.

History

Northern Arizona University was founded in 1899 with 23 enrolled students and one professor. Early administrators had to travel the countryside of Arizona to recruit students for the school's single building. That tiny school grew over the years and underwent several name changes as it expanded. In 1958, the school expanded its research activity through the establishment of its forestry program. In 1966, the school achieved university status when it was recognized for its expanded academic programs. It was renamed from Arizona State College to become Northern Arizona University.

Academics

The academic calendar for Northern Arizona University has fall and spring semesters, and also offers three and four week Winter and Summer terms.

Colleges and Schools

  • College of Arts and Letters
    • School of Music
    • School of Art
  • College of Education
  • College of Engineering, Forestry and Natural Sciences
    • School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Sustainability
    • School of Forestry
  • College of Health and Human Services
    • School of Nursing
  • College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
    • School of Communication
  • Graduate College
  • The W.A. Franke College of Business
    • School of Hotel and Restaurant Management

Student Life

Many student organizations and activities are available at NAU. The Recreation Center and Health and Learning Center offer opportunities for staying healthy and fit. There are more than 200 clubs in which to participate, including many intramural sports teams. Outdoor activities are arranged through Student Life and allow for exploration of the natural beauty around the campus.

Many theatre and music events are available on campus through SUN Entertainment, including concerts with headliners such as Jason Mraz and Mason Jennings.

On campus housing is available, along with many dining options.

Traditions

The NAU school colors are dark blue, white and gold. The school mascot is "Louie" the lumberjack.

Some NAU tradition include Greek Week, which includes many events and projects sponsored by the campus fraternities and sororities, Homecoming, which includes returning alumni joining in a bonfire and pep rally, a Mr. Lumberjack pageant, a parade, and more.

The annual "Gabapalooza" event at Gabaldon Hall on campus is an outdoor party open to all, which includes concerts, free food and carnival games.

Other NAU traditions include celebrations throughout the year to honor Native American Heritage, Asian-Pacific American Heritage and African-American Heritage.

Athletics

The NAU "Lumberjacks" athletic teams are members of the Big Sky Conference, which sponsors 15 NCAA Division I level athletic programs. Students can show their school spirit for the award-winning NAU football and basketball teams at the Walkup Skydome, one of the largest wooden dome structures in the U.S.

The NAU "Lumberjacks" compete in 15 intercollegiate sports, including:

Men's Sports:

  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Cheer and Dance
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Soccer
  • Swimming and Diving
  • Tennis
  • Track and Field

Women's Sports:

  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Cheer and Dance
  • Golf
  • Soccer
  • Swimming and Diving
  • Tennis
  • Track and Field
  • Volleyball

Satellite Campuses

The primary campus for NAU is in Flagstaff, Arizona, but students may choose to study at 34 different satellite campuses around the state. More information about satellite locations can be found at the Extended Campuses of Northern Arizona University website.

Community Life

NAU is located in Flagstaff, Arizona, a city that is nestled in the San Francisco mountain range. The area is known for its tall Ponderosa pines, high mountain peaks and scenic canyons. There are many other natural attractions, and the community enjoys many active outdoor activities.

Enrollment

31,066

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

About The University of Arkansas at Little Rock, located in Little Rock, Arkansas, was founded in 1927 , as Little Rock Junior College. The school was initially located in a public school, eventually moving to its permanent home in 1949. In 1957 the school began offering four year degrees which greatly expanded the school's focus and enrollment.

In 1969 the Little Rock University (the school's name at the time) merged with the University of Arkansas, becoming UALR and establishing the multi-campus University of Arkansas System that is currently comprised of 8 campuses. After this time the school grew very quickly, expanding its program offerings and facilities.

The school now serves over 11,000 students yearly and employs over 500 faculty members. As one of the largest institutions in the state, the school is committed to providing a quality education and is constantly updating and reviewing programs to ensure that they are current and relevant.
Academics UALR offers over 100 undergraduate programs and nearly 40 graduate programs. The large number of programs ensures that students enrolled at UALR will be able to pursue their academic and professional goals. Undergraduate majors may be augmented through a number of minor degrees, or otherwise assist students in exploring interests outside of their area of focus.

Students will also be able to pursue a number of internship opportunities provided by the school's location, as it is the only metropolitan public institution in the state. Programs are administered through various schools that comprise UALR, which in turn have a number of departments dedicated to specific areas of study. The school also has several libraries to further assist students in research and study.
Programs offered at UALR include:

Admissions and Financial Aid Students interested in enrollment at UALR must submit an application either through a physical copy or online, as well as provide transcripts and standardized test scores. Once the application is received it will be reviewed by the admissions officers, and a decision will be made regarding enrollment. A final decision will be provided well prior to the start of the fall semester (assuming standard enrollment), at which point the student will participate in orientation, academic counseling and registration.
Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs available at the federal and state levels. Students in need of assistance must complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) prior to the financial aid deadline.

Once submitted, the resulting student aid report will be used to determine need, eligibility and awards. Additional information may be asked for by the school prior to the disbursement of funds to ensure informational accuracy. Students may also apply to external scholarships offered by private organizations, each requiring a separate application and offered for a variety of reasons.
Athletics The University of Arkansas at Little Rock Trojans participate in a number of intercollegiate athletic activities and programs through the NCAA Sunbelt Conference. Such programs provide students with a forum to experience healthy competition, allowing for personal and group success and expose students to the bonds formed when pursuing a unified goal.

Such athletic programs provide student the opportunity to develop skills and abilities, such as good health practices, teamwork, and discipline, which may be applied to one's academic and professional success. Athletic events also allow all students and faculty to enjoy such activities as spectators and root for their school.
Athletic programs offered at UALR:

  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Golf
  • Soccer
  • Swimming
  • Diving
  • Cross Country
  • Track and Field
  • Tennis
  • Volleyball

Student Life UALR is located in the metropolitan capital of Arkansas, and as such has strong ties to the community. Students are able to participate in a number of community based programs, experience various cultural and social events, as well as pursue career development opportunities while still in school. The resources  provided by being in a metropolitan center are invaluable to students, as they provide recreational, social, academic, and professional development.

Enrollment

10,515

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Arizona Public School Majors and Online Degrees

Regardless of what type of degree you are interested in pursuing, public schools in Arizona will likely have a program for you. Undergraduates looking to earn a bachelors degree will have a number of schools and degrees to select think about. For students that live in the outlying areas of the state, an online degree may be a viable option. Arizona State University continues to receive accolades for quality online degree programming and distance learning advances within the higher education community.

Arizona Board of Regents

The 5 schools listed below are part of the Arizona Board of Regents system. By following the links below, you can view each school's profile in detail.

(LDCC) in Scottsdale, AZ

Visit the website for at http://www.ladelta.edu

Program Details

  • More Than 20,000 Undergraduate Students Enrolled
  • Tuition & fees $4,000 per year for state residents ($8,000 Nonresidents)
(UArizona Sierra Vista) in Sierra Vista, AZ

Visit the website for at http://FortisCollege.edu

Program Details

  • Less Than 1,000 Undergraduate Students Enrolled
  • Tuition & fees $15,000 per year
Arizona Western College in Tempe, AZ

Visit the website for Arizona Western College at http://www.azwestern.edu

Program Details

  • More Than 20,000 Undergraduate Students Enrolled
  • Tuition & fees $3,000 per year for state residents ($10,000 Nonresidents)
Northland Pioneer College (NPC) in Flagstaff, AZ

Visit the website for Northland Pioneer College at http://www.npc.edu

Program Details

  • More Than 20,000 Undergraduate Students Enrolled
  • Tuition & fees $2,000 per year for state residents ($10,000 Nonresidents)
The Art Center Design College - Tucson (UA) in Tucson, AZ

Visit the website for The Art Center Design College - Tucson at http://www.suva.edu

Program Details

  • More Than 20,000 Undergraduate Students Enrolled
  • Tuition & fees $24,000 per year

Other Public 4-Year State Universities & Colleges

Below is a list of other 4-year state universities and colleges in Arizona.

Northern Arizona University in Tsaile, AZ

Visit the website for Northern Arizona University at http://nau.edu/

Virtual Campus Tour of Northern Arizona University

Program Details

  • 1,000 to 4,999 Undergraduate Students Enrolled
  • Tuition & fees $12,000 per year for state residents ($28,000 Nonresidents)

Notes: Tuition & fee amounts are for both Arizona in-state residents and out of state students, unless noted otherwise. The tuition information displayed is an estimate, which we calculated based on historical data and should be solely used for informational purposes only. Please contact the respective school for information about the current school year.

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

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