Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arizona
Arizona, a state rich in cultural diversity and stunning landscapes, also hosts a variety of institutions that offer stellar liberal arts education. This education is valued for its well-rounded approach, developing critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. Let’s explore the best liberal arts colleges in Arizona, looking at their programs, annual costs, enrollment, and SAT ranges.
Arizona State University
Located in Tempe, Arizona State University (ASU) is a public metropolitan research university.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
ASU’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers a comprehensive array of majors, including Philosophy, History, English, and Sociology. The college is dedicated to fostering diversity and global engagement.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual in-state tuition at ASU is approximately $11,338. The university enrolls over 70,000 students, with an average SAT score range of 1120-1360.
University of Arizona
Based in Tucson, the University of Arizona (UA) is a public research university.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
UA’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and College of Humanities offer an extensive selection of liberal arts majors. Programs include Anthropology, History, English, and Sociology. UA emphasizes research and creative inquiry.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual in-state tuition at UA is about $12,600. The university has an enrollment of nearly 45,000 students, and the average SAT range is 1110-1360.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Prescott
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Prescott is a private university known for its programs in aviation and aerospace.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
While renowned for its technical programs, the university offers liberal arts programs like Communication, Global Business, and Security and Intelligence. These programs often incorporate interdisciplinary study.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual tuition at Embry-Riddle – Prescott is approximately $36,652. The university enrolls about 2,600 students; the SAT range is 1080-1330.
Eastern Arizona College
Eastern Arizona College (EAC) is a public community college in Thatcher.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
EAC provides various liberal arts programs, such as English, History, Psychology, and Sociology. The focus is on a comprehensive, foundational education that can either lead to an associate’s degree or be transferred toward a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual in-state tuition at EAC is approximately $2,700. The college has an enrollment of around 6,400 students. EAC follows an open admission policy with no standard SAT requirement.
Northern Arizona University
Northern Arizona University (NAU), located in Flagstaff, is a public research university.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
NAU’s College of Arts and Letters offers English, History, Philosophy, and Comparative Cultural Studies majors. The university emphasizes research, critical inquiry, and global awareness.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual in-state tuition at NAU is approximately $11,896. The university enrolls around 30,000 students; the SAT range is 1010-1210.
Paradise Valley Community College
Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) is a public community college in Phoenix.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
PVCC offers several associate degree programs in areas like Communication, Fine Arts, and Social and Behavioral Science. The college emphasizes general education and preparation for transfer to four-year institutions.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual in-state tuition at PVCC is about $2,070. The college has an enrollment of approximately 9,000 students. PVCC follows an open admission policy and does not have a standard SAT requirement.
Yavapai College
Yavapai College is a public community college located in Prescott.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
Yavapai College offers programs in areas like English, History, Fine Arts, and Social Sciences. The focus is on comprehensive, foundational education.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual in-state tuition at Yavapai College is approximately $2,280. The college enrolls around 7,800 students. Yavapai College has an open admission policy and no standard SAT requirement.
GateWay Community College – Phoenix
GateWay Community College is a public community college located in Phoenix.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
GateWay Community College offers a range of liberal arts programs, including Anthropology, Sociology, and Communication. The programs aim to provide a comprehensive foundational education.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual in-state tuition at GateWay is about $2,070. The college enrolls approximately 5,000 students. It has an open admission policy and no standard SAT requirement.
Phoenix College
Phoenix College is a public community college located in Phoenix.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
Phoenix College offers a variety of liberal arts programs in areas like Fine Arts, English, Communication, and Social and Behavioral Sciences. The college emphasizes comprehensive education.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual in-state tuition at Phoenix College is approximately $2,070. The college enrolls around 10,000 students. It follows an open admission policy with no standard SAT requirement.
Scottsdale Community College
Scottsdale Community College (SCC) is a public community college in Scottsdale.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
SCC offers programs in areas like Fine Arts, Communication, and Social and Behavioral Sciences. The college emphasizes comprehensive foundational education.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual in-state tuition at SCC is about $2,070. The college enrolls approximately 10,000 students. SCC follows an open admission policy and does not have a standard SAT requirement.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Three Other States
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Mexico
St. John’s College in Santa Fe is notable in New Mexico for its unique Great Books program. Another top choice is the University of New Mexico, offering diverse liberal arts programs.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Utah
In Utah, Brigham Young University and the University of Utah both offer vital liberal arts programs with a wide array of majors and a strong emphasis on undergraduate research.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California
In California, the Claremont Colleges consortium, including Pomona College and Claremont McKenna College, stands out for liberal arts. Also notable is Stanford University’s robust offering of liberal arts programs.
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