Best Private Colleges in Arizona

Known for its vibrant landscapes, rich history, and bustling cities, Arizona is also home to an array of esteemed private institutions that offer top-notch education across various disciplines. This article takes a detailed look into the best private colleges in Arizona, examining their unique programs, annual costs, enrollment numbers, and SAT score ranges.

Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University (GCU), located in Phoenix, is a private Christian university that offers a broad range of programs.

Information About Private Programs

GCU offers over 200 academic programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees across various business, education, fine arts, and technology disciplines.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

The estimated annual cost is $21,403. The university has a large student population, with an enrollment of over 90,000 students. The average SAT range for admitted students is 930-1130.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Prescott

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott is a private institution known for its vital programs in aeronautics and related fields.

Information About Private Programs

Embry-Riddle offers undergraduate and graduate programs in Aeronautical Science, Aerospace Engineering, Cyber Intelligence, and Security.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

The estimated annual cost is around $36,396. The university has an enrollment of around 2,776 students, and the average SAT score range is 1110-1330.

University of Advancing Technology

The University of Advancing Technology in Tempe is a small, private institution focusing on technological fields.

Information About Private Programs

The university offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs in Advancing Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, and Game Design.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

The average annual cost is approximately $23,909. The university has an enrollment of about 758 students, and the average SAT score range for admitted students is not reported as they have a test-optional policy.

Pima Medical Institute – Tucson

Pima Medical Institute in Tucson is a private for-profit medical career college focusing on healthcare.

Information About Private Programs

Pima offers certificate programs, associate’s, and bachelor’s degrees in Nursing, Radiography, Veterinary Science, and Medical Administration.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

The average annual cost is approximately $20,273. The college has an enrollment of over 8,600 students. SAT scores are typically not required for admission, as the institution strongly emphasizes other aspects of the application.

Bryan University – Tempe & Online

Bryan University is a private for-profit institution offering on-campus and online degree programs.

Information About Private Programs

Bryan offers associate and bachelor’s degree programs in Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Health and Wellness, and IT/Networking.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

The average annual cost is about $14,748. The university has an enrollment of around 1,200 students. SAT scores are typically not required for admission, as the school has an open admission policy.

Arizona Christian University

Arizona Christian University in Phoenix is a private Christian university known for its commitment to a biblical worldview education.

Information About Private Programs

Arizona Christian University offers undergraduate programs in fields like Business Administration, Behavioral Health, Christian Ministries, and Music.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

The average annual cost is approximately $25,156. The university has about 800 students, and the average SAT range for admitted students is 970-1180.

Brookline College – Phoenix

Brookline College in Phoenix is a private for-profit institution known for its career-focused programs.

Information About Private Programs

Brookline College offers diploma, associate’s, and bachelor’s degree programs in Nursing, Medical Insurance Billing, and Criminal Justice.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

The average annual cost is about $85,000. The college has an enrollment of around 1,251 students. SAT scores are not required for admission.

University of Phoenix – Arizona

The University of Phoenix is a private for-profit institution offering campus-based and online degree programs.

Information About Private Programs

The university offers more than 100 degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels in Business, Education, Nursing, and Technology.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

The average annual cost is around $9,552. The university has a large enrollment of over 97,000 students. The SAT range is not disclosed due to the university’s open admissions policy.

American InterContinental University – Online

American InterContinental University is a for-profit institution that offers degree programs primarily online.

Information About Private Programs

The university offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs in Business Administration, Criminal Justice, and Information Technology.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

The average annual cost is approximately $11,965. The university has a large enrollment of over 8,777 students. SAT scores are not typically required for admission.

National Paralegal College

National Paralegal College is a for-profit online institution that offers paralegal education and training.

Information About Private Programs

The college offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in Legal Studies, Paralegal Studies, and Business Administration.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

The average annual cost is approximately $6,995. The college has an enrollment of around 324 students. As an online institution, it does not require SAT scores for admission.

Best Private Colleges in Three Other States

Best Private Colleges in New Mexico

New Mexico is home to several prestigious private colleges, including St. John’s College in Santa Fe, known for its unique Great Books program, and the University of the Southwest, a Christian university in Hobbs that offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.

Best Private Colleges in Utah

Utah boasts several highly regarded private institutions. Brigham Young University, a private institution operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, offers various degree programs. On the other hand, Westminster College in Salt Lake City is recognized for its liberal arts and professional programs.

Best Private Colleges in California

California is home to several prestigious private universities, including Stanford University, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), and the Claremont Colleges, renowned for their academic rigor, comprehensive degree programs, and world-class faculty.

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