10 Best Colleges and Universities Near Tempe, AZ

If you are looking for a college in your area and you live in Tempe, Arizona, you have a number of different options.

Read on as we talk about the best colleges near Tempe, Arizona. We'll also answer some questions you may have about choosing and paying for a college.

Featured Colleges in Tempe, AZ

The following 10 schools are either located in Tempe or in neighboring cities such as Phoenix, Mesa, and Glendale. Keep reading to learn more about the best colleges near Tempe, Arizona.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is one of the largest public schools in the U.S. Its main campus is located in Tempe, though it has other campuses throughout the Phoenix metro area and beyond, as well as online.

The school offers hundreds of degree and certificate programs at both graduate and undergraduate levels. The Tempe campus focuses on research-based programs in a wide array of disciplines.

Students can choose from traditional campus-based studies, more flexible online programs, or hybrid options depending on their needs and preferences.

2. University of Advancing Technology

The University of Advancing Technology is a private school in Tempe. It offers specialized degree programs in various technological fields.

Even students pursuing less technical degrees have technology requirements wrapped into their core courses, and all students must complete an internship and innovative project to fulfill graduation requirements.

This school offers both online and in-person degrees and currently enrolls around 1,000 students.

3. Bryan University

Bryan University is a private school with around 1,100 students. The school is headquartered in Tempe but has other campuses in California and Canada as well as online.

Some of the available degrees include:

• allied health management
• business administration
• exercise, nutrition, and health promotion

In addition to its bachelor's degree program, the school offers a variety of diploma and certificate programs in business, health, and trade fields.

4. Arizona College of Nursing

Arizona College of Nursing is a nursing-only school with campuses throughout Arizona and other states. One of these campuses is located in Tempe.

Students at this school can complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in just three years even if they have no previous college experience.

Generous financial aid packages are available for qualifying students, and military discounts are also available.

5. Park University

Park University is a private school headquartered in Missouri, but it has additional campuses throughout the U.S., including one in Gilbert, Arizona, not far from Tempe.

This school offers various degree programs, including:

• business analytics
• art history
• construction management
• graphic design
• human resources

Students can study online or in person, and generous financial aid packages help make college more affordable.

6. Brookline College

Brookline College is a private school headquartered in Phoenix and with a regional campus in Tempe. This school provides healthcare-focused education programs.

The school offers both associate and bachelor's degrees along with various diplomas and certificate programs.

Students can choose to study online or on campus. Those who opt for an online program also have the option to pursue a master's degree in public health or healthcare administration.

7. Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University is a large private school headquartered in Phoenix. It is the largest Christian school in the world and one of the largest schools in Arizona with more than 100,000 students.

This school offers a wealth of degree programs in various disciplines, including various education and counseling-related options.

Students can study on-campus or choose convenient online or hybrid formats to fit their lifestyle. Tuition rates are some of the most affordable in the state.

8. University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix is a large private university. Though it has campuses throughout the U.S. and primarily offers online degree programs, its flagship campus is located in Phoenix.

Students at this school can take classes on-campus and take advantage of a variety of student resources. An array of career-focused degree programs are available.

The University of Phoenix offers flexible courses that will fit into your life and affordable tuition rates to help you avoid breaking the bank.

9. Carrington College

Carrington College is a private school headquartered in California but with various locations throughout the western U.S. Three of these locations are near Tempe: Phoenix, Glendale, and Mesa.

This school provides career and technical training in various fields, especially healthcare and trades. Associate degrees are available along with certificate and diploma programs.

Each campus offers an assortment of different programs and courses. Check with each school to find out which one offers the program you're interested in.

10. Arizona Christian University

Arizona Christian University is a small private school located in Glendale. It offers both online and campus-based degree programs.

Degrees include:

• behavioral health
• Christian ministries
• organizational leadership
• communication
• political science

Students can pursue associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees along with diploma and certificate programs.

What Is the Biggest School Near Tempe, AZ?

Arizona State University] is the largest school in Tempe by enrollment. It houses more than 57,000 students on its main campus alone, with more than 140,000 total students.

Grand Canyon University is the largest private school in the area, as it enrolls more than 100,000 students between its in-person and online programs.

How to Choose the Right College Near Tempe, AZ

Choosing the right college near Tempe, Arizona is all about prioritizing. Ask yourself a series of questions to determine what is most important to you in college.

Are you most concerned about affordability, prestige, location, athletics, or available degree programs? Are there other factors you are concerned about, such as clubs and fraternities or sororities?

Once you know what matters most to you, it will be easier to figure out which schools will or will not be a good fit.

Paying for Your Degree Near Tempe, AZ

Start by filling out the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Completing this form will help establish your eligibility for state, federal, and school-based aid.

If you are or have served in the military, find out if you are eligible for tuition discounts or waivers through the GI Bill.

Research scholarships that might be a good fit for you. These merit-based awards are often offered by public and private organizations in your community and state as well as nationally.

If you have a job, ask your employer if they offer tuition assistance. Or, if you don't have a job but are willing to work, consider applying for a work-study program through your school.

Both of these options will allow you to work to cover some of your college costs.

Start Your Degree Near Tempe, AZ Today

Check out the colleges near Tempe, Arizona that are outlined in this article to find out which one best aligns with your personal, academic, and professional goals.