Best STEM Colleges in Arizona

In Arizona, students can earn STEM degrees at large universities as well as small community colleges. The state is also home to many STEM colleges with financial aid.

With so many options, it can be hard to choose the right college or university. Keep reading to learn more about the best STEM colleges in Arizona.

Top STEM Colleges in Arizona

Students in Arizona can find excellent STEM programs through several colleges and universities in the state. Below, we've listed some of the best colleges for STEM in Arizona.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) is a public research university in Tempe. It's a NASA-designated national space-grant institute and also pursues research in several other STEM fields like biomedical engineering and paleoanthropology.

ASU offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs in STEM areas like:

• aerospace engineering
• biomedical engineering
• robotics and autonomous systems
• sustainability

ASU has some of the best STEM degree programs in the U.S., with a huge variety of online programs offered to both undergrad and grad students.

2. University of Arizona

The University of Arizona (UA) is a public research university in Tucson. It works closely with NASA through its Lunar and Planetary Laboratory and also conducts research in areas like cloud computing and life sciences.

The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in STEM fields such as:

• astronomy
• computer science and computer engineering
• environmental science
• optical sciences and engineering

Like ASU, the University of Arizona also offers several of these degrees online. Since the university is public, students with the right financial aid could get free STEM degrees online or in person.

3. Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University (NAU) is a public research university in Flagstaff. It's home to several STEM research facilities, including the Environmental Genetics and Genomics Resource Center, Imaging and Histology Core Facility, and the Research Greenhouse Complex.

NAU offers degrees on campus and online. Some of its STEM degrees include majors like:

• biological and natural resource sciences
• civil engineering
• cybersecurity
• ecology and evolutionary biology

4. Arizona Christian University

Arizona Christian University (ACU) is a private Christian university in Glendale. While primarily focused on biblical and theological studies, it also offers a handful of STEM degrees.

These are primarily bachelor's degrees and are available in fields such as:

• behavioral health
• biology
• child development
• psychology

5. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) is a private university based in Daytona Beach, FL, with a campus in Prescott, AZ. It primarily focuses on aviation and aerospace programs.

Arizona students can learn on campus in Prescott or online through the Worldwide campus. The university offers STEM degrees in areas of study like:

• aerospace engineering
• computer engineering
• electrical engineering
• mechanical engineering

6. University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix is a private for-profit university headquartered in Phoenix. It offers programs exclusively online, including affordable online STEM degree programs.

Undergraduate and graduate students can earn online STEM degrees in fields such as:

• computer science
• environmental science
• information technology
• psychology

7. Benedictine University at Mesa

Benedictine University at Mesa is a private Catholic university in Mesa. It's part of the Benedictine University system, which is based in Lisle, IL.

The university offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Available STEM majors include:

• biochemistry
• data science
• health science
• physics

8. Arizona Western College

Arizona Western College is a public community college in Yuma. It offers associate degrees and certificates in a variety of fields, including trades.

STEM degrees at Arizona Western College include:

• agricultural systems management
• cybersecurity
• earth systems science
• informatics

9. Cochise College

Cochise College is a public college based in Sierra Vista. It offers a couple of bachelor's degrees, but primarily associate degrees and certificate programs.

Cochise College offers STEM fields such as:

• computer science
• crop science
• fire science technology
• paramedicine

10. Din� College

Din� College is a public tribal college based in Tsaile. It offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees and primarily serves members of the Navajo Nation.

Majors offered through the college's STEM school include:

• agriculture
• biology
• physics
• public health

11. Phoenix College

Phoenix College is a public community college in Phoenix. It offers a couple of bachelor's degrees but mainly associate degrees.

The college offers STEM majors like:

• information technology
• mathematics
• nutritional science
• sustainability and environmental studies

12. Pima Medical Institute

The Pima Medical Institute is a private for-profit medical career college. It's based in Tucson but has over a dozen campuses across the country.

It offers associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and certificate programs in healthcare and medical science. Majors include:

• dental hygiene
• nursing
• radiologic sciences
• veterinary technician

13. Ottawa University

Ottawa University is a private Baptist university based in Ottawa, KS, but it has a secondary campus in Surprise, AZ. It also offers several online programs.

STEM majors available through Ottawa University include:

• biology
• engineering
• exercise science
• psychology

14. Scottsdale Community College

Scottsdale Community College is a public community college in Scottsdale. It offers associate degrees as well as certificates.

The college offers programs in a variety of STEM fields, including:

• astronomy
• computer science
• equine science
• geology

15. Mesa Community College

Mesa Community College is a public community college in Mesa. It offers associate degrees and certificates.

STEM majors at Mesa Community College include:

• data analytics and programming
• meteorology
• sustainability and environmental studies
• web design and development

FAQs About STEM Colleges in Arizona

Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about STEM colleges in Arizona.

Which Arizona College Has the Best STEM Program?

Both Arizona State University and the University of Arizona have STEM programs that stand out from the rest. They have strong space exploration programs along with several other excellent STEM degrees as well.

What Financial Aid Options Are Available for STEM Majors in Arizona?

Many colleges and universities in Arizona offer scholarships specifically for STEM students. For example, many public institutions in the state offer the S-STEM scholarship through a grant from the National Science Foundation, and ASU also offers the Goldwater Scholarship to STEM majors.

Is the University of Arizona Better for STEM Majors Than Arizona State?

Both the University of Arizona and Arizona State University are great for STEM majors. Based on rankings from U.S. News and World Report, ASU is better for computer science and engineering programs, while the University of Arizona is better for things like biological sciences and earth sciences.