10 Best Colleges in Tucson (2025)

Interested in finding out about the colleges and universities around Tucson, Arizona? Maybe you live in town and are wondering what schools you could attend.

If so, look no further. In this article, we'll talk about some top schools in Tucson and the surrounding areas and answer a few college-related questions you may have.

Featured Colleges in Tucson, AZ

Let's take a closer look at 10 schools in and around Tucson as well as the degree programs they offer.

1. University of Arizona

The University of Arizona is a large public school located in downtown Tucson. It was the first school established in the Arizona Territory and has been around since 1885.

The school offers hundreds of campus-based and online degrees. These include:

• American Indian studies
• Biochemistry
• Creative Writing
• Deaf Studies
• Economics

Students can obtain both undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as many certificates through the University of Arizona.

2. Pima Medical Institute - Tucson

The Pima Medical Institute has locations throughout the western U.S. Founded in 1972, Its flagship location is in Tucson.

This school provides training in various allied health professions. Programs include:

• Medical Assistant
• Phlebotomy Technician
• Veterinary Assistant
• Dental Hygienist
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Most programs lead to certificates, diplomas, or associate degrees.

3. Wayland Baptist University - Tucson

Wayland Baptist University is a college system headquartered in Texas but with campuses in various states. The private school has a location in Tucson.

Majors include:

• Business Administration
• Christian Ministry
• Digital Marketing
• Film and Literature
• Human Services

The school provides convenient eight-week sessions five times a year, and many classes are held in the evening to meet the needs of nontraditional students.

4. Park University

Park University is a private school headquartered in Missouri. It has additional locations in other parts of the country, including near Tucson's Davis Monthan Air Force Base.

The school offers various programs, including:

• Chemistry
• Communication Studies
• Disaster and Emergency Management
• Finance
• Global Studies

Many of these programs are available online as well as in person.

5. The Catholic University of America - Tucson

The Catholic University of America - Tucson is a branch of The Catholic University of America, which is headquartered in Washington D.C.

This school partners with Pima Community College and is housed inside the community college's downtown location. Students complete their degrees through both institutions.

Two Bachelor of Arts degree programs are available: management and interdisciplinary studies.

6. Carrington College

Carrington College is a system of private colleges located throughout the western states. One of its locations is in Tucson.

Various associate degree and career training programs are available in fields such as:

• Medical Billing and Coding
• Massage Therapy
• Nursing
• Dental Assisting
• Veterinary Assisting

Students in these programs obtain realistic, hands-on training to help them prepare for their chosen career path.

7. Prescott College

Prescott College is headquartered in Prescott, Arizona, but has a satellite location in Tucson.

The Tucson location of Prescott College focuses on teaching elementary, secondary, and higher education to students planning to become teachers.

The school provides a wide array of courses and learning opportunities centered on education.

8. Arizona College of Nursing

Arizona College of Nursing has various locations throughout the state, including one in Tucson. This school focuses on preparing students to become nurses.

The Tucson location features an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that can be completed in just three years, or sooner if you are transferring from another school.

Convenient evening classes and generous financial aid options are available for qualifying students.

9. Central Arizona College

Central Arizona College is a community college located near Coolidge, on the north side of Tucson. It serves over 10,000 students.

The school offers various certificate and associate degree programs in areas such as:

• History
• Networking Technologies
• Fine Arts
• Culinary Arts
• Business

Upon completing their program, students will be ready to enter the workforce or pursue a bachelor's degree through a four-year college.

10. Brookline College

Brookline College is a private healthcare college offering associate's and bachelor's degrees. It is headquartered in Phoenix but has a location in Tucson.

Tucson students can complete various certificate and associate degree programs, including:

• Surgical Technology
• Sterile Processing
• Occupational Therapy Assisting
• Physical Therapy Assisting
• Phlebotomy Technology

Students can also complete several online degree and certificate programs through Brookline College.

What Is the Biggest School Near Tucson, AZ

With nearly 50,000 students, the University of Arizona is by far the largest school in the Tucson area by enrollment.

The University of Arizona also has the largest campus in Tucson. It consists of 392 total acres.

How to Choose the Right College Near Tucson, AZ

Choosing the right college for you is all about figuring out your priorities. You'll want to make sure the school offers your major of choice but also fits within your budget.

In addition, you may prefer a school that's close to where you live instead of on the other side of town. You may be curious about financial aid options, student organizations, extracurricular activities, athletics, and more.

Determine which of these factors (or others) are most important to you, and then choose the school that best aligns with your goals and preferences.

Paying for Your Degree Near Tucson, AZ

College is pricey, but there are many ways of covering the cost. You can apply for federal, state, and school-based aid by filling out the FAFSA.

If you are or have been in the military, the GI Bill may also help cover costs.

You may also find that you qualify for scholarships. You can apply for these through your school of choice or through various private or public organizations that offer scholarships.

Schools with work-study programs allow you to work to cover some or all of your expenses.

Students who already have a job can check with their employer to see if they are eligible for tuition assistance benefits.

Start Your Degree Near Tucson, AZ Today

If you're ready to get started with attending school in Tucson, check out the schools discussed above to see which one will work best for you.