About University of Arizona
Money matters look reasonable here. The average net price sits at $15,960, which means most students pay far less than the sticker price through aid and scholarships. Graduates earn a median of $59,979 ten years after leaving school, while typical debt loads hit $19,620 with monthly payments around $208. That math works out better than many state schools, especially considering the research opportunities and job connections available.
The student body reflects modern Arizona, with 28% Hispanic students and 58% coming from in-state. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll work for professor attention, but the Big 12 athletics program and desert campus culture create the classic college experience. Just remember that only 66% graduate in four years, so staying focused matters more than at some schools.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 76.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 66.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 65.9%
- Retention Rate
- 87.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,979
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Physics. | Doctoral | $123,527 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $117,473 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $103,746 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $103,078 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $92,743 |
| Physics. | Master | $88,195 |
| Chemistry. | Doctoral | $84,653 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $83,388 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $80,152 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $79,199 |
Campus Life
Campus life centers around the massive student union and Old Main, the original 1891 building that survived a fire and gives the campus its historic anchor. Weekends often mean cheering for the Wildcats at Arizona Stadium or McKale Center, especially during basketball season when the "Zoo" student section creates one of college sports' loudest environments. The campus motto "Bear Down" comes from a 1926 football player's dying words and shows up everywhere. Students frequently head to nearby Mount Lemmon for hiking or skiing (yes, skiing in Arizona), explore Tucson's Mexican food scene on Fourth Avenue, or cool off at one of the campus pools during the intense desert heat.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 7,619 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1885
Campus Safety (2023)
192 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 20 | 14 | 7 | 0 |
| Rape | 17 | 15 | 9 | 0 |
| Stalking | 17 | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 20 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Domestic Violence | 10 | 9 | 1 | 0 |
| Fondling | 10 | 8 | 1 | 1 |
| Aggravated Assault | 6 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Robbery | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Statutory Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 42°–65°F
- July Avg
- 76°–99°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 11.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 44.3%
- Women
- 55.7%
- White
- 47.2%
- Black
- 4.3%
- Hispanic
- 27.6%
- Asian
- 5.0%
- In-State Students
- 58.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 26.2%
Location
- Address
- Tucson, Arizona 85721-0066
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,979
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $64,522
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $41,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 65.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $208/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,620
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Arizona?
University of Arizona accepts 86.76% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1140-1370 on the SAT. This relatively high acceptance rate reflects the university's mission as a public research institution serving Arizona residents.
How much does University of Arizona cost after financial aid?
The average net price at University of Arizona is $15,960 per year. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,043 annually after aid. With median debt of only $19,620 upon graduation, the financial burden remains manageable for most students.
What is University of Arizona known for academically?
University of Arizona is a major research university with 40,769 students and an 19:1 student-faculty ratio. The school excels in business, engineering, and astronomy programs. As a top-tier research institution, it offers extensive opportunities for undergraduate research participation.
What are the job prospects after graduating from University of Arizona?
University of Arizona graduates earn a median salary of $59,979 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 94.6% for recent graduates. With a 65.90% six-year graduation rate, students who complete their degrees generally find solid career opportunities.
Where do students live at University of Arizona?
University of Arizona houses 7,619 students on campus in Tucson, a large city setting. Room and board costs $14,400 per year for on-campus living. The desert campus provides a unique college experience with year-round sunshine and proximity to outdoor recreation.
How strong is the athletic program at University of Arizona?
University of Arizona competes in NCAA Division I as the Wildcats in the Big 12 Conference. The university offers 18 varsity sports with 503 total athletes and distributes $16,058,134 in athletic scholarships. The program is particularly known for basketball excellence and maintains a fierce rivalry with Arizona State University.