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86.8%Acceptance
$13,626Tuition
40,769Students
66%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$59,979Earnings
#7 in ArizonaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Arizona

The University of Arizona draws 40,769 students to Tucson, a large desert city where research happens at the highest levels. The school earned its reputation through strong programs in business, engineering, and astronomy, with research facilities that include some of the world's most advanced telescopes. Notable graduates include actor Greg Kinnear and NFL star Rob Gronkowski. With an 87% acceptance rate, Arizona welcomes students who want access to serious research opportunities without the crushing admissions pressure of top private schools.

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

The University of Arizona is a major research university where 40,769 students can dive into serious academic programs, especially in business, engineering, and astronomy. The school operates one of the world's top astronomy programs and runs several major observatories, making it a go-to destination for students interested in space science. With a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, classes can feel large, but professors are often leading researchers in their fields who bring modern work into the classroom. The 66.92% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenge of balancing rigorous coursework with the many research opportunities available, though students who stay engaged typically find excellent preparation for graduate school or careers.

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

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian 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

View all 439 programs →

Campus Life

The University of Arizona sits in Tucson, a desert city of about 550,000 people surrounded by four mountain ranges. You'll need sunscreen year-round but can skip the heavy winter coat, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing and summer highs often exceeding 100 degrees. Only about 19% of the 40,769 students live in campus housing, so most rent apartments in the surrounding neighborhoods or commute from home since 58% are Arizona residents.

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic 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

The University of Arizona draws students from across the Southwest, with about 6 out of 10 coming from Arizona itself. This mix creates a campus where local desert culture meets students from California, Texas, and beyond. The student body leans female, which reflects the university's strong programs in fields like business and social sciences. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the school serves middle-class families alongside more affluent students. The large Hispanic population mirrors Arizona's demographics and the university's commitment to serving the region's diverse communities.
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

Tucson sits in southern Arizona about 110 miles southeast of Phoenix, making it the state's second-largest city with over 540,000 residents. The university draws 58.11% of its students from within Arizona, many attracted to the desert setting surrounded by five mountain ranges. Tucson offers a true college town feel despite its size, with the campus integrated into the city's fabric and a strong local arts scene. The Sonoran Desert climate means over 300 days of sunshine annually, though summer temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees. The area blends Southwestern culture with Mexican influences, given its proximity to the border. Students considering colleges in Arizona may also compare University of Arizona with similar schools in the region.
Address
Tucson, Arizona 85721-0066
JerryBruckheimerHWOFJune2013
JerryBruckheimerHWOFJune2013
Noam Chomsky
Noam Chomsky
Dennis DeConcini
Dennis DeConcini

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.