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Chamberlain University's Phoenix campus leads Arizona's small college earnings with graduates earning $92,405 annually, more than double the state's community college average. The 48 small colleges across Arizona serve 745 to 4,274 students each, with tuition ranging from Indian Bible College's $5,068 to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical's $39,983. Community colleges dominate the market, supported by Arizona's Promise Program that covers tuition for qualified residents. These institutions connect directly to the state's expanding tech sector, where Intel and Raytheon create demand for skilled technicians and specialized workers. Graduation rates vary dramatically from Paradise Valley's 19.8% to Indian Bible College's perfect 100% completion rate. Eastern Arizona College in Thatcher enrolls 3,058 students at just $9,765 annually, while specialized schools like Refrigeration School Inc prepare graduates for Arizona's HVAC industry with 74.7% completion rates. The acceptance rates remain accessible, typically between 68% and 83%, making these colleges entry points for students seeking affordable pathways into Arizona's growing economy. Banner Health and other major employers actively recruit from these programs, particularly in healthcare and technical fields where community colleges excel at workforce preparation.
48
Schools
$20,253
Avg. Net Price
$42,150
Avg. Earnings
43.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Small Colleges in Arizona

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 745 $37,002 66.7% 83.3%
2 306 $26,925 86.0%
3 3,245 $39,983 69.8% 68.0%
4 30 $5,068 100.0%
5 22 62.5%
6 1,271 $25,300 74.7%
7 3,058 $9,765 35.8%
8 4,274 $14,380 23.8%
9 3,732 $6,355 32.1%
10 55 $16,828 42.9%
11 3,007 $7,420 30.3%
12 388 $15,524 31.9%
13 4,076 $13,478 19.8%
14 3,473 $12,871 19.6%
15 2,750 $6,806 29.9%
16 567 $21,925 69.1%
17 4,892 $4,591 23.5%
18 1,791 $27,139 63.1%
19 2,612 $11,942 23.1%
20 2,575 $12,455 22.5%
21 2,619 72.6%
22 768 $35,081 22.5% 28.7%
23 373 $6,526 69.7%
24 2,083 $20,948 24.0%
25 984 $4,156 10.3%
26 721 $20,904 62.9%
27 437 $39,975 62.2%
28 716 $58,490 68.6%
29 4,879 $8,764 3.9%
30 1,127 $32,383 41.4% 70.1%
31 892 $20,913 39.3% 91.5%
32 1,024 $9,251 8.3%
33 294 $19,642 65.5%
34 152 $15,156 50.0%
35 1,087 54.3%
36 492 $47,290 53.3%
37 1,507 $10,218 5.5%
38 211 $20,788 55.1%
39 513 $22,180 51.2%
40 714 50.2%
41 4,763 $19,921 32.3%
42 253 $20,906 35.9% 98.4%
43 830 $6,939 52.9%
44 9
45 2,396
46 1,246 $31,502 9.1% 100.0%
47 566 $28,789 100.0%
48 1,062 $34,155 100.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Chamberlain University-Arizona stand out among small colleges?

Chamberlain University graduates earn $92,405 annually, the highest among Arizona's small colleges. The Phoenix campus maintains a 66.7% graduation rate with 745 enrolled students, focusing on healthcare programs that align with Arizona's medical industry growth. Despite higher costs at $37,002 net price, graduates see strong return on investment.

How affordable are Arizona's community colleges compared to private schools?

Community colleges like Yavapai College charge just $6,355 annually while private institutions reach $39,983 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical. Eastern Arizona College serves 3,058 students at $9,765, and the Arizona Promise Program covers community college tuition for eligible residents, making these schools highly accessible.

Is Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University worth the higher cost?

Embry-Riddle's $39,983 annual cost produces graduates earning $84,131, second-highest among small Arizona colleges. The Prescott campus maintains a selective 68% acceptance rate and 69.8% graduation rate across 3,245 students, preparing aerospace professionals for companies like Raytheon and Boeing.

Does Indian Bible College really achieve 100% graduation rates?

Indian Bible College in Flagstaff reports a 100% graduation rate among its 30 students, the highest completion rate in Arizona. At $5,068 annually, this specialized religious institution serves a small, focused student body with personalized attention contributing to its perfect completion record.

What career training options exist at Arizona's technical colleges?

Refrigeration School Inc trains 1,271 students for HVAC careers at $25,300 annually, with graduates earning $52,953 in Arizona's construction boom. The school maintains a 74.7% graduation rate, preparing workers for the state's year-round cooling demands and growing infrastructure projects.

Where can students find the most affordable college education in Arizona?

Indian Bible College offers the lowest cost at $5,068, followed by Yavapai College at $6,355 and Cochise County Community College at $7,420. These schools serve 30 to 3,732 students respectively, providing budget-friendly education supported by Arizona's community college funding initiatives.

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.