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University of Arizona vs University of Phoenix-Arizona

University of Arizona is a public university in Tucson, AZ, and University of Phoenix-Arizona is a private for-profit university in Phoenix, AZ. University of Arizona is the more selective of the two, admitting about 86% of applicants against 100% at University of Phoenix-Arizona. University of Phoenix-Arizona is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,520 a year against $16,674 at University of Arizona. About 67% of students graduate at University of Arizona, compared with 20% at University of Phoenix-Arizona. Ten years after enrolling, University of Arizona alumni earn a median of about $59,979, against $37,752 for University of Phoenix-Arizona.

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University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ · Public

University of Phoenix-Arizona

Phoenix, AZ · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Public
Private (for-profit)
Location
Tucson, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
42,537
85,991
Acceptance rate
86%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
1150–1420
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
21–29
Not reported
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,674
$13,520
Full cost / yr
$29,423
$19,909
In-state tuition
$13,926
$9,552
Out-of-state tuition
$42,278
$9,552
Application fee
$50
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,353
$12,776
$30k - $48k
$14,984
$13,833
$48k - $75k
$16,051
$14,963
$75k - $110k
$19,777
$17,177
Over $110k
$22,307
$19,150
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
20%
Freshman retention
83%
41%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,665
$35,359
Median earnings (10 yr)
$59,979
$37,752
Median debt at graduation
$19,620
$31,553
Student body
Pell grant recipients
26%
50%
First-generation students
31%
54%
International students
4%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Apr 15
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is University of Arizona or University of Phoenix-Arizona harder to get into?
University of Arizona is harder to get into. It admits about 86% of applicants, compared with 100% at University of Phoenix-Arizona. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Arizona or University of Phoenix-Arizona?
University of Phoenix-Arizona is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,520 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $16,674 at University of Arizona. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at University of Arizona and University of Phoenix-Arizona?
Before aid, University of Phoenix-Arizona costs about $19,909 a year and University of Arizona about $29,423. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, University of Arizona or University of Phoenix-Arizona?
University of Phoenix-Arizona. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,776 there, against about $13,353 at University of Arizona. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Arizona or University of Phoenix-Arizona?
University of Phoenix-Arizona is the larger of the two, with about 85,991 undergraduates against 42,537 at University of Arizona.
Does University of Arizona or University of Phoenix-Arizona have a better graduation rate?
University of Arizona has the higher graduation rate, at about 67% against 20% at University of Phoenix-Arizona.
Do graduates of University of Arizona or University of Phoenix-Arizona earn more?
University of Arizona alumni earn more on average: a median of about $59,979 ten years after enrolling, against about $37,752 for University of Phoenix-Arizona. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Arizona and University of Phoenix-Arizona require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Arizona considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. University of Phoenix-Arizona is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school