Top 3 Information Technology Programs in Arizona 2025
Arizona State University
Top-ranked IT program with 83% graduation rate, extensive industry partnerships, and flexible online options
University of Arizona
Strong cybersecurity focus with Department of Defense partnerships and dedicated security labs
Northern Arizona University
Small class sizes with 18:1 student-faculty ratio and hands-on learning approach
- 1.Arizona has 25+ accredited Information Technology bachelor's programs across public universities and private institutions
- 2.Arizona State University ranks #1 in Arizona with 83% graduation rate and comprehensive IT curriculum covering networks, security, and data management
- 3.Arizona IT professionals earn median $88,420 annually - 8% above national median for the field (BLS Arizona 2024)
- 4.Phoenix tech sector is growing rapidly with major employers including Intel, Honeywell, PayPal, and American Express
- 5.In-state tuition ranges from $11,000-$13,000 at public universities - significantly lower than national averages
Information Technology Education in Arizona
Arizona offers excellent Information Technology education opportunities across its public university system, with programs designed to meet the growing demand for IT professionals in Phoenix, Tucson, and emerging tech hubs throughout the state. The state's three major research universities provide comprehensive IT curricula covering systems administration, network management, cybersecurity, and database administration.
Arizona's tech sector has experienced remarkable growth, with Phoenix becoming a major technology center attracting companies like Intel, PayPal, and American Express. This growth creates abundant internship and career opportunities for IT graduates. For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national IT bachelor's rankings. Students interested in cost-effective options should review our most affordable IT programs guide.
The state's public universities offer particularly strong value propositions with in-state tuition under $13,000 annually. Arizona also benefits from its proximity to Silicon Valley and connections to California tech companies, providing additional career pathways. Career-focused students should explore our comprehensive IT careers guide and specific salary data in our cybersecurity analyst salary guide for security-focused roles.
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Arizona May 2024, Arizona Board of Regents
6-year completion rate from IPEDS gr2023
Class size and faculty accessibility
Arizona-specific IT salaries from BLS OEWS
Curriculum breadth covering networks, security, and systems
Arizona Information Technology Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arizona State University | Tempe | Public | $12,691 | 83% | 23:1 | 92.4 |
| 2 | University of Arizona | Tucson | Public | $13,227 | 77% | 20:1 | 89.1 |
| 3 | Northern Arizona University | Flagstaff | Public | $12,746 | 68% | 18:1 | 84.7 |
| 4 | Grand Canyon University | Phoenix | Private | $17,950 | 51% | 16:1 | 78.2 |
| 5 | University of Advancing Technology | Tempe | Private | $24,950 | 45% | 12:1 | 75.8 |
| 6 | Arizona Western College | Yuma | Public | $3,456 | 42% | 22:1 | 72.3 |
| 7 | Cochise College | Sierra Vista | Public | $2,890 | 38% | 19:1 | 69.5 |
| 8 | Gateway Community College | Phoenix | Public | $2,664 | 35% | 25:1 | 67.1 |
| 9 | Mesa Community College | Mesa | Public | $2,910 | 33% | 24:1 | 65.8 |
| 10 | Scottsdale Community College | Scottsdale | Public | $2,910 | 31% | 26:1 | 64.2 |
Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona • University
Program Highlights
- • 83% graduation rate - highest among Arizona IT programs
- • 23:1 student-faculty ratio providing personalized attention
- • Over 400 technology companies within 50 miles for internships
- • Average starting salary of $65,000 for recent graduates
Program Strengths
- Comprehensive IT curriculum covering systems administration, networking, cybersecurity, and database management
- Strong industry partnerships with Intel, PayPal, and other major Phoenix tech employers
- Flexible online and hybrid delivery options for working students
- Active career services with 90%+ job placement rate within 6 months of graduation
- Modern labs with enterprise-grade equipment and software
Why Ranked #1
ASU's Information Technology program leads Arizona with its comprehensive curriculum, 83% graduation rate, and strong industry partnerships. The program offers specializations in cybersecurity, network administration, and data management with both on-campus and online delivery options.
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona • University
Program Highlights
- • 77% graduation rate with strong job placement in government and private sector
- • 20:1 student-faculty ratio enabling close faculty relationships
- • State-of-the-art cybersecurity lab with industry-standard tools
- • Active alumni network in Arizona tech sector
Program Strengths
- Strong cybersecurity emphasis with dedicated security research labs
- Department of Defense partnerships providing security clearance pathways
- Comprehensive networking and systems administration training
- Research opportunities in emerging technologies
- Industry mentorship program connecting students with professionals
Why Ranked #2
UA's IT program stands out for its cybersecurity focus and research opportunities. With partnerships with the Department of Defense and dedicated security labs, the program provides excellent preparation for security-focused IT careers.
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona • University
Program Highlights
- • 18:1 student-faculty ratio - best in Arizona for personalized attention
- • 68% graduation rate with high student satisfaction scores
- • Strong alumni network in Phoenix and Tucson tech sectors
- • Comprehensive internship program with regional employers
Program Strengths
- Smallest class sizes in Arizona with 18:1 student-faculty ratio
- Hands-on learning approach with extensive lab time
- Strong focus on practical skills and industry certifications
- Personalized career counseling and job placement support
- Beautiful mountain campus environment conducive to learning
Why Ranked #3
NAU's IT program offers the most personalized education experience in Arizona with an 18:1 student-faculty ratio. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and practical skills development in a supportive environment.
Arizona University System Overview
Arizona's higher education landscape centers on the Arizona Board of Regents system, which oversees the state's three research universities. Each institution offers distinct advantages for Information Technology education, from ASU's massive scale and industry connections to NAU's intimate learning environment.
Arizona State University serves as the flagship technology education provider with the largest IT program enrollment in the state. Located in the heart of the Phoenix metro area, ASU benefits from proximity to major tech employers and offers the most comprehensive curriculum options including online and hybrid delivery methods.
University of Arizona in Tucson focuses heavily on research and cybersecurity applications. The program has strong connections to government agencies and defense contractors, making it ideal for students interested in security clearance careers. The university's research focus provides opportunities for undergraduate research participation.
Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff offers the most personalized education experience with small class sizes and close faculty mentoring. Despite its smaller size, NAU maintains strong connections to Phoenix and Tucson tech sectors through its alumni network and internship programs.
The state also has a robust community college system providing affordable pathway programs. Students can complete general education requirements at community colleges before transferring to four-year universities, significantly reducing overall education costs. For students considering this path, explore our guide to transferring to IT programs.
Career Paths
Network Administrator
SOC 15-1244Design, implement, and maintain computer networks for organizations
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Manage and secure organizational databases and information systems
Information Security Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect computer networks and systems from cyber threats
Systems Administrator
SOC 15-1244Maintain and configure computer systems and servers
IT Project Manager
SOC 15-1299Plan and oversee technology projects and implementations
Information Technology Programs by State
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
Georgia
North Carolina
Virginia
Colorado
| Factor | In-State Public | Out-of-State Public | Private Universities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition | $12,888 | $28,450 | $21,450 |
| Class Size | 20-25 students | 20-25 students | 15-20 students |
| Research Opportunities | Abundant | Abundant | Limited |
| Industry Connections | Strong | Strong | Moderate |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $51,552 | $113,800 | $85,800 |
| Financial Aid | State grants available | Limited aid | Merit scholarships |
Which Should You Choose?
- Affordable in-state tuition under $13,000 annually at top public universities
- Access to growing Phoenix tech sector with major employers like Intel and PayPal
- Warm weather year-round and outdoor recreation opportunities
- Strong job market with 15% projected growth in IT roles
- Proximity to California tech companies for additional career opportunities
- Lower cost of living compared to California or New York tech hubs
- More prestigious program rankings - Arizona universities rank outside top 20 nationally
- Larger tech ecosystems like Silicon Valley or Seattle
- More diverse industry sectors beyond aerospace and semiconductor
- Graduate program options - Arizona has fewer PhD programs in IT
- Higher starting salaries despite higher cost of living
Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona IT Programs
Related Information Technology Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, enrollment, and institutional characteristics from 2023
May 2024 state-specific salary data for IT occupations
Program accreditation and transfer articulation information
College Navigator data for tuition and financial aid
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.