Top 3 Information Technology Programs in Arizona 2025
University of Phoenix-Arizona
882 Information Technology graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
American InterContinental University System
154 Information Technology graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Grand Canyon University
279 Information Technology graduates annually, 34% graduation rate
- 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.
Arizona Information Technology Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Phoenix-Arizona | Phoenix, AZ | For-Profit | $9,552 | — | — | 75.6 |
| 2 | American InterContinental University System | Chandler, AZ | For-Profit | $11,650 | — | — | 54.2 |
| 3 | Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | For-Profit | $16,390 | 34% | — | 53.3 |
| 4 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion | Tempe, AZ | Public | $11,308 | 81% | — | 52.9 |
| 5 | University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | Public | $11,546 | 68% | — | 49.3 |
| 6 | Northern Arizona University | Flagstaff, AZ | Public | $11,015 | 98% | — | 45.9 |
| 7 | Arizona State University Digital Immersion | Scottsdale, AZ | Public | $11,308 | — | — | 41.4 |
| 8 | DeVry University-Arizona | Phoenix, AZ | For-Profit | $14,392 | — | — | 39.7 |
Top 5 Information Technology Programs in Arizona: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Phoenix-Arizona | Northern Arizona | Arizona State University... | Grand Canyon | American InterContinental... |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $9,552 | $11,015 | $11,308 | $16,390 | $11,650 |
| Graduation Rate | N/A% | 98% | 81% | 34% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 882 | 303 | 136 | 260 | 117 |
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | 91% | 90% | 60% | N/A |
| Type | For-Profit | Public | Public | For-Profit | For-Profit |
| Score | 75.6/100 | 64.4/100 | 52.9/100 | 52.6/100 | 52.3/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Information Technology in Arizona
Arizona offers 8 bachelor's-level information technology programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Phoenix-Arizona, American InterContinental University System, Grand Canyon University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $74,151 in the Arizona market.
A bachelor's in information technology typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Information Technology Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Information Technology Bachelor's Programs in Arizona
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Phoenix-Arizona | $9,552 | N/A% | 882 | 75.6 |
| #2 American InterContinental... | $11,650 | N/A% | 154 | 54.2 |
| #3 Grand Canyon | $16,390 | 34% | 279 | 53.3 |
Top Information Technology Schools for Master's Degrees in Arizona
For graduate study, Arizona offers 5 master's-level information technology programs. Leading institutions include Northern Arizona University, Grand Canyon University, American InterContinental University System. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Arizona reaching $137,709 or more.
Top 3 Information Technology Master's Programs in Arizona
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Northern Arizona | $11,015 | 98% | 303 | 64.4 |
| #2 Grand Canyon | $16,390 | 34% | 260 | 52.6 |
| #3 American InterContinental... | $11,650 | N/A% | 117 | 52.3 |
Most Affordable Information Technology Colleges in Arizona
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information technology programs in Arizona are at Aspen University ($6,210/year), University of Phoenix-Arizona ($9,552/year), Northern Arizona University ($11,015/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Arizona's competitive tech salaries.
At Aspen University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $24,840 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $74,151, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.6 years.
Most Affordable Information Technology Programs in Arizona (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Aspen | $6,210 | $24,840 | 0.6 years | For-Profit |
| #2 U of Phoenix-Arizona | $9,552 | $38,208 | 1 years | For-Profit |
| #3 Northern Arizona | $11,015 | $44,060 | 1.1 years | Public |
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.
University of Phoenix-Arizona
Phoenix, AZ • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,552 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 882 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 75.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 882 information technology graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 75.6 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (882 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,930), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,015 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 98% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 303 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 91%
- • Ranking Score: 64.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 98% graduation rate
- 303 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 64.4 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (98%), program size (303 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,930), and selectivity (91% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
This Master of Science in Information Technology program offers flexible specialization in four key areas (IT, cybersecurity, programming, and database management) with a culminating capstone experience that applies knowledge to real design challenges. The program is designed for STEM backgrounds and prepares graduates for diverse IT careers in both academia and professional practice.
Available Scholarships
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Program Details
- Credits: 30 units
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Arizona State University Campus Immersion
Tempe, AZ • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,308 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 81% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 136 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 90%
- • Ranking Score: 52.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 81% graduation rate
- 136 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 52.9 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (81%), program size (136 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,930), and selectivity (90% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $16,390 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 34% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 260 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 60%
- • Ranking Score: 52.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 34% graduation rate
- 260 information technology graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 52.6 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (34%), program size (260 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,930), and selectivity (60% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
American InterContinental University System
Chandler, AZ • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,650 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 117 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 52.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 117 information technology graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 52.3 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (117 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,930), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
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
Other Tech Degree Programs in Arizona
Information Technology Programs by State
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
Georgia
North Carolina
Virginia
Colorado
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
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Information Technology degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
State-specific information technology salaries from BLS OES 2024
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.