2026 College Rankings

Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arizona

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First-year retention rates measure the percentage of first-year students who come back to campus for a second year. This is an indicator of how happy students are generally with their decision to attend that institution as less students decide to drop out or transfer to another school.

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Rank	Institution	First Year Retention Rate	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Aspen University	100	87.5	--	0	29448	#1 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arizona Aspen University Phoenix, AZ Based in Phoenix, Aspen University accepted 88% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 0% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 100 % Acceptance Rate 87.5% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $29,448
2	Sessions College for Professional Design	100	85.71	--	13681	36805	#2 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arizona Sessions College for Professional Design Tempe, AZ Located in Tempe, Sessions College for Professional Design accepts 86% of applicants. Undergraduates have to pay $75 to apply. Approximately 14% of students at Sessions College for Professional Design currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 100 % 0.0% Acceptance Rate 85.7% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $13,681 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,805
3	Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix	87	100	--	34731	59213	#3 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arizona Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix Phoenix, AZ Located in Phoenix, Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix’s acceptance rate is 100% and requires $49 for undergraduate applications and . About 0% of students attending Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix currently receive institutional grant aid. The school’s first year retention rate is 87% and around 0% of students will......Read more First Year Retention Rate 87 % 0.0% Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $34,731 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,213
4	Arizona State University Campus Immersion	86.6	89.89	1,090 – 1,320	16401	52843	#4 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arizona Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ Arizona State University was founded in 1885, first known as the Territorial Normal School, an institution to train teachers. The campus is home to the Grady Gammage Memorial Auditorium, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. ASU has an 86% first year retention rate, and many students major in Computer Science. First Year Retention Rate 87 % Acceptance Rate 89.9% SAT Score 1,090 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $16,401 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,843
5	Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott	83.8	76.58	1,160 – 1,360	41209	65391	#5 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arizona Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott Prescott, AZ Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott campus is located just north of a wildlife sanctuary and the Willow Creek Reservoir. Alumni of the school have gone on to have impressive careers as astronauts, scientists, military members, authors, athletes, and politicians....Read more First Year Retention Rate 84 % Acceptance Rate 76.6% SAT Score 1,160 – 1,360 Avg. Net Price $41,209 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $65,391
6	University of Arizona	82.8	86.14	1,100 – 1,330	18144	47665	#6 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arizona University of Arizona Tucson, AZ The University of Arizona is older than the state, having been founded in 1885 (Arizona only became a state in 1912). A public research university, the school charges $50 for undergraduate applications. The Arizona Wildcats, or simply “Cats,” play in the Big Twelve Conference. First Year Retention Rate 83 % Acceptance Rate 86.1% SAT Score 1,100 – 1,330 Avg. Net Price $18,144 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,665
7	University of Advancing Technology	79	95.15	950 – 1,180	21148	39016	#7 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arizona University of Advancing Technology Tempe, AZ Located in Tempe, the University of Advancing Technology’s acceptance rate is 95%. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 93% of students at the University of Advancing Technology will receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year retention rate is 79% and 30% of students will earn......Read more First Year Retention Rate 79 % 0.0% Acceptance Rate 95.2% SAT Score 950 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $21,148 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,016
8	Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson	75	100	--	28338	59213	#8 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arizona Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson Tucson, AZ Located in Tucson, Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson accepted 100% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires $49 for undergraduate applications and . About 0% of students attending Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson will receive institutional grant aid. 75% of students continued their studies......Read more First Year Retention Rate 75 % 0.0% Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $28,338 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,213
9	Northern Arizona University	75	89.61	1,040 – 1,250	16544	47308	#9 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arizona Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ Northern Arizona University's most popular major is Information Technology, though there are 176 degree programs available. 93% of students receive institutional grant aid, averaging $9,981 each. The Access2Excellence program covers full tuition for qualifying in-state students. First Year Retention Rate 75 % Acceptance Rate 89.6% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $16,544 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,308
10	Prescott College	75	98.57	1,020 – 1,260	23163	33539	#10 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arizona Prescott College Prescott, AZ Located in Prescott, Prescott College’s acceptance rate is 99%. They request unknown for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. Approximately 97% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. 75% of students continued their studies at......Read more First Year Retention Rate 75 % 38.8% Acceptance Rate 98.6% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,260 Avg. Net Price $23,163 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,539
11	Cochise County Community College District	71	85.66	--	7248	33836	#11 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arizona Cochise County Community College District Sierra Vista, AZ Based in Sierra Vista, Cochise County Community College District accepts 86% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 9% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid. The first year retention rate is 71%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 71 % 12.7% Acceptance Rate 85.7% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $7,248 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,836
12	Grand Canyon University	68	60.36	960 – 1,150	22239	47280	#12 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arizona Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZ Found in Phoenix, Grand Canyon University accepted 60% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 97% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The school’s first year retention......Read more First Year Retention Rate 68 % 0.0% Acceptance Rate 60.4% SAT Score 960 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $22,239 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,280
13	Scottsdale Community College	67	0	--	15163	39059	#13 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arizona Scottsdale Community College Scottsdale, AZ First Year Retention Rate 67 % 0.0% Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $15,163 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,059
14	Mesa Community College	65	60.36	--	13767	38702	#14 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arizona Mesa Community College Mesa, AZ Based in Mesa, Mesa Community College’s acceptance rate is 60%. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. Approximately 37% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school. At Mesa Community College, there is a 65% first year retention rate and around 21% of students......Read more First Year Retention Rate 65 % 0.0% Acceptance Rate 60.4% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $13,767 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,702
15	Paradise Valley Community College	65	95.15	--	14322	41597	#15 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arizona Paradise Valley Community College Phoenix, AZ Based in Phoenix, Paradise Valley Community College accepts 95% of applicants. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. Approximately 33% of students at Paradise Valley Community College will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 65 % 0.0% Acceptance Rate 95.2% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $14,322 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,597
16	South Mountain Community College	63	0	--	12879	35633	#16 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arizona South Mountain Community College Phoenix, AZ First Year Retention Rate 63 % 14.5% Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $12,879 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,633
17	Phoenix College	62	90.95	--	12119	36674	#17 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arizona Phoenix College Phoenix, AZ Based in Phoenix, Phoenix College accepted 91% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 33% of students at Phoenix College currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 62 % 3.3% Acceptance Rate 91.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $12,119 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,674
18	GateWay Community College	61	60.36	--	13317	42262	#18 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arizona GateWay Community College Phoenix, AZ Located in Phoenix, GateWay Community College accepted 60% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 22% of students attending GateWay Community College currently receive institutional grant aid. The college’s first year retention rate is......Read more First Year Retention Rate 61 % 0.0% Acceptance Rate 60.4% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $13,317 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,262
19	Glendale Community College	58	75.19	--	13166	37269	#19 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arizona Glendale Community College Glendale, AZ Based in Glendale, Glendale Community College accepts 75% of applicants and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 50% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 58 % Acceptance Rate 75.2% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $13,166 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,269
20	Chamberlain University-Arizona	56	87.5	--	31755	59213	#20 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arizona Chamberlain University-Arizona Phoenix, AZ Based in Phoenix, Chamberlain University-Arizona accepts 88% of applicants. They request $95 for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be requested. Approximately 33% of students at Chamberlain University-Arizona currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 56 % 0.0% Acceptance Rate 87.5% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $31,755 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,213
21	Arizona Christian University	55	74.42	970 – 1,210	32397	39524	#21 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arizona Arizona Christian University Glendale, AZ Located in Glendale, Arizona Christian University accepted 74% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request unknown for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. About 96% of students at Arizona Christian University will receive institutional grant aid. The institution’s......Read more First Year Retention Rate 55 % Acceptance Rate 74.4% SAT Score 970 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $32,397 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,524
22	Brookline College-Tucson	50	0	--	18645	32705	#22 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arizona Brookline College-Tucson Tucson, AZ First Year Retention Rate 50 % 0.0% Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $18,645 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $32,705
23	Ottawa University-Surprise	44	39.88	860 – 1,080	35030	49139	#23 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arizona Ottawa University-Surprise Surprise, AZ Located in Surprise, Ottawa University-Surprise’s acceptance rate is 40% and charges $25 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of students at Ottawa University-Surprise currently receive grant aid from the school. 44% of students decide to stay at Ottawa University-Surprise after completing their first year....Read more First Year Retention Rate 44 % 0.0% Acceptance Rate 39.9% SAT Score 860 – 1,080 Avg. Net Price $35,030 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,139
24	Rio Salado College	43	0	--	9003	42314	#24 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arizona Rio Salado College Tempe, AZ First Year Retention Rate 43 % Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $9,003 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,314
25	Northland Pioneer College	42	90.95	--	10975	29631	#25 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arizona Northland Pioneer College Holbrook, AZ Based in Holbrook, Northland Pioneer College accepts 91% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 26% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school. At Northland Pioneer College, there is a 42% first year retention rate and a 13% four year graduation rate....Read more First Year Retention Rate 42 % 0.0% Acceptance Rate 91.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $10,975 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $29,631
26	University of Phoenix-Arizona	41	0	--	13612	35359	#26 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arizona University of Phoenix-Arizona Phoenix, AZ First Year Retention Rate 41 % 0.0% Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $13,612 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,359
27	Dine College	33	60.36	--	10354	23195	#27 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arizona Dine College Tsaile, AZ Found in Tsaile, Dine College’s acceptance rate is 60%. They require $20 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 30% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school. On average, these students are given $3,017 each. 33% of students continued their studies at Dine College after completing their first year....Read more First Year Retention Rate 33 % 0.0% Acceptance Rate 60.4% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $10,354 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $23,195
28	American InterContinental University System	20	92.44	--	14394	27823	#28 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arizona American InterContinental University System Chandler, AZ Located in Chandler, American InterContinental University System’s acceptance rate is 92% and requires $75 for undergraduate applications and $75 for graduate applications. Approximately 14% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid. The institution’s first year retention rate is 20% and 8% of students will......Read more First Year Retention Rate 20 % 0.0% Acceptance Rate 92.4% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $14,394 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $27,823
29	Crestpoint University	17	0	--	14359	34769	#29 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arizona Crestpoint University Phoenix, AZ First Year Retention Rate 17 % 70.7% Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $14,359 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $34,769
30	Brookline College-Phoenix	0	85.97	--	0	32705	#30 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arizona Brookline College-Phoenix Phoenix, AZ First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 86.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $32,705
31	Bryan University	0	100	--	20495	32146	#31 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arizona Bryan University Tempe, AZ First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $20,495 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $32,146
32	Eastern Arizona College	0	100	--	10313	33246	#32 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arizona Eastern Arizona College Thatcher, AZ First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $10,313 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,246
33	Pima Medical Institute-Tucson	0	90.95	--	0	37302	#33 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arizona Pima Medical Institute-Tucson Tucson, AZ First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 91.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,302
34	Yavapai College	0	74.42	--	6985	35028	#34 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arizona Yavapai College Prescott, AZ First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 74.4% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $6,985 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,028