Back to Student StoriesWhich Arizona State School is Best For Me?
University of Arizona vs. Arizona State University vs. Northern Arizona University
Are you weighing the pros and cons of ASU vs U of A vs NAU? State universities in Arizona have so many pros – outstanding academics, vibrant communities, inspiring faculty and staff. It can be tough figuring where to go and where you belong. Here are some areas that the University of Arizona excels in.
You'll Love the University of Arizona
If You Want a Job
U of A is particularly strong in areas such as science, medicine, and the arts, including:
- Business: Eller College of Management is top-ranked.
- Research: The Wyant College of Optical Sciences is literally in charge of building the new internet . Safe to say, it’s one of the premier educational and research institutions worldwide. Have you ever heard of OSIRIS-REx? A big chunk of credit goes to the University of Arizona’s Astronomy department. STEM-focused Wildcats make a big impact – starting as soon as their first year .
- Dance: Among the top five dance programs in the country!
- See all majors and degrees here.
- See all graduate majors and degrees here.
If You Want “MD” After Your Name
The University of Arizona is the only medical school in Arizona. The University of Arizona is also the only graduate college that offers a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in Arizona. Whether you’re interested in labs or chocolate labs, the University of Arizona gets you there.
If You Want Traditional Greek Life
A Greek row with sprawling sorority and fraternity houses right on campus, nearly 50 national sororities and fraternities, networking opportunities and social programming. There’s so much to love about going Greek!
If You Want A Movie Set-Worthy Campus
The University of Arizona is the traditional college campus you’ve dreamed about. Green grassy lawns, dorms that are in the center of the action, centuries-old historic red brick buildings mixed with modern structures, a community feel that you can only find by having one, one-square-mile campus in the heart of the city.
Maybe it’s because the mall always has something fun going on. Maybe it’s because there are hundreds of student clubs and organizations so you’re bound to find people with your same interests. Maybe it’s because the entire city of Tucson loves and supports the Wildcats.
Whatever magic is to blame, this is where you run into friends between classes, discover favorite trees to study beneath, and where you’ll feel at home.
If You Want the City at Your Fingertips
Despite being Arizona’s second-largest city, Tucson retains a small-town feel – and the University of Arizona is at the center of it all. Hop on the Sun Link Streetcar to explore the city’s extremely walkable downtown and its treasure trove of history, art, and things to do.
Ride your bike on hundreds of miles of car-free/shared use bike paths in the city, which have earned Tucson the title of one of the greatest and most bike-friendly big cities in the country!
Nestled amidst stunning mountain ranges, Tucson offers endless outdoor activities to pursue and amazing wildlife to see, such as the Saguaro National Park and Arizona’s Sky Islands.
Tucson is also brimming with incredible Mexican restaurants serving authentic cuisine from all over Mexico. Plus, what other Arizona city can say it has been designated a UNESCO City of Gastronomy?
If You Have Dreams of Making it to the Final Four
Yup, we said it. Our womens and mens basketball teams are consistently nationally ranked and seriously fun to cheer on (shout out, ZonaZoo!). Become a student to see where our basketball teams will be seeded in the NCAA tournament.
If You Want to Be Part of the Change for Good
The University of Arizona has been ranked as the number one school for astronomy and astrophysics for more than 35 years. This prestigious reputation isn't just for show – we turn cutting-edge ideas into groundbreaking discoveries. In fact, NASA entrusted us to lead the historic OSIRIS-REx mission, the first of its kind to snag a piece of an asteroid! We're also part of the team that built the James Webb Telescope, peering deeper into the universe's secrets.
For decades, the University of Arizona has also been a leader in water resources research. Now, with water security, sustainability, and climate change becoming ever-more pressing issues, the university’s expertise is perfectly positioned to help make a difference. At Arizona, you’ll be part of the solution.
If You Want to be a Wildcat for Life!
Trust us, you do.