Most
Affordable Colleges in Tempe in 2027

Business Administration

Studying a business administration program in Tempe, AZ builds skills in management, finance, marketing, accounting, and organizational behavior. Typical coursework also includes business analytics, economics, entrepreneurship, and business law. Students can pursue degrees at Arizona State University's W. P. Carey School of Business or begin with coursework at Rio Salado College. Graduates commonly work as marketing coordinators, financial analysts, human resources specialists, sales managers, operations supervisors, or business consultants across industries in the Phoenix area.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Tempe, Arizona, explores how people think, feel, and behave. Typical coursework includes statistics, research methods, developmental psychology, cognition, social psychology, and abnormal psychology. Students build assessment, communication, and data-analysis skills. Graduates may pursue roles such as behavioral health technician, case manager, human resources specialist, or research assistant; clinical practice generally requires graduate study and licensure. Arizona State University offers psychology degrees on its Tempe campus; Rio Salado College offers psychology coursework.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Tempe, Arizona, combines academics with access to a thriving technology community. At Arizona State University and University of Advancing Technology, students commonly study programming, data structures, algorithms, software engineering, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Projects and internships can build practical experience while connecting learners with local employers. Graduates often pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, cybersecurity specialists, data scientists, or IT project managers across many industries locally.

Counseling

Studying counseling in Tempe, Arizona, develops skills for supporting people through emotional, behavioral, and life challenges. Typical coursework includes counseling theories, human development, ethics, multicultural counseling, assessment, group methods, and supervised practicum. Graduates may pursue roles such as behavioral health technician, case manager, substance-use counselor, or, with graduate training and licensure, licensed counselor. Popular Tempe options include Arizona State University, with counseling-related academic programs, and Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, offering holistic counseling training locally.

Nursing

Studying a nursing program in Tempe, Arizona, can prepare you for patient care through classroom learning and clinical practice at hospitals. Typical courses include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, and community health. Graduates commonly pursue registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or patient-care roles, depending on degree and licensure. Tempe options include Arizona College of Nursing's local campus; Arizona State University is based in Tempe, though its nursing college is in downtown Phoenix.

Best Colleges in Tempe, AZ Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The total median cost of studying is 15047.0, compared with 28595.5 for schools in the top 10%, making the top 10% figure higher.
• An average of 93.5% of students receive financial aid; the average is 96.0% at schools in the top 10%.
• The average acceptance rate is 96.0%. Schools receive an average of 23777.67 applicants, compared with 56814.4 applicants on average at schools in the top 10%. The median number of male applicants is 257.0, while the median number of female applicants is 81.0.
• The average number of enrolled students is 20199.4. The average numbers of enrolled men and women are 2315.67 and 2438.33, respectively.
• The average graduation rate is 47.0%, compared with 78.5% for schools in the top 10%. The median graduation rate is 44.5% for men and 43.0% for women.
• Five institutions offer associate's degrees, six offer bachelor's degrees, three offer master's degrees, and one offers a doctor's degree.
• There are four coeducational schools, no schools for men, and no schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare costs and financial aid alongside graduation rates. Consider how acceptance rates, applicant numbers, enrollment, available degree levels, and the school's student population align with your priorities.

How much does studying at a college in Tempe, AZ cost?

The average reported total cost of studying in Tempe, AZ, is $17,235.50. For a local student, use this as a benchmark rather than a price for an entire degree: spending varies by college, program, residency, housing choice, and time to graduation. Arizona State University's Tempe campus is an option, while community colleges may offer a starting point before transferring.

The available averages break down as follows:

• Tuition and fees: $14,840.50
• Room and board: $12,659.33
• Books and supplies: $1,152.00

These category averages are presented separately and may not share the same calculation basis as the reported total, so confirm estimates with your school. At ASU, comparing on-campus housing with commuting and checking financial-aid eligibility can make planning easier. The good news: Tempe offers multiple pathways, and a budget can help you choose a route that fits your goals while keeping the campus experience you're excited about within reach.

How long does it take to finish college in Tempe, AZ?

In Tempe, AZ, a bachelor's degree typically takes about four years of full-time study, while an associate degree usually takes two. At Arizona State University's Tempe campus, your timeline depends on major requirements, course availability, and whether you attend year-round. The reported average graduation rate is 47.0%; among the top 10% of schools, the average is 78.5%. Reported averages are 49.5% for men and 47.83% for women. These figures show that finishing on schedule can take planning, but advising and a course map can help you stay motivated and move toward your goal.

Potential ways to accelerate include:

• Bring AP, IB, or community-college credits to ASU and confirm how they apply to your major before enrolling.
• Taking summer classes, heavier course loads when manageable, or an accelerated program may also shorten your path.
• Meet with an academic adviser early to avoid credits that do not meet degree requirements.

Salary

Graduates in Tempe, AZ can use $40,246 as a median alumni salary benchmark; the median for graduates of top 10% schools is $51,880. If you're considering Arizona State University or another Tempe college, these figures offer a helpful point of reference, but they are not guarantees or school-specific salary estimates.

Your own earnings can vary with your degree, chosen career, and experience. Tempe's range of study options gives you the chance to pursue a path that fits your interests while keeping these salary benchmarks in mind.

People also ask

How much does it cost to go to college in Tempe?

It depends on the school, your residency, and your program. As a rough guide, a full-time Arizona resident at Arizona State University's Tempe campus may pay around $13,000 a year in tuition and required fees; nonresidents can pay substantially more. Housing, food, books, and transportation add to the total, so check the current estimate for your situation.

What college in Tempe has the lowest tuition?

Rio Salado College, based in Tempe and part of the Maricopa County Community College District, is a low-cost option to consider, especially for online courses. Community-college tuition is generally charged by credit, so your total depends on how many classes you take and your residency. Compare current tuition and fees before enrolling; costs can change.

Top 5 Colleges in the Most Affordable Colleges Ranking in Tempe, AZ Ranking in 2026-2027

Arizona State University's Campus Immersion offers a broad range of undergraduate programs at its main Tempe campus, a lively college setting near downtown and the Valley Metro light rail. With 78,510 enrolled students, it is the largest option here; its 68% graduation rate and 90% acceptance rate provide useful context. Annual total study cost is $32,394, while median alumni salary is $51,524. Students can explore research, clubs, athletics, and internships across a major public university community in Tempe, Arizona itself.

Rio Salado College, part of the Maricopa County Community College District, is known for flexible online and community-college learning. From Tempe, AZ, students can consider its Phoenix-area reach and remote coursework without relocating. Enrollment is 18,841, graduation rate 9%, and acceptance rate is unavailable. Total study cost is $8,928, and median alumni salary is $52,236. Its lower listed cost may appeal to budget-conscious learners seeking transferable credits or career-oriented study, though applicants should check current program formats, transfer policies, and outcomes.

Sessions College for Professional Design is an online school focused on creative fields such as graphic design, illustration, and photography. For a prospective student in Tempe, AZ, online study can offer a way to pursue design training without a daily commute, while building portfolio work. It enrolls 194 students and reports a 40% graduation rate; acceptance rate data are unavailable. Total cost is $7,200, and median alumni salary is $34,704. Compare course offerings, software needs, and career support before enrolling.

Bryan University-Arizona is a career-focused institution offering practical training in professional fields, with a smaller student body than a large public campus. Tempe, AZ residents should verify the location and delivery format of their chosen program, since the school may suit students seeking structured, job-oriented education. It enrolls 2,519 students and has a 41% graduation rate; acceptance rate data are unavailable. Total cost is $12,194, while median alumni salary is $36,318. Ask about hands-on learning, internships, accreditation, and transfer credits.

University of Advancing Technology (UAT) is a private technology-focused university in Tempe, AZ, which may appeal to students interested in computing, game design, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. Its 933 enrolled students suggest a smaller community than nearby Arizona State, with a 35% graduation rate and 98% acceptance rate. The listed total study cost is $17,900, and median alumni salary is $38,624. Tempe students can weigh specialized programs and campus access against costs, and investigate curriculum, equipment, internships, and graduate outcomes.