Official Web Site of the City of Phoenix

Critical to the success of businesses in greater Phoenix is the presence of major universities and a strong supporting network of community colleges and private institutions. The link between greater Phoenix's educational system, in-migration, and private industry is vital to the region's economy. Some highlights:

Higher Education
Arizona State University
Arizona State University (ASU), a state-assisted Research 1 university*, is an indispensable element of the greater Phoenix community, matching university talents and expertise with the vision of community leaders to address issues of importance to the quality of life in the Valley of the Sun. ASU, the nation's 7th largest university, serves more than 50,000 students at three anchor campuses and numerous extended campus locations. ASU strives to provide the highest quality educational experiences and opportunities to its students. The university offers 86 undergraduate programs, 97 masters programs, and 52 doctoral and professional degree programs.

The College of Business offers outstanding undergraduate and graduate opportunities. Undergraduates may choose from eight majors, including some of the most highly ranked programs in the country. The College distinguishes itself among the top-ranked undergraduate schools (ranked 24th in the nation by U.S. News and World Report "1997 Specialty School Ranking"). Business graduates make up nearly 40 percent of ASU's honors graduates, providing its most talented students an honors program within the College. The College of Business offers nine masters programs and two doctoral programs.

The masters programs in the College of Business include four MBA programs -- the day program (which is full-time), the evening program, the executive program, and the evening technology program for technology professionals. The March 1999 US News and World Report ranked the ASU MBA day program 12th among the nation's public and 31st among the 300 accredited MBA programs nationwide. The day program is distinguished by intensive, integrated second-year concentrations and dual degree options that prepare graduates for leadership in some of the hottest career areas in the 21st Century. The ASU MBA for Executives is the Valley's most prestigious general managerial degree program for professionals and upper level executives. The ASU MBA in Information Technology ranked in Computerworld's Top 25 Techno MBA's for the past two years. It is designed specifically for students in manufacturing and other high technology industries.

The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Arizona State University has also distinguished itself with a number of highly rated programs and award winning faculty. Departments include Chemical, Biomedical and Materials Engineering; Civil and Environmental Engineering; Computer Science and Engineering; Electrical Engineering; Industrial and Management Systems; Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering; and the Del E. Webb School of Construction. The College offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, as well as several continuing education programs.

*The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching ranks universities according to their research and educational quality. The Research I ranking is the highest ranking an university can receive, and means ASU offers quality baccalaureate and graduate programs while still conducting first-rate research.

Additional Four Year Colleges/Universities
University of Phoenix is a private institution founded with the innovative approach of educating (for the most part) working adults using practitioner faculty, study groups and projects tied directly to the student's work. The university is headquartered in southeastern Phoenix. Phone: (602) 966-7400.

Grand Canyon University is a four-year, liberal arts, private Christian college located in west Phoenix. Grand Canyon provides majors in more than 40 fields, and "guarantees" its graduating teachers to interested educational employers. Phone: (602) 249-3300.

American Graduate School of International Management, also known as Thunderbird, is a world-renowned graduate school that has more than 21,000 alumni and offers classes in world business practices, politics, economics and languages. It is located in Glendale, northwest of Phoenix. Phone: (602) 978-7011.

Other colleges in greater Phoenix area include: the DeVry Institute of Technology, (602) 870-9201; Keller Graduate School of Management, Inc., (602) 827-1511; Ottawa University, (602) 371-1188; and Western International University (602) 943-2311. For more information on accredited schools in the Phoenix area, call North Central School of Accreditation at (520) 621-7847.

Maricopa Community College District
The Maricopa Community College District (MCCD) is the second largest community college system in the nation and is one of the most highly respected. Its ten colleges have campuses spread throughout the valley at numerous locations, and they bring a combination of affordability, small classes, dedicated teachers, ease in transferring credits to a university and a friendly environment that promotes learning.

Students can choose from about 2,100 academic and 3,900 occupational courses offered. The system is organized so that individual colleges can specialize in certain programs in conjunction with basic education requirements. The colleges strive to bridge the education gap between people and businesses through specialized training programs. For example, in the past five years more than 150,000 employees have undergone custom training programs that were designed to benefit more than 700 employers. U.S. News & World Report has observed that, "The Maricopa system has become the model for community involvement -- launching programs to aid everything from literacy to small business start-ups."

MCCD Colleges

School:	Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Enrollment:	5,762
Specialties:	Business, computer information and office automation and performing arts; also offers FAA-approved Airframe and Powerplant program.
Phone:	(480) 732-7000
School:	Estrella Mountain Community College
Enrollment:	4,4000
Specialties:	Basic academic and occupational courses.
Phone:	(623) 935-8000
School:	Gateway Community College
Enrollment:	7,467
Specialties:	Occupational education; offers more than 45 vocational, technical and professional courses; speciality automotive programs.
Phone:	(602) 392-5000
School:	Glendale Community College
Enrollment:	19,881
Specialties:	Spacious campus with a 70,000-volume Instructional Materials Center and Student Center; more than 45 occupational degrees.
Phone:	(623) 435-3000
School:	Mesa Community College
Enrollment:	22,564
Specialties:	A broad selection of academic and occupational courses; on-campus ASU office assists students continuing education at ASU.
Phone:	(480) 461-7000
School:	Paradise Valley Community College
Enrollment:	6,632
Specialties:	Associate degrees in arts and sciences and offers a variety of day and night classes.
Phone:	(602) 493-2600
School:	Phoenix College
Enrollment:	11,996
Specialties:	Has acquired national recognition in a number of fields, most recently its emergency medical technology program and paradental program.
Phone:	(602) 264-2492
School:	Rio Salado Community College
Enrollment:	10,221
Specialties:	Offering classes at more than 250 sites in the county, including schools, businesses, hospitals, shopping malls and military bases.
Phone:	(602) 223-4000
School:	Scottsdale Community College
Enrollment:	10,266
Specialties:	Unique courses include tribal management, equine science, motion picture and television production and interior design.
Phone:	(480) 423-6000
School:	South Mountain Community College
Enrollment:	3,150
Specialties:	Three degree programs: Arts, Applied Sciences and General Studies; campus services include day care center and free tutoring.
Phone:	(602) 243-8000

Click here for Phoenix Colleges and Universities

Higher Education Institutions Greater Phoenix

School	Enrollment	Public/Private	Highest Degree
State Universities
Arizona State University	44,215	Public	Ph. D.
Arizona State University West	4,943	Public	Masters
Arizona State University East	1,466	Public	Masters
Other Universities
University of Phoenix	22,863	Private	Masters
DeVry Institute of Technology	3,506	Private	Bachelors
Otttawa University	3,815	Private	Masters
Grand Canyon University	2,643	Private	Masters
Western International University	1,600	Private	Masters
Embry Riddle University	1,300	Private	Masters
University of Advanced Computer Technology	837	Private	Bachelors
Midwestern University	837	Private	Masters*
Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine	285	Private	Masters*
American Graduate School of Int'l Management	1,531	Private	Masters*
Community Colleges
Mesa	22,564	Public	Associate
Glendale	19,881	Public	Associate
Phoenix	11,966	Public	Associate
Rio Salado	10,211	Public	Associate
Scottsdale	10,266	Public	Associate
Paradise Valley	6,632	Public	Associate
Gateway	7,467	Public	Associate
South Mountain	3,150	Public	Associate
Chandler/Gilbert	5,762	Public	Associate
Estrella Mountain	4,400	Public	Associate
Other Institutions
Apollo College	2,500	Private	Associate
Universal Technical Institute	2,300	Private	Associate
High Tech Institute	1,500	Private	Associate
Al Collins Graphic Design School	1,550	Private	Bachelors
The Bryman School	800	Private	Associate

Source: The Business Journal Book of Lists, 1998; Westmarc, "Guide to Higher Education in the West Valley"

* Only graduate degrees are awarded at these institutions

Secondary Education
An important issue for residents in any location is the quality of education. Arizona schools have adopted a new program that focuses on raising standards, requiring more discipline and expecting greater achievement. A statewide dropout prevention program was established in 1987, and high school graduation requirements in math and science were strengthened.

Most of the school districts in the Phoenix area rank well above national averages on standardized achievement tests. In addition, a number of the districts offer extensive "magnet" and other programs in an effort to keep education at the secondary level relevant and interesting to students. These districts typically provide specialized courses in career and vocational fields, and articulated programs with the community colleges.

COMPARATIVE EDUCATION STATISTICS
SAT SCORES FOR COLLEGE-BOUND SENIORS