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Colleges where the most freshmen return in Arizona

Colleges ranked by first-year retention: the share of full-time freshmen who come back for a second year.

Colleges where the most freshmen return in Arizona4 schools

4 schools qualify, ranked by first-year retention.

How this list is made

Schools in Arizona.
Accredited four-year undergraduate colleges.
Academic Excellence grade B+ or better (the top 35% of rated colleges).
Has a first-year retention rate from federal data (College Scorecard).
Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
Ordered by retention rate, highest first.

Updated Oct. 20, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.

1
Arizona State University Campus Immersion
Tempe, AZ · Public
#3 in Arizona
- 87% of freshmen return
- 68% graduate
2
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ · Public
#2 in Arizona
- 83% of freshmen return
- 68% graduate
3
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott
Prescott, AZ · Private nonprofit
Top 6% for earnings
- 82% of freshmen return
- 68% graduate
4
Arizona College of Nursing-Tempe
Tempe, AZ · Private for-profit
#1 in Arizona
- 71% of freshmen return
- 89% graduate

Compare cost and outcomes

School	Net price a year	Median debt	Earnings 10 years out	Graduation rate
Arizona State University Campus Immersion	$14,967	$19,500	$62,668	68%
University of Arizona	$16,674	$19,620	$59,979	68%
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott	$40,287	$23,666	$84,131	68%
Arizona College of Nursing-Tempe	$31,681	$9,500	$34,657	89%

Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.

The national list → · All top school lists →

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