Is college in your family’s future? Whether you are looking ahead to your kids’ future or are planning on attending yourself, Scottsdale is within driving distance of some of the state’s top post-secondary educational institutions.
Arizona State University: It’s an easy commute from Scottsdale to the main campus of Arizona State University, the largest public university by enrollment in the nation, in Tempe and to the campus in downtown Phoenix. There are three other campuses in the Phoenix metropolitan area to choose from as well.
Established in 1885 as a training school for teachers, the university offers more than 400 majors through the 16 existing colleges and schools under its umbrella, including the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law and the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. U.S. News & World Report recently ranked it as No. 1 among the “Most Innovative Schools in America.”
University of Arizona: Although the University of Arizona’s main campus is located in Tucson, it does have a toe-hold in the Valley with its medical school in downtown Phoenix, the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix. Students can work towards a 4-year M.D. degree, taking classes in the Health Sciences Education Building and honing their skills at the simulation center.
If you’re interested in the university’s other programs, you or your loved one will have to take classes online or plan to live on campus in Tucson.
Grand Canyon University: Since 1949, this private university not far from Scottsdale has provide its students a liberal arts education with a Christian worldview. The university integrates Christian principles into the curriculum and campus life, but you don’t need to be a Christian to attend. Weekly chapel services are optional for the roughly 10,600 who live on campus or commute to class.
Eight colleges, including the Colangelo College of Business and College of Theology, make up Grand Canyon University, which offers more than 150 degrees in programs such as education, nursing, healthcare, engineering, technology, and more. Online degrees are also available.
Scottsdale Community College: Located on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community just east of Scottsdale, this two-year college offers degrees in programs ranging from American Indian studies and nursing to yoga instruction and culinary arts. Most of the credits transfer to 4-year universities such as Arizona State University, making it a great option for students who want to ease into the college experience or save money on tuition.
The college is actually one of 10 community colleges located throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area. The other colleges within the district include Maricopa Corporate College (also located in Scottsdale), Paradise Valley Community College, Phoenix College, GateWay Community College, Mesa Community College, Rio Salaldo College, Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Estrella Mountain Community College, Glendale Community College, and South Mountain Community College.
The bottom line is: Scottsdale is a terrific place to live, work, and learn.
