Colleges in the Southwest

Colleges in the Southwest are a melting pot of cultures and traditions.

The region is home to some of the most famous universities in the country, such as Arizona State University, Brigham Young University, Texas A&M University, and Texas State University.

These schools have some of the highest graduation rates across all schools; however, they also offer small-town charm with ample city opportunities.

1) University of Phoenix | Colleges in the southwest

The University of Phoenix is a private, non-profit university based in Phoenix, Arizona. It was founded in 1976 by John Sperling and served more than 100,000 students nationwide.

The university offers its students several bachelor’s degree programs through its School of Business and Management, School of Education; School of Nursing; and School for Professional Studies.

In addition to its campus locations, The University of Phoenix also offers online degree programs through its Online Campus program.

To take advantage of this program at an affordable price, you’ll need access to high-speed internet and an e-mail address for correspondence purposes.

colleges in the southwest

2) Arizona State University | Colleges in the southwest

This is one of the most well known colleges in the southwest. Arizona State University is an accredited public research university in Tempe, Arizona. Founded in 1885, it is the largest university in Arizona and the nation’s fifth-largest by enrollment.

The University has an undergraduate enrollment of over 75,000 students.  Total graduate enrollment of more than 40,000 students, as well as a student body is representing all 50 states and 100 countries around the world.

ASU has over 1,200 faculty members with doctoral degrees who teach undergraduates and graduate classes across five schools/colleges.

School of Arts; College of Letters, Arts & Sciences; Herberger Institute for Design and Health; Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering; Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.

3) The University of Texas at Austin | Colleges in the southwest

The University of Texas at Austin is located in Austin, Texas. It is the largest university in the state, with nearly 52,000 students.

In addition to being the largest university in Texas and one of the largest public research universities in the world, UT-Austin is also home to some fantastic architecture.

The Frank Jackson Chapel was designed by renowned architect O’Neil Ford and featured magnificent stained glass windows depicting stories from the Bible.

Also worth checking are buildings like Battle Hall, Gregory Gymnasium, and Jester Center.

4) Brigham Young University

Brigham Young University (BYU) is a private, non-profit university owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

It was founded in 1875, making it one of the oldest institutions in the Southwest. Located in Provo, Utah—about an hour south of Salt Lake City—it’s been educating students for over 140 years and has an alumni network that spans the globe.

The university has a campus full of historic buildings and beautiful gardens, including several monuments to its namesake: Brigham Young himself.

His statue sits at the center of campus, surrounded by trees and flowers; it’s no wonder that BYU is sometimes referred to as “the garden spot.”

5) Texas A&M University, College Station

Texas A&M University, College Station is a public research university in College Station, Texas. It is also one of the most well-known colleges in the southwest.

It is one of the state’s largest universities by enrollment and its sole land-grant university.

The university was established on October 26, 1876, as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas.

The college opened its doors to 24 students on January 3rd, 1883, with a faculty of three men and two women housed in 12 small cottages on what is now known as the South campus.

The first class graduated four years later, in May 1889, with degrees in mechanical engineering and civil engineering along with five bachelor’s degrees in agriculture, horticulture, chemistry, geology, and zoology.

Texas A&M has produced more than 100 Fulbright Scholars since 1955, when the program began worldwide. Since 1963 over 30000 students have participated in exchange programs through this prestigious program which offers opportunities for an international experience while earning course credit toward their degree at Texas A&M.

6) Texas State University, San Marcos

Texas State University is a public university located in San Marcos, Texas. It is a hidden gem among colleges in the southwest. Texas Christian University is the largest religious university affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ. It is open to all faiths. Students can join more than 20 religious groups, as well as more than 200 others.

The school was founded in 1899 and had over 36,000 students enrolled. It’s the third-largest university in Texas.

The school’s mascot is the Bobcat, and its colors are maroon and gold.

In addition to being ranked among the best colleges in America and having one of the best wildlife biology programs, Texas State University has an exciting athletics program that includes basketball, baseball, golfing, and more—as well as fun events like Greek Week.

7) Arizona Western College, Yuma, AZ

Arizona Western College is a public community college in Yuma, Arizona. It offers baccalaureate degrees, associate degrees, and certificates of completion in over 120 areas.

The school was founded in 1964 and became an independent district two years later (the Yuma Union High School District).

It is a member of the Maricopa Association of Governments, the Arizona Community College System, and the American Association of Community Colleges.

8) South Plains College, Levelland, TX

South Plains College is a two-year public institution of higher learning in Levelland, Texas. Founded in 1927, it has an enrollment of approximately 8,000 students.

The college offers more than 70 degree programs and a variety of online courses and degrees, including associate’s degrees in business administration and healthcare management, certificate programs in fire science technology, and bachelor’s degrees in education.

9) Scottsdale Community College, Scottsdale, AZ | Colleges in the southwest

Scottsdale Community College, also known as SCC, is a public community college in Scottsdale, Arizona.

It’s one of three colleges under the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD).

The school offers more than 60 associate degrees and certificates, as well as transfer programs to four-year universities.

In 2017–18, SCC had over 10,000 students—more than any other community college in Arizona.

It ranked number 2 among all community colleges nationwide for Student Experience & Satisfaction; number 3 among all community colleges nationwide for Best Campus Food; number 7 among all public colleges nationwide for Party Schools; and number 8 among all public colleges nationwide for Best Graduation Rates.

10) Eastern Arizona College, Thatcher, AZ | Colleges in the southwest

Eastern Arizona College (EAC) is a southwest community college serving the entire eastern Arizona region.

Located in Thatcher, AZ, EAC was founded in 1961 with a student population of 4,000.

The school offers over 30 associate degrees and more than 50 certificate programs for students.

EAC also has an exceptional graduation rate compared to other schools: according to their website, 85% of full-time students graduate within six years.

In addition to providing excellent educational opportunities for its students, EAC also provides them with plenty of extracurricular options and on-campus housing options if needed.

11) Central New Mexico Community College, Albuquerque, NM | Colleges in the southwest

Central New Mexico Community College, Albuquerque, NM, is a southwest community college with a wide variety of programs at the associate degree level.

The college offers over 100 associate degrees and certificates. It has been recognized for teaching, research, job placement, and student life.

It is also affordable compared to other colleges in this area.

12) Rice University, Houston Texas | Colleges in the southwest

Rice is the top colleges in the southwest. Rice is known for its applied sciences programs in the fields nanotechnology, artificial hearts research, signal processing, and space science. In 2010, the Times Higher Education (THE), ranked Rice 1st in the World in Materials Science Research.

14) Southern Methodist University | Colleges in the southwest

SMU is the top-ranked comprehensive research university in Dallas. Dallas is a dynamic city that thrives on culture and business. Our entrepreneurial spirit has helped to make the city a worldwide destination for people from all walks of life.
 

15) University of Arizona | Colleges in the southwest

UArizona is tied at No. 103 overall, and tied for No. 46 of the top public universities. Robert C., President of University of Arizona, stated that they are honored to be one of the top public universities in the country.
 

Conclusion

As you can see, there are plenty of colleges in the Southwest. And with so many options to choose from, it’s essential to do your research and find the right one for you. We hope our list helps guide you through this process.

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