University of Arizona

UArizona offers 150+ undergraduate majors and 200+ graduate programs, including the only B.A. in Law degree in the U.S. and a top-ranked No. 2 program in military technologies and applied sciences (with 196 degrees conferred). Popular majors cluster in business, management, and biological sciences, but students warn of uneven quality in STEM intro courses—physics is reportedly 'terrible,' and gen chem has 'only two good teachers.' The sheer breadth of options allows for mixing disciplines, from technical fields to niche humanities, though navigating such a large catalog requires proactive advising.

Life at UArizona is unapologetically lively, with a 'vibrant and welcoming' culture that balances 50+ cultural clubs, Greek life, and outdoor adventures (think hiking in the Catalina Mountains). Reddit threads and student videos highlight a campus where 'there’s always a new event,' from parties to cultural festivals. The university leans into its Wildcat spirit with traditions like homecoming under the desert stars, while cultural centers provide tight-knit communities for underrepresented students. The sunny, social vibe is a draw, though some note the sheer size of the school can feel overwhelming without intentional niche-finding.

UArizona’s six-year graduation rate hovers at 64–66%, slightly above the national average for public universities but trailing elite privates. Career outcomes are a bright spot: 90% of students use university career services, and graduates report solid early earnings (exact figures unspecified). The school participates in national post-grad tracking, though specific salary data isn’t publicized. Notably, the graduation rate outpaces Arizona’s state average of 53.9%, suggesting stronger support than peer institutions in the region, but retention efforts remain a work in progress for this large public university.

UArizona’s net price calculator is a key tool for families, as 95% of full-time undergrads receive grant/scholarship aid. The university aggressively promotes merit aid?Merit aidScholarship money awarded for achievements like grades, talents, or test scores — not based on your family's financial need. to attract out-of-state students, with awards often tied to GPA rather than test scores (thanks to test-optional?Test-optionalA policy where you choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you don't, the rest of your application carries more weight. policies). While official cost figures aren’t detailed in the sources, the average annual cost is $16,674—below the national midpoint for four-year schools. Financial aid offices emphasize personalized estimates, suggesting costs vary widely based on residency and scholarship eligibility.

UArizona carves its niche with unique programs (that B.A. in Law, top-tier military tech degrees) and a culture that blends academic hustle with Southwestern ease. Its test-optional?Test-optionalA policy where you choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you don't, the rest of your application carries more weight. policy and high acceptance rate?Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. make it accessible, while research opportunities rival those at more selective schools. The campus thrives on spirit and sun—few universities offer morning hikes and top-tier astronomy programs under the same blistering blue sky. But it’s not for everyone: students must navigate its size and occasional bureaucratic inertia to tap into what makes it special.