Where to Study Computer Science in Arizona
Updated September 5, 2023
Edited by
Reviewed by
Credit: bernardbodo / iStock / Getty Images Plus
The desert days and Arizona nights offer an idyllic location to study computer science. Earning an Arizona computer science degree opens the doors to well-paying careers. The average tech wage in Arizona is 103% higher than the median national wage for the sector.
Arizona programs at any level can prepare you to break into tech with advancement opportunities after you gain more experience and education. Most tech workers in the Copper State hold jobs in software development, but you can also pursue roles in information technology support, cybersecurity, and network engineering.
Discover information on the Arizona tech landscape and explore the advantages of studying computer science in this state. This guide to the best online colleges for computer science also covers popular careers and salaries.
Arizona at a Glance
- Number of Higher Learning Institutions: 26
- % of Workforce in Tech: 6.2%
- Economic Impact of Tech Industry: $1.973 billion
- Average Wage for Computer and Mathematical Occupations: $98,400
Sources: Cyberstates™, NCES, OEWS
Why Go to College for Computer Science in Arizona?
Roughly 19 million students attend colleges and universities across the country as of 2020, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), with about 600,100 students attending college in Arizona. The state boasts a 30.3% graduation rate, beating out 20 states. In the 2021-2022 school year, public universities in Arizona awarded 51,970 degrees, more than any other year.
Arizona public universities and colleges do not offer significant savings compared to the national average. Undergraduate students paid $11,410 for tuition and fees at four-year colleges in the 2020-2021 school year. However, attending a private college in Arizona costs less than the national average. Private four-year colleges in the 2020-2021 school year charged an average of $24,998 in tuition and fees, below the national average of $32,825.
As an added benefit, obtaining an Arizona tech degree offers the chance to network with tech companies, like Insight and Microchip Technology, headquartered in the state home. You can find internships and future job prospects through your college. Faculty members may also have a foothold in the industry to help promising students.
Education Statistics for Arizona
| Higher Education Statistics | Arizona Data | National Data |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Year Colleges | 36 | 2,520 |
| Two-Year Colleges | 32 | 1,216 |
| Students Enrolled in Distance Education | 71.6% | 59% |
Sources: NCES
More than half of Arizona's college students take courses online, according to NCES data.
Accreditation for Arizona Programs
Accreditation indicates a school's quality and demonstrates prestige to potential employers. Furthermore, you must attend an accredited college to qualify for federal financial aid and transfer credits to other accredited schools.
This voluntary process occurs when independent organizations evaluate institutions and their programs. Accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation for two-year and four-year schools in Arizona include:
- Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
- Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training
- Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
- Higher Learning Commission
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
- National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences, Inc.
Arizona tech programs may also hold accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.
Considerations for Computer Science Programs in Arizona
You should consider several factors when researching Arizona's computer science programs. For instance, your budget, time commitment, and career interests will influence your college choice.
If you work full time, online learning may suit your lifestyle. Colleges also offer hybrid models that combine in-person courses and distance learning. More than half of Arizona's college students take fully online degrees, and about 20% take some online courses.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Computer Science Concentration Options
Arizona programs offer several computer science concentrations that may align with your personal and professional goals. The concentrations in the following table can prepare you to pursue in-demand careers in Arizona.
Data Analytics
A data analytics concentration teaches the foundations of statistical analysis, which enable you to make data-driven decisions as a market research analyst or financial analyst. You'll likely study data visualization, machine learning, web mining and graph analytics, and data mining, among other topics.
Cybersecurity
This concentration covers ways to identify cyberthreats and improve overall security measures. Common courses combine cyberlaw and security, cryptography, digital forensics, and network security. After graduation, you pursue work as a cybersecurity threat analyst or IT auditor.
Software Engineering
You'll learn the fundamental skills to design and create software as a junior developer through the best software engineering degrees or a software development concentration. Typical coursework explores web programming, object-oriented design, and database systems.
Paying for Your CS Degree in Arizona
In Arizona, students paying in-state tuition were charged a yearly average of $11,410 in undergraduate tuition and fees as of the 2020-2021 school year. Tuition and fees for some of the best data science master's programs also vary significantly but compare favorably to undergraduate costs in Arizona. Graduate students at public institutions paid a national average of $12,394 in the 2020-2021 school year.
Fortunately, you can look to several forms of aid to help you lower your overall financial burden. Your eligibility for grants and loans depends on your FAFSA. Aim to prioritize sources like grants and scholarships, which do not require repayment, before relying on aid from loans.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
In-State Versus Out-of-State Tuition
College typically becomes more expensive if you attend as an out-of-state student. Each school sets specific residency requirements, but you'll typically need 12 months of continual residency in Arizona to qualify for in-state tuition.
In Arizona, students pay an annual average of about $14,000 more for a public four-year college education than out-of-state learners. However, some online programs provide in-state tuition regardless of where you live.
Arizona colleges and universities belong to the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), along with the 15 other member states. Under this agreement, WUE participating states cannot charge non-residents more than 150% of the resident tuition.
Arizona's Cost of Living
Make sure to factor in a state's cost of living when determining your education budget. Arizona's cost-of-living index stands at 107.20, according to the World Population Review. The cost-of-living index measures what you would pay for groceries, housing, healthcare, and transportation in a certain state. While Arizona's housing costs index stands above the national average at 125.30, the healthcare cost index is below the national average at 93.50.
Schools With Computer Science Degrees in Arizona
Arizona tech programs offer programs at any degree level. These colleges offer certificates, associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and graduate programs in computer science.
Explore Our Rankings for Top Computer Science Programs
Careers in Arizona for Tech Field Graduates
Tech roles in Arizona can provide considerable job stability. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projections indicate that computer and information technology employment will grow by 15% from 2021-2031.
The Arizona Commerce Authority projects the information sector in the state to grow by 3.4% from 2021-2023. Currently, roughly 6.2% of the Arizona workforce holds jobs in tech. The leading tech industries in Arizona include manufacturing and telecommunications, along with IT and customer software services.
Overall, Arizona's employment in nonfarm occupations increased by 1.7% from June 2022-2023, according to the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity.
Select Computer Science Careers in Arizona
Employers need computer science professionals to fill jobs at all levels, with varying salaries and career projections. The following section explores a few available roles in the state.
Computer Science Teacher
In elementary, middle, and high school, computer science instructors teach students how to code using programming languages. Employers usually require computer science teachers to have software engineering education and pedagogy experience. To teach web development and software development, you'll also need experience in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The state outlook data below applies to the "computer science teachers, postsecondary" category.
Junior Data Scientists
Junior data scientists perform statistical analysis, integrate predictive systems, and analyze data to identify trends. Employers prefer junior data scientists to hold at least a bachelor's degree in computer science or a similar major. The state outlook data below applies to the category of "data scientists and mathematical science occupations, all other."
Information Technology Support Specialist
IT support specialists, or computer user support specialists, provide timely technical hardware and software support to users by phone, email, or in person. They also assist with system upgrades and troubleshooting technical problems. Work experience and education requirements vary by employer. You may be able to get a job with only work experience, but some employers prefer applicants with associate degrees.
Computer Science Employers in Arizona
- Amkor Technology: Created in 2005, Amkor Technology develops semiconductor packaging that protects chips used in phones and cars. In Arizona, there are commonly open positions at Amkor Technology for senior engineers and staff engineers.
- Intel: Founded in 1968, Intel is best known for the creation of microprocessors. The Intel corporate office in Phoenix continues to recruit data science managers, user experience project managers, application developers, and software engineers.
- GoDaddy: GoDaddy, the domain registrar founded in 1997, maintains its headquarters in Tempe. Available careers at GoDaddy's Arizona branch include senior software engineers.
Arizona Employment Trends
| Year | State | National |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Programmers | ||
| 2018 Employment | 2,430 | 185,700 |
| 2028 Projected Employment | 2,410 | 167,300 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2018-2028 | -0.8% | -9.9% |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | ||
| 2020 Employment | 10,220 | 482,000 |
| 2030 Projected Employment | 12,660 | 534,600 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 | +23.9% | +10.9% |
| Web Developers and Digital Interface Designers | ||
| 2020 Employment | 3,860 | 199,400 |
| 2030 Projected Employment | 4,880 | 224,900 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 | +26.4% | +12.8% |
Source: Projections Central
| Career | Arizona Employment | Arizona Annual Mean Wage | National Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Developers | 1,070 | $68,600 | $87,580 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | 6,020 | $91,890 | $97,160 |
| Computer Programmers | 2,550 | $86,700 | $102,790 |
| Database Administrators | 1,960 | $99,370 | $102,530 |
| Computer Systems Analysts | 14,260 | $107,070 | $107,530 |
| Information Security Analysts | 3,650 | $107,420 | $119,860 |
| Software Developer | 38,120 | $121,930 | $132,930 |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | 610 | $97,880 | $140,8300 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | 320 | $125,300 | $155,880 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | 12,240 | $157,080 | $173,670 |
Source: BLS OEWS
Most tech workers in Arizona hold jobs as software developers, who earn an annual mean wage of $121,930. The second-highest level of tech workers includes computer systems analysts, with 14,260 workers in Arizona. Both occupations require at least a bachelor's degree.
Professional CS Organizations in Arizona
Professional tech organizations in Arizona allow members to join a community of like-minded peers. These organizations also provide continuing education opportunities, professional career development workshops, job boards, and local networking events.
Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence
Established in 1979, AAAI works to increase awareness about artificial intelligence, research initiatives, and enhance teaching in the field. Members enjoy access to conferences, symposiums, grants, and scholarships.
Arizona Technology Council
Created in 2002, AZTC boasts a membership of more than 750 tech companies, government agencies, and education institutions. Members receive discounted tuition rates for education programs, marketing and promotional support, and access to more than 100 events annually.
Computer Science Teachers Organization
If you want to teach computer science to students in K-12 classrooms, you can join the CSTA-Arizona. Members can attend monthly webinars, meetups, and career development experiences.
The Society for Technical Communication
With a 60-year history in the state, STC's Arizona chapter supports technical communicators. Joining offers continuing education opportunities through webinars and courses, plus the chance to connect with nearly 500 other members.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
FAQ About Studying Technology and Science in Arizona
Does Arizona have a good computer science program?
Yes — ASU ranks among the best colleges in Arizona and offers an affordable and convenient bachelor's/master's computer science program that you can complete in five years. You can earn a computer science degree online or by attending class on campus in downtown Phoenix.
Are there online computer science programs in Arizona?
Yes — many colleges like ASU offer online computer science degrees that do not require campus visits. You can study online to earn your bachelor's in computer science or obtain master's certificates in big data systems or cybersecurity.
What jobs in Arizona do computer science majors get?
The career you pursue after graduation depends on your degree and goals. Arizona tech programs offer computer science degrees in cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, and network administration.
Is the field of technology booming in Arizona?
Arizona's fastest-growing sectors include personal care service, arts and design, health, construction, and transportation. However, the information industry is also projected to grow from 2021-2023.
Last reviewed August 16, 2023.
Recommended Reading
Take the next step toward your future.
Discover programs you’re interested in and take charge of your education.