Last Updated: October 19, 2021
Arizona - The Grand Canyon State
Arizona is situated in the southwestern region of the United States of America and is the 14th most populous state with a population of more than 7 million. Arizona has one of the largest economies in the country. This state has several copper mines and has become a prominent industry in Arizona, which is why the state is also popularly known as the "Copper State". Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona as well as the largest city here. Arizona was originally inhabited by Native American tribes like the Pascua Yaqui, Hopi, Zuni, Havasupai, Navajo, and Apache, and received its statehood on February 14, 1912, making it the 48th state of America. Arizona's climate is primarily dry and some regions also experience humidity. Summers are extremely hot here, but the temperature becomes milder from late fall to early spring.
Major Cities in Arizona
Phoenix
Phoenix is the largest city in Arizona with an estimated population of around 1,609,000. The city is also the capital of the state and is popularly known as the "Valley of the Sun". It was founded in the year 1867 and was established as a city on February 25, 1881. The city is a major economic center as well as an educational hub as it houses several postsecondary institutions such as the American Indian College Inc, Argosy University-Phoenix, Ottawa University-Phoenix, Chamberlain College of Nursing-Arizona, Arizona Christian University, Grand Canyon University, and several others.
Tucson
This is the second-biggest city in the state of Arizona, with an estimated population of around 543,000. Situated in Pima County, the city was founded on August 20, 1775, and was established as a city on February 7, 1877. "The Old Pueblo", "Optics Valley", "America's Biggest Small Town", are some of Tucson's popular nicknames. Tucson was founded by a military governor called Hugo O'Conor. It is a vibrant city that is known for its popular restaurants and is also a major industrial, technological, and transportation hub. The most prestigious educational institute, the University of Arizona, is situated in this city.
Mesa
Arizona's third-largest city, Mesa, has an estimated population of about 505,000. The city is a major industrial and cultural center that attracts numerous tourists from across the country. It is situated in Maricopa County and was founded in the year 1878. The Mesa Arts Center, Usery Mountain Regional Park, Mesa Historical Museum, Arizona Museum of Natural History, Temple Visitors' Center, etc., are some of the most popular attractions in the city of Mesa.
Chandler
With a population of roughly 276,000, Chandler is the fourth-largest city in Arizona. The city of Chandler was founded on May 17, 1912, and was established as a city in 1920. The city is known for its many celebrations and events, especially the Ostrich Festival. Popular tourist attractions in the city are the Koli Equestrian Center, Chandler Center for the Arts, Chandler Fashion Center, Arizona Railway Museum, San Tan Mountain Regional Park, etc.
Economy/Job Market
- Mining and agriculture are the predominant economic sectors of the state. Due to its major copper reserves, Arizona is popularly called the Copper State. The state is also known for its advanced agricultural technology and specialized farming techniques.
- Some of the other major industries here are aerospace and defense, manufacturing (electronics), tourism, business services, etc.
- Some of the largest companies (based on the largest number of employees hired) in Arizona are Kyocera Solar, PetSmart, Banner Health, Circle K, ON Semiconductor, Republic Services, Sprouts Farmers Market, Freeport-McMoRan, Amkor Technology, and so on.
- The economic condition of the state has been poor because of the effects of the covid-19 pandemic and is slowly recovering. The unemployment rate in this state is 6.2%, which is higher than the national rate of unemployment.
- The important sectors currently contributing to the economy are government services, health and education services, finance, business, and hospitality.
Tuition Fee and Living Cost in Arizona
The cost of living in Arizona is higher than the national average. Housing costs are costlier than the national average, followed by transportation and utilities. However, healthcare services are comparatively cheaper in the state of Arizona. Some of the most affordable cities in Arizona are Holbrook, Coolidge, Guadalupe, Winslow, and Safford. The most expensive cities to live in here are Sedona, Flagstaff, Litchfield Park, Tempe, and Cottonwood. The cost of education in Arizona is fairly affordable for all students.
List of Few Major Universities/Colleges
Some of the most prestigious universities/colleges in the state of Arizona are:
- University of Arizona Situated in the city of Tucson, this is the most prestigious institution of higher education in Arizona. It is a public university that was founded on March 12, 1885. The university is highly reputed for its best quality of education and faculty. It also gives equal importance to extracurricular activities and student diversity. With roughly 49,000 students and about 4,000 faculty members, the student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1. The tuition fee for in-state undergraduate students is about $14,000 and around $37,000 for out-of-state students.
- Arizona State University-Tempe Located in the city of Tempe, this is another renowned public university of the state of Arizona. The university is popular for its campus diversity, academic excellence, and welcoming environment for its students. The university was founded on March 12, 1885. With about 57,000 students and almost 5,000 faculty members, the student-to-faculty ratio is 20:1. Popular majors include Business administration, Finance, and Marketing. The tuition fee for in-state undergraduate students is about $13,000 and around $32,000 for out-of-state students.
- Northern Arizona University Situated in Flagstaff, the Northern Arizona University is a popular public university in Arizona. The university is known for its excellent academic and research quality. With around 35,000 students and more than 1,000 faculty members, the student-to-faculty ratio is 22:1. Education, Business, Criminology, Business, and Psychology are the most popular majors offered here. The tuition fee for in-state undergraduate students is about $13,000 and around $28,000 for out-of-state students.
- Grand Canyon University This is a well-known private Christian university located in the capital city of Phoenix. It is popular for its vibrant campus environment and educational quality. The university was founded in the year 1949. With about 60,000 undergraduates enrolled in this university, the student-to-faculty ratio is 21:1. Nursing and Business are the most popular majors offered in this university. The tuition fee for all undergraduate students is about $19,000.
Scholarships/Financial Aid for Students
- Arizona Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (AzLEAP): This is a need-based program for the high school graduates of Arizona who demonstrate financial need. To be eligible for the program, the student must be a permanent resident of Arizona, a high school graduate from the state, and must plan to pursue an undergraduate degree in an accredited institution on a part-time or full-time basis. The candidate is required to submit the FAFSA and perform academically well according to the requirements of the institution. The average award amount will be $1,000 per academic year.
- Arizona Teacher Student Loan Program: This is a forgivable loan offered to students of Arizona who demonstrate financial need, and wish to pursue a teaching career. To be eligible for the program, the student must be a legal Arizona citizen, pursue a teaching degree from an accredited private institution in Arizona, and take up courses in Math, Science, or Special Education. The student is not required to repay the amount but should agree to offer teaching services in an Arizona public school. Along with the FAFSA, the candidate should also submit a 250-500 word essay on the impact the candidate intends to make in the classroom. The loan amount will be $7,000 per academic year which can be utilized for tuition and mandatory fees.
- Arizona Assurance Program (AZA): This is a popular need-based scholarship program administered by the University of Arizona. The best part of this scholarship is that it provides academic training, mentoring, and career development programs along with economic support. To be qualified for the program, the student must submit the FAFSA, be a legal resident of Arizona, enroll at the University of Arizona Main Campus, and secure a minimum of 3.0 GPA in high school. The student must also make sure to maintain a minimum score of 2.0 GPA in college. The award amount is up to $10,000 per academic year.
- University of Arizona Wildcat Tuition Award: This is a merit-based scholarship program for the high-achieving students of Arizona. To be qualified for this program, the student must be a legal resident of Arizona, a high school graduate from the state, enroll at an accredited institution in the state, secure a minimum score of 3.25 GPA, and a minimum ACT score of 24 or SAT score of 1110. The student must also maintain a minimum score of 3.0 GPA in college. Along with the application form, the candidate must submit academic transcripts and pay a fee of $50. The award amount may vary from $2,000 to $12,000 per academic year based on the candidate's score.
Tourism
Arizona is popularly nicknamed "The Grand Canyon State" because of the presence of the massive natural wonder of the world, the Grand Canyon. But this is not the only aspect that makes the state special. The state has got a lot to offer for its visitors to explore some of the best national parks and monuments, to learn and experience the rich culture of tribal lands, and to immerse themselves in the beauty of its vibrant cities and diverse landscapes. It is a state ideal for both adventure and relaxation. It is a state that offers the most stunning views of clear skies and starry nights.
Some of the most spectacular tourist sites in Arizona are Grand Canyon, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Walnut Canyon, Hoover Dam, Havasu Falls, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Canyon De Chelly National Monument, Meteor Crater Natural Landmark, and so much more. Some of the famous foods one must try on visiting the state are Cochinitos, Navajo Taco, Sonoran Hot Dog, Pozole, Tamales, and more. Because Arizona experiences harsh and hot summers, it is best to visit this state from late fall to early spring when the temperatures are cooler.
Universities & Colleges in Arizona
*UG - Undergraduate
*G - Graduate
*in - In-state Fees
*out - Out-of-State Fees
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