Arizona Grad Schools are Top of the (National) Class

Two of Arizona State University's graduate programs ranked No. 1 in the latest U.S. News & World Report's Best Graduate Programs list, including the JD program in legal writing in the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law. Photo courtesy of ASU.

Insider Info

The bigger picture is straightforward. Across multiple institutions and industries, Arizona is producing graduate programs that compete nationally, from public affairs and law to healthcare and science.

Arizona’s universities are earning serious extra credit points. In the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools rankings, more than a dozen programs across the state placed among the nation’s top, according to reporting from The Arizona Republic, with additional data confirmed by U.S. News and university releases.

Arizona State University leads in both scale and consistency, with 11 graduate programs ranked in the top 10 nationwide, including two No. 1 spots in legal writing and local government management. The university’s School of Public Affairs continues to rank among the best in the country, reinforcing ASU’s national reputation in public service-focused disciplines.

The University of Arizona adds to the momentum with eight graduate programs ranked in the top 20 nationally. Top-performing areas include speech-language pathology, rehabilitation counseling, and earth sciences, highlighting the school’s strength in health and research-driven fields.

Northern Arizona University also appears in the rankings with recognized programs in specialized healthcare areas, including physician assistant and physical therapy. While fewer in number, these placements contribute to the state’s broader showing across disciplines.

The U.S. News & World Report rankings are based on factors such as peer assessment, faculty resources, and research activity, making them a key benchmark in graduate education. 

Insider Takeaways

  • More than a dozen Arizona graduate programs ranked nationally.
  • Arizona State University placed 11 programs in the top 10, including two No. 1 rankings.
  • The University of Arizona reported eight programs in the top 20 nationally.
  • Northern Arizona University earned rankings in specialized healthcare programs.
  • U.S. News & World Report rankings are based on peer review, research activity, and faculty resources.

To learn more, visit usnews.com/best-graduate-schools.

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