Key Takeaways
- Tucson is home to nationally ranked engineering programs, led by the University of Arizona.
- Students can choose between research-intensive universities and highly affordable transfer-focused colleges.
- Top engineering specializations in Tucson include aerospace, optical sciences, mining, biomedical, and cybersecurity.
- Strong ties to Raytheon, IBM, Tucson Electric Power, and regional tech firms boost internships and job placement.
- Your “best” option depends on goals: research prestige, affordability, fast workforce entry, or transfer flexibility.
Best Engineering Colleges in Tucson, Arizona
Tucson is one of Arizona’s most important engineering education hubs, combining a Tier 1 research university with cost-effective community college pathways. Below is a comprehensive, data-driven guide to the best engineering colleges in Tucson, including program strengths, costs, admissions data, and career outcomes.
Top Engineering Colleges in Tucson (Ranked)
1. University of Arizona – College of Engineering
Best for: Research, specialized engineering fields, graduate programs
The University of Arizona (UA) is the clear leader for engineering in Tucson and among the top public engineering schools in the Southwest. It is classified as an R1 research university and consistently ranked by U.S. News and Research.com.
Popular Engineering Majors:
- Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Mining and Geological Engineering (top-ranked nationally)
- Systems and Industrial Engineering
- Optical Sciences and Engineering (globally recognized)
Students benefit from advanced research labs, access to Department of Defense-funded projects, and partnerships with companies like Raytheon Missiles & Defense, IBM, and Texas Instruments. UA engineering graduates report strong placement rates in aerospace, defense, healthcare, and software sectors.
2. Pima Community College – Engineering and Technology Pathways
Best for: Affordability, transfer students, hands-on training
Pima Community College (PCC) offers one of Arizona’s strongest engineering transfer pathways. While PCC does not award bachelor’s engineering degrees, its programs are designed to align with the University of Arizona and other ABET-accredited institutions.
Engineering-Related Programs:
- Engineering Foundations (Associate of Science)
- Computer Engineering Technology
- Electrical and Industrial Technology
- Advanced Manufacturing
PCC is especially popular among students seeking to reduce tuition costs before transferring. Smaller class sizes and hands-on lab instruction make it an ideal choice for first-generation and working students.
3. University of Arizona Global Campus (Tucson-Affiliated)
Best for: Working professionals, flexible online engineering-adjacent degrees
The University of Arizona Global Campus offers online programs based in Tucson administration. While it does not provide traditional ABET-accredited engineering degrees, it supports engineering-adjacent fields such as:
- Applied Science
- Information Technology
- Project Management
This option is primarily suited for engineers moving into leadership, operations, or technology management roles rather than hands-on design engineering.
Side-by-Side Comparison of Engineering Colleges in Tucson
College Degree Level Annual Tuition (In-State) Acceptance Rate Notable Strengths University of Arizona Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD $13,900 87% Research, aerospace, biomedical, mining Pima Community College Associate $2,400 Open Admission Transfer pathways, affordability UA Global Campus Bachelor’s, Master’s $12,600 95% Online flexibility, working professionals
Engineering Accreditation and Quality
Accreditation is critical in engineering education. The University of Arizona’s undergraduate engineering programs are fully ABET-accredited, ensuring graduates meet national professional standards.
Pima Community College’s engineering coursework is regionally accredited and structured to transfer seamlessly into ABET-accredited bachelor’s programs, especially at UA.
Admissions Requirements and GPA Expectations
University of Arizona
- High school GPA: 3.0+ recommended for engineering
- SAT/ACT: Test-optional
- Strong math and science background required
Pima Community College
- Open admission policy
- Placement exams for math and physics readiness
Internships, Research, and Industry Connections
Tucson’s engineering ecosystem is closely tied to defense, optics, renewable energy, and healthcare technology.
- UA students regularly intern with Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, Banner Health, and local startups.
- Undergraduate research opportunities begin as early as freshman year at UA.
- PCC students benefit from applied labs and often transition directly into paid internships before transferring.
Facilities and Campus Resources
The University of Arizona features state-of-the-art engineering buildings such as the Engineering Innovation Building and specialized optical and aerospace labs.
Pima Community College maintains modern manufacturing and electronics labs tailored to technical workforce skills.
Which Engineering College in Tucson Is Right for You?
- Best for elite engineering and research: University of Arizona
- Best for affordability and transfers: Pima Community College
- Best for working professionals: University of Arizona Global Campus
Local Advantage: Engineering Careers in Tucson
Tucson’s cost of living is lower than Phoenix or California tech hubs, while still offering access to high-paying engineering roles. Graduates commonly stay local, employed in aerospace, defense, optics, civil infrastructure, and healthcare engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions about Engineering Colleges in Tucson
Is the University of Arizona good for engineering?
Yes. The University of Arizona is an R1 research university with ABET-accredited engineering programs and strong specialties in aerospace, optical sciences, mining, biomedical, and systems engineering.
Is Pima Community College good for engineering transfers?
Yes. Pima Community College offers low-cost, transfer-focused engineering foundations courses that are designed to line up with University of Arizona and other ABET-accredited engineering programs.
Does Tucson have ABET-accredited engineering programs?
Yes. The University of Arizona’s undergraduate engineering degrees are ABET-accredited, which helps you meet national standards for licensing and many engineering jobs.
What engineering majors can you study in Tucson?
In Tucson you can study aerospace, mechanical, electrical, computer, biomedical, mining, industrial, systems, and optical sciences, plus engineering-adjacent fields like IT and applied science.
How much does it cost to study engineering in Tucson?
Estimated in-state tuition is about $13,900 per year at the University of Arizona, around $2,400 per year at Pima Community College, and about $12,600 per year at UA Global Campus, not including housing and fees.
What internships or jobs can you get as an engineering student in Tucson?
You can pursue internships and entry-level roles with employers such as Raytheon, IBM, Northrop Grumman, Tucson Electric Power, local optics firms, manufacturing plants, and healthcare systems.
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