University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ · founded 1885 · 50,000 students · public research university · Pac-12

Known for: A leading public research university known for its strong programs in astronomy, planetary science, and optics. UA is also renowned for its basketball program and as a hub for desert and environmental research.

Rankings

U.S. News national: #115
QS World: #249
Times Higher Education: #201
ARWU Shanghai: #101
Forbes: #152

Top programmes

Astronomy
Engineering
Business
Health Sciences
Optical Sciences
Agriculture

Notable alumni

Greg Kinnear — Actor and television host
Barbara Eden — Actress (I Dream of Jeannie)
Richard Carmona — Former U.S. Surgeon General
Linda Ronstadt — Rock and folk singer
Nickolas Ashford — Songwriter and singer
John Hughes — Film director and producer
Geraldine Ferraro — First female vice presidential candidate
Steve Kerr — NBA coach and former player

Traditions

Red Blue Game
Spring Fling
Homecoming bonfire
ZonaZoo student section

If University of Arizona were…

As a food: Sonoran hot dog — Tucson's signature dish—unpretentious, deeply rooted in regional identity, and more sophisticated than outsiders expect. U of A combines serious research chops with desert-casual vibes, wrapped in bacon and beloved local
As an athlete: Rob Gronkowski — Big, fun, surprisingly smart, and known for partying as hard as performing. Gronk's blend of elite athleticism, championship pedigree, and unapologetic party energy mirrors U of A's research excellence and legendary soci
As a person alive today: Neil deGrasse Tyson — Serious scientific credentials with an accessible, enthusiastic public presence. U of A's planetary sciences and astronomy programs are world-class but delivered with a laid-back, desert-cool approachability.
As a historical figure: John Wesley Powell — The geologist-explorer who mapped the Colorado River and studied the arid West with scientific rigor and adventurous spirit. U of A's desert research legacy and outdoor ethos channel Powell's blend of scholarship and fro
As a movie or TV show: Breaking Bad — Set in the Southwest desert with serious chemistry credentials, a surprising edge beneath the sun-baked surface, and characters who are smarter than they initially appear. Both are underestimated until you see what they'
As a US president: Lyndon B. Johnson — Big, brash, Western, with serious policy achievements often overshadowed by the party reputation. LBJ's Great Society ambitions and Texas swagger mirror U of A's research muscle and Southwestern confidence.
As a city: Austin, Texas — Southwestern college town with serious tech and research sectors, legendary party scene, outdoor culture, and a 'Keep it Weird' vibe. Both are liberal oases in conservative states with growing reputations beyond the fun.
As an element: Copper — Arizona is the nation's leading copper producer, and U of A's mining engineering program is legendary. Copper is conductive, essential, and deeply tied to the state's economy and identity—utilitarian excellence with Sout
As a car: 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara — Sun-baked desert adventurer that parties in Sedona on weekends but still pulls serious research weight in astronomy and planetary science. It's the Pac-12 tailgater with roof off, doors off, and a cooler in back—fun-lovi

Campus life

UA has a spirited campus culture with a strong emphasis on sports, particularly basketball. The campus offers a mix of Greek life, cultural organizations, and outdoor activities. Tucson's downtown proximity adds to the social scene.