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Tempe AZ

Schools, degree programs and student life in Tempe AZ. Compare sponsored programs below, or tell us what you want to study.

Discover Tempe AZ

Tempe, AZ – A vibrant college town with a cool urban vibe, Tempe is where desert beauty meets endless entertainment. Home to Arizona State University, this city is packed with energy, art, and outdoor fun. Whether you're catching a live show, kayaking on Tempe Town Lake, or exploring its buzzing nightlife, Tempe offers something for everyone.

  • Population: ~185,000
  • Weather: Hot summers, mild winters (45-105°F); mostly sunny year-round.
  • Places To Visit: Tempe Town Lake, Mill Avenue District, ASU Gammage, Desert Botanical Garden, Papago Park.
  • Top Activities: Paddleboarding on the lake, hiking "A" Mountain, exploring local breweries, catching a Sun Devils game, enjoying Tempe Festival of the Arts.
  • Famous Food: Carne asada burritos at Filiberto’s, brunch at Snooze, craft beer from Four Peaks Brewery, and Sonoran hot dogs at El Caprichoso.

Fun facts

Tempe, Arizona, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, lively culture, and unique attractions. Whether you're a local or just visiting, here are some fun facts about Tempe that you might not know:

  1. Home to ASU – Tempe is home to Arizona State University (ASU), one of the largest public universities in the U.S.
  2. Sun Devil Stadium – The famous Sun Devil Stadium once hosted a Super Bowl in 1996.
  3. Tempe Town Lake – This man-made lake in the heart of Tempe is a popular spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, and outdoor events.
  4. Fiesta Bowl Roots – The Fiesta Bowl, one of college football’s biggest games, was originally played in Tempe.
  5. Mill Avenue Magic – Mill Avenue is a bustling street filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment, making it a favorite hangout spot.
  6. Desert Climate – Tempe enjoys 300+ sunny days per year, making it a sun lover’s paradise.
  7. A Mountain – The well-known "A" Mountain (Hayden Butte) has a giant letter "A" on it, representing ASU.
  8. Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon – Tempe hosts the annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon, a popular running event featuring live music.
  9. Spring Training Spot – The city is part of the Cactus League, welcoming MLB teams for spring training.
  10. Home to the First IKEA in Arizona – The first IKEA store in the state opened in Tempe in 2004.

Jobs and careers

Tempe, AZ, is a vibrant city known for its strong job market, particularly in education, technology, healthcare, and finance. With Arizona State University and a growing tech sector, Tempe offers great career opportunities.

Job Title Average Salary Industry
Professor ~$80,000 Education
Software Developer ~$95,000 Technology
Registered Nurse (RN) ~$75,000 Healthcare
Financial Analyst ~$70,000 Finance
Marketing Manager ~$90,000 Marketing

High schools

Tempe, AZ, is home to some of the best high schools, providing students with excellent academic and extracurricular opportunities to prepare for college and future careers.

Top Public High Schools In Tempe, AZ

  • Tempe Preparatory Academy – A highly rated charter school with a strong liberal arts curriculum.
  • Corona del Sol High School – Known for its rigorous academic programs, sports, and extracurricular activities.
  • McClintock High School – Offers advanced placement courses and various career-focused programs.
  • Desert Vista High School – Recognized for its strong college preparatory courses and athletic programs.
  • Mountain Pointe High School – Provides students with a well-rounded education and leadership opportunities.

Top Private High Schools In Tempe, AZ

  • Valley Christian High School – A faith-based school with a commitment to academic excellence and student success.
  • The Jones-Gordon School – Focuses on personalized learning for students with diverse needs.
  • New Way Academy – Specializes in education for students with learning differences, fostering success for all learners.
  • Tri-City Christian Academy – A private Christian school offering a strong academic foundation and spiritual growth.
  • BASIS Scottsdale (Nearby) – Although located just outside Tempe, it is one of the top-ranked private schools in the region.

Colleges and universities

Tempe, Arizona, is home to some of the best colleges and universities in the state, offering excellent academic programs and research opportunities.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Tempe

Arizona State University (ASU) – A top-tier public research university recognized for its innovation, engineering, business, and sustainability programs.

Rio Salado College – A leading community college offering flexible online and on-campus programs in business, healthcare, and education.

Mesa Community College – Located near Tempe, this college provides strong academic and technical programs, including nursing, IT, and business.

Chandler-Gilbert Community College – Just a short distance from Tempe, this college offers excellent transfer programs and career training in fields like aviation, cybersecurity, and biomedical sciences.

Scottsdale Community College – Known for its strong arts, business, and hospitality programs, this college serves students looking for affordable education options.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Tempe

University of Advancing Technology (UAT) – A premier private university focusing on technology-related fields, including cybersecurity, game programming, and robotics.

Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM) – A top naturopathic medical school offering programs in natural medicine, research, and holistic health.

Sessions College for Professional Design – A private online college providing high-quality design programs, including graphic design, illustration, and digital media.

Brookline College – Tempe – A private institution specializing in healthcare education, offering programs in nursing, radiologic technology, and medical assisting.

The School of Architecture at Taliesin (formerly Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture) – A distinguished private institution offering in-depth architectural education with a focus on design and sustainability.

Sports teams

Tempe, Arizona, is a vibrant city with a strong sports culture, hosting professional teams and collegiate programs that bring excitement to local fans.

🏀 Basketball – Phoenix Suns (NBA)

  • Phoenix Suns – Though based in nearby Phoenix, the Suns have a significant fan base in Tempe. Founded in 1968, they have reached the NBA Finals three times (1976, 1993, 2021) but have yet to secure a championship. With superstars like Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal, the team remains a strong contender.

🏈 Football – Arizona Cardinals (NFL)

  • Arizona Cardinals –Playing their home games at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, the Cardinals represent the greater Phoenix area, including Tempe. They made a Super Bowl appearance in 2008 but fell short against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team has featured stars like Larry Fitzgerald, Kyler Murray, and J.J. Watt.

⚽ Soccer – Phoenix Rising FC (USL Championship)

  • Phoenix Rising FC – One of the most successful teams in the USL Championship, this club represents Arizona in professional soccer. Though not in Major League Soccer (MLS), Phoenix Rising has gained national attention with top performances and ambitions for future growth.

🏒 Hockey – Arizona Coyotes (NHL)

  • Arizona Coyotes – The Coyotes played their home games at Mullett Arena in Tempe during the 2022-2023 season. As an NHL franchise, they have struggled in recent years but continue to develop young talent while searching for long-term stability in Arizona.

🎓 College Sports – Arizona State Sun Devils

  • Arizona State University (ASU) Sun Devils – ASU’s athletic programs compete in the NCAA Division I Pac-12 Conference, with strong football, basketball, baseball, and hockey teams. The Sun Devils have a rich history of producing elite athletes, including James Harden (NBA), Pat Tillman (NFL), and Dustin Pedroia (MLB).

Places for students

Tempe, Arizona is a fun, youthful city full of lively spots perfect for students looking for good times, relaxation, or just hanging out with friends. Whether it's outdoor adventures, tasty food spots, or casual hangouts, Tempe has something exciting to offer.

Mill Avenue District – Right next door to Arizona State University, Mill Avenue is a student's paradise filled with cafes, shops, trendy restaurants, and nightlife spots. Whether you're craving pizza, sushi, or ice cream, Mill Avenue is the place to enjoy good eats and hangouts.

Tempe Town Lake – This beautiful waterfront is ideal for walking, biking, kayaking, or paddleboarding. Pack a picnic, unwind with friends, or catch an amazing sunset over the desert skyline.

"A" Mountain (Hayden Butte) – A popular hike among students, "A" Mountain offers amazing panoramic views of the city, sunsets worth sharing on social media, and a relaxing break from classes.

Tempe Beach Park – Featuring open green spaces, volleyball nets, and picnic spots, this park is the ultimate place for a chill day outdoors. It's perfect for meeting friends, quick frisbee sessions, or just relaxing by the lake.

Four Peaks Brewing Company – A favorite hangout spot where students can grab tasty appetizers, unique pizza, or great burgers alongside locally made craft beer. It's a relaxed environment to socialize after class.

Snakes & Lattes Tempe – Love games and coffee? This board game café is a unique place to unwind, with hundreds of games, tasty snacks, and specialty lattes. You'll easily spend an afternoon laughing and challenging your friends.

Arizona Mills Mall – Ideal for shopping on a student budget, Arizona Mills offers numerous outlet shops, notable restaurants, a movie theater, and interesting attractions like SEA LIFE Aquarium—great for weekend hangouts and mellow entertainment.

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