University Facts
The University of Arizona, the state's flagship university, is a land-grant institution with two independently accredited medical schools and ranks among the nation's top institutions, according to U.S. News & World Report. Established in 1885, it is a research powerhouse widely acknowledged for its commitment to student access and success. Led by President Suresh Garimella, the university is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education and is recognized by the Military Times as one of the nation's best universities for service members. As a leading Research 1 institution, the U of A ranks in the top 20 among all public universities, with $955 million in total research activity for fiscal year 2023 according to the National Science Foundation. The U of A advances the frontiers of interdisciplinary scholarship and entrepreneurial partnerships as a member of the Association of American Universities, which is composed of the 71 leading public and private research universities in the U.S. and Canada.
PURPOSE
Working together to expand human potential, explore new horizons and enrich life for all.
MISSION
We will continuously improve how we educate and innovate so we can lead the way in developing adaptive problem-solvers capable of tackling our greatest challenges.
VALUES
Integrity | Compassion | Exploration | Adaptation | Inclusion | Determination
ENROLLMENT
53,187 total students
- 42,075 undergraduate
- 11,112 graduate
Top Majors
- Business Administration
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Psychology
WORKFORCE (Fiscal Year 2024)
16,699 employees (including graduate assistants)
HISTORY
The University of Arizona was established in 1885. The first building, Old Main, was completed in 1890. It housed the School of Agriculture with classrooms, labs and a mess hall.
There were many obstacles on the path to opening the university. However, we never gave up on our mission. Our first graduating class of three students in 1895 set us on an incredible journey of learning and discovery with stories of wonder that continue to shape our Wildcat spirit:
- The Morrill Land-Grant Acts of 1862 and 1890 designated the University of Arizona as Arizona's land-grant university.
- Bear Down! Our beloved rallying cry, first heard in 1926, has become part of our core identity and is used by Arizona Wildcats all around the world.
- In 1937, we invented tree-ring research and opened the first lab for dendrochronology.
- We helped map the moon so that the Eagle could land in 1969, and sampled an asteroid in 2021 for the first time in U.S. history. #SpaceIsWildcatCountry
- Our military history runs deep. In 2016, on the 75th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, we honored the service members killed on the USS Arizona with the USS Arizona Mall Memorial.
- In spring 2022, we opened the Student Success District, a restoration of iconic campus buildings with cutting-edge technologies and services to improve how students live, work and study.
