Why You Should Live in Phoenix as a College Student

Start your GCU
journey today.

Step 1: Educational Interests

This helps us connect you with the right enrollment counselor to help you through the process.

Degree Level

Make a selection

Class Setting

Make a selection

Area of Study

Make a selection

Program

Make a selection

Current Education Level

Make a selection

Country

United States

Read time 2 minutes

Kaylor Jones

Published on Feb 3, 2020

Phoenix, Arizona is a vibrant, energetic city that provides its residents, and especially college students, with increasing opportunities for employment and urban amenities at an affordable price. Here are just a few ways that the ever-growing city is a smart place to spend your college years and beyond.

Business Opportunities

In a recent study, Phoenix ranked sixth in the country for startup survival rates among cities with a population above one million and eighth for startups overall, with 62% of startup companies with up to four employees staying active past their first year.¹ Specifically, tech companies, both leaders and startups, have been moving or expanding to the Phoenix area in the past year, bringing their business professionals with them.

A Growing Millennial Population

Phoenix also places fifth in the country for millennial population growth, mainly due to its high concentration of college students.¹ In addition to all the unique places to explore in the city – including the Roosevelt Row Arts District, First Friday street festivals, Grand Canyon University Golf Course, the Phoenix Art Museum, the Desert Botanical Garden and many others – Phoenix is loved by most millennials for its close proximity to some of Arizona’s most beautiful landscapes. Many students at Grand Canyon University spend their weekends hiking scenic trails at Papago Park and on Camelback and Superstition Mountains. And for those traveling in Phoenix, Tempe or Mesa, the near-30 mile light rail system is a convenient pick for residents of all ages.

Affordability

Phoenix has also recently been ranked as the third best city in the country for housing affordability, with the average rent accounting for only 15% of the median income for computer, mathematical, engineering and architecture occupations.¹ This means that Phoenix offers its residents big-city amenities at an affordable price, especially when compared to other cities like New York and Los Angeles.

A Positive Job Outlook

Not only is Phoenix affordable, but it boasts job opportunities aplenty. Research analysts predict that these trend will continue well into the coming years, meaning that as the economy flourishes, more talented people – and young ones at that – will likely be joining in on the Phoenix boom. In 2018, the population of Phoenix was over 1.66 million people in an area of land larger than New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago.² Apartment buildings, restaurants and other establishments are popping up across the city as the population continues to grow, and much of this evolution is centered around college campuses like Grand Canyon University.

To learn more about all that Grand Canyon University has to offer its students, click the Request Information button on this page. Our accredited university, and its main campus in the heart of Phoenix, may be the next step in your journey to find your purpose.

Written By

View Profile

Kaylor Jones

Student Writer

Online Degrees

Admission

Scholarships & Grants

Transfer Center

Unlock Your Potential

Speak with a University Counselor today.

Apply Now

GCU Experience

When Do You Apply for College?

When do you apply for college? Learn about college application timelines and early decision deadlines so you can plan ahead confidently.

09/04/2025

5 min read

What Is a First-Generation College Student?

What is a first-generation college student? If you’re the first person in your family to graduate from college, then you’re a first-gen student. Learn how GCU supports first-gen students.

07/30/2025

5 min read

How Do Online Classes Work?

Learn how online college works, from virtual classroom basics to managing assignments. Explore if online college is easier and how GCU can help you remotely.

07/28/2025

7 min read

View All Articles

Retrieved from:

¹ AZ Business Magazine (2019, July 18). Phoenix overtakes NYC in top 10 best cities for start-ups. AZ Big Media. Retrieved Jan. 2020.

² U.S. Census Bureau. (n.d.) Quick Facts Phoenix city, Arizona. Retrieved Jan. 2020.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.