The Ultimate Guide to Planning an Arizona College Tour

Arizona is home to an exceptional roster of colleges and universities that attract students from across the country and the world. If you’re tasked with planning a college tour for a group of high school students in your area, be sure to add a few Arizona schools to your itinerary. However, visiting multiple campuses across Arizona requires careful planning, especially when it comes to transportation. Public transportation options are limited between cities, and individual cars can be inconvenient for large groups. The solution? A charter bus rental through Busrental.net. Our modern fleet of buses and minibuses will keep your students comfortable and entertained as they explore Arizona’s top colleges.

Read on for our guide to planning the ultimate college tour in Arizona. We’ll suggest some of the schools you won’t want to miss and provide tips for organizing group transportation. When you’re ready to start planning your Arizona college road trip, call 877-200-4461 to reserve your charter bus rental today!

Large Public Universities

University of Arizona – Tucson

As the state’s flagship public university, the University of Arizona attracts around 45,000 students to its Tucson campus each year. U of A is highly ranked for its research programs and medical school and is classified as a Public Ivy and a Hispanic-Serving Institution. Students praise the strong sense of community and school spirit in this diverse desert campus.

Group Campus Tours: The U of A offers three types of group tours: a 75-minute walking tour, a 90-minute comprehensive tour that includes campus transit, or a specialized tour customized to your group’s needs. You can submit a request for your preferred tour online. Groups must have 10-300 participants to qualify for these options.

Transportation Tip: Have your charter bus drop off and pick up at the Visitor Center. Bus parking is available in lots near 6th St and Euclid Ave or 6th St. and Highland Ave. Your driver will need to purchase a daily pass.

Arizona State University - Tempe

Home to around 75,000 students across multiple campuses, ASU is currently the largest public university in the United States. The Tempe campus alone welcomes over 50,000 students each year. Arizona State has gained recognition for innovation and accessibility in higher education. The school has an expansive online degree program along with options for transfer students. On-campus students praise the strong academics and exciting Tempe, AZ location.

Group Campus Tours: You can request a specialized group tour for parties between 10 and 50 people. These 90-minute tours need to be booked at least 14 days in advance. You'll receive an informational presentation and walking tour of campus led by student ambassadors.

Transportation Tip: Give your charter bus driver the address for the ASU Visitor Center for drop-off and pickup. Oversized vehicle parking requires a permit. Be sure to request bus parking when booking your tour.

Northern Arizona University – Flagstaff

Northern Arizona University offers a traditional college campus environment in the beautiful mountain town of Flagstaff. The school has a student body of around 30,000 students. NAU is considered a leader in education innovation and provides plentiful study abroad opportunities. Popular majors include nursing, education, psychology, hotel and restaurant management, and more.

Group Campus Tours: You can request a specialized group tour for parties between 10 and 70 people. Tours are available Monday through Friday at 9:30 AM and 1 PM during the school year. Tours last 90 minutes.

Transportation Tip: Your charter bus can drop off your group at the NAU Welcome Center off Knoles Drive. The driver will then need to proceed to park at the Colton Parking Garage where they can purchase a day parking pass.

Small Private Universities

Grand Canyon University - Phoenix

Grand Canyon University is a private Christian university that welcomes around 20,000 students - both online and to its Phoenix campus. Students praise the challenging yet supportive academic environment and wide array of student clubs and organizations. GCU's campus is praised for its beauty, facilities, and amenities. Popular majors include education, nursing, business, theology, and engineering.

Group Campus Tours: GCU offers private group tours for parties of 20 or more. You'll need to submit a request at least two weeks prior to your preferred date. Tours are available Monday through Saturday.

Transportation Tip: Your charter bus can drop off your group right at Canyon Hall. The driver will then proceed to park at a designated lot that will be specified when you book your tour.

Prescott College - Prescott

Located in the scenic mountains of Prescott, Arizona, Prescott College provides a liberal arts education focused on environmental studies, adventure education, and sustainability. Students praise the non-traditional academic format based on experiential learning. With around 800 total students, Prescott College is best for students craving a tight-knit academic community.

Group Campus Tours: Prescott College offers private group tours for parties of 15 or more people. You'll need to submit a request at least 2 weeks prior to your preferred date. Group tours are available Monday through Friday.

Transportation Tip: Have your charter bus drop off at the Sharlot Hall Museum, which is adjacent to campus. Your driver can then proceed to park at a nearby public parking garage. Directions will be provided when you book your tour.

Ottawa University - Phoenix

Ottawa University is a private Christian university with a campus in Phoenix's West Valley. Ottawa offers a liberal arts curriculum with popular programs including business, education, and health care. As a branch of the Ottawa University system based in Kansas, the school only has a student body around 600 students. This exceptionally small size makes for intimate classes.

Group Campus Tours: Ottawa University's Phoenix campus offers private group tours for parties of 10 or more. You'll need to call to schedule your visit at least one week in advance. Tours are available Monday through Friday.

Transportation Tip: Ottawa's small campus size means parking is limited. Have your driver drop off your group near the welcome center, then proceed to park off-campus on local streets. Your guide can point your driver to appropriate parking locations.

Plan Your Arizona College Tour

Visiting colleges across Arizona? A charter bus rental from Busrental.net will provide your student group with comfortable, reliable group transportation. Our team of experts makes planning group travel simple. Call 877-200-4461 when you're ready to reserve your bus and start exploring Arizona's exceptional higher education opportunities!