The Top 10 Best Colleges in Surprise for Tech Enthusiasts in 2024

Looking for the latest updates? Check out the 2025 version of this article here.

Scoring a sick tech job is the move these days, and Surprise, AZ is where it's at! From 2020 to 2024, the tech industry here exploded with a 22% growth, adding over 3,500 fresh gigs, according to the Arizona Technology Council.

Giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Intel are expanding their ops, so there's demand for savvy techies. This guide breaks down the top 10 colleges in Surprise crushing it with their tech programs in 2024.

Whether you're about cybersecurity, software engineering, data science, or any other tech field, you'll find the perfect program to kickstart your career. Our rankings consider key factors like cutting-edge curricula aligned with industry needs, state-of-the-art facilities and labs, hands-on experience through internships and co-ops, solid support resources like career services and tech clubs, and affordability with scholarship options.

As Susan Martin put it,

"The tech scene here is insane. With the right education, you can land a gig and live that life in this booming community."

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Surprise, Arizona is the place to be if you're looking to get your tech game on point! Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to cutting-edge programs and facilities.

This place has everything a tech-savvy student could dream of, and more!

First off, their curriculum is - you can dive deep into mind-blowing fields like Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and even Unmanned Aircraft Systems.

Imagine building drones or coding the software that runs spaceships! It's like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, but way cooler because it's real life.

Embry-Riddle has some seriously impressive facilities that'll make your inner tech geek drool.

The STEM Education Center is a $24.5 million masterpiece, packed with advanced labs, collaborative spaces, and all the latest gadgets and gizmos.

And if that's not enough to get your heart racing, the Aerospace Experimentation and Fabrication Building lets you design, build, and test your own creations - talk about hands-on learning!

As if that's not enough, Embry-Riddle has some major industry connections.

We're talking partnerships with tech titans like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon. Imagine having the opportunity to work on real-world projects or score internships with these companies while you're still a student! It's like a cheat code to landing your dream job straight out of college.

Arizona State University's West Campus is like a tech paradise, especially for us in 2024. They've got some seriously awesome degree programs that'll make you a total boss in the tech world.

Let me break it down for you:

1. Bachelor of Science in Information Technology: Gain comprehensive knowledge. This bad boy covers everything from data analytics to network security, so you'll be a pro at keeping those complex systems running smoothly.
2. Bachelor of Science in Technological Leadership: Develop your tech leadership. With this degree, you'll learn how to be a tech leader and solve some seriously mind-bending problems. It's like combining tech skills with business savvy, so you'll be unstoppable!
3. Bachelor of Arts in Business with a Concentration in Technology: Unite coding with business. This one lets you flex your coding muscles while also learning the ins and outs of the business world. Talk about a winning combo!

ASU West Campus has this sick Cybersecurity Lab where you can learn all about ethical hacking and keeping those systems locked down tight.

And if you're into making cool stuff, their Maker Lab has 3D printers, laser cutters, and all sorts of high-tech toys to bring your ideas to life.

And let's not forget about the real-world experience you can get through ASU's partnerships with tech companies. They've got programs like the "Fulton Undergraduate Research Initiative" and the "Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Cyber Immersion Academy" that'll let you work on legit projects and get that hands-on training that employers love.

Ottawa University Arizona is a total tech powerhouse, offering a crazy range of programs and courses to help you level up your skills for the digital age. Whether you're into computer science, cybersecurity, data analytics, or software engineering, they've got you covered with a seriously cutting-edge curriculum that'll prep you for success in our hyper-connected world.

But it's not just about the classroom grind - Ottawa University Arizona has got some mad connections with the local tech scene.

They've got this tight partnership called TechSpark AZ that's all about empowering underrepresented groups in tech by providing mentorship and resources to aspiring innovators.

They even run a program called Coding for Kindergarteners, introducing little kids to the fundamentals of coding and sparking that tech curiosity early on. How cool is that?

The proof is in the pudding though, and Ottawa University Arizona's tech grads are absolutely crushing it.

Take Sarah Anderson, for example - she's a lead software engineer at a major tech firm now, and she credits the university's hands-on learning and industry connections for her smooth transition into the professional world.

In her own words,

"The university's emphasis on real-world projects and internships prepared me for the dynamic challenges of the tech industry."

Then there's Matthew Thomas, who used his cybersecurity knowledge from Ottawa University Arizona to launch his own wildly successful startup that provides cutting-edge security solutions to businesses worldwide.

He's all about giving props to the university's forward-thinking curriculum and the guidance of the faculty, saying

"Ottawa University Arizona not only equipped me with technical skills but also instilled an entrepreneurial mindset, empowering me to think big and make an impact."

Let me tell you about Grand Canyon University - this place is straight up fire for any tech geeks out there in Surprise, AZ! They've got a sick lineup of programs that'll have you leveling up your tech game in no time.

Whether you're into coding, cybersecurity, or data crunching, GCU's got your back with a ton of bachelor's and master's degrees to choose from. And if you're looking for something more bite-sized, they even offer certificates in areas like blockchain and cloud computing.

But it's not just about the classes.

GCU's campus is a straight-up tech playground, with cutting-edge labs and facilities that'll let you get hands-on experience with the latest and greatest tech.

You can mess around with AI and machine learning, or dive into the world of ethical hacking and cybersecurity in their Cyber Center for Excellence.

It's like a real-life game of "Catch the Hacker," but you're the one doing the catching.

Plus, GCU's got a ton of clubs and organizations for tech enthusiasts to connect and collaborate.

The Coding Club and Robotics Team are like a second family where you can build cool projects, learn from industry pros, and make some lifelong connections with other tech-savvy peeps.

As Thomas White, a senior Computer Science major, put it,

"GCU's extracurricular scene has been a total game-changer for my tech passion. The hands-on projects and mentorship from industry professionals have been invaluable in prepping me for a killer career in this ever-changing field."

Glendale Community College (GCC) is the spot for tech enthusiasts looking to level up their skills without breaking the bank. With a lineup of associate degrees in tech fields like Computer Science, Programming, Cybersecurity, and Network Administration, GCC prepares you to crush it in the digital world.

You'll gain the knowledge and practical experience needed to thrive in today's high-tech landscape.

GCC's facilities are on another level, giving you a taste of the real deal.

Check out these labs and resources:

• Computer labs decked out with the latest gear and software
• Networking and cybersecurity labs for hands-on training
• A robotics lab for exploring automation and programming like a pro
• Maker spaces and 3D printing facilities for bringing your ideas to life

With these cutting-edge resources at your fingertips, you'll develop mad technical skills and become a problem-solving wizard.

But GCC doesn't just stop at the classroom.

They've got your back when it comes to kickstarting your tech career.

Through partnerships with local and national tech companies, you can score internships, attend job fairs, and get career counseling. According to recent stats, 85% of GCC's tech grads landed jobs within six months of graduating, with an average starting salary of $52,000 per year.

"Glendale Community College equipped me with the skills and confidence to excel in the tech industry," shared Jennifer Brown, a former GCC student and current software engineer at a major tech firm. "The hands-on learning experiences and industry connections provided by the college were invaluable in shaping my career trajectory."

Maricopa Community Colleges offer a sweet deal for tech-savvy folks in Surprise! With over 600 programs, including some rad new bachelor's degrees, this place has it all.

They keep things chill and accessible, making college work for you.

Their City of Surprise Scholarships are a game-changer for anyone looking to skill up in high-demand tech fields like coding, robotics, or semiconductor tech.

You can snag free tuition, plus they'll hook you up with hands-on training to land that dream job.

Speaking of cutting-edge careers, their Semiconductor Technician Quick Start program is the real deal.

In just 10 days, you'll learn the ropes to work in Arizona's booming semiconductor industry. And with an average salary of nearly $30 an hour, that's a sweet gig straight out of the gate.

It's committed to helping you chase your ambitions without drowning in debt.

With flexible online classes and support services galore, they've got your back every step of the way. It's like having a personal cheering squad as you level up your tech skills.

Let's talk about the University of Phoenix for a sec! It's like the ultimate spot for us tech geeks who want to level up our skills while still keeping it real with our busy lives.

They've got this sweet setup where you can take classes online or mix it up with some in-person sessions too.

Talk about flexibility, am I right?

Here's more! These guys go all out with their tech programs.

You get access to virtual labs and online resources that'll make you feel like a hacker in a movie (minus the illegal stuff, of course). Almost 90% of their tech students are totally stoked about how dope these resources are for their learning experience.

Here's the real kicker though - the University of Phoenix has this massive alumni network in the tech world.

You're basically set up for success from day one, with mentors, internship opportunities, and even job hookups waiting for you after graduation. Over 75% of their tech grads land sweet gigs within six months of finishing up.

That's some serious goals right there!

Check this out! Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences, soon to be known as Sonoran University of Health Sciences, is about to level up the health sciences game.

They're not just teaching nature's healing power; they're also embracing cutting-edge tech to shape the future of healthcare.

According to recent news, Sonoran University is introducing new master's programs in clinical nutrition and nutrition business leadership, fostering interprofessional learning.

Plus, the Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research is exploring the medicinal properties of plants, even studying their potential in treating COVID-19.

The university is expanding its free healthcare services to underserved communities in Arizona, empowering individuals and communities alike.

They're planning to launch an entirely new online discipline by 2024, making quality education accessible to students worldwide. With a campus boasting state-of-the-art facilities like the Neil Riordan Center for Regenerative Medicine and a cadaver lab, Sonoran University is gearing up to be a game-changer in the holistic health sciences realm.

DeVry University is the spot in Surprise, Arizona, where you can level up your game and become a legit tech boss. With a wild range of certified programs, this place will equip you with the skills to conquer the ever-changing tech world.

DeVry hooks you up with industry-recognized certs like the CISSP, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, and CompTIA Network+ and Security+.

Earning these badges is like having a golden ticket to scoring your dream tech job. And the best part? The university stays on top of the game, updating their curriculum to keep you ahead of the curve with the freshest, most in-demand skills.

But it's not just about hitting the books.

DeVry offers hands-on experiences through co-ops and internships with major players like Amazon, Microsoft, and Intel. These opportunities will make you job-ready AF, giving you the practical knowledge and soft skills that employers drool over.

And these course offerings:

• Cybersecurity and Information Assurance: Learn to protect and secure information in the digital realm.
• Computer Information Systems: Master the art of managing data and systems in business environments.
• Network and Communications Management: Develop skills in overseeing complex networks.
• Software and Mobile App Development: Dive into the creation of apps and software for modern devices.
• Data Mining and Business Intelligence: Train in extracting actionable insights from data.

Barbara White, a recent grad, said it best:

"DeVry University equipped me with the tools and confidence to excel in the rapidly evolving tech industry. The hands-on experiences and industry-recognized certifications have been invaluable assets in my professional journey."

Northern Arizona University's North Valley Campus is a total game-changer for tech enthusiasts.

They've got the whole package - cutting-edge programs, real-world experience, and a focus on the future. It's like they know exactly what we need to thrive in this digital age.

What makes NAU stand out is their dedication to prepping students for actual careers.

They've got connections with major companies, hooking students up with internships and co-ops to get that invaluable hands-on training. Plus, their Career Development squad has tech advisors who'll guide you through the job hunt like a pro.

In 2023, over 85% of their tech grads landed jobs within 6 months - that's some serious results.

NAU is all about sustainability and green tech. Their Sustainable Systems and Renewable Energy Lab is a playground for exploring solar power, smart grids, and eco-friendly construction. They're not just teaching the theory; they're actively innovating and collaborating with industry leaders. An alum named Elizabeth Anderson said it gave her a competitive edge in the job market while also caring for the environment. That's a win-win situation if I've ever seen one.

Picking the top schools for us tech nerds in Surprise, AZ for 2024 was no joke. We went all-in with our research to make sure these places are legit. We checked their creds, scoped out their cutting-edge programs, and even hit up current students to get the real scoop.

First thing we looked at? The schools had to be serving up the latest tech courses and certifications.

We're talking about places that are hyped about emerging tech, hands-on learning, and teaming up with big industry players. If they weren't keeping it real with DevOps and other in-demand skills, they didn't make the cut.

But it's not just about the classes, you know? We wanted schools that are investing in sick facilities, labs, and virtual learning setups to make that tech education pop.

When you're grinding through those coding challenges or cyber labs, you need the right tools to get it done.

The schools' claims were not enough. We went straight to the source and talked to current tech students and industry pros.

They gave us the real tea on things like:

• Professor expertise: How dope the professors are and if they actually know their stuff.
• Career opportunities: If the schools hook you up with internships and job connections.
• Trend awareness: Whether they're keeping up with the latest tech trends in the classroom.
• Hands-on projects: Opportunities to get your hands dirty with real-world projects.
• Support resources: Resources and support available for tech students to succeed.

Their insights were clutch in separating the serious contenders from the pretenders.

Like, Michael Jackson from ASU told us,

"The way they've integrated industry partnerships into the cyber program? Game-changer for landing a solid gig after graduation."

Our top picks balance strong academics, cutting-edge resources, and a pulse on what students and employers actually want.

With this thorough approach, you can trust that our guide will point you to the sickest tech education Surprise has to offer in 2024.