The University of Arizona

Overview

The University of Arizona, located in Tucson, is a prominent research institution with a history that predates the state it is named after. Established in 1885, when Arizona was still a U.S. territory, the university's initial funding was met with resistance from Tucson's residents, who had hoped the funds would go toward building a mental hospital instead. Despite this reluctance, two professional gamblers and a saloon keeper donated land in 1887, allowing the university's construction to begin, with classes starting in 1891.

Over the years, the university expanded to occupy over 380 acres in central Tucson, much of which is now designated as an arboretum due to the rare trees found on campus. The architecture is notably characterized by the widespread use of red brick, especially in the building facades.

The University of Arizona consists of multiple colleges, including two medical schools and the highly regarded Banner-University Medical Center, one of the top hospitals in the U.S. It also houses the University of Arizona Honors College, which offers an experience similar to that of a liberal arts college and serves more than 4,500 students.