Best Online Colleges in Arizona
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An online degree from an Arizona college or university can be a significant step to a lucrative career or advanced education. But why earn your degree online? An online degree from an accredited institution holds the same value as a traditional degree but allows you to complete your education from anywhere — on your own terms.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the mean annual salary in Arizona is $58,620. Graduates from online colleges in Arizona conducting their job searches in healthcare, finance, logistics, engineering, and other sectors may find expanding employment prospects.
The Best Online Colleges in Arizona
How We Rank Schools
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Betfiery.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Arizona boasts online undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as online graduate certificates. Bachelor's programs such as cyber operations, environmental science, and network operations prepare learners for in-demand careers. All courses last 7.5 weeks, and most students take one course at a time. However, the school suggests degree-seekers without additional responsibilities take two courses simultaneously.
Online learners can reach professors through email, text, and one-on-one conferencing through Skype. Degree-seekers use the same methods to work with academic advisors and counselors. As students approach graduation, they can network with alumni mentors to explore job opportunities and gain valuable career advice.
Prospective students complete a four-step application process that involves creating an account and submitting transcripts. All incoming learners must provide FAFSA results by the fall or spring deadline. UArizona does not charge out-of-state tuition, and transfer students may qualify for up to $500 per semester in merit-based scholarships.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Arizona State University Digital Immersion
Scottsdale, AZ - 4 years
- Online
Award-winning faculty and a generous transfer credit policy make Arizona State University one of the best online colleges in Arizona. ASU hosts over 30,000 learners across more than 200 entirely online programs, including degrees and certificates in 18 academic areas such as business, liberal studies, or technology. ASU features six start dates each year.
ASU provides 11 valuable support services to help online learners succeed in the virtual classroom and find a fulfilling career. Students do not pay an additional fee to access online tutors and can speak with success coaches to receive personalized advice. ASU's online Career and Professional Development Service provides all the same benefits that on-campus degree-seekers enjoy.
Prospective freshmen must possess either a high school diploma or GED certificate. Transfer credit should reflect a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA, and applicants to graduate programs should have a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Each program charges a different per-credit tuition rate, and ASU helps incoming learners explore and apply to outside scholarship opportunities.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
One of the best online universities in Arizona, Northern Arizona University offers online programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Unlike other online institutions on this ranking, NAU offers coursework in both a traditional semester format and a competency-based learning structure. The latter requires students to choose a unique start date and pay a flat subscription rate. This can benefit degree-seekers who want to apply outside education -- such as military training -- toward their degree.
Online learners at NAU use Blackboard virtual learning software to communicate with professors and peers, and the university's online library and tutoring resources provide the same excellent services that on-campus students receive. The university also boasts 24/7 IT support. Additionally, online degree-seekers can visit a local NAU campus to use any campus services they need.
NAU accepts both high school transcripts and GED scores. All online students pay the same per-credit tuition rate and fees. Freshmen, transfer, and graduate learners may qualify for merit-based scholarships or need-based grants.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott
Prescott, AZ - 4 years
- Campus
A world-class university with campuses in Arizona and Florida, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees -- as well as certificates -- in areas such as aerospace engineering aviation and aerospace sustainability. Unlike other online colleges on this ranking, ERAU offers free online courses for prospective degree-seekers. Courses last 9-12 weeks, and new students can start a program at one of many points throughout the year.
ERAU attracts students from all over the world; learners study alongside and collaborate with a truly international student body. Advisors provide personalized advice to help degree-seekers create a bespoke program that matches their academic and career goals. Learners can also access technical support at any time of day.
Application requirements vary for undergraduate and graduate programs. Transfer credit must reflect a minimum C grade, and ERAU does not factor in transfer GPA when making financial aid decisions. Freshmen and transfer students may qualify for merit-based scholarships, and awards renew automatically as long as learners maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Arizona Christian University
Glendale, AZ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The only Christian college on this list, Arizona Christian University offers six online bachelor's programs, including business administration, biblical and theological studies, and secondary education. Online programs use the same professors and curriculum as on-campus programs, and new courses start every eight weeks. All professors integrate the Christian worldview into their courses.
Outside of class, online learners can access multiple student services that promote spiritual growth and academic success. The ACU library boasts the latest research tools at no additional cost, and the Academic Center provides both one-on-one and small group tutoring sessions. Additionally, ACU invites online learners living in the Glendale area to attend Tuesday and Thursday religious services.
ACU accepts GED certificates, and applicants with high school transcripts should possess a minimum 2.0 GPA. As a private university, ACU charges the same per-credit tuition rate to all degree-seekers. Incoming students apply for merit-based scholarships and need-based grants by submitting FAFSA results.
ROI Value Score: Low
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
How Much Is Online College in Arizona?
| Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees |
|---|---|
| Public, Four-Year (In-state) | $11,410 |
| Public, Four-Year (Out-of-state) | $25,426 |
| Private, Four-Year | $13,108 |
College costs depend on many factors, such as your state residency and where you attend a public or private institution. As the table above shows, Arizona residents enrolling in a four-year public school pay less on average than individuals attending an Arizona private college or a public school from out of state.
Enrolling in one of the online colleges in Arizona might reduce your tuition costs. If you add up the credit hours, an online degree can be significantly less expensive than one from a traditional on-campus.
Arizona Scholarships
Whether you're fresh out of high school or attending college as a working adult, you can apply for scholarships to fund your education. Check out the following funding opportunities:
Leaving It Better Than You Found It - Hero In The Community
This scholarship is for students who've been accepted as first-year students or are currently enrolled at Arizona State University. You must submit a 250-500 essay on the way you've given back to your community and how you benefited from that experience.
To be eligible for the $1,500 award, you must submit proof of enrollment and the essay by December 31.
Keep Your Chin Up Scholarship Fund
Arizona residents can apply for this scholarship by completing an online application by October 15, which includes an essay of up to 750 words. To be eligible, you also must be at least 25 years old and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
You also need to show financial need and be an undergraduate. Past recipients have received up to $5,000.
Pinpoint Leak Detection's Innovation Scholarship
This $1,000 scholarship is designed for students demonstrating innovative thinking, hard work, and a commitment to furthering their education.
Eligibility requirements include Arizona residency, enrollment at an accredited Arizona school, and a minimum GPA of 2.5. The application deadline is December 19, 2023.
Rose Garreau American Indian Scholarship
Indigenous Americans attending Arizona State University can apply for this $1,000 scholarship, which is based on financial need. To apply, you need to complete the FAFSA, be enrolled at least half-time, and have proof of tribal membership. The application deadline is October 6.
10 Fastest-Growing Jobs in Arizona That Require a Bachelor's Degree
Graduates from online colleges in Arizona can find promising job prospects without leaving the state. According to the BLS, Arizona has a fairly low 4% unemployment rate as of September 2023.
Arizona ranks among the top one-third of states in the U.S. in the number of job openings. You can find some of the state's fastest-growing careers in healthcare, information technology and security, finance, engineering, research analysis, athletics, and interpretation and translation.
Note: This table only includes occupations that require a bachelor's degree and had employment numbers of at least 1,500 positions in 2021.
| Job | Annual Percent Change | Median Annual Wage (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Medical and Health Service Managers | 4.2% | $104,830 |
| Information Security Analysts | 3.9% | $112,000 |
| Logisticians | 3.9% | $77,520 |
| Interpreters and Translators | 3.6% | $53,640 |
| Financial Examiners | 3.6% | $82,210 |
| Substance Abuse Counselors | 3.3% | $49,710 |
| Operations Research Analyst | 3.3% | $85,720 |
| Market Research Analyst | 3.1% | $68,230 |
| Industrial Engineers | 2.9% | $96,350 |
| Financial Managers | 2.8% | $139,790 |
| Coaches and Scouts | 2.6% | $44,890 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Arizona
What is the easiest online college to get into in Arizona?
With an acceptance rate of almost 90%, Arizona State University (ASU) is one of the easiest online colleges to get accepted into. This relatively high acceptance rate has helped make ASU one of the 10 largest universities in the U.S.
Many schools, like Diné College in Tsaile, Arizona, have an open admissions policy for their online programs, meaning they accept all applicants with a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Open admissions policies help reduce the cost of college, increase student diversity, and make college more accessible to low-income and nontraditional students.
Do I need to live in Arizona to attend an online college in Arizona?
No. Online colleges in Arizona typically accept students from anywhere in the world. However, the ability to pay in-state tuition may depend on the program and how you show residency status.
For example, if you have lived in Arizona for fewer than 12 months, there may be another pathway to residency, such as military service, being married to a resident, tribal membership, or other conditions.
What is the cheapest online college in Arizona?
Arizona State University-Scottsdale offers the most affordable online education in the state, which is under $9,000 a year for in-state students. Other campuses in the ASU system, such as Tempe, also have relatively low tuition rates for their online programs.
