Best Online Colleges in Arizona

Kathleen Curtis
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Updated on May 1, 2024
Edited by
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Arizona is home to many top-tier colleges and universities, making it a great destination for students seeking a quality education.
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Best Online Colleges in Arizona

The Grand Canyon State offers a great place to study, whether you’re working on your first degree or seeking a respected Ph.D. program.

Whether you choose to attend one of the many beautiful campuses in person or you’re looking for an online option, Arizona universities offer quality educational options.

We’ll walk you through some of the best online colleges in Arizona, the state’s average tuition rates, and fast-growing jobs.

Featured Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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Best Online Colleges in Arizona

#1 Best Online Colleges in Arizona

University of Arizona

  • Location-markerTucson, AZ
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$10,990
  • Out-of-state$33,739
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$12,348
  • Out-of-state$32,290
  • Retention Rate86%
  • Acceptance Rate87%
  • Students Enrolled51,035
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment56%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Online Colleges in Arizona

Arizona State University Digital Immersion

  • Location-markerScottsdale, AZ
  • 4 year
  • Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$10,710
  • Out-of-state$12,984
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$9,774
  • Out-of-state$9,774
  • Retention Rate74%
  • Acceptance Rate70%
  • Students Enrolled57,848
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment98%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Online Colleges in Arizona

Northern Arizona University

  • Location-markerFlagstaff, AZ
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$10,650
  • Out-of-state$26,286
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,103
  • Out-of-state$20,817
  • Retention Rate76%
  • Acceptance Rate80%
  • Students Enrolled103,007
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment55%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Online Colleges in Arizona

Ottawa University-Surprise

  • Location-markerSurprise, AZ
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$29,600
  • Out-of-state$29,600
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,253
  • Out-of-state$11,253
  • Retention Rate54%
  • Acceptance Rate31%
  • Students Enrolled972
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment93%
  • AccreditationYes

badge-check How We Rank Schools

At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.

Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our rankings methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.

Cost of College in Arizona

The cost of attending college in Arizona can vary dramatically based on whether you attend a public or private institution, as well as whether you pay in-state or out-of-state tuition at a public college.

For in-state students, the average tuition cost in Arizona at public universities was $11,452 in 2022. That’s slightly higher than the national average of $9,596.

Meanwhile, the cost of a private four-year education in Arizona ($13,272) is substantially less than the national average ($34,041).

Cost of College in Arizona in 2021-2022
Institution TypeAverage Tuition & Required Fees
Public Four-Year (In-State)$11,452
Public Four-Year (Out-of-State)$26,025
Private Four-Year$13,272
Public Two-Year (In-State)$2,182
Public Two-Year (Out-of-State)$7,333
Source: NCES

10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Arizona

Many jobs in Arizona are anticipated to grow over the next ten years, creating opportunities to use your degree in an in-demand field. Many of the fastest-growing jobs in the state center around the healthcare industry, with nurse practitioners projected to grow an incredible 71%.

Other careers on pace for growth include those based in technology. Jobs for data scientists are projected to nearly double in the coming years.

Many of these jobs also offer six-figure salaries. Some may require advanced degrees, so review educational requirements before choosing your path.

10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Arizona
JobJob Growth 2022-2032Average Annual Wage 2022
Nurse Practitioners71%$121,410
Physician Assistants51%$122,420
Medical and Health Services Managers50%$121,000
Data Scientists48%$104,220
Physical Therapist Assistants48%$62,880
Occupational Therapy Assistants46%$60,130
Statisticians45%$85,060
Mathematical Science Occupations42%$99,590
Solar Photovoltaic Installers41%$47,880
Home Health and Personal Care Aides40%$31,260
Source: Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Arizona

Arizona State University SkySong 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.

If you’re looking for the most affordable educational option in Arizona, you may want to consider earning an associate degree. Public two-year institutions cost approximately $2,182 per year for in-state learners. In general, public colleges cost less than private institutions, especially for residents of Arizona.


Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed April 9, 2024.

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