Best Online Colleges in Arizona
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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.
Best Online Colleges in Arizona
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.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
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $500
Out-of-State | $500
Credits to Graduate: 120
The University of Arizona is Arizona's land-grant university, boasting a diverse student body of over 46,000 students. The university offers over 150 undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificate programs online.
Students can choose to enroll in a degree or certificate program or take a single class.
The university offers six online start dates throughout the year. Each course is 7.5 weeks long to offer students maximum ability to balance their courses with a career or other responsibilities.
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
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $560
Out-of-State | $560
Credits to Graduate: 120
The Arizona State University Digital Immersion is part of Arizona State University, one of the most innovative schools in the United States. The university is proud of its culture of innovation and inclusion and has students enrolled from all 50 states and over 130 countries.
Arizona State University's online program has six start dates per year, offering over 300 undergraduate and graduate degrees that are completely online. There are over 82,000 students enrolled in the online program.
ROI Value Score: High
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
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $378
Out-of-State | $378
Credits to Graduate: 120
Founded as a teacher's college in 1899, Northern Arizona University now offers undergraduate and graduate degrees with over 150 programs just online. The school enrolls 28,000 students in all of its locations, including online, each year.
Northern Arizona University is ranked in the top three universities nationally for its virtual student services, as well as number one in the state for the lowest average student debt. All online students receive 24/7 technical support and a personal peer mentor during the fall and spring semesters.
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.
Ottawa University-Surprise
Surprise, AZ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,060
Out-of-State | $1,060
Credits to Graduate: 120
Ottawa University-Surprise is a division of Ottawa University, a private university that was founded in 1865 and named after the Ottawa Indian tribe. They offer in person classes in both Arizona and Kansas, in addition to online and evening courses in Arizona, Kansas City, Milwaukee, and internationally.
The university offers undergraduate online programs in 16 different concentrations and four different graduate online programs. Some programs are conducted completely online, while others include a blend of online instruction and in-person interaction.
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.
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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).
| Institution Type | Average 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 |
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.
| Job | Job Growth 2022-2032 | Average Annual Wage 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 71% | $121,410 |
| Physician Assistants | 51% | $122,420 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 50% | $121,000 |
| Data Scientists | 48% | $104,220 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 48% | $62,880 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants | 46% | $60,130 |
| Statisticians | 45% | $85,060 |
| Mathematical Science Occupations | 42% | $99,590 |
| Solar Photovoltaic Installers | 41% | $47,880 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 40% | $31,260 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Arizona
What is the cheapest online college 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.
How many online colleges are in Arizona?
Many of Arizona's colleges and universities offer online degree programming, making it easy for busy students — or those who live in more remote areas — to undertake a quality education. Some schools may offer a more limited variety than others, so carefully review your options.
Can you go to college for free in Arizona?
The Arizona Promise Program covers all tuition and fees at public Arizona universities for qualifying students for up to four years. To take advantage of this scholarship, you must reside in Arizona, hold a 2.5 or higher GPA, complete the FAFSA, and qualify for federal Pell Grant awards.
What is the easiest online college to get into in Arizona?
Arizona State University maintains an acceptance rate of nearly 90%, making it one of the easiest online schools to attend in the state.
Meanwhile, several schools in the state also maintain open admission policies for any student with a high school diploma or GED certificate. Mesa Community College is one example of a school providing open admissions.
What is the #1 college in Arizona?
As one of the 10 largest universities in the country, Arizona State University provides myriad degrees at every educational level, including a robust selection of online degrees. As an added benefit, the school does not charge out-of-state tuition for distance learners.
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.
