Best Online Colleges in Arizona

Arizona is home to many top-tier colleges and universities, making it a great destination for students seeking a quality education.
Kathleen Curtis
By
Edited by
Reviewed by
Our Integrity Network

At BestColleges.com, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, ”What information is vital to students right now?” Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.


The freelance Integrity Network at BestColleges is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring their expertise to almost every subject relevant to college students, including admissions, college majors, financial aid, and student mental health. Network members review and author content, pulling from their first-hand industry experience and ensuring content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.


If you're interested in joining our Integrity Network, contact us at media@bestcolleges.com. Integrity Network members typically have a graduate or terminal degree and several years of relevant professional experience.


Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.

Updated May 1, 2024
chevron-up

Why Trust BestColleges

  • graphs

    3,700+ Nonprofit, accredited colleges analyzed

  • Phone

    6,000+ Users connected with programs every month

  • 300+ College and university partners

  • 40+ Expert reviewers

Learn more about our 

Our Integrity Network

At BestColleges.com, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, ”What information is vital to students right now?” Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.

The freelance Integrity Network at BestColleges is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring their expertise to almost every subject relevant to college students, including admissions, college majors, financial aid, and student mental health. Network members review and author content, pulling from their first-hand industry experience and ensuring content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.

If you're interested in joining our Integrity Network, contact us at media@bestcolleges.com. Integrity Network members typically have a graduate or terminal degree and several years of relevant professional experience.


Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.

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.

Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site
Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site
Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site
In this Article
chevron-down

Best Online Colleges in Arizona

#1

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ4 yearCampus + Online

$10,990

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$33,739

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

87%

Acceptance Rate

56%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,348

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,290

Retention Rate

86%

Students Enrolled

51,035

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,990

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,739

Tucson, AZ4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,990

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,739

Acceptance Rate

87%

Online Enrollment

56%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,348

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,290

Retention Rate

86%

Students Enrolled

51,035

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#2

$10,710

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$12,984

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

70%

Acceptance Rate

98%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,774

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,774

Retention Rate

74%

Students Enrolled

57,848

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,710

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,984

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,710

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,984

Acceptance Rate

70%

Online Enrollment

98%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,774

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,774

Retention Rate

74%

Students Enrolled

57,848

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#3

Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, AZ4 yearCampus + Online

$10,650

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$26,286

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

80%

Acceptance Rate

55%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,103

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,817

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

103,007

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,650

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,286

Flagstaff, AZ4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,650

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,286

Acceptance Rate

80%

Online Enrollment

55%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,103

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,817

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

103,007

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#4

Ottawa University-Surprise

Surprise, AZ4 yearCampus + Online

$29,600

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$29,600

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

31%

Acceptance Rate

93%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,253

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,253

Retention Rate

54%

Students Enrolled

972

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$29,600

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$29,600

Surprise, AZ4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$29,600

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$29,600

Acceptance Rate

31%

Online Enrollment

93%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,253

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,253

Retention Rate

54%

Students Enrolled

972

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

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.

Explore More College Resources

Is There an HBCU in Arizona?

Is There an HBCU in Arizona?

Black students in Arizona interested in attending an HBCU might wonder if there’s one nearby. Read about HBCUs in or near Arizona.

Ellery Weil, Ph.D.

by Ellery Weil, Ph.D.

Updated August 21, 2023

Best Community Colleges in Arizona

Best Community Colleges in Arizona

The higher education experts at BestColleges.com have reviewed top community colleges in Arizona. Start planning your future at BestColleges.com.

Danika Miller

by Danika Miller

Updated October 31, 2024

Arizona Passes Amendment to Extend In-State Tuition to Undocumented Students

Arizona Passes Amendment to Extend In-State Tuition to Undocumented Students

Proposition 308 allows all Arizona high school graduates, regardless of immigration status, to pay in-state tuition at a public college.

Matthew Arrojas

by Matthew Arrojas

Updated November 30, 2022