Best Online Colleges in Arizona
Known as the top producer of copper, Arizona also sees hundreds of thousands of college students graduate each year. Public college enrollment in Arizona jumped to 251,194 students in the fall of 2022, mostly due to the demand for online programs.
Arizona colleges, such as Arizona State University, Grand Canyon University, and the University of Phoenix, have some of the highest enrollment rates in the country. The online learning community makes up 41.6% of student enrollment in Arizona.
Top Online Colleges in Arizona for 2024
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ- 4 year
- Campus + Online
A public institution located in Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University ranks among the best online schools. A total of 18 online bachelor's programs are available to the accredited school's distance learners. The institution's online enrollment totals 14,098.
Remote learners complete coursework in a virtual classroom environment during an online program. Advisors help arrange for students to complete internships, practicums, and other in-person requirements in their local area. Academic advising, career counseling, and online tutoring are just some of the student services that the institution makes available to online learners. Graduates transition to the workforce smoothly because of the knowledge and skills gained through the university's many experiential learning opportunities.
Online degrees from the school charge an affordable tuition rate. The accredited institution offers financial aid, including federal aid programs and scholarships, to online students who meet the criteria.
- In-State$10,018
- Out-of-state$16,613
- In-State$10,305
- Out-of-state$19,522
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled30,733
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
Prescott College
- Prescott, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Working students studying online receive the same education as on-campus students at Prescott College. The private school delivers 52 online programs. The institution's online degrees rank among the nation’s best. The school enrolls students in a variety of bachelor’s and graduate programs. Students choose online degrees for various reasons.
The school’s online programs attract students who need flexibility. Nontraditional learners transfer credits or an associate degree to accelerate degree completion. Distance learners need not submit test scores for application to many institutions. The admission rate at the school is 97%. Prescott College has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an independent accrediting body.
Prescott College at a Glance:
Institution Status: Private
Total Online Students Enrolled: 649
Number of Online Programs: 52
Bachelor’s Available Online: 14
Cost of Tuition for Undergraduates: $30,888 a year in-state and out-of-state
Rate of Admission: 97%
- In-State$30,888
- Out-of-state$30,888
- In-State$21,696
- Out-of-state$21,696
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance Rate97%
- Students Enrolled993
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
Arizona State University
- Tempe, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Arizona State University is a public school in Tempe. Students enroll in the school’s residential and online undergraduate and graduate degrees. Online learners choose from a catalog of 353 online degrees. The programs provide a rigorous liberal arts and professional education. Students can pursue programs in various fields.
Students learn from classroom lectures and practical experiences such as internships and practicums. Some degrees require limited residencies during which students meet with faculty and peers. However, most online degrees require no campus visits. Faculty bring real-world experience into the classroom. Distance learners receive online tutoring services and other assistance. Prospective students can expect an 86% admission rate at Arizona State University. Enrollees afford college with competitive tuition rates and financial aid. Residents and nonresidents pay the same online tuition rate. Distance learners can expect an average total aid of $12,100 per student.
Arizona State University holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
- In-State$10,710
- Out-of-state$28,800
- In-State$11,720
- Out-of-state$26,160
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled53,286
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
University of Arizona
- Tucson, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Working professionals can explore affordable online programs at the University of Arizona. The institution offers a robust catalog of degrees for undergraduate and graduate students. Nontraditional learners pursue the institution’s degrees for career preparation and advancement. The school offers full-time and part-time enrollment options. Students benefit from the online programs' flexible course schedules. Hybrid degrees offer the best of both worlds with in-person and online sessions. Smaller classes help students achieve better outcomes.
University of Arizona graduate students can earn one of 27 online master’s degrees or two doctoral degrees. The institution's competitive tuition rates and average $11,157 financial aid package make degrees more affordable.
University of Arizona Numbers:
Institution Status: Public
Number of Virtual Learners: 18,590
Available Online Degrees: 95
Total Bachelor’s Degrees Online: 24
Tuition Rate Per Unit: $1,050
Enrollees Receiving Financial Aid: 91%
- In-State$10,990
- Out-of-state$33,273
- In-State$11,938
- Out-of-state$32,065
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled44,577
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
Arizona State University
- Scottsdale, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Students enroll in a total of 131 programs offered by Arizona State University from its Scottsdale campus. The public institution features on-campus and online programs. Many degree-seekers choose to earn their degree online because of the distance learning programs' flexibility and 25-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. The school's top-ranking programs are designed for busy students and working professionals.
For online degrees, remote learners use a virtual classroom space to interact with each other and their teachers. They learn key skills and information for their future careers. Developing in-demand skills, such as problem-solving and critical thinking, is one of the many benefits learners receive during general education classes. The online school's distance learners access support through academic advising, tutoring services, and career counseling. Enrollees earn a degree that meets accreditation standards.
Arizona State University at a Glance:
Total Number of Online Bachelor's Programs: 54
Total Available Online Master's Programs: 48
Applicants Admitted: 64%
- In-State$8,867
- Out-of-state$19,282
- In-State$6,384
- Out-of-state$6,384
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled45,073
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment98%
- AccreditationYes
Price Check
Did you know that Arizona’s average student loan borrower owes $36,300?
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Arizona
According to the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, Arizona employers have added 64,600 positions since April 2023. The fastest-growing sectors include education, health, and professional and business services.
Arizona’s healthcare sectors, specifically nursing, need more employees to meet the growing aging population and retiring nursing workforce.
| Job | Projected Growth, 2022-2032 | Annual Mean Wage in AZ, May 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 71.3% | $132,560 |
| Respiratory Therapists | 31.2% | $74,750 |
| Speech-Language Pathologists | 35.8% | $97,510 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorders, and Mental health | 39.1% | $60,640 |
| Information Security Analysts | 39.6% (2018-2028) | $112,480 |
| Interpreters and Translators | 14.2% | $47,550 |
| Logisticians | 31.3% | $81,420 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | 26.2% | $66,110 |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | 25.1% | $76,700 |
Majors to Consider to Prepare for Arizona’s Job Market
According to a 2024 study of nearly 6 million Americans, earning a college degree pays off. However, your return on investment depends on the major. If you want to maximize the worth of your college degree, consider pursuing majors at Arizona colleges that can lead to in-demand careers.
Computer Science
Degrees in computer science often offer specializations in analytics, cybersecurity, and health information to prepare you for faster-than-average careers in healthcare, marketing, and technology. The Projections Center predicts faster growth in these industries compared to other occupations.Counseling
Arizona anticipates higher-than-average demand for counseling and social services. A master’s of science in counseling commonly offers concentrations that can lead to fast-growing careers in social work, substance misuse, and mental health counseling.Communications
A communication degree provides a market-relevant education. Arizona degree-holders can aspire to become market research analysts or interpreters and translators. Arizona receives projections indicating these careers may see sustained growth in the long term.Nursing
Nursing received some of the strongest growth projections in the state. Becoming a registered nurse requires at least an associate of science in nursing or a bachelor of science in nursing, and nurse practitioners need master of science in nursing degrees.
Cost of Living in Arizona
Renters living in Arizona pay considerably less for living expenses than states and regions that require a higher living wage, such as Hawaii and Washington, D.C. Food and transportation in Arizona are still comparable to costs in more expensive areas, however.
Arizonans pay an annual transportation cost of $9,890, compared to $10,997 in Hawaii. Online students in Arizona save money by eliminating the need to commute to campus.
| Cost of Living Category | Average Cost Per Month |
|---|---|
| Housing | $1,295 |
| Food | $335 |
| Transportation | $824 |
| Medical Care | $224 |
Scholarships and Cost Savings for Online Colleges in Arizona
You can tap into free tuition aid at any degree level. Full-ride scholarship opportunities may be limited, but college students have options such as partial scholarships, grants, and work-study positions.
College students nationwide receive approximately $6 billion in scholarship aid each year. Scholarships include merit-based and need-based awards. Arizona students can apply for scholarships through state, college, and community organizations.
Arizona Community Foundation
This foundation allows students to apply for over 150 scholarships with just one application. Applications open on Jan. 1 with varying closing dates. Students in four-year, two-year, graduate, and vocational programs can receive awards.
Arizona Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership
This need-based scholarship provides low-income undergraduates with up to $2,500 each year. Candidates must attend participating institutions and qualify for Pell Grants. Each student is automatically considered for this scholarship when applying for financial aid at a qualifying college.
Arizona State University Foundation
ASU scholarships support students from various backgrounds. For instance, the Ken Hollin Scholarship recognizes transfer students from Arizona Western College, and the Sun Devil Club Scholarship awards standout athletes. Applicants may need recommendation letters to apply.
Dorrance Scholarship Program
The Dorrance Scholarship Program supports first-generation learners. Incoming first-year students can renew this scholarship and receive up to $12,000 over four years. Must be an Arizona resident, high school senior, and incoming student at Arizona State University in Tempe, Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, or University of Arizona in Tucson.
The Flinn Scholarship Program
The Flinn Foundation works with public Arizona colleges to offer scholarships that cover tuition, housing, and study abroad opportunities. Since 1986, the Flinn Scholars have awarded yearly scholarships to 20 high school seniors.
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in Arizona
The Arizona Board of Regents administers the Western Undergraduate Exchange program, which offers tuition discounts to out-of-state students. Participating institutions in other states also offer tuition discounts to Arizona students.
Every applicant must identify as a Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) rate student during admission. Available undergraduate majors depend on the institution. Check the WUE website to find eligible programs. Along with Arizona, the following states operate within WUE:
- Alaska
- California
- Colorado
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- South Dakota
- Utah
- Washington
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Arizona
Some community colleges in Arizona offer free tuition to qualifying students. The Mesa College Promise program covers tuition and fees for two years. Recent high school graduates and adult learners can qualify after meeting the financial need and academic requirements. Maricopa Community College provides the Route to Relief program, offering free tuition and monthly stipends for short-term training programs.
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