Arizona students can choose from a wealth of nationally ranked online colleges in the state. The Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce projects 68% of jobs in Arizona will require postsecondary education by 2020, especially within the state's booming IT and healthcare industries in administrative and sales positions. Whether located in or out of state, students need help finding the right program online in Arizona to meet their career needs. The following ranking of the most affordable online colleges in Arizona provides definitive answers to questions about transfer credits, financial aid, and enrollment dates and deadlines.
Students ultimately want to attend the very best online colleges in Arizona, though conducting their own research can be overwhelming. To form our list, we considered several key factors that contribute to the top online schools in Arizona, emphasizing quality, affordability, and accessibility for distance learners. Read on to explore our comprehensive research guide and find the right online programs in Arizona to suit your educational and career goals.
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Why Choose Arizona for Online Higher Education?
Online programs in Arizona cater to an increasingly diverse student body. As reported by IPEDS, as of 2016 Arizona offers 44 completely online higher education programs, counting more than 25,000 undergrads and 10,000 graduate students among those enrolled exclusively online. Additionally, nearly 300 international students chose to pursue an online program in Arizona. Among the benefits of learning at a distance, the depth and breadth of online programs in Arizona serve growing demographic groups including single parents, workers in shrinking traditional labor industries, full-time workers, and underserved populations.
- Number of Programs Offered Completely Online in Arizona: 44
- Undergraduate Students Enrolled Exclusively Online in Arizona:25,147
- Graduate Students Enrolled Exclusively Online in Arizona: 10,489
- Total International Students Enrolled Exclusively Online in Arizona: 296
Source: National Center for Education Statistics
Arizona's Top Affordable Online Colleges
#1 Online Colleges In Arizona
Northern Arizona University
- Flagstaff, AZ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
Percent Online Enrollment
46%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Online Colleges In Arizona
Prescott College
- Prescott, AZ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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%
Percent Online Enrollment
65%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Online Colleges In Arizona
Arizona State University
- Tempe, AZ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
Percent Online Enrollment
47%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Online Colleges In Arizona
University of Arizona
- Tucson, AZ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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%
Percent Online Enrollment
42%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Online Colleges In Arizona
Arizona State University
- Scottsdale, AZ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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%
Percent Online Enrollment
98%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Cost of Attending an Online College in Arizona
Generally, tuition for in-state students is more affordable than for non-residents. For online students, the cost of tuition depends on whether a school differentiates between in- and out-of-state rates, or offers a flat rate for online learning. To qualify for in-state tuition rates, most Arizona schools require proof of residency for 12 months prior to enrollment. Additionally, out-of-state students in some neighboring states may qualify for reduced tuition rates due to reciprocity agreements with Arizona colleges. As shown below, students residing in the state of Arizona can save between $5,000 and $15,000 on tuition at two- and four-year institutions, respectively.
In-state tuition
$10,057 – public, four-year institution
$2,061 – public, two-year institution
Out-of-state tuition
$25,061 – public, four-year institution
$7,931 – public, two-year institution
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, 2017
While Arizona ranks 37th among the 50 states for college tuition rates compared to the national average, the state ranks fourth in the nation for low debt at the time of graduation.
Costs can vary widely for on-campus and online programs. Some schools maintain in-state discounts for students enrolled in online programs, while others charge a flat rate for tuition, regardless of a student's place of residence. Furthermore, some schools require online students to pay per credit according to their course load each semester. The following lists sample costs for three different types of online programs at some of the largest institutions in Arizona:
Considering an Arizona School as an Out-of-State Student
Students living out of state and pursuing an online program in Arizona should consider several factors when choosing a school. Among the key considerations, a student should explore whether the school qualifies for reciprocity or good-neighbor discounts with the student's state of residence. Students must also make sure their state does not restrict enrollment in an online program in Arizona, as per some state agreements. As shown below, IPEDS reported a combined total of nearly 21,000 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in exclusively online programs in the state.
- Out-of-state undergraduate students studying exclusively online in Arizona: 15,462
- Out-of-state graduate students studying exclusively online in Arizona: 5,526
Tuition Discounts
Nonresident students in Arizona may receive tuition breaks if they live in a neighboring state that meets interstate compact qualifications. As one of 16 members of the Western Interstate Commission for for Higher Education (WICHE), Arizona offers student-exchange programs and cost-saving initiatives to students who live in neighboring qualifying states. Specifically, the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) under WICHE can help nonresident students save as much as $9,000 on tuition each year, provided they attend an approved school in a state within the Western compact.
State Authorizations for Online Learning
The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA) ensures that select institutions within each regional compact provide high-quality distance education and uphold state reciprocity. To qualify for SARA approval, accredited institutions in Arizona must submit an application and pay a state fee, depending on how many students each school enrolls.
Check with an admissions or financial officer: Tuition rates are ultimately program- and institution-based. Ask someone from a prospective program about what rates apply to you specifically as a potential member of a specific program.
Frequently Asked Questions for Arizona's Online Schools
While a student's quest to find the right online college in Arizona is multi-faceted, our FAQ resource roundup provides answers to the most common questions, all in one place. Read on to learn more.
Do online credits cost more or less in Arizona?
Generally, tuition for online programs costs more than those offered on campus, at in-state rates. While schools in Arizona offer a wide variety of online programs and support the continued expansion of online education, for-profit public state universities must always consider their bottom lines when it comes to tuition costs.
For example, at Arizona State University (ASU), an Arizona resident completing an undergraduate degree at the downtown Phoenix campus pays $5,711 per semester; however an online nonresident student enrolled in the same program must pay $6,339 per semester. Costs per credit vary according to how many course credits a student takes per semester.
Students in the WUE program may pursue a bachelor's in social work through ASU's College of Public Service and Community Solutions, at a rate of $8,059 per semester. At other participating WUE-qualified online schools in Arizona, students pay no more than 150% of in-state tuition costs for approved online programs.
Which Arizona schools accept the most transfer credits?
Large public institutions like Arizona State University and University of Arizona tend to adopt the most generous credit-transfer policies, especially for undergraduate applicants. ASU accepts up to 64 semester hours of transfer credits, provided the student earned the credits from a regionally accredited school, with a grade of "C" or above.
The University of Arizona does not specify its overall maximum for transfer credits, but allows a student to transfer up to six general electives and up to three physical education courses for which the student earned at least a "C" grade from a regionally accredited school. Beginning in Spring 2019, students may apply credits for prior learning from nationally or regionally accredited institutions.
Northern Arizona University (NAU) also accepts a high number of transfer credits and alternative course credits earned through the American Council on Education. NAU applicants may apply up to 64 college-level transfer credits provided students received a minimum grade of "C," "P," or 2.0. Students must receive approval from their individual program to apply more than 64 transfer credits. NAU applies transfer credits at face value, per a one-to-one ratio, matching all course credits on a credit-unit-for-credit-unit basis.
Will any online colleges in Arizona accept a GED?
The majority of online colleges in Arizona grant admission to applicants holding a high school diploma or GED. Many four-year public universities including ASU, NAU, and the University of Arizona simply require that the student provide all high school transcripts with their application. Some individual programs require that students meet additional core prerequisites but will still accept a GED as the minimum education requirement. Private online colleges in Arizona like Grand Canyon University (GCU) also grant admission based on a holistic assessment of the applicant, accepting a GED or high school diploma for consideration for undergraduate programs.
How many academic terms per year do online colleges in Arizona offer?
Most online programs in Arizona offer multiple start dates, among the many perks of enrolling in a distance degree. While not all online schools in Arizona offer weekly start dates, online programs tend to follow a much more flexible schedule than traditional programs, with frequent points of entry throughout the year. ASU students earning a degree online can start at one of six entry dates per year, which works out to two per each fall, spring, and summer semester. Similarly, the University of Arizona offers online start dates every seven and a half weeks. NAU stands out among online colleges in Arizona for offering weekly start dates for its online programs.
Which online colleges will accept FAFSA in Arizona?
Whether applying for a traditional or online program in Arizona, one should always plan to complete the FAFSA as a first step toward pursuing financial aid. Like an on-campus program, most online schools require the FAFSA as follow-up to an admissions application to determine a student's eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid. Online schools in Arizona including ASU, NAU, the University of Arizona, the University of Phoenix, and GCU direct students toward filling out the FAFSA on their path toward finding qualifying financial aid to help pay for their degree. Each college provides its own unique school code, to be entered as an identifier during the process of filling out the FAFSA either on paper or online.
Are there any free online classes I can take from Arizona colleges?
Many Arizona colleges, especially the most populous public universities like ASU and the University of Arizona, offer students access to massive open online courses (MOOCs) through a aggregate website such as Class Central. Students can search by subject and start date, browsing free supplemental courses in majors spanning art history, English, and computer coding. Students actually complete the courses through an open-course learning platform like Coursera. Learners can also browse MOOC sites directly instead of through the school's page to explore a broader set of options. Popular directories include Coursera, edX, and The Open University on iTunes.
How can I find the online program options at Arizona colleges?
With enrollment in online colleges in Arizona and across the nation increasing, most schools develop their own department or division exclusively for distance learning. For example, the University of Arizona hosts UA Online, exclusively for existing and aspiring distance students. Here, students can learn about programs offered, how to apply, and how to complete their coursework online.
Similarly, other prominent schools offer subsites for their online divisions in the form of ASU Online and NAU Online, while colleges like GCU simply offer an interactive tool that allows students to filter online degrees and programs. Some online schools also require entirely separate admissions and/or program requirements. Students should always check their school's individual online page or subsite for details about enrolling in its online programs.
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