Online colleges allow Arizona residents to earn a degree while still working or raising a family. Learning management systems use intuitive software, helping recent high school graduates and nontraditional students make the most of their education. Top Arizona online colleges offer distance learners the same support services as on-campus degree-seekers.
Prospective students should consider Arizona's fastest-growing professions before selecting a program. From 2008-2018, careers in the state's medical field grew 15-35%. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that many of the state's medical and engineering professionals earn more than $120,000 annually. As a result, career growth and salary potential make a college degree a wise financial investment.
Online colleges' typical admission requirements include high school or undergraduate transcripts. These schools also accept GED scores from freshman applicants. Some additional requirements may apply, depending on the degree. Incoming students should also submit their FAFSA results and apply for institutional scholarships.
FAQ on Colleges in Arizona
Can online colleges be regionally accredited?
Online colleges need the same regional accreditation as schools that educate students on campus. Please do not consider colleges or universities without this essential accreditation.
How much does it cost to get an online degree?
The answer depends on the students' school selection. In-state students attending Arizona State University pay approximately $11,000 annually in tuition for the 2020-2021 year.
Can you go to college in Arizona for free?
Numerous programs help in- and out-of-state students reduce or eliminate their tuition burden. Eligibility requirements, such as financial need, differ by program.
How many colleges and universities are in Arizona?
Arizona boasts dozens of accredited four-year colleges and universities. The state also features trade and technical schools for learners preparing for a specific career.
Accredited Online College Programs
Explore our featured online programs and find the right match for you today.
What Are the Goals of an Online Degree
Online colleges in Arizona provide students with academic experiences and learning outcomes mirroring those of on-campus degree-seekers. Asynchronous instruction features classes without set times, an advantage for students with an already busy schedule. Online programs also allow out-of-state learners to earn a degree without relocating.
Online colleges offer undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as certificates. Students explore many of the same majors and minors as their on-campus peers, such as law, organizational leadership, and general studies. Like on-campus programs, online degrees allow transfer degree-seekers to apply their credit toward a bachelor's or master's.
Why Get an Online Degree?
Arizona online colleges educate students who otherwise could not attain a college education. Other advantages include cost savings and numerous degree options.
Asynchronous Learning Many online colleges in Arizona offer asynchronous programs, so students can view recorded class lectures and materials at their convenience.
Cost Savings Many schools offer tuition discounts for distance learners. Even if a school charges the same tuition to online and on-campus students, online learners still save money. They do not need to pay for transportation costs, on-campus housing, or a meal plan.
Degree Variety Top online colleges feature numerous degree options, including administration of justice, graphic information systems technology, and sustainably built environments. Learners not interested in a degree can earn a graduate certificate to advance their career.
Transferable Skills Earning an online degree hones in-demand transferable skills, such as time management. Potential employers respect candidates able to create and follow a schedule.
Career Advancement As many employers restrict high-paying positions to degree-holding candidates, students should regard a diploma as a wise financial and career investment.
What Are the Requirements for an Online School?
Although admission requirements for online colleges in Arizona vary, prospective first-time undergraduates generally need a high school diploma or GED certificate. Some schools accept other high school equivalency exams, such as the HiSET or TASC. Applicants submit these materials through their online account.
Students remain in good academic standing by passing all courses and maintaining a satisfactory GPA. Graduation requirements may include selecting a concentration and taking upper-division coursework. Students in some programs complete a capstone course involving an internship or e-portfolio. Internships and portfolios help students hone skills and present their qualifications to prospective employers.
Scholarships for Online Students
Although Arizona online colleges help students save money on a degree, learners further avoid debt with scholarships. Multiple companies and organizations award scholarships exclusively to Arizona residents or online learners. The following scholarships feature 2021 application deadlines and use similar requirements, such as undergraduate transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal essays.
GetEducated.com Distance Learning Scholarship
Who Can Apply: GetEducated.com accepts applications from online undergraduate and graduate degree-seekers biannually. Application requirements include a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, a 500-word essay, and FAFSA results. Interested students should apply by October 15 or March 15. GedEducated.com only accepts mailed applications.Amount: $1,000
Italian Catholic Federation Scholarships
Who Can Apply: Arizona, California, Illinois, and Nevada high school seniors qualify for the Italian Catholic Federation Scholarships. Admission requirements include Italian heritage and a minimum 3.2 high school GPA. Two hundred applicants receive the scholarship. The award renews annually as long as degree-seekers remain in good academic standing at their school.Amount: Up to $2,500
Project Management Institute Phoenix Chapter Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Arizona residents earning a project management degree qualify for the PMI Phoenix Chapter Scholarship. Other admission criteria include official transcripts, a resume, two references, and an essay. Scholarship finalists provide additional materials. PMI uses a May 1 scholarship deadline, and recipients cannot reapply the following year.Amount: Up to $2,500
Society for Human Resources Management Undergraduate Scholarships
Who Can Apply: SHRM accepts applications from undergraduates majoring in human resources or a related subject. Prospective applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students submit a current resume, official transcripts, and one recommendation letter by March 3. SHRM issues the scholarships to recipients' schools.Amount: $2,500
Study.com Undergraduate Distance Learning Degrees Academic Scholarships
Who Can Apply: Associate and bachelor's degree-seekers attending an accredited online college or university apply to this competitive scholarship. Study.com does not restrict the scholarship based on major or state of residence. Current or upcoming college seniors may not apply. Scholarship recipients provide a headshot and brief biographical statement for the Study.com website.Amount: $500
