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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
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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.
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
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
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
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
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
Best Online Colleges in Arizona 2022
#1 Best Online Colleges In Arizona 2022
Northern Arizona University
- Flagstaff, AZ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Northern Arizona University is a public college that offers online degrees from its main campus in Flagstaff. The school reaches 14,098 online students near and far.
Learners can choose from 18 online bachelor's programs and 25 online master's programs. Degree candidates connect with faculty and staff through a virtual classroom environment, while learning alongside classmates and attending remote lectures. Distance learners complete general education and advanced coursework and satisfy curriculum requirements. Students can also pursue experiential learning opportunities relevant to their field. A leader in student success, the college connects enrollees with academic advising, career services, and other success-oriented resources.
Prospective enrollees can contact the financial aid office or their desired program to learn about degree requirements, application materials, and other information. To degree costs, students can speak with the financial aid office to explore funding opportunities. About 95% of all incoming students receive financial aid.
Percent Online Enrollment
46%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Best Online Colleges In Arizona 2022
University of Arizona
- Tucson, AZ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Tucson-based University of Arizona provides online degrees for distance learners worldwide. The school reaches 18,590 distance learners through a variety of programs.
Enrollees can choose from 24 online bachelor's programs and 27 online master's programs. Students learn alongside fellow distance learners in a virtual classroom environment, where they connect with faculty and staff. Degree candidates complete general education and advanced coursework and satisfy curriculum requirements. Students can pursue experiential learning opportunities relevant to their field. Throughout their program, distance learners can connect with academic advising, career services, and other institutional resources to prepare them for success after college.
Prospective applicants can meet with the admissions office to inquire about degree requirements and application materials. Eligible students can apply scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid toward their learning expenses. According to the institution, 91% of all incoming enrollees receive some form of financial aid.
Percent Online Enrollment
42%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Online Colleges In Arizona 2022
Arizona State University-Skysong
- Scottsdale, AZ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Arizona State University-Skysong offers a variety of distance learning opportunities across numerous programs. The Scottsdale-based school reaches 44,167 online students near and far.
Distance learners can choose from 54 online bachelor's programs and 48 online master's programs. Enrollees connect with faculty, colleagues, and staff through a virtual classroom environment. Distance learners benefit from well-rounded curricula, completing foundational and advanced classes. Degree-seekers can pursue experiential learning opportunities such as internships. Throughout their program, distance learners can connect with academic advising, career services, and other institutional resources to prepare them for success after college.
Prospective applicants should meet with the admissions office to discuss application materials and admission requirements. Students can meet with the financial aid office to determine eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and other financial aid awards. Out of all enrollees, 86% receive aid.
Percent Online Enrollment
98%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Online Colleges In Arizona 2022
Arizona Christian University
- Glendale, AZ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Arizona Christian University offers a premier online education, guaranteeing flexibility for students from all walks of life. The school reaches 109 distance learners across the globe.
A leader in online education, the college offers five online bachelor's programs. Distance learners connect with fellow students, faculty, and staff through a virtual classroom environment. Enrollees complete general and advanced coursework, with the option to modify classes and select major electives, minors, and degree concentrations. Degree candidates can receive guidance throughout their studies by connecting with academic advising, career services, and other institutional resources.
To learn more about degree requirements, interested applicants can meet with the admissions office. Students seeking to defray educational costs can meet with the financial aid office to explore funding opportunities. Around 100% of all incoming enrollees receive some form of financial aid.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
13%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Online Colleges In Arizona 2022
Prescott College
- Prescott, AZ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Prescott College provides flexible online study options for degree-seekers from all walks of life. The private institution in Prescott serves 649 distance learners across the globe.
Students can choose from 14 online bachelor's programs and 23 online master's programs. Distance learners join a supportive online learning community, connecting with fellow classmates and faculty through a virtual classroom setting. Enrollees complete industry-relevant coursework, with the option to pursue internships, research projects, and other learning opportunities in preparation for their future career. Degree candidates can receive guidance throughout their studies by connecting with academic advising, career services, and other institutional resources.
Prospective applicants can schedule an appointment with the admissions office to inquire about degree requirements and application materials. Eligible students can apply for scholarships, fellowships, and other financial aid awards to offset the costs of study. The institution reports that 100% of enrollees benefit from some form of financial aid.
Percent Online Enrollment
65%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
