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2025 Best UUÖ±²¥s in Arizona

• Updated 7/22/2024

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

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Arizona is home to a variety of reputable universities, such as Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Arizona, all of which offer an array of online degree programs. The best online schools in Arizona leverage cutting-edge virtual learning platforms and provide student support services to distance learners.

Key Takeaways:

  • All of our most affordable schools have tuition costs below $13,900.
  • The University of Arizona has an A- Salary Score, with median graduate earnings above $65,900.
  • Arizona State University has an 84% recommendation rate, one of the highest in the state.

Our methodology diverges from traditional ranking formats by categorizing colleges within a state based on specific attributes that matter to you. For online schools in Arizona, we use the following categories: Best by Salary Score, Best by Affordability, Highest Rated by Students, and Honorable Mention, each offering unique insights to guide your educational journey.

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

We've got them. Let's get started.

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Featured Popular UUÖ±²¥s

Best by Salary Score

This assessment of online schools focuses on the earnings of their graduates to measure the long-term financial benefits of their degrees. We calculate Salary Scores based on the average salaries of alumni four years after graduation, utilizing data from the College Scorecard. Institutions with higher Salary Scores indicate stronger earning possibilities. The highest earning online school in Arizona reports median alumni earnings above $65,900.

University of Arizona

Key Metrics:

  • Salary Score: A-
  • Median Earning: $65,904

Why We Like Them:

UA stands out with a median graduate earnings of $65,904, placing it in the top 21% nationwide. Its 86% retention rate puts it in the leading 13% among academic institutions, and 97% of students would recommend its online programs. UA has a significant online presence with 9,617 distance learning students, placing it in the top 4% of universities for online enrollment. Online degrees are offered in fields such as agricultural sciences, animal and veterinary sciences, law and policy, mathematics, and data science, allowing you to pursue a wide range of careers.

What Students Say:

"Great school! Professors are well-qualified and helpful in preparing you for a future career. The challenging environment promotes skill improvement and is welcoming to international students like me. Highly recommended."

Orianna Cascarano, Graduated 2019

Best by Affordability

The Best by Affordability category highlights institutions that offer annual tuition at the bachelor’s level. Schools must provide a global tuition rate below $30,000 and meet the degree offering criteria specified by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). The most affordable schools in Arizona have tuition costs below $14,000.

University of Phoenix

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $11,940

Why We Like Them:

UoPX is noted for its affordability in online higher education with a low tuition of $11,940. This positions it among the top 10% of colleges in terms of cost-effectiveness, a crucial factor if you're looking for an affordable degree program. Additionally, UOPX has a very high online enrollment, with 69,819 online students, situating it within the top 1% of American universities for students studying online. This massive student body indicates a strong, well-established infrastructure for virtual learning, providing ample opportunities for community engagement and peer-to-peer interactions.

Arizona Christian University

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $13,500

Why We Like Them:

With a tuition rate of $13,500, ACU is situated in the top 30% for affordable online degrees. The university also stands out for its strong financial help, offering an average aid package of $19,174, placing it in the top 22% nationwide. This focus on affordability and support means that pursuing higher education at ACU comes with less financial burden. What's more, every student at ACU receives some form of financial aid, highlighting the university's commitment to making education accessible to all. These combined factors make a compelling case for choosing ACU for your online studies.

University of Advancing Technology

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $13,900

Why We Like Them:

UAT offers tuition of $13,900, allowing students to study online at a comparable rate to other 4-year institutions. Its student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1 makes for a more personalized education experience. This impressive state places UAT in the top 13% of online schools in this metric. All students receive financial aid, highlighting the university's commitment to accessibility. UAT's online programs cover degrees in business technology, cyber security, game production, network security, and software engineering. These programs are designed for flexibility, utilizing asynchronous learning and the unique SyncFlex format, making them ideal for working professionals.

Highest Rated by Students

The schools on our Highest Rated by Students list are evaluated based on reviews from alumni, providing a direct measure of student satisfaction. To be eligible, institutions must have at least 20 student reviews on OnlineU or GradReports and a minimum review rating of 3.5 out of 5. The highest rated online school in Arizona has a student review score of 3.89.

Arizona State University, Online

Key Metrics:

  • Overall Rating: 4.07/5
  • Number of Reviews: 1524
  • Recommend Rate: 93%

Why We Like Them:

ASU excels with an overall review rating of 3.89 out of 5, showcasing high student satisfaction. Its online program boasts a 90% recommendation rate, indicating a strong endorsement from the majority of students. This reflects the university's commitment to providing a positive learning experience. ASU's online enrollment of 66,946 students demonstrates ongoing student contentment and success. Further proof comes from its military enrollment of 7,833 students, which shows flexible support for military personnel. ASU Online offers a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs ranging from engineering to law and nursing.

Honorable Mention

Our Honorable Mention section showcases schools with unique offerings and specific reasons why we recommend them, ranging from strong online enrollment numbers or favorable student-to-faculty ratios. For example, some of our choices for the best online schools in Arizona have military enrollments of up to 1,058, while others offer impressive financial aid packages.

Northern Arizona University

Key Metrics:

  • Online Students: 5,570

Why We Like Them:

NAU's place in our Honorable Mention category is driven by its excellent online enrollment, placing in the top 12% with 5,570 online learners. Students highly suggest its programs, giving the school a review rating of 3.63 out of 5 and a recommendation rate of 84%. NAU offers a broad selection of online degrees, from bachelor's to doctoral programs, including popular options like a Master of Social Work, Master of Public Administration, and Master of Science in Nursing. With over 30 years of excellence in distance learning, NAU is dedicated to quality and accessibility, making it an excellent choice for potential students.

What Students Say:

"The most important factor that attributes to my school overall greatness is the availability of online courses/degrees. My entire bachelor's degree was earned online and I loved the convenience of it. A variety of classes are also available. I also like that my school provides me with early enrollment because it allows me to register for the classes I need ahead of time."

Denise Rodriguez, Graduated 2016

Prescott College

Key Metrics:

  • Online Students: 781

Why We Like Them:

Prescott has a highly favorable student-faculty ratio of 9:1, placing it within the top 12% of online schools nationally. The low ratio means you'll get personalized attention and a more customized educational experience. We also like to see that the average financial aid package of $20,149. This commitment to accessibility is complimented by the fact that 100% of its students receive financial aid. These attributes collectively ensure that you receive both academic support and financial assistance, whether you're studying counseling, outdoor leadership, or sustainable food systems.

Featured Popular UUÖ±²¥s

Student Reviews of Online Programs

Uwa Oduwa, Graduated 2014

Deciding on where to attend college is a major decision - it can affect where you live, work and who you meet in the future. I am extremely satisfied with my decision to attend Georgetown University. Located in the Nation’s capital, Georgetown is a hub for intellectual talent and interesting people, and a beautiful city!

Georgetown offers a wide range of courses that appeal to just about any interest- from government, the sciences, preforming arts, law and business. Classwork is challenging yet engaging,... Read More

Overall, Georgetown is a great environment to learn, grow and meet very cool people. There are always student-focused events going on around campus each day and tons of student-led organizations that make it easy to get involved on campus. It is also a plus that the university is (in my opinion) in one of the best cities in North America! If you’re struggling with the daunting task of narrowing down your college search, I would definitely recommend Georgetown University as it will always feel like home.

Review Date: 10/2/2012

Overall Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Uwa Oduwa, Graduated 2014

Maria Santiago, Graduated 2013

Attended: Star Career Academy

I attend the evening class at the Newark Campus. I truly believe that my class i falling behind because the day class is a module behind us and has gotten farther in instrument training than we have. I feel as though as a teacher matter of fact as a person who has "experience" you should know what you are doing and what you are suppose to do and have and guide us in the right direction teach us mold us so we can be as good as you!!!


Just like others we pay out of our pocket to get and education as... Read More

Review Date: 9/6/2012

Attended: Star Career Academy

Overall Rating: 2/5

Instruction Rating: 2/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Maria Santiago, Graduated 2013

Melinda G. McClain-Magee, Graduated 2013

Attended: Old Dominion University

I applied to Old Dominion University as a transfer student. I found the distance learning option ideal. As an ODU student in the distance learning program, I am able to take classes at both, my local community college and ODU.


The site director provides one on one attention to students, allowing credit transfer evaluation and registration in one place. The professors teaching the distance learners are accessible by phone and email, respondng within twenty-four hours. I am very grateful for all the... Read More

Review Date: 10/1/2012

Attended: Old Dominion University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Melinda G. McClain-Magee, Graduated 2013

Kathy, Graduated 2012

Attended: Anthem Institute

I am currently a student at Anthem in Parsippany and I am loving it. My instructor is great, school staff are so nice and helpful! There is always snacks for the students and events. They are helping me write my resume. I am getting great grades because class is interesting!I have no idea why people complain about this school. I wouldn't want to go anywhere else!

Review Date: 5/3/2012

Attended: Anthem Institute

Overall Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Kathy, Graduated 2012

Sue Greer, Graduated 2012

Attended: Stevens-Henager College

I don't know what you all are talking about. This school is a good school. The teachers are all great instructors. They do make you do your work and give you a lot of homework to do, but isn't that what college is all about... The one's that are complaining the loudest, I have found are the one's that don't do their assignments or homework, and are just wanting grades handed to them without actually doing the work. I don't know which area the person is in that states that they have to use cardboard... Read More

The only thing that I would like to see change here is for the administration make it a MANDATORY policy that if you are attending the medical program that you must successfully pass a drug test as well as supply random drug testing through out the program.

Review Date: 4/4/2012

Attended: Stevens-Henager College

Overall Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Sue Greer, Graduated 2012

Kimberly, Graduated 2

Attended: Southern Technical College

Let's see I graduated in February ,, Still can't find a job.

I have gone on so many interviews and competing along with others for a measly $10.00 an hour job... Made more money as a receptionist with a staring pay of $14.00 an hour.
I could work as a Certified Nurse Assistant and make the same amount of money as a Certified Medical Assistant.

On my externships, I was under the impression I would have a job. Not so, I seems as if the doctors and clinics want free labor and use students to fill the... Read More

Review Date: 10/8/2012

Attended: Southern Technical College

Overall Rating: 3/5

Instruction Rating: 3/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

Kimberly, Graduated 2

Kei, Graduated

Attended: Harris School of Business

I Just finished SChool There love the teachers the courses arent really hard but I would love to go back In time and choose a different option.


I Planned to finish Harris and Find a Great Job But Harris Have bad reviews from the extern sites and not many doctor office wanna deal with Harris nor there students.. so I suggest whom ever read this think twice before settling this school paying 13,000 is not worth just a diploma and Offices that dont wanna hire you.


i Believe Your best option is to RETHINK... Read More

Review Date: 11/7/2012

Attended: Harris School of Business

Overall Rating: 3/5

Instruction Rating: 3/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

Kei, Graduated

Carrie Williams, Graduated 2025

Attended: Bryant & Stratton College Online

Quality education and the instructors are wonderful.I did not think that at my age I could do college,I was surprised and happy with all my courses .The student advocate was very supportive and stayed in touch frequently.The financial services are easy to reach and answer all of your questions.

Review Date: 4/27/2025

Attended: Bryant & Stratton College Online

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Carrie Williams, Graduated 2025

Callie Lewter, Graduated 2023

Attended: Bryant & Stratton College Online

I returned to BSC at the age of 70 years and I have not regreted my decision. If you have a full life and not able to be on campus...online is the perfect avenue for you. Working at your own pace and grasping all you need with the help of advisors, instructors and your peers, makes for a successful experience at any age, at any time.

Review Date: 12/11/2023

Attended: Bryant & Stratton College Online

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Callie Lewter, Graduated 2023

joann white, Graduated 2022

Attended: St. Petersburg College

First I would like to say I am an older person who decided to go back to school later in life and with that being said I probably had more questions about how everything worked. I would of preferred to go to a brick and mortar school but I could not find one near me that had my area of study. I researched online schools and decided on SPC and I have never regretted my decision. I found everyone at this school to be very responsive, which actually suprised me alittle. I almost attended another school... Read More

Review Date: 5/18/2022

Attended: St. Petersburg College

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

joann white, Graduated 2022

Dalisha Ricks, Graduated 2021

Attending UMA was the best thing I could have ever did. Before I was unsure about going back to school because I did not think I would have the time. But UMA is a self pace school and even the advisors are always welling to help throughout your classes. I am glad that I chose UMA to further my education.

Review Date: 2/8/2021

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Dalisha Ricks, Graduated 2021

AfraidOfRetaliation, Graduated 2021

Attended: The University of Texas at Austin

I am a student at UT's Continuing Education Program for Data Science. I was completely ripped off. There are no refunds for this $6000 certification program. The program is run by a company called XTOL with UT's name slapped across it. They claimed that I would be assigned a mentor and placed in a small group with whom I would be working closely. They did not reveal that there were only 3 mentors assigned to over 40 students and that 'working together' meant that everyone shares a single slack channel.... Read More

Review Date: 2/2/2021

Attended: The University of Texas at Austin

Overall Rating: 1.5/5

Experience Rating: 1/5

Instruction Rating: 3/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

AfraidOfRetaliation, Graduated 2021

Pamela Troester, Graduated 2019

Attended: Capella University

Have had some problems getting technical support and financial aid questions answered, but otherwise I love Capella!

Review Date: 9/12/2014

Attended: Capella University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Pamela Troester, Graduated 2019

Juan Yanez, Graduated 2018

Overall the program is great! It is easy to adjust to one's schedule and the work load, although significant, is to be expected but VERY manageable.

Review Date: 5/4/2014

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 4.5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Juan Yanez, Graduated 2018

Margaret Browning, Graduated 2017

Attended: Liberty University

The Liberty University Graduate Education program is a rigorous and challenging program. I enjoy the Christian atmosphere and support.

Review Date: 12/16/2013

Attended: Liberty University

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Experience Rating: 4.5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Margaret Browning, Graduated 2017

Kyisha Velazquez, Graduated 2017

Attended: Walden University

Pros are the excellent educational courses and professors! There are no cons.

Review Date: 8/25/2014

Attended: Walden University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Kyisha Velazquez, Graduated 2017

Kelsey Campbell, Graduated 2017

Attended: Drexel University

I have only participated in a few online classes and cannot speak to the on campus life. I do feel Drexel is high quality education but is very expensive.

Review Date: 11/20/2014

Attended: Drexel University

Overall Rating: 3/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Kelsey Campbell, Graduated 2017

Lynn Welzenbach-Parsons, Graduated 2017

Attended: University of Iowa

I am a part-time student and feel the workload at this point has been manageable with a full time job. It does take some time management skills. but it is doable--even for a 50 year old single mother like me! The quality of the program is excellent and while most of the work is on-line, some classes have occasional "on campus" days. Because the program I'm in is rated the number one in the nation of it's kind, I feel honored to have been accepted. I don't live in Iowa City, but if I needed to move,... Read More

Review Date: 8/26/2013

Attended: University of Iowa

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Experience Rating: 4.5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Lynn Welzenbach-Parsons, Graduated 2017

Rashida Askia, Graduated 2017

Attended: Auburn University

I absolutely love the Educational Psychology program at Auburn University. My professors have been very flexible with me since I am a full-time teacher and I travel over an hour to get to campus. Although my program is not a distance education program, some courses were offered online which helped me out a lot.

Review Date: 4/10/2015

Attended: Auburn University

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 4.5/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Rashida Askia, Graduated 2017

Andria Tagarelli, Graduated 2017

Attended: Florida Atlantic University

FAU's online classes are well organized and easy to navigate which enables the student to focus on their studies. The professors respond in a timely manner and have always been helpful answering any questions. The advising office stays connected with the students and is a true support system compared to my experience for my bachelor's degree. Overall, I have not found any cons regarding this program and I am extremely happy with my decision to begin my graduate studies here.

Review Date: 3/18/2016

Attended: Florida Atlantic University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Andria Tagarelli, Graduated 2017

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

We've got them. Let's get started.

AD

Higher Education in Arizona

In the heart of the Southwest sits Arizona, home to approximately 7,360,000 people. Many of these residents are employed in the state's , which include agriculture, natural resources, aerospace, astrophysics, biosciences, and the military. Among the headquartered in Arizona are Banner Health, HonorHealth, and Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

In Arizona, you'll find a wealth of opportunities to earn an undergraduate or graduate degree through traditional on-campus programs and especially through distance education. This state is home base for three of the largest online education providers — Arizona State University, Grand Canyon University, and the University of Phoenix.

Many students enrolled in online colleges in Arizona opt for bachelor's degrees in business administration, health sciences, information technology, and criminal justice. Some of the more common online graduate programs include a master's in business administration or master's in social work.

Before enrolling in an Arizona online college or in-person university, applicants should check each school's accreditation status. All of the schools on our list of the best online colleges in Arizona are accredited, usually by the Higher Learning Commission () or the Distance Education Accreditation Commission (). Accreditation is an important factor when it comes to receiving financial aid, transferring credits between colleges, getting accepted into graduate school, or obtaining a state-issued license to practice certain professions, such as teaching or nursing. 

Interested in preparing for healthcare and social work careers in Arizona? Explore our Online Nursing Programs in Arizona and Online MSW Programs in Arizona pages. 

FAQs About UUÖ±²¥s in Arizona

How Many Colleges Are in Arizona?


The College Navigator, which provides data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), lists a total of of higher education in Arizona. The state's three biggest campuses — Arizona State University in Tempe, Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, and the University of Arizona in Tucson — are all public schools. Arizona also operates about 20 community colleges. As for private colleges, most are smaller institutions that tend to specialize in specific subjects, such as Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott and the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe. 

How Much Is Arizona College Tuition?


The most current data provided by the NCES indicates that Arizona's college may be higher than the national averages for resident students but lower for nonresident students. Learners who are concerned about the total cost of earning a college degree may want to consider some of the following cost-saving tips:

  • Enroll in an Arizona college online degree program that offers a lower tuition rate for its online degree programs than for its campus programs. 
  • Complete your general education coursework at an affordable online community college in Arizona, then transfer to a four-year university to complete your undergraduate degree. 
  • Apply for financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You'll be considered for federal aid programs, such as the Pell Grant, as well as state-funded programs, including .

Do Arizona Colleges Have Reciprocity With Other States?


Yes, Arizona participates in three reciprocity programs that allow eligible undergraduate and graduate students to attend college in many Western states for less than the standard out-of-state tuition rates and vice versa. These reciprocity agreements are monitored by the .

Looking for online programs in a particular state? Discover the possibilities on our List of UUÖ±²¥s By State.

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