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Eastern Arizona College () features several online certificates and associate degrees. EAC students can choose from majors that include business, administration of justice, general studies, general technical studies, and small business management. There are also online certificates in bookkeeping, law enforcement specialties, and retail management, among others.

Why we like them: EAC contains a sizable population hailing from Hispanic or Latinx backgrounds. Students tend to feel more comfortable in educational environments where they feel represented, so this may appeal to those with similar experiences. This college is also well-funded and tends to pass savings on to students, helping most of them graduate with zero debt.

Phoenix College () offers a wide selection of associate degrees and certificate programs with online courses. One option is an Associate of Arts, with emphases in psychology, digital media arts, criminal justice, or many types of educational pursuits. PC also has Associate in Applied Science in many business specialties and an Associate in Science focused on biological sciences or computer science.

Why we like them: PC’s website is comprehensive and organized to walk prospective students through a complete educational pathway at the college and beyond. Selecting a degree program leads you to a webpage where you can see what you'll learn, what jobs might be available to graduates in the field, what courses are available, and which specific bachelor’s degrees at four-year Arizona colleges this associate degree will readily transfer into.

Cochise College () is a public institution that offers online associate degrees, certificate programs, and non-credit courses. Some of the online associate degree programs at Cochise include business administration, elementary education, exercise science, health, and more. In addition, Cochise has the Center for Lifelong Learning, which has several free online professional development and personal enrichment classes.

Why we like them: If you’re planning to get a four-year degree or need a degree for a specific career path, Cochise offers several for-university transfer and training for employment programs. These online programs meet the requirements to transfer to another school or become a suitable candidate for your next role. We believe an associate degree is a great stepping stone to another degree or a new career, so we like that Cochise provides these specialized degrees.

Mesa Community College () is a public institution that offers several online associate degrees and certificate programs. A few examples of the online associate degree programs offered at MCC Online include general business, beauty and wellness, and retail management. All MCC Online’s courses require full academic credit, so students can easily transfer them to other schools.

Why we like them: Through MCC Online, students complete coursework in asynchronous and synchronous formats via the learning management system Canvas. Canvas allows you to access coursework, connect with your instructors, and collaborate with classmates through discussion boards. As an online student at MCC Online, you can access academic advising, tutoring, career services, disability resources, an online library, and more. We appreciate that MCC strives to provide online students with the best learning experience possible.

At Scottsdale Community College (), you can pursue various online associate degrees. Some examples of the online associate majors available include administration of justice, retail management, and sociology. Aside from the associate level, you can also obtain online certificates to advance your resume further. SCC’s online programs allow you to obtain your education according to your personal preferences.

Why we like them: SCC facilitates online learning using the learning management system Canvas. As an online student at SCC, you’ll have the flexibility to complete online courses on your own time. Through Canvas, you can complete coursework, contact your instructors, and engage with your classmates on discussion boards. We appreciate that SCC uses a robust online learning management system to improve the online learning experience.

Mohave Community College () offers online associate degrees in several fields of study, including administration of justice, business, computer information systems, and paralegal studies. These online degrees help students prepare for entry-level careers and transfer to four-year universities. The community college also has online certifications in topics such as bookkeeping, computer graphics & web design, professional applications, and many more.

Why we like them: MCC offers Arizona General Education (AGEC) certifications of completion. These certifications are programs totaling 35 to 40 credits hours of lower division general education requirements of liberal arts, business, and science degrees. These certifications can easily be transferred to any accredited community college in Arizona. We believe this is a suitable program for students who aren’t ready for a two-year degree but want to ensure that their credits can be transferred if they decide to pursue an associate degree.

Yavapai College () offers fully accredited online associate degrees and certificates. By attending YC, you can access online associate degree programs and expect convenient online courses and supportive faculty to help you succeed. Some of the online bachelor’s majors include elementary education, accounting, management, and paralegal studies. There are also online certification programs available at YC, such as justice studies, basic tax, and video game development.

Why we like them: YC strives to provide affordable online education. YC’s tuition is 29% cheaper than the average community college. The community college offers a differential pricing model that eliminates almost all course fees and provides more transparent pricing. In addition, you can access more than 130 scholarships, interest-free payment plans, grants, and more.

Rio Salado College () offers numerous online degrees at the associate level and limited online bachelor's degrees. You can pursue areas of study such as STEM, culture and society, education, business, applied technology, and behavioral science and human services. Online bachelor's degrees include elementary education and public safety administration. Various online certificate programs are available in victimology, public administration, web design, cyber engineering, and homeland security.

Why we like them: RSC strives to meet you where you are. It provides assistance to busy professionals, military members and veterans, international students, and incarcerated individuals. In addition to certificates and degrees, you can pursue professional certification test preparation, workforce development, and more. We appreciate that it provides online education for a wide range of students and several unique programs to meet your career goals.

Pima Community College () has several online associate degrees and certificate programs. Some of Pima’s online associate degree programs focus on the following subjects: business administration, programming analysis, early childhood studies, health information technology, and supply chain management. The community college also has online certification programs in early childhood education assistant educator, IT support technician, and medical billing and coding.

Why we like them: Pima offers PimaFlexTrack, which is a unique pathway designed for new or returning online students seeking an associate of arts degree while managing their daily obligations. With this pathway, you’ll have shorter classes, a flexible online learning environment, and multiple start dates. If you’re an adult learner, you likely have other responsibilities, like work and family, that you’ll balance while completing your degree. That said, we think this is a suitable pathway for busy professionals.

Bryan University Online () offers online degrees at the associate and bachelor's levels and one online master's degree in public health. Online undergraduate degrees are in areas of study such as healthcare, accounting, human resources, and technology. BU also offers online certificate programs, such as medical billing and coding and pharmacy technician.

Why we like them: BU provides accelerated programs and textbook-free courses. Courses run for eight weeks, which may help you finish degree programs faster. BU provides its distance learners with access to digital adaptive textbooks for some of its classes, which can save you money. We know the costs of online tuition can be pricey at many institutions, so we appreciate that BU helps cut some of the costs of online learning.

National Paralegal College () is focused on bringing online education to students interested in paralegal studies and business. As the name suggests, distance learners can earn both a certificate and associate degree in paralegal studies. There are also bachelor’s degree programs in legal studies and business administration. A special joint program awards successful graduates with an Associate of Paralegal Studies and a Bachelor of Business Administration.

Why we like them: NPC is dedicated to helping would-be paralegals succeed. This online college provides current students and graduates with a free two-month preparation course to help them study for the Certified Paralegal Exam. The college’s online learning allows for students to remotely attend live lectures so they can ask questions, but they’re also free to watch the recordings afterward. And unlike some private colleges, NPC accepts some academic credits earned at other accredited institutions, which could help you graduate faster.

As an online-only institution, Sessions College for Professional Design () offers online degrees at the associate and bachelor's levels in fine arts fields. Online bachelor's degrees offered at this college include illustration, graphic design, or digital photography. These fields of study are also available online at the associate level and as undergraduate certificates.

Why we like them: SCPD offers several scholarships to save money on online tuition. You can apply for creative scholarships SCPD offers if you identify as career changers, international students, 24/7 parents, bridge students, entrepreneurs, or first-generation students. These awards range from $500 to $2,000. You can also apply for financial aid through Pell Grants or loans or transfer previous college credits to lower the costs of tuition.

Brookline College (BC) provides a few degrees in online formats for interested distance learners. Each degree is related to healthcare. Undergraduate students can opt for an associate degree in allied health or a bachelor’s degree in either health and wellness or healthcare administration. BC also hosts online master's degrees in both the healthcare administration and public health fields.

Why we like them: One of BC’s stated goals is to help you enter your chosen career quickly. To this end, the college designs programs to run at an accelerated pace. BC is also a diverse institution, with significant percentages of students claiming Hispanic or Latinx, indigenous, and Black ethnic or racial backgrounds. Diversity brings together individuals with different cultural backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. This enriches the academic and social environment by fostering dialogue, understanding, and appreciation for different cultures.