Online colleges have completely changed the way people pursue higher education. Instead of being tied to a campus schedule, students now have the freedom to learn when it’s convenient for them, making it possible to balance work, family, and other responsibilities while earning a degree.
This flexibility is one of the biggest reasons why online learning has become so popular, and more people are turning to it every year. Many online colleges also offer multiple start dates, self-paced courses, and digital resources, giving you even more control over how and when you study.
Arizona is home to some of the finest online colleges in the country, offering programs across a range of fields, from business, technology, and healthcare to liberal arts and education. If you live in the state and want to pursue an online degree, it’s important to choose a school that not only offers flexibility but also affordable tuition, quality instruction, accreditation, strong student support, and career services.
Our list of the Best Online Colleges in Arizona highlights each school’s strengths, program variety, and unique features. Go ahead, explore the list, and discover the best online programs Arizona has to offer.
Best Online Colleges in Arizona
Looking for the perfect online college in Arizona? Check out our list of the best online universities in Arizona to explore programs, tuition, and flexibility that fit your goals.
1. Arizona State University (ASU Online)
Arizona State University (ASU Online), based in Tempe, Arizona, offers over 300 online degree options at the undergraduate and graduate levels, along with certificates and specializations. Programs cover a wide range of fields such as business, engineering, sciences, social sciences, arts, and education.
The coursework and curriculum are identical to what on-campus students receive, so an online degree from ASU carries the same weight and recognition. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and its online programs meet nationwide standards, making them widely respected for transfer credits, licensing, and financial aid.
ASU has built a strong reputation for excellence in online learning. It consistently ranks among the top schools in the country for online education.
2. University of Arizona (Arizona Online)
University of Arizona (Arizona Online), located in Tucson, Arizona, offers more than 150 flexible online programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate options. Students can study across diverse fields like business administration, psychology, cyber operations, computer science, nursing, and education.
Courses are taught by the same faculty who teach on campus, so online learners receive the same rigorous curriculum and degree quality. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring its programs are widely recognized and respected.
Arizona Online consistently ranks among the top public universities for online education. U.S. News & World Report has recognized its online bachelor’s degrees, particularly in fields like business and psychology.
3. Northern Arizona University (NAU Online)
Northern Arizona University (NAU Online), located in Flagstaff, Arizona, is one of the best online colleges in Arizona. The university offers more than 120 online undergraduate and graduate programs in areas like business, education, liberal arts, health sciences, and computer information technology. All programs are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring the same level of recognition as on-campus degrees.
A highlight of NAU Online is its Personalized Learning model, which allows students to move at their own pace instead of following a strict semester schedule. This flexible, competency-based approach can help dedicated learners save both time and money.
4. Grand Canyon University (GCU Online)
Grand Canyon University (GCU Online), based in Phoenix, Arizona, is another major name among the Best Online Colleges in Arizona. GCU offers a wide range of online programs, from business, psychology, and education to healthcare, IT, and theology. Their programs are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, giving students the confidence that their degrees will be respected by employers and other institutions.
What makes GCU Online stand out is its focus on flexibility and student support. Courses are designed to be accessible for working adults, with multiple start dates throughout the year and a strong digital learning platform.
5. University of Phoenix-Arizona
University of Phoenix-Arizona, located in Phoenix, Arizona, is built for working adults who need flexibility. It offers dozens of online degree and certificate programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.
The school is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, meaning its overall institutional quality is recognized and trusted. Some specific programs have extra accreditation too, for example, their Master of Health Administration (MHA) is accredited by CAHME, and some counseling, business, healthcare, and social work programs are accredited in ways that matter for those fields.
One big advantage is flexibility. Courses are mostly asynchronous (you do them on your own schedule, not meeting live every time), and there are frequent course start dates (every 5-6 weeks in many cases). Tuition is relatively affordable in many online bachelor’s programs; about $398 per credit, and even lower ( $350 per credit) for certain programs like the RN-to-BSN when eligible.
Employment Outlook in Arizona
Arizona’s job market is growing quickly, especially in healthcare, education, business, and technology. Reports from the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity highlight that healthcare support roles, IT, renewable energy, and finance are among the fastest-growing fields.
This means students graduating from Arizona’s online colleges can look forward to strong job opportunities both locally and nationally.
Cost of Online Colleges in Arizona
Tuition rates vary, but many online programs in Arizona are priced to be competitive and flexible. For example, public universities like Arizona State, the University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona often charge between $350–$600 per credit, while private schools like GCU or University of Phoenix have their own set rates with discounts for transfer credits, scholarships, or employer partnerships.
Flexibility and Support
One of the biggest draws of online colleges in Arizona is the flexibility. Students can take classes around their work and family schedules, and most programs are asynchronous (learn at your own pace).
Schools also provide dedicated support through online tutoring, academic advisors, and career services to help students succeed from enrollment to graduation.
Conclusion
Arizona is home to some of the strongest online colleges in the country, making it a great place to earn a degree without sacrificing work or family commitments. And with Arizona’s growing job market in healthcare, business, education, and technology, graduates of these online programs are well-positioned for success both locally and nationwide. At the end of the day, the best choice is the school that matches your budget, lifestyle, and long-term career plans.