As college costs keep increasing, finding a good college that does not require you to break the bank is important. Our article on the top ten cheapest colleges in Arizona helps you do just that. We are here to show you that affordable colleges can still give you a great education.
Some people think cheap colleges mean low-quality education, but that is not true. We have looked into these cheap colleges and found that they offer a large selection of programs, talented instructors, and lots of support to help students succeed. From Northern Arizona University’s many undergraduate programs to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott’s famous aerospace programs, you will find a cheap college that offers just what you need at a cost that does not leave you penniless.
We built this list of the cheapest colleges in Arizona with considerations like tuition costs, program offerings, and what makes them unique. See the list below and choose the college that fits your needs.
Top 10 Cheapest Colleges in Arizona
Most Affordable Colleges in Arizona
1. Northern Arizona University
Northern Arizona University is a public university that offers nearly 200 different undergraduate programs. Most of the students attending this college are residents of Arizona. Although it started as a college for teachers, it now offers many degrees, and its professors do research that covers different areas.
Compared to the other large public universities in Arizona, NAU is the smallest and is located outside of big cities. This might be good for students who like the idea of a bigger school but in a smaller town.
At NAU, popular degrees include forestry, education, hotel and restaurant management, applied linguistics, environmental sustainability, engineering, and physical therapy.
On average, undergraduate students pay around $12,051 for tuition and fees if they are from Arizona, and around $32,193 if they are from outside Arizona. This makes it one of the most affordable colleges in Arizona.
2. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott is a private university renowned for its outstanding aerospace and aeronautics programs. It’s the largest accredited university globally focusing on aviation, aerospace, security, and intelligence.
Moreover, the university states that 96% of its first-year students receive some form of financial assistance.
Offering over 70 bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. programs, the university is known for majors such as aerospace, aeronautical, astronautical, and space engineering; aeronautics and aerospace science and technology; international relations; and computer forensics and counterterrorism.
On average, undergraduate tuition and fees are $42,204.
3. University of Arizona
The University of Arizona is a public university founded in 1885 and is known for offering more than 300 different majors. This university boasts a lively campus and a mix of students from different backgrounds.
This college is famous for its research work and has even received grants from NASA, including a huge grant in 2023. Every year, this university receives research grants, and its professors win awards for their work.
Popular programs offered by this college include business, marketing, biological and biomedical sciences, science technologies, engineering, and computer and information science. This college offers affordable tuition which is why it made it to the list of the top 10 cheapest colleges in Arizona.
4. Arizona State University
Arizona State University (ASU) was established in 1885 as the Tempe Normal School. Today, it is one of the top-ranking schools in Arizona with excellent programs. The school’s sports teams have won lots of titles, and they have some impressive faculty members, including Nobel Laureates, MacArthur Fellows, and Pulitzer Prize winners.
ASU is also known for being innovative with a lot of patents. Students from all over the world attend ASU, and a good portion of them are the first in their families to go to college.
Popular programs offered at ASU include information technology, psychology, liberal studies, biological sciences, business, software engineering, electrical engineering, and English. The average undergraduate tuition and fees are $12,051 for in-state students and $32,193 for out-of-state students.
5. Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University (GCU) located in Phoenix, Arizona was established in 1949 as a non-profit liberal arts college. It later became a for-profit institution before transitioning back to non-profit status in 2018.
It is a Christian university that welcomes students from all backgrounds. It is known for its extensive online degree offerings and its dedication to integrating Christian beliefs with higher education. Around 60,000 students from various countries enroll in GCU’s online programs.
Aside from its online degrees, GCU has introduced new STEM programs and supports several NCAA Division I sports teams.
Popular majors at GCU include nursing, business, elementary education, human services, special education, and teaching.
6. Arizona Christian University
Arizona Christian University was established in 1960, it is a private, non-profit institution based in Glendale, Arizona, that offers a range of degree programs. They offer online bachelor’s degrees in behavioral health and psychology.
It is one of the top ten cheapest colleges in Arizona, online students pay $450 per credit hour, with an additional $45 technology and resource fee per course. The university also provides programs in biblical and theological studies, business, and other fields.
7. The University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix was established in 1976. Today, it offers various degree programs in fields like business, nursing, liberal arts, and psychology. With a steady tuition rate of $398 per credit for associate, bachelor’s degrees, and undergraduate certificates, it’s one of the top 10 cheapest colleges in Arizona.
Moreover, the university supports students in securing scholarships, including the Phoenix® Scholarship, which grants $1,000.
8. Pima Community College
Pima Community College was established in 1966. It is located in Tucson, Arizona. Today, Pima Community College provides several online associate degrees and certificates, such as an AAS in Early Childhood Studies and an Associate of Arts General Pathway. It’s among the top ten cheapest colleges in Arizona, with in-state tuition set at $92 per credit hour.
For online students who are not residents of Arizona, the tuition is $223.50 per credit hour, excluding potential additional fees.
9. Rio Salado College
Rio Salado College which was established in 1978 is located in Tempe, Arizona. This college provides affordable education, with tuition rates significantly lower than the national average for 4-year institutions. As one of the top ten cheapest colleges in Arizona, Maricopa County residents pay $85 per credit hour, while other in-state students pay $401.
Out-of-state students pay either $241 or $250 per credit hour, depending on their residency status in Arizona. The college offers two bachelor’s degrees in elementary education and public safety administration, as well as various associate and certificate programs.
10. Diné College
Diné College was established in 1968, it is located in Tsaile, Arizona, in the Navajo Nation. It is the first college controlled and approved by a Native American tribe in the U.S. It offers lots of programs, like over 11 bachelor’s degrees, 16 associate degrees, and even a master’s degree.
Some important programs they have are the Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and the Bachelor of Science in Biology. And here’s the cool part: it’s affordable, just $55 for each class credit. If you take 12 credits as a full-time student, it’s only $660.
How Much Does A College Degree Cost in Arizona?
The cost of going to college in Arizona is based on different things like if the school is public or private, if you live in Arizona or not, and if you are going for two years or four years. According to info from the College Board, in 2021-2022, the average cost for in-state students at public four-year schools was about $11,250 for tuition and fees. If you are attending a public two-year school, it is about $2,580.
If you are from a state other than Arizona, you will pay out-of-state tuition which usually costs more. For public four-year schools, it can be around $30,310, and for public two-year schools, it’s about $9,910. These numbers are just averages and do not include other cost like housing or books. And what you actually pay might be different, depending on things like scholarships and financial aid.
Do the Cheapest Colleges in Arizona Offer Good Quality Education?
The quality of education can be different at the cheapest colleges in Arizona. While it is great to find a college that is affordable, there are other important things to think about too. These include things like how experienced the instructors are, what kind of help and support you can get as a student, and if the school meets certain standards for education.
Some of the cheapest colleges in Arizona might still offer really good education. They could have professor who are talented in their field. These colleges focus on giving students a good education without charging a lot of money.
However, it important for students to check out each college to see if it is a good fit for them.
How To Make College Education Cheap
Making college education affordable involves several strategies and considerations. Here are some ways to make college education cheaper:-
- Research Financial Aid: Look for scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs to help pay for college. Fill out forms like the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
- Consider Community College: Start your college journey at a community college, which often costs less than four-year schools. You can take classes there first and then transfer to a bigger school later.
- In-State Tuition: If possible, attend a public college or university in your state to benefit from lower in-state tuition rates.
- Work-Study Programs: Explore work-study opportunities offered by colleges and universities, allowing you to work part-time while studying to help cover educational expenses.
- Choose Affordable Schools: Research colleges and universities with lower tuition rates. Compare costs and see which one fits your budget best.
- Live Off-Campus: Save money on housing and living expenses by living at home or finding a cheaper place to live off-campus.
- Apply for Scholarships: Look for scholarships from external organizations, local businesses, and community groups. Scholarships can help offset tuition costs and don’t need to be repaid.
- Budget Wisely: Create a budget to plan how much money you have and where it needs to go. Cut back on unnecessary spending to save money for school.
- Take Advantage of Tax Credits: Use tax credits for education expenses, like the American Opportunity Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit, to reduce tax liability.
- Accelerate Degree Completion: Finish school faster by taking extra classes, going to school in the summer, or testing out of classes. This can help you save money in the long run.