Known as the top producer of copper, Arizona also sees hundreds of thousands of college students graduate each year. Public college enrollment in Arizona jumped to 251,194 students in the fall of 2022, mostly due to the demand for online programs.
Arizona colleges, such as Arizona State University, Grand Canyon University, and the University of Phoenix, have some of the highest enrollment rates in the country. The online learning community makes up 41.6% of student enrollment in Arizona.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Colleges in Arizona for 2024
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Did you know that Arizona's average student loan borrower owes $36,300?
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Arizona
According to the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, Arizona employers have added 64,600 positions since April 2023. The fastest-growing sectors include education, health, and professional and business services.
Arizona's healthcare sectors, specifically nursing, need more employees to meet the growing aging population and retiring nursing workforce.
| Job | Projected Growth, 2022-2032 | Annual Mean Wage in AZ, May 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 71.3% | $132,560 |
| Respiratory Therapists | 31.2% | $74,750 |
| Speech-Language Pathologists | 35.8% | $97,510 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorders, and Mental health | 39.1% | $60,640 |
| Information Security Analysts | 39.6% (2018-2028) | $112,480 |
| Interpreters and Translators | 14.2% | $47,550 |
| Logisticians | 31.3% | $81,420 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | 26.2% | $66,110 |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | 25.1% | $76,700 |
Majors to Consider to Prepare for Arizona's Job Market
According to a 2024 study of nearly 6 million Americans, earning a college degree pays off. However, your return on investment depends on the major. If you want to maximize the worth of your college degree, consider pursuing majors at Arizona colleges that can lead to in-demand careers.
Computer Science
Degrees in computer science often offer specializations in analytics, cybersecurity, and health information to prepare you for faster-than-average careers in healthcare, marketing, and technology. The Projections Center predicts faster growth in these industries compared to other occupations.Counseling
Arizona anticipates higher-than-average demand for counseling and social services. A master's of science in counseling commonly offers concentrations that can lead to fast-growing careers in social work, substance misuse, and mental health counseling.Communications
A communication degree provides a market-relevant education. Arizona degree-holders can aspire to become market research analysts or interpreters and translators. Arizona receives projections indicating these careers may see sustained growth in the long term.Nursing
Nursing received some of the strongest growth projections in the state. Becoming a registered nurse requires at least an associate of science in nursing or a bachelor of science in nursing, and nurse practitioners need master of science in nursing degrees.
Cost of Living in Arizona
Renters living in Arizona pay considerably less for living expenses than states and regions that require a higher living wage, such as Hawaii and Washington, D.C. Food and transportation in Arizona are still comparable to costs in more expensive areas, however.
Arizonans pay an annual transportation cost of $9,890, compared to $10,997 in Hawaii. Online students in Arizona save money by eliminating the need to commute to campus.
| Cost of Living Category | Average Cost Per Month |
|---|---|
| Housing | $1,295 |
| Food | $335 |
| Transportation | $824 |
| Medical Care | $224 |
Scholarships and Cost Savings for Online Colleges in Arizona
You can tap into free tuition aid at any degree level. Full-ride scholarship opportunities may be limited, but college students have options such as partial scholarships, grants, and work-study positions.
College students nationwide receive approximately $6 billion in scholarship aid each year. Scholarships include merit-based and need-based awards. Arizona students can apply for scholarships through state, college, and community organizations.
Arizona Community Foundation
This foundation allows students to apply for over 150 scholarships with just one application. Applications open on Jan. 1 with varying closing dates. Students in four-year, two-year, graduate, and vocational programs can receive awards.
Arizona Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership
This need-based scholarship provides low-income undergraduates with up to $2,500 each year. Candidates must attend participating institutions and qualify for Pell Grants. Each student is automatically considered for this scholarship when applying for financial aid at a qualifying college.
Arizona State University Foundation
ASU scholarships support students from various backgrounds. For instance, the Ken Hollin Scholarship recognizes transfer students from Arizona Western College, and the Sun Devil Club Scholarship awards standout athletes. Applicants may need recommendation letters to apply.
Dorrance Scholarship Program
The Dorrance Scholarship Program supports first-generation learners. Incoming first-year students can renew this scholarship and receive up to $12,000 over four years. Must be an Arizona resident, high school senior, and incoming student at Arizona State University in Tempe, Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, or University of Arizona in Tucson.
The Flinn Scholarship Program
The Flinn Foundation works with public Arizona colleges to offer scholarships that cover tuition, housing, and study abroad opportunities. Since 1986, the Flinn Scholars have awarded yearly scholarships to 20 high school seniors.
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in Arizona
The Arizona Board of Regents administers the Western Undergraduate Exchange program, which offers tuition discounts to out-of-state students. Participating institutions in other states also offer tuition discounts to Arizona students.
Every applicant must identify as a Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) rate student during admission. Available undergraduate majors depend on the institution. Check the WUE website to find eligible programs. Along with Arizona, the following states operate within WUE:
Alaska
California
Colorado
Hawaii
Idaho
Montana
Nevada
New Mexico
North Dakota
Oregon
South Dakota
Utah
Washington
Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Arizona
Some community colleges in Arizona offer free tuition to qualifying students. The Mesa College Promise program covers tuition and fees for two years. Recent high school graduates and adult learners can qualify after meeting the financial need and academic requirements. Maricopa Community College provides the Route to Relief program, offering free tuition and monthly stipends for short-term training programs.
