Best Colleges in Arizona

Established in 1886 -- some 30 years before Arizona achieved statehood -- ASU is a comprehensive research university that offers degrees through 19 schools across five locations and online. The downtown Phoenix campus of ASU is home to the Thunderbird School of Global Management, the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law. The downtown Phoenix location is also the only ASU campus where students can pursue degrees in majors such as food service management, community sports management, and the science of healthcare delivery. ASU Online links all of the university's institutions, providing a single point of access for online learners, regardless of their home campus. Distance education students can choose from more than 300 online degrees in subjects like business administration, information technology, and political science. Prospective students must meet specific course requirements and academic standards, such as a minimum 3.0 GPA or an ACT score of 22 or higher.

One of the best online universities in Arizona, Northern Arizona University offers online programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Unlike other online institutions on this ranking, NAU offers coursework in both a traditional semester format and a competency-based learning structure. The latter requires students to choose a unique start date and pay a flat subscription rate. This can benefit degree-seekers who want to apply outside education -- such as military training -- toward their degree. Online learners at NAU use Blackboard virtual learning software to communicate with professors and peers, and the university's online library and tutoring resources provide the same excellent services that on-campus students receive. The university also boasts 24/7 IT support. Additionally, online degree-seekers can visit a local NAU campus to use any campus services they need. NAU accepts both high school transcripts and GED scores. All online students pay the same per-credit tuition rate and fees. Freshmen, transfer, and graduate learners may qualify for merit-based scholarships or need-based grants.

ASU's Polytechnic campus focuses on serving students interested in engineering, management, technology, and interdisciplinary sciences. For example, undergraduate students may pursue bachelor's degrees in aeronautical management technology and human systems engineering, while graduate students may seek master's and doctoral degrees in areas like environmental resource management and robotics and autonomous systems. Polytechnic students can also take courses remotely through ASU Online. The Polytechnic campus is situated on the outskirts of Phoenix, providing students easy access to a desert arboretum and a national forest. The location also boasts a residence hall for first-year learners, dining facilities, and a recreation center, making it a popular choice for students looking for a self-contained educational experience. Regardless of where they study, all ASU undergraduate applicants must meet the same admission requirements. In addition to holding a bachelor's degree, graduate applicants may also need to submit results from a standardized entrance exam like the GRE.

ASU's Tempe campus houses the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the School for the Future of Innovation in Society, the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, and the School of Sustainability. Tempe students may also major in engineering, education, or business, along with a host of other academic disciplines through ASU Online. Through a light rail system, the Tempe campus provides easy access to metropolitan Phoenix. It is also home to many research and athletics facilities, including the school's Global Institute of Sustainability and Sun Devil Stadium. ASU offers multiple sources of financial aid. Arizona residents receive significant in-state tuition discounts, while many of the university's scholarship programs are open to out-of-state students and those pursuing their degrees online. For example, the William D. Kavan Scholarship provides $1,000 in aid each year to select students majoring in political science.

At ASU's West campus, students can explore subjects like applied quantitative science, healthcare compliance and regulations, forensic psychology, and elementary education. Nearly 100 undergraduate degrees are available through the West campus, along with 27 master's, doctoral, and graduate certificate programs. Students can also take advantage of the university's array of online classes and programs, making it easier to balance their studies with a job or family obligations. Students at ASU West benefit from amenities like a swimming pool, the Sun Devil Fitness Complex, and the Fletcher Library. The school also provides a variety of support services designed to help students thrive personally, academically, and professionally. For example, the university hosts an online career counseling hub that allows students to search for internship and job opportunities, make one-on-one advising appointments with dedicated coaches, and sign up for career fairs and skill development workshops.

A world-class university with campuses in Arizona and Florida, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees -- as well as certificates -- in areas such as aerospace engineering aviation and aerospace sustainability. Unlike other online colleges on this ranking, ERAU offers free online courses for prospective degree-seekers. Courses last 9-12 weeks, and new students can start a program at one of many points throughout the year. ERAU attracts students from all over the world; learners study alongside and collaborate with a truly international student body. Advisors provide personalized advice to help degree-seekers create a bespoke program that matches their academic and career goals. Learners can also access technical support at any time of day. Application requirements vary for undergraduate and graduate programs. Transfer credit must reflect a minimum C grade, and ERAU does not factor in transfer GPA when making financial aid decisions. Freshmen and transfer students may qualify for merit-based scholarships, and awards renew automatically as long as learners maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.

The University of Arizona boasts online undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as online graduate certificates. Bachelor's programs such as cyber operations, environmental science, and network operations prepare learners for in-demand careers. All courses last 7.5 weeks, and most students take one course at a time. However, the school suggests degree-seekers without additional responsibilities take two courses simultaneously. Online learners can reach professors through email, text, and one-on-one conferencing through Skype. Degree-seekers use the same methods to work with academic advisors and counselors. As students approach graduation, they can network with alumni mentors to explore job opportunities and gain valuable career advice. Prospective students complete a four-step application process that involves creating an account and submitting transcripts. All incoming learners must provide FAFSA results by the fall or spring deadline. UArizona does not charge out-of-state tuition, and transfer students may qualify for up to $500 per semester in merit-based scholarships.

Award-winning faculty and a generous transfer credit policy make Arizona State University one of the best online colleges in Arizona. ASU hosts over 30,000 learners across more than 200 entirely online programs, including degrees and certificates in 18 academic areas such as business, liberal studies, or technology. ASU features six start dates each year. ASU provides 11 valuable support services to help online learners succeed in the virtual classroom and find a fulfilling career. Students do not pay an additional fee to access online tutors and can speak with success coaches to receive personalized advice. ASU's online Career and Professional Development Service provides all the same benefits that on-campus degree-seekers enjoy. Prospective freshmen must possess either a high school diploma or GED certificate. Transfer credit should reflect a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA, and applicants to graduate programs should have a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Each program charges a different per-credit tuition rate, and ASU helps incoming learners explore and apply to outside scholarship opportunities.

A Christian university based in Phoenix, ACU offers undergraduate programs in subjects such as biblical studies, Christian ministries, and Christian family studies. Students can also earn degrees in professional disciplines like business administration, elementary and secondary education, and sports management. To support students who need to schedule their learning around other responsibilities, ACU provides evening and online courses. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate. They must also sign a student affirmation of faith declaring that they are followers of Jesus Christ. During the admissions process, prospective students can apply for a variety of scholarships. For example, incoming first-year students who maintained a high school GPA of 3.85 or higher and scored at least 30 on the ACT may qualify for the university's President's Scholarship, which covers all tuition and fees. The university also matches financial support from a student's church -- up to $500 per semester.

The only Christian college on this list, Arizona Christian University offers six online bachelor's programs, including business administration, biblical and theological studies, and secondary education. Online programs use the same professors and curriculum as on-campus programs, and new courses start every eight weeks. All professors integrate the Christian worldview into their courses. Outside of class, online learners can access multiple student services that promote spiritual growth and academic success. The ACU library boasts the latest research tools at no additional cost, and the Academic Center provides both one-on-one and small group tutoring sessions. Additionally, ACU invites online learners living in the Glendale area to attend Tuesday and Thursday religious services. ACU accepts GED certificates, and applicants with high school transcripts should possess a minimum 2.0 GPA. As a private university, ACU charges the same per-credit tuition rate to all degree-seekers. Incoming students apply for merit-based scholarships and need-based grants by submitting FAFSA results.