A Guide to Online Colleges in Arizona

Arizona — with its unique position on the map — is simultaneously considered to be a Southwestern and Western state for its connections with the mountain ranges to the west (namely The San Francisco Mountains) and Spanish population throughout it’s southern border with Mexico. Nicknamed "The Grand Canyon State", Arizona is home to some of the United States most magnificent monument and National Parks. In addition to the Grand Canyon, your adventures through Arizona may wind you around the Horseshoe Bend of the Colorado River, over the unique patterns of The Petrified Forest National Park, or standing in awe at the West Mitten at Monument Valley. The great outdoors takes on a definite meaning here in the sixth largest state in the U.S. The southern part of Arizona is home to Tucson, the Saguaro National Park and artisan cities like Bisbee or Tubac, not to mention the old western feel of a town like Tombstone. To the north you’ll find less of the dessert and more fir forests with pines and some mountain ranges in addition Arizona’s capitol city, Phoenix and the surround areas. The cross-connection with the arts and the great out doors are apparent in the surrounding smaller cites such as Tempe and Mesa. At the top of Arizona’s map and perhaps the top of most people’s bucket list is the Grand Canyon originally inhabited by Native Americans who built their settlements within the canyon and its plethora of caves. According to the Pueblo people, the Grand Canyon was considered a holy site. While one of the perks to online education is its accessibility to from anywhere, there are several reasons an individual would prefer to remain in Arizona for their education.

In-state tuition is often applied to public schools offering online programs. Many online programs require some face-to-face time, or more numerous support services at their brick and mortar locations. Intensive study experiences–often on the weekends or in several week long bouts–enable many online students to accelerate their time until graduation. And students looking at online education can drastically expand their educational options if they also look to hybrid degrees (degrees where degrees can be taken partially, or mostly online). Finally, one of the most common stipulations in scholarships is that students be from a certain state or region, often more funds are available to students seeking degrees in-state.

Public School offerings

Arizona is home to some of the most innovative top public schools in the country. Arizona state is the number one school for Fulbright awards and The University of Arizona is houses the OSIRIS-REx program (UA’s reaching for a near-Earth asteroid projected as of 2020). Both schools are top 150 schools according to U.S. News and provide a total of over 70 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs all completely online. You can earn degrees like a master’s in geological and geophysical engineering, or a doctor of behavioral health completely online. Another great option for online public education is Northern Arizona University which offers 17 bachelor’s and 21 master’s degrees completely online. Engage in programs such as a BS in criminal justice, or an MA in construction management just to name a couple. The best community colleges for online offerings are Rio Salado, and Masa Community College. Both of these community colleges provide associate’s degrees that transfer into the Arizona State University system.

Private School offerings

Though not as many public school offerings, the private schools that ranked highly in Arizona are Ottawa University- Phoenix and The Thunderbird School of Global Management. The programs at Ottawa are created for nontraditional learners whether working professionals or parents who are looking to change careers, Ottawa has a number of options completely online at the bachelor’s level including several degrees in accounting and business. Ottawa University- Phoenix aims to keep programs effective and flexible and offers online master’s degrees as well where some practium hours may be required. The Thunderbird School of Global Management is a management school offered with Arizona State University. They offers an MBA an a Master’s in Global Management completely online.

Phoenix is Arizona’s capital city situated in the Sonoran Desert. The city is known for its perpetual sunshine, live music venues, and art walks. Whether you’re heading down Roosevelt Row to walk in the eclectic art galleries, browse a boutique or relax in a coffee shop or restaurant, you’re enjoying life in what the USA Today has listed as one of the country’s 10 Best Art Districts. As one of the 6 largest cities in the US, there are numerous places to go in Phoenix. Or step outside and enjoy the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Take a hike up camelback mountain or enjoy a road trip through the areas scenic mountain ranges. Greater Phoenix is home to Arizona State University.

Tucson is located 60 miles north of the border of Nogales, Mexico and makes up the second part of the Arizona Sun Corridor. Tucson is known for its cuisine, particularly Mexican as well as ceramics as Tucson was a focal point for extensive use of pottery for cooking and storage. In addition to attractions such as the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (with its Earth Sciences Center and hummingbird aviary), Tucson Botanical Gardens or The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, there are numerous hiking adventures in the Chiricahua Wilderness, Tucson Mountains and Santa Catalina Mountains. Its close proximity to Mexico and other surrounding towns enhance Tucson’s diversity. Tucson is just a short drive away from quaint Southwestern style towns such as Bisbee or Tombstone.

Surrounded by the Sonoran Desert, Mesa is a beautiful city with endless outdoor adventure opportunities. Mesa is located just 30 miles east of Phoenix and is home to the Arizona Museum of Natural History, and the Commemorative Air Force Museum as well as Arizona’s largest arts center, the Mesa Arts Center. If you’re looking for something to do outside, try the Desert Belle Paddleboat Cruise on Saguaro Lake or observe the Park of the Canals a 31-acre park featuring the ancient and intricate canal system of the Hohokam Native Americans. According to Trip Advisor, Mesa is know for its inexpensive winter sports amenities. Mesa is also home to the Polytechnic campus of Arizona State University.

Bordered to the north by Tempe and Arizona State University, Chandler is a city located directly east of South Mountain Environmental a 16,000-acre park with several trails, mountain bluff views and wildlife. Fifteen miles northwest is Tempe, home to Arizona State University, one of the most innovative college campuses in the nation, according to U.S. News. Chandler is known for its many parks and recreational amenities, such as the Mesquite Groves and Aquatic Center and colorful festivals like the annual Ostrich Festival. This is a fast-growing city that takes care of its inhabitants. With the mean annual income over $74,000, close proximity to major cities like Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Phoenix not to mention its recognition as “100 Best Communities for Young People” according to America’s Promise Alliance , it’s no wonder uprooting to head back to school wouldn’t necessarily be the first choice for citizens of Chandler.

The Best Online Colleges in Arizona

Monitoring the accreditation of a university you are interested in attending is incredibly important. Accreditation ensures your credits can transfer that you can receive Federal financial aid, and most importantly that certain standards of educational quality are during your schooling. The highest accreditation standard for most programs in the United States is provided by regional accreditation agencies. The regional accrediting agency for Arizona is the Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional accrediting agencies responsible for accrediting schools in Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Making sure that a University you're hoping to attend is regionally accredited — or accredited by a real and respected accrediting agency — is one of the most important choices you can make in ensuring the quality of your education.

Three Steps for Securing Financial Aid

Through the previous three steps most students find themselves offered some sort of federal grant, work study, private grant, scholarship, or stipend.

Great Arizona Higher Education Resources