The Grand Canyon State only possesses a few online four-year colleges and universities, but the ones we’ve highlighted stand out for both affordable tuition and strong programs. Online colleges in Arizona can prepare you for a career in such growing industries as renewable energy, manufacturing, and business services, both in Arizona and nationwide.  Read on for our ranking of the best online colleges in Arizona and what they can do for you.

Top 3 online schools in Arizona: Quick facts

The 5 best online colleges in Arizona

Before perusing our rankings, please take a moment to familiarize yourself with ZDNet’s ranking methodology. Our inclusion and ranking criteria for schools include the number of online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs offered. Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard. Note that for public colleges, the average annual net price given is for in-state students.

  1. Northern Arizona UniversityFlagstaff, Arizona About the school: Northern Arizona University’s online catalog includes an online master’s in mechanical engineering, master’s in geographic information science, and master’s in computer information technology. The school also offers start-when-you-want personalized online degrees that allow students to pay for schooling at a flat rate for a six-month subscription.

Acceptance rate: 82%Graduation rate: 59%Price for undergraduate degree: $44,000-$54,000Price for graduate degree: $28,000-$40,000Student body population: 28,711Student-to-teacher ratio: 21:1Number of online bachelor degree programs: 25Number of online master’s degree programs: 18Avg. SAT range for admitted students: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: 2.0Course delivery method: Asynchronous

Accreditation: Northern Arizona University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 2. University of ArizonaTucson, Arizona

Acceptance rate: 85%Graduation rate: 64%Price for undergraduate degree: $45,000-$60,000Price for graduate degree: $33,550-$46,550Student body population: 48,274Student-to-teacher ratio: 17:1Number of online bachelor degree programs: 27Number of online master’s degree programs: 24Avg. SAT range for admitted students: 1090-1350Minimum GPA: 2.0Course delivery method: Asynchronous

Accreditation: University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 3. Prescott CollegePrescott, Arizona About the school: A private college founded in 1966, Prescott College specializes in programs in the liberal arts and environmental issues. The school’s online catalog includes an online master’s in sustainable food systems, MBA in sustainability leadership, and bachelor’s in environmental studies.

Acceptance rate: 98%Graduation rate: 56%Price for undergraduate degree: $52,000-$64,000Price for graduate degree: $36,000-$48,000Student body population: 1,047Student-to-teacher ratio: 9:1Number of online bachelor degree programs: 23Number of online master’s degree programs: 14Avg. SAT range for admitted students: 1095-1290Minimum GPA: 2.0Course delivery method: Asynchronous/synchronous

Accreditation: Prescott College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 4. Arizona State UniversityTempe, Arizona About the school: Arizona State University offers hundreds of certificates, undergraduate degrees, and graduate degrees via ASU Online. Online learners use Canvas and enjoy discussion boards, virtual office hours, and self-paced 6-7.5-week courses.

Acceptance rate: 88%Graduation rate: 64%Price for undergraduate degree: $40,000-$51,000Price for graduate degree: $33,000-$45,000Student body population: 77,881Student-to-teacher ratio: 18:1Number of online bachelor degree programs: 100+Number of online master’s degree programs: 100+Avg. SAT range for admitted students: 1100-1320Minimum GPA: 2.0Course delivery method: Asynchronous

Accreditation: Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) 5. Ottawa University-SurpriseSurprise, Arizona About the school: An American Baptist university, Ottawa University-Surprise offers online courses in accelerated eight-week terms for full-time learners looking to earn a degree fast. The school’s online catalog includes an online master’s in health care management, master’s in nursing, and MBA in data analytics.

Acceptance rate: 28%Graduation rate: Not publicly availablePrice for undergraduate degree: $120,000-$140,000Price for graduate degree: $55,000-$70,000Student body population: 972Student-to-teacher ratio: 12:1Number of online bachelor degree programs: ThreeNumber of online master’s degree programs: 15Avg. SAT range for admitted students: 970-1191Minimum GPA: 2.0Course delivery method: Asynchronous/synchronous

Accreditation: Ottawa University-Surprise is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

In conclusion

Online colleges in Arizona can help you forge career paths in fields including engineering, business, and environmental studies.  If you’d like to explore online college as a path to a new career, reach out to your local college or university for more information. It’s never too late to pursue your degree online.