Best Online Colleges in Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix is one of the fastest-growing cities in Arizona and America and is known for its vibrant communities. The area surrounding Phoenix is known as the Valley of the Sun. Residents enjoy the comfortable fall, winter, and spring weather, and this area is full of recreational and business opportunities. However, potential students now have the freedom to take advantage of all the learning opportunities Phoenix has to offer without having to live in Arizona. Online colleges in Phoenix, AZ provide the freedom for all students to enjoy Phoenix’s educational offerings without having to live there.
The top online colleges in Phoenix are also among the finest top-ranked schools in the state. The Valley of the Sun, home to Scottsdale, Glendale, Mesa, Tempe, Phoenix, and other communities, is home to most of Arizona’s best higher learning institutions. This region is now known as a hub for online education. The University of Phoenix, the most popular adult online university, is just the tip of the iceberg of online opportunities available there. Edsmart can make sense of the many options available from the online colleges in Phoenix.
Online Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.13 Best Online Colleges Phoenix, Arizona
1. South Mountain Community College
Average Net Price: $8,566
South Mountain Community College is a public, two-year, associate's degree-granting institution of higher education located in Phoenix, Arizona. The school has an open admission policy and offers a wide range of academic programs. The school works to provide a variety of courses that are designed to meet the needs of working adults. Niche.com has given South Mountain Community College an overall grade rating of B- for professors, diversity, and student life. The college offers Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree programs. These programs are designed to prepare students for transfer to four-year colleges or universities or for entry into the workforce. Students can also choose from a range of certificate programs that provide specialized training for students who want to pursue specific careers without transferring to a four-year institution. A few of their most popular concentrations include forensic science, early childhood education, behavioral sciences, cybersecurity, victimology, and web design.
2. Phoenix College
Average Net Price: $8,744
Phoenix College offers students the opportunity to develop their critical thinking skills through the use of multicultural understanding. With a personalized approach, the institution delivers a range of support, care, and learning experiences that are tailored to the individual needs of students to help them achieve their goals. Niche.com awarded Phoenix College with a grade of B- for student life, diversity, and safety. Phoenix College is one of the largest community colleges in Arizona. It offers a wide range of degree programs in fields such as arts, sciences, business, and computer technology. Phoenix College provides associate degrees that take about two years to complete. The courses are offered both during the day and at night to help students balance their work and school schedules. The fields of interest you can earn your associate degree in include applied technology, behavioral science/human services, business/entrepreneurialism/management, computer/information technology, culture/society, education, health sciences, STEM, and visual/performing arts.
3. Paradise Valley Community College
Average Net Price: $9,239
The mission of Paradise Valley Community College is to provide students with the opportunity to attain their higher education goals while learning how to become active participants in society. They strive for whole-person education by providing learning opportunities that are tailored to meet the needs of their student body. Niche.com gave Paradise Valley Community College an overall grade rating of B for value, safety, and student life. Paradise Valley Community College is a community college in Arizona. It offers associate degrees, transfer degrees, and professional development certificates. The Paradise Valley Community College offers over 50 associate degree programs. Students can choose from arts and humanities, business, science, and technology, or health care fields to study at the college. You can earn professional certificates in specialties like critical care paramedicine, emergency management, fingerprint identification/photography, law enforcement, legal studies, nursing assistant, and a whole variety more.
4. Rio Salado College
Average Net Price: $9,320
Rio Salado College is a widely-recognized leader in the field of online learning. Founded in 1978, the school has held a steadfast commitment to providing high-quality distance learning for over 40 years. Niche.com gave Rio Salado College an overall grade rating of B- for diversity, student life, and location. They offer more than 100 degrees and certificates across many different fields, including business administration, project management, nursing, education, psychology, criminal justice, and more. They are nationally recognized for their innovation with technology-enhanced instruction and their student-focused model of teaching. Innovative courses and degree programs provide flexibility and variety for today’s busy student, while the college’s commitment to affordability means that it is possible for everyone to get a quality education.
5. GateWay Community College
Average Net Price: $10,315
For over 40 years, Gateway Community College has been setting the standard for public higher education in Phoenix by offering high-quality instruction and comprehensive services in an environment that fosters learning. They provide a range of higher education resources to help keep pace with changes in accessibility, needs, and culture. Gateway Community College offers Associate of Arts degrees in General Studies, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Business Administration. They also offer Associate of Science degrees in Early Childhood Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, Nursing, and a variety of other degrees to help you begin your dream career. Gateway also offers a number of certificate programs and continuing education courses for adults. Gateway Community College is accredited by the New English Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
6. Scottsdale Community College
Average Net Price: $10,397
Scottsdale Community College is a state-of-the-art learning center that aims to be a premier educational and cultural hub for the diverse populations in the Scottsdale area. The institution is committed to providing innovative and creative opportunities to learn, grow, and achieve its full potential through partnerships with businesses, cultural organizations, and governmental entities in order to enrich lives through education. Niche.com gave Scottsdale Community College an overall grade rating of B for professors, value, and diversity. The SCC offers associate degrees in Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering Technologies, Health Science, Liberal Arts, Natural Sciences, and Mathematics. The college also offers certificates in Applied Science and Technology, Cyber Engineering, Culinary Arts, Human Resources Management, Motion Picture Production, and Personal Training amongst many other certificates.
7. Arizona State University
Average Net Price: $11,706
Arizona State University is a comprehensive public research university that values innovation and strives to admit, support, and graduate all qualified students. Inclusion is not just a priority at ASU; it's the core of their identity and the basis for everything they do. Arizona State University is a higher education institution that is dedicated to advancing the public good by researching and providing benefits that will help better the next generation of society. The U.S. News and World Report ranked ASU #117 in National Universities, #1 in Most Innovative Schools, #54 in Top Public Schools. Niche.com gave the school a grade of A and ranked them #1 in Best Colleges in Arizona. Arizona State University is unique in that it offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to teaching students. In this way, students have the chance to develop into master learners and benefit from an impressive range of undergraduate and graduate options that are highly ranked. As a student, you can earn your degree in over 400 undergraduate and more than 450 graduate degrees. This also means that students are capable through the flexible and diverse range of curriculum offerings to become experts in any field they so choose.
8. Northern Arizona University
Average Net Price: $12,915
Northern Arizona University (NAU) is a leading institution in Arizona that focuses on providing the state with a better future by providing students with personalized attention and focusing on scholarly excellence. They promote sustainability by focusing on renewable resources and minimizing deforestation, which will help to preserve our planet for future generations. Niche.com ranked Northern Arizona University with a grade rating of B for academics, value, and diversity. The institution offers a wide range of degrees, from traditional four-year degrees to professional certifications in areas like business and design. Students will be connected with faculty members who will offer them career advice, serve as mentors for tutoring and research, and provide connections to industry professionals. The school offers more than 200 undergraduate programs and over 90 graduate programs. Degrees are offered in areas of interest including criminal justice, education/counseling, healthcare, nursing, parks/recreation, social/behavioral sciences, and a variety of other interest areas.
9. Prescott College
Average Net Price: $18,798
Prescott College seeks to provide a globally-minded education to students of all ages and backgrounds that will have them prepared for the world in which they will be living. It is their mission to have students become knowledgeable about the world and also become actively involved in making it a better place for future generations. Prescott College is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution of higher education in the United States. The college offers undergraduate and graduates degree programs in art and design, business administration, psychology and counseling, natural sciences, mathematics, and more. At Prescott, you'll have the opportunity to craft your own customized academic plan that is as unique as you are. Prescott College has many different programs available, all of which have a strong experiential element. This means that you will be gaining valuable professional and practical experience in your chosen field, rather than just purely theoretical experience.
10. Grand Canyon University
Average Net Price: $21,020
Grand Canyon University is a private Christian university in Phoenix, Arizona. The mission of Grand Canyon University is to provide students with a quality education that integrates faith and learning. Students are encouraged to explore their passions, discover their talents and find success in their chosen fields. Niche.com ranked Grand Canyon University with a grade of B- for academics, diversity, and athletics. The university was ranked #18 for Best College Campuses in America. Grand Canyon University offers more than 200 programs from nine distinct colleges. Their bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and doctoral programs are designed to help you pursue your goals in your desired field. Alongside their academic programs, they offer individual courses as well as continuing education programs for teachers. GCU strives to empower the student experience by providing an incomparable academic curriculum and a variety of programs that allow students to find their passion.
11. Arizona Christian University
Average Net Price: $21,374
Arizona Christian University is a faith-based college that provides a liberal arts education that can help graduates do better in both their personal life and professional career. With an emphasis on developing the intellect, character, and Christian faith of their students, ACU's commitment to excellence will prepare and empower those who graduate from this university to be leaders of influence in society. The U.S. News and World Report ranked Arizona Christian University #13 in Regional Colleges West, #15 in Best Value Schools, #28 in Top Performers on Social Mobility. ASU offers degrees in more than 45 majors and programs. In addition to traditional majors such as business administration, biology, political science, and teaching, the university offers interdisciplinary studies. With an interdisciplinary studies degree, students can work with their advisors to design courses that match their specific vocational and intellectual goals. These courses will combine your individual strengths and preferences, as well as what is required for education or training in your desired field, to produce a degree that suits you personally and professionally.
12. University of Advancing Technology
Average Net Price: $21,440
The University of Advancing Technology is a private institution founded in 1983. The mission of the University of Advancing Technology is to educate students in both traditional and emerging disciplines of technology, who will innovate and lead the future. Niche.com gave the University of Advancing Technology a grade rating of B- for diversity, value, and campus life. The university's academic programs are designed to prepare students for careers with the world's leading technology companies or to launch their own technology-focused start-ups. The University of Advancing Technology offers a wide range of degree programs that are designed to prepare students for careers in the digital age. The university offers Bachelor’s degrees in areas like Computer Science, Game Design and Development, Information Security, and Architecture and Construction Technologies. The University of Advancing Technology (UAT) is a world-class institution that has been providing excellent learning opportunities for qualified students for over a quarter-century. The University offers unique opportunities for students through their Honors college, which provides an enriched academic experience with coursework tracks specifically designed for UAT Honors scholars.
13. Brookline college
Average Net Price: $32,801
At Brookline College, their mission is to provide more than an education. The goal is to help you achieve your dreams for a brighter future and have a positive impact on the world as well. They strive to foster the most enriching and supportive learning environment possible so that you can graduate, make life-long friendships, and meet like-minded people along the way. Brookline College has a specialization in healthcare and nursing degrees. They offer a BSN, Medical Assisting, Dental Assistant, Surgical Technology, and Physical Therapist Assistant programs. The faculty and staff at Brookline College are a dedicated group of professionals with years of experience in their respective fields. They will utilize their knowledge and experience to provide the best possible guidance for students as they pursue the goals of their educational journeys. Brookline College has been a pioneer in providing hands-on experience to students. No matter what program you wish to pursue, hands-on experience or clinical work is a priority that provides students with the opportunity to explore their interests and get a taste of what it's like to work in their desired field.