Loading
Online degrees from Arizona's universities carry the same diploma and the same federal aid — but the costs, scholarships, and fit work differently. Here is the honest map.
300+ degree programs, same diploma as campus ASU
One of the largest online programs in the country. The diploma does not say "online."
130+ programs, including competency-based (self-paced) options
The subscription model can be dramatically cheaper for fast, self-directed learners.
150+ programs with the same faculty as campus
Same regional accreditation as campus UA — credits transfer the same way.
Associate degrees + certificates fully online; AGEC transfers to all 3 AZ universities
The cheapest path: online AGEC at a community college, then transfer into an online or campus bachelor's.
Online is not automatically cheaper per credit
ASU Online and UA Online per-credit rates are close to in-state campus rates. The real savings are housing, food, transport, and the ability to keep working.
Pell and federal loans work the same
Accredited online programs at ASU, UA, NAU, and Maricopa are fully federal-aid eligible. File the FAFSA exactly as a campus student would.
Scholarship fine print matters more
Many private and institutional scholarships require full-time campus enrollment. Before accepting an online path, re-read every award you have won.
The community college start stacks
Online AGEC at ~$97/credit, then transfer: the first two years can cost less than one semester of university. The 2+2 math gets even better online.
Public libraries across Arizona lend Wi-Fi hotspots, and the schools above have technology-loan programs for enrolled students. Tribal communities: check your tribal education office — several run device and connectivity grants. Don't rule out online before checking what support exists.
Comparing online vs campus costs? Run the numbers in the 2+2 transfer calculator or the housing cost comparison.