Best Affordable Online Associate Degrees in Arizona 2025

Many students use associate degrees as a way to start their higher education more affordably. The courses for these degrees can be transferred into bachelor's degree programs or used to enter the job market.

In general, the most affordable associate degree online come from community colleges, and associate degrees in Arizona are no exception. Keep reading to discover the most affordable associate degree online in Arizona.

How Much Does an Associate Degree Cost in Arizona?

The cost of an associate degree in Arizona depends on a few factors. Some of the most significant are the type of school you attend and whether you live in Arizona or another state.

The cheapest online associate degree in Arizona can be found at community colleges, where tuition ranges from about $90 to $110 per credit for in-state students. At private, four-year institutions, tuition is over $400 per credit hour.

While there are several affordable online colleges in Arizona, students can further lower their costs with options like the Arizona Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (AzLEAP) program, which awards up to $2,500 for Arizona residents studying at in-state schools. To find out if you qualify, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Cheapest Online Associate Degree Programs

Several community colleges in Arizona offer low-cost online associate degrees. Below, we've listed the most affordable associate degrees online in Arizona.

1. Mesa Community College

Mesa Community College is a public community college in Mesa, AZ, and it's part of the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD). It offers over 500 online classes leading to 20 different online degrees and certificates in fields such as business, general studies, humanities, and social work.

Tuition for Arizona residents is $97 per credit hour, and out-of-state online students pay $253. Through the Mesa College Promise, residents of Mesa can receive free tuition for two years. In addition to institutional scholarships, various scholarships are available through the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation (MCCF).

Average in-state tuition: $97 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $253 per credit hour

Program length: Four months of full-time study

Financial aid: MCC accepts aid from FAFSA, offers institutional scholarships, and accepts private aid.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Yavapai College

At Yavapai College, students can earn associate and bachelor's degrees, as well as complete certificate programs, through online learning. Areas of study for online associate degrees include computer science, criminal justice, elementary education, and public administration.'

This public school is based in Prescott, AZ. It has the highest tuition rate of Arizona's public colleges, at $108 per credit. However, through the YC promise, residents of Yavapai County can earn their associate degrees for free.

Average in-state tuition: $108 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $162 per credit hour

Program length: Four months of full-time study

Financial aid: YC offers financial aid, like the YC Promise. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

Accreditation: HLC

3. Phoenix College

Phoenix College offers numerous online courses that lead to multiple degrees and certificates. It is a public school in Phoenix, AZ, and another member of the MCCCD.

Areas of study include business, criminal justice, humanities, and liberal arts. The school offers scholarships like the Phoenix Promise to Phoenix residents, as well as scholarships through the MCCF.

Average in-state tuition: $97 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $253 per credit hour

Program length: Four months of full-time study

Financial aid: Phoenix College offers institutional aid and also accepts FAFSA and private aid.

Accreditation: HLC

4. Northland Pioneer College

Several online associate degrees are available through Northland Pioneer College. Areas of study include business, cybersecurity, early childhood education, and healthcare administration.

NPC, with multiple campuses in northeastern Arizona, is a public community college. Tuition for residents of Navajo and Apache County is only $75 per credit, while tuition for other Arizona residents is $94 per credit.

Average in-state tuition: $94 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $410 per credit hour

Program length: Four months of full-time study

Financial aid: NPC accepts aid through FAFSA and private organizations. It also offers institutional aid programs.

Accreditation: HLC

5. Mohave Community College

Mohave Community College is a public community college with multiple campuses throughout Mohave County, AZ. It offers over a dozen online associate degrees in fields like behavioral sciences, business administration, computer science, and paralegal studies.

MCC charges in-state students $94 per credit and out-of-state students $341. However, students from states that are part of the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) pay a reduced out-of-state rate of $141.

Average in-state tuition: $94 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $341 per credit hour

Program length: Four months of full-time study

Financial aid: MCC accepts aid through FAFSA, offers institutional scholarships, and accepts private aid.

Accreditation: HLC

6. Cochise College

Students at Cochise College can earn Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees � as well as bachelor's degrees and certificates � online. Areas of interest include business and entrepreneurship, computer science, law enforcement, and liberal arts.

This public school has campuses in Douglas and Sierra Vista, AZ. It charges Arizona residents $95 per credit and offers scholarship opportunities to help students pay for their college degrees.

Average in-state tuition: $95 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $255 per credit hour

Program length: Four months of full-time study

Financial aid: Cochise College offers institutional aid, including scholarships. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

Accreditation: HLC

7. Paradise Valley Community College

Paradise Valley Community College offers hundreds of online courses that can lead to associate degrees, certificates, and bachelor's degrees. PVCC is a public community college in Phoenix and a member of the MCCCD.

Students can earn degrees in fields like business administration, communication, healthcare, and information technology. The tuition rate is $97 per credit hour.

Average in-state tuition: $97 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $241 per credit hour

Program length: Four months of full-time study

Financial aid: PVCC offers institutional aid and accepts aid through FAFSA and private organizations.

Accreditation: HLC

8. Rio Salado College

Nearly 600 online courses are available at Rio Salado College, leading to a variety of associate degrees. Areas of study include biology, business, computer science, and elementary education.

Rio Salado College, based in Tempe, AZ, is a public college and part of the MCCCD. It charges Arizona residents $97 per credit and offers scholarships to help offset the cost.

Average in-state tuition: $97 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $253 per credit hour

Program length: Four months of full-time study

Financial aid: Rio Salado College accepts FAFSA and private aid. It also offers institutional financial aid.

Accreditation: HLC

9. Estrella Mountain Community College

Estrella Mountain Community College is a public community college in Avondale, AZ. Through hundreds of online classes, students can earn degrees in fields like computer science, healthcare, liberal arts, and social sciences.

The tuition rate at EMCC is $97 per credit for in-state residents. Numerous scholarships are available to both on-campus and online students.

Average in-state tuition: $97 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $253 per credit hour

Program length: Four months of full-time study

Financial aid: EMCC accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private aid.

Accreditation: HLC

10. GateWay Community College

Through Gateway Community College, students can earn numerous degrees through online learning. Areas of interest include business administration, computer science, healthcare, and humanities.

GateWay Community College, located in Phoenix, is a public college in the MCCCD system. It offers its own scholarship programs, as well as scholarships through the MCCF.

Average in-state tuition: $97 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $253 per credit hour

Program length: Four months of full-time study

Financial aid: GateWay Community College offers institutional aid, including scholarships. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

To choose the cheap online associate degrees in Arizona listed above, we focused on:

• Location: All schools are located in Arizona.
• Accreditation: Every college is a regionally accredited institution.
• Affordability: We chose colleges with the lowest tuition rates or best financial aid options.
• Online format: All colleges offer several online program options.

FAQs About the Cheapest Associate Degrees in Arizona

Finding affordable associate degrees online doesn't have to be hard. Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about online learning.

Can I Get an Associate Degree Online in Arizona?

You can earn an associate degree online in Arizona. Several colleges in the state offer online degree programs.

Just over a dozen community colleges in Arizona offer online associate degrees. You can also find online associate degrees at some private schools located in or with campuses in Arizona, including Arizona Christian University ($450 per credit) and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University ($503 per credit).

Additionally, Arizona is home to several for-profit schools, like DeVry University ($514 per credit) and the University of Phoenix ($398 per credit). However, many students prefer to avoid for-profit institutions, as they don't always have the best reputation.

What Is the Cheapest and Fastest Way To Get an Associate Degree in Arizona?

The cheapest and fastest way to get an associate degree in Arizona is to start taking college coursework while you're still in high school. Programs like Advanced Placement (AP) classes are often free but earn you transfer credits that you can take with you to college.

If you've already graduated, you still have options. To earn your degree fast, look for schools offering accelerated programs. Many of the MCCCD schools offer fast-track options. Additionally, consider taking courses during the summer term to help you finish faster.

Although tuition in Arizona is relatively inexpensive, you can save money by applying for financial aid. All of the schools above are online colleges that accept financial aid, but you'll need to fill out the FAFSA to qualify.

Are There Any 6-Month Associate Degrees in Arizona

The fast-track degrees offered at MCCCD schools can be finished in as little as one year; there are very few 6-month online associate degrees in the U.S. However, if you have transfer credits, it may be possible to finish your associate degree within six months.

Depending on the number of transfer credits you have, you may not need to do anything else to finish within six months. Otherwise, taking summer courses and a heavier credit load can help you finish faster.

What Are Some of the Fastest Associate Degrees You Can Get Online?

Most associate degrees take two years of full-time study to complete. However, if you want to finish your degree quickly, consider looking into a degree in general studies.

General studies programs do not have a set curriculum. Instead, you have specific categories of courses to fulfill, and can choose a course from several different options. This allows you to finish more quickly because if a specific class isn't offered one semester or if it's full, you can choose a different option and don't have to wait an extra semester.

Earn Your Associate Degree Online

Find the perfect online associate degree by exploring the affordable programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to request information about start dates, enrollment, and financial aid.