Top 10 Cheapest Colleges in Arizona

In Arizona, the search for the cheapest colleges is met with diverse options. This article highlights Arizona's top colleges known for their cost-effectiveness without compromising on educational quality.

As of 2024, these institutions offer a range of programs and scholarships, catering to a wide spectrum of students seeking economical yet quality education.

Top Cheap Colleges in Arizona

Explore the cheapest colleges in Arizona, offering quality education at reduced costs.

1. Diné College

Diné College stands as the United States' first tribally controlled and accredited collegiate institution. Offering a variety of programs, students can choose from over 11 bachelor's degree programs, 16 associate degree programs, and a master's degree program.

Notable programs include the Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Bachelor of Science in Biology. Remarkably, the cost is just $55 per credit hour, capping at $660 for full-time students taking 12 credits.

2. Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University, a private Christian institution, offers over 200 degree programs. These include nursing, health care, engineering, and psychology. The university's tuition varies, with online undergraduate courses ranging from $250 to $485 per credit.

On-campus tuition varies from $310 to $687.50 per credit. Traditional students typically receive about $7,300 in scholarships per academic year from GCU.

3. Arizona State University

With over 800 degree programs, Arizona State University offers diverse options including architecture, education, and humanities.

Tuition varies by campus and program. For example, in-state students at the downtown Phoenix campus pursuing a degree in business pay $13,161 annually, while out-of-state students pay $34,103.

Students can access cost-reducing programs like the Arizona Promise Program and the College Attainment Grant.

4. The University of Arizona

The University of Arizona provides over 150 online degree programs in areas like arts, engineering, and business. Tuition for these online programs is set between $500 and $600, regardless of the student's location.

Programs include the Bachelor of Arts in Applied Humanities and Bachelor of Science in Biology. Transfer students can benefit from the Bridge Scholarship, which offers $500 per semester for up to three years.

5. Rio Salado College

Rio Salado College offers cost-effective education, with tuition 50-75% lower than the national average for 4-year institutions.

It provides two bachelor's degrees in elementary education, and public safety administration, along with various associate and certificate programs. Maricopa County residents pay $85 per credit hour, while other in-state students pay $401.

Out-of-state students pay $241 or $250 per credit hour, based on their residency in Arizona.

6. Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University offers a range of programs both online and on campus. Their online programs are available in flexible formats or traditional semester-based schedules.

Courses include communication studies, cybersecurity, and early childhood. For the 2023 to 2024 academic year, full-time online students pay approximately $11,352 annually, irrespective of their residency status.

7. Pima Community College

Pima Community College offers a variety of online associate degrees and certificates, including an AAS in Early Childhood Studies and an Associate of Arts General Pathway. For in-state students, the tuition is set at $92 per credit hour.

Non-resident online students are charged $223.50 per credit hour, not accounting for additional fees that may be applicable.

8. University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix provides a range of degree programs in fields such as business, nursing, liberal arts, and psychology. The institution maintains a consistent tuition rate of $398 per credit for associate, bachelor's degrees, and undergraduate certificates.

Additionally, the university assists students in finding scholarships, including the Phoenix® Scholarship, which offers $1,000.

9. Arizona Christian University

Arizona Christian University, a private, non-profit, Christian university located in Glendale, Arizona, offers a variety of degree programs. This includes online bachelor's degrees in behavioral health and psychology.

Tuition for online students is $450 per credit hour, excluding a $45 technology and resource fee per course. The university's offerings also extend to biblical and theological studies, business, and more.

10. Central Arizona College

Central Arizona College provides an array of associate degree programs in fields like business, behavioral sciences, and nursing. Notable programs include an Associate of Arts in Political Science and Psychology.

The tuition is set at $75 per credit for in-state students, while out-of-state students pay 200% of the standard tuition rate.

How Much Will a College Degree Cost?

The cost of a college degree in the United States varies significantly. For public colleges, the average annual in-state tuition is around $10,000, while out-of-state students pay an average of $23,000. Private colleges, however, average about $35,000 per year.

Additional costs like room, board, and textbooks can add several thousand dollars to these figures.

How To Make College Affordable

Explore strategies to make higher education more accessible and affordable.

Apply for Financial Aid

Financial aid is crucial for managing college expenses. The FAFSA program can provide need-based grants like Pell Grants, which do not require repayment, and federal loans with lower interest rates.

Work-study options are also available, offering students paid part-time positions.

Apply for Scholarships

Scholarships are essential for offsetting college costs. They can range from small, community-based awards to large, national competitions, often based on merit, special interests, or financial need.

Unlike loans, scholarships do not need to be repaid.

Apply for Work-Study Programs

Federal work-study positions provide part-time employment for students in need, allowing them to earn money to pay for education expenses.

These jobs are usually related to the student's course of study or community service.

Consider Community College

Attending a community college for the first two years can be a cost-effective strategy. The average tuition is about $3,800 per year, significantly lower than four-year institutions.

Students can complete general education requirements and then transfer to a four-year university, potentially saving thousands of dollars.

Do Cheap Colleges in Arizona Offer High-Quality Education?

Yes, affordable colleges in Arizona do offer high-quality education.

The schools listed in these rankings are not only budget-friendly but also accredited and recognized for their academic excellence, ensuring students receive a valuable and respected education.

In-State Vs. Out-of-State Tuition Rates

In Arizona, in-state students typically pay significantly lower tuition rates than their out-of-state counterparts. For instance, at Central Arizona College, in-state students pay $75 per credit, while out-of-state students pay double.

This pattern is consistent across most Arizona colleges, making residency a crucial factor in tuition costs.

Find an Affordable College in Arizona Today

Start your affordable education in Arizona, the state where excellence and affordability coexist.

There are also affordable online colleges all over the U.S.

Select from a range of the cheapest colleges in Arizona that offer both affordable tuition and a worthwhile educational experience.