Arizona is chock full of great colleges and universities. University of Arizona, and its affiliated institutions, is a major research and educational system that offers a full range of studies for graduate and undergraduate students. There are also private colleges that offer unique and creative approaches to education.
While you can find loads of great educational opportunities at in-state on-campus institutions, Arizona also offers plenty of online learning opportunities. If you are in-state and attending class online, you might be able to take a course or two on campus if you choose. You'll also be close by in case you want to complete a degree program through a hybrid online/on-campus program.
How Much Can You Make by Earning a Degree?
The income a person can earn with a degree in Arizona varies significantly depending on the level of education, field of study, and industry. On average, individuals with a bachelor's degree in Arizona earn around $60,000 to $70,000 annually, while those with advanced degrees, such as a master's or doctorate, can command salaries exceeding $90,000, especially in high-demand sectors like technology, healthcare, and engineering. Professionals in fields such as nursing, software development, and business management often enjoy higher-than-average wages due to the state's growing economy and demand for skilled labor. Additionally, Arizona's cost of living is relatively moderate compared to other states, meaning degree-holders can often achieve a comfortable standard of living. However, entry-level salaries and earning potential may vary based on factors such as experience, location, and the specific job market.
Education Level & National Average Median Compensation
| NO FORMAL EDUCATION | HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | ASSOCIATE DEGREE | BACHELOR’S DEGREE | MASTER’S DEGREE | DOCTORAL DEGREE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $36,816* | $46,748* | $55,016* | $77,636* | $90,324* | $109,668* |
Most Popular Degrees and Careers in Arizona
The most popular degrees tend to lead to some of the top careers. Students tend to be attracted to online degree programs that will put them in a position to succeed and thrive post-graduation. For that reason, it's important to attend the best possible school you can. It's also important to graduate in a timely fashion. If you can graduate in under six years, with great grades, you'll find that employers reward your dedication and hard work.
Top Business Careers and Salaries
| CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting | 22,450 | $51,600 |
| Engineer | - | $78,800 |
| Finance | 12,000 | $92,400 |
| Information Technology | - | $57,900 |
| Logistics | 3,100 | $51,400 |
| Marketing | 5,230 | $65,900 |
| Management (sales managers) | 9,970 | $61,300 |
| Social Work | 1,160 | $48,000 |
- Accounting
- Business
- Business Administrator
- Business Manager
- Business Specialist
- Economist
- Engineer
- Entrepreneur
- Financial Analyst
- Homeland Security
- Hospitality Manager
- Human Resources Manager
- Information Technology
- International Business Manager
- Logistics
- Management
- Marketing Manager
- Operations Manager
- Organizational Leader
- Project Manager
- Public Administrator
- Social Work
- Supply Chain Manager
Top Computers Careers and Salaries
Top Education Careers and Salaries
- Early Childhood Administrator
- Early Childhood Education Teacher
- General Education Teacher
- Secondary School Teacher
Top Healthcare Careers and Salaries
| CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Therapist | 3,600 | $71,500 |
| Occupational Therapist | 2,100 | $66,600 |
| Clinical Psychologist | 2,600 | $80,800 |
| Healthcare Administration | 8,050 | $69,500 |
| Public Health (epidemiologist) | 140 | $64,700 |
| Medical Doctor | - | Varies based on Specialty |
| Healthcare Informatics | 7,880 | $68,400 |
- Clinical Psychologist
- Gerontology Nurse or Physician
- Healthcare Administrator
- Healthcare Informatics
- Healthcare Manager
- Medical Doctor
- Occupational Therapist
- Physical Therapist
- Public Health
Top Legal Careers and Salaries
Top Social Services Careers and Salaries
Top 20 Best Associate Degree Programs in Arizona
Cochise College
Score: 84.5
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,232
- Out-of-State:$6,000
- Net Price: $7,248
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 30%
- Total Enrollment: 3,782
- Undergrad Students: 3,782
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $37,400
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Yavapai College
Score: 82.82
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,838
- Out-of-State:$9,344
- Net Price: $6,985
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 32%
- Total Enrollment: 7,200
- Undergrad Students: 7,200
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $36,200
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Pima Community College
Score: 79.43
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,370
- Out-of-State:$7,686
- Net Price: $3,057
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 21%
- Total Enrollment: 15,819
- Undergrad Students: 15,819
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $36,700
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Score: 77.37
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,358
- Out-of-State:$8,958
- Net Price: $13,175
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 23%
- Total Enrollment: 14,725
- Undergrad Students: 14,725
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $44,200
- Student-to-faculty: 25:1
Scottsdale Community College
Score: 77.31
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,358
- Out-of-State:$8,958
- Net Price: $15,163
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 24%
- Total Enrollment: 6,875
- Undergrad Students: 6,875
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $42,600
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Phoenix College
Score: 77.16
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,358
- Out-of-State:$8,958
- Net Price: $12,119
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 18%
- Total Enrollment: 10,384
- Undergrad Students: 10,384
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $44,700
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Central Arizona College
Score: 76.02
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,250
- Out-of-State:$4,500
- Net Price: $4,645
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 58%
- Graduation Rate: 23%
- Total Enrollment: 5,131
- Undergrad Students: 5,131
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $33,400
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Paradise Valley Community College
Score: 75.91
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,358
- Out-of-State:$8,958
- Net Price: $14,322
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 20%
- Total Enrollment: 5,880
- Undergrad Students: 5,880
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $43,100
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Estrella Mountain Community College
Score: 74.98
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,358
- Out-of-State:$8,958
- Net Price: $12,673
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 25%
- Total Enrollment: 10,069
- Undergrad Students: 10,069
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $38,700
- Student-to-faculty: 23:1
Mohave Community College
Score: 74.82
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,136
- Out-of-State:$7,248
- Net Price: $6,806
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 40%
- Graduation Rate: 30%
- Total Enrollment: 3,693
- Undergrad Students: 3,693
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $30,100
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Eastern Arizona College
Score: 74.47
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,352
- Out-of-State:$9,552
- Net Price: $10,313
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 36%
- Total Enrollment: 5,076
- Undergrad Students: 5,076
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $26,200
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Arizona Western College
Score: 72.66
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,020
- Out-of-State:$9,830
- Net Price: $9,818
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 25%
- Total Enrollment: 8,038
- Undergrad Students: 8,038
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,600
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
GateWay Community College
Score: 71.18
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,358
- Out-of-State:$8,958
- Net Price: $13,317
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 20%
- Total Enrollment: 5,123
- Undergrad Students: 5,123
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $37,400
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Coconino Community College
Score: 69.37
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,254
- Out-of-State:$9,492
- Net Price: $11,524
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 57%
- Graduation Rate: 23%
- Total Enrollment: 2,696
- Undergrad Students: 2,696
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $35,000
- Student-to-faculty: 24:1
South Mountain Community College
Score: 68.95
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,358
- Out-of-State:$8,958
- Net Price: $12,879
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 23%
- Total Enrollment: 4,157
- Undergrad Students: 4,157
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,900
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Mesa Community College
Score: 67.88
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,358
- Out-of-State:$8,958
- Net Price: $13,767
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 19%
- Total Enrollment: 16,624
- Undergrad Students: 16,624
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $35,100
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Rio Salado College
Score: 63.72
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,358
- Out-of-State:$8,958
- Net Price: $9,003
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 43%
- Graduation Rate: 4%
- Total Enrollment: 18,631
- Undergrad Students: 18,631
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $45,300
- Student-to-faculty: 31:1
Glendale Community College-Arizona
Score: 61.47
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,358
- Out-of-State:$8,958
- Net Price: $13,166
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 41%
- Graduation Rate: 14%
- Total Enrollment: 13,480
- Undergrad Students: 13,480
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $35,300
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Northland Pioneer College
Score: 58
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,428
- Out-of-State:$9,851
- Net Price: $10,975
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 42%
- Graduation Rate: 8%
- Total Enrollment: 2,825
- Undergrad Students: 2,825
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,100
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Bryan University-Tempe
Score: 47.1
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,185
- Out-of-State:$12,185
- Net Price: $20,495
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: N/A
- Graduation Rate: 24%
- Total Enrollment: 2,108
- Undergrad Students: 2,094
- Graduate Students: 14
- Grads Salary: $27,100
- Student-to-faculty: 25:1
Top 10 Best Bachelor's Programs in Arizona
DeVry University-Arizona
Score: 87.19
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,488
- Out-of-State:$17,488
- Net Price: $30,963
- Acceptance Rate: 53%
- Retention Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Total Enrollment: 24
- Undergrad Students: 22
- Graduate Students: 2
- Grads Salary: $89,000
- Student-to-faculty: 1:1
University of Arizona
Score: 85.88
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,626
- Out-of-State:$41,095
- Net Price: $18,144
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 88%
- Graduation Rate: 66%
- Total Enrollment: 53,001
- Undergrad Students: 41,899
- Graduate Students: 11,102
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Arizona State University
Score: 85.53
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,051
- Out-of-State:$32,193
- Net Price: $16,401
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 68%
- Total Enrollment: 79,593
- Undergrad Students: 65,174
- Graduate Students: 14,419
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott
Score: 80.45
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $42,204
- Out-of-State:$42,204
- Net Price: $41,209
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Total Enrollment: 3,286
- Undergrad Students: 3,250
- Graduate Students: 36
- Grads Salary: $91,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Northern Arizona University
Score: 77.54
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,652
- Out-of-State:$28,900
- Net Price: $16,544
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
- Total Enrollment: 28,186
- Undergrad Students: 23,128
- Graduate Students: 5,058
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Aspen University
Score: 77.36
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,264
- Out-of-State:$6,264
- Net Price: $13,781
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 21%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 5,195
- Undergrad Students: 2,398
- Graduate Students: 2,797
- Grads Salary: $88,000
- Student-to-faculty: 4:1
Grand Canyon University
Score: 71.73
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,450
- Out-of-State:$17,450
- Net Price: $22,239
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 107,563
- Undergrad Students: 70,929
- Graduate Students: 36,634
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
University of Advancing Technology
Score: 71.61
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $19,430
- Out-of-State:$19,430
- Net Price: $21,148
- Acceptance Rate: 95%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 39%
- Total Enrollment: 960
- Undergrad Students: 892
- Graduate Students: 68
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
University of Phoenix-Arizona
Score: 61.41
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,552
- Out-of-State:$9,552
- Net Price: $13,612
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 41%
- Graduation Rate: 20%
- Total Enrollment: 101,150
- Undergrad Students: 80,637
- Graduate Students: 20,513
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 132:1
Prescott College
Score: 59.58
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $35,685
- Out-of-State:$35,685
- Net Price: $23,163
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 36%
- Total Enrollment: 909
- Undergrad Students: 257
- Graduate Students: 652
- Grads Salary: $56,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Top 10 Best Master's Programs in Arizona
DeVry University-Arizona
Score: 87.19
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,072
- Out-of-State:$17,072
- Net Price: $30,963
- Acceptance Rate: 53%
- Retention Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Total Enrollment: 24
- Undergrad Students: 22
- Graduate Students: 2
- Grads Salary: $89,000
- Student-to-faculty: 1:1
University of Arizona
Score: 85.88
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,718
- Out-of-State:$32,290
- Net Price: $18,144
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 88%
- Graduation Rate: 66%
- Total Enrollment: 53,001
- Undergrad Students: 41,899
- Graduate Students: 11,102
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Arizona State University
Score: 85.53
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,376
- Out-of-State:$25,722
- Net Price: $16,401
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 68%
- Total Enrollment: 79,593
- Undergrad Students: 65,174
- Graduate Students: 14,419
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott
Score: 80.45
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $20,340
- Out-of-State:$20,340
- Net Price: $41,209
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Total Enrollment: 3,286
- Undergrad Students: 3,250
- Graduate Students: 36
- Grads Salary: $91,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Northern Arizona University
Score: 77.54
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,674
- Out-of-State:$21,204
- Net Price: $16,544
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
- Total Enrollment: 28,186
- Undergrad Students: 23,128
- Graduate Students: 5,058
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Aspen University
Score: 77.36
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,485
- Out-of-State:$4,485
- Net Price: $13,781
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 21%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 5,195
- Undergrad Students: 2,398
- Graduate Students: 2,797
- Grads Salary: $88,000
- Student-to-faculty: 4:1
Grand Canyon University
Score: 71.73
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,138
- Out-of-State:$10,138
- Net Price: $22,239
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 107,563
- Undergrad Students: 70,929
- Graduate Students: 36,634
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
University of Advancing Technology
Score: 71.61
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,915
- Out-of-State:$15,915
- Net Price: $21,148
- Acceptance Rate: 95%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 39%
- Total Enrollment: 960
- Undergrad Students: 892
- Graduate Students: 68
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
American InterContinental University
Score: 62.18
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,169
- Out-of-State:$12,169
- Net Price: $14,250
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 20%
- Graduation Rate: 21%
- Total Enrollment: 10,997
- Undergrad Students: 6,830
- Graduate Students: 4,167
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 34:1
University of Phoenix-Arizona
Score: 61.41
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,215
- Out-of-State:$16,215
- Net Price: $13,612
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 41%
- Graduation Rate: 20%
- Total Enrollment: 101,150
- Undergrad Students: 80,637
- Graduate Students: 20,513
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 132:1
Scholarships for Arizona Students
To help defray the cost of your online Arizona degree, seek out scholarships to help along the way. While most only pay a relatively small sum, under $10,000, you can still apply for multiple scholarships at once. Further, there are still scholarships that provide a full-ride through a degree. These are rare, but it is possible to find them. It's also good to keep in mind that there are many scholarships that go undiscovered and are simply waiting for you to find them. Here are a few of the best scholarships for Arizona students:
BOCA
BOCA Scholarship
http://www.allaboutboca.com/recipients.php
If you grew up on an Arizona ranch, you qualify to apply for this scholarship. If you are a student at any level, a US Citizen, two letters of recommendation, a list of your achievements, a mission statement, and a list of any other scholarships you've won.
ML
Modern Law Scholarship
http://www.allaboutboca.com/recipients.php
If you are an Arizona student you can apply for this open-ended scholarship whose mission is simply to help students pay for college. Their criteria are rather vague, as they only ask that you "impress" them with an essay or video. Given that Modern Law is a firm that specializes in divorce, you might mention how you have been impacted by that phenomenon. You might also focus on more traditional scholarship topics such as your plans and achievements.
MCC
APS/Maricopa County Community Colleges Scholarships
https://mcccdf.academicworks.com/
If you have a 3.0 GPA and can demonstrate financial need, you should consider applying for this scholarship. This fund is overseen by Pinnacle West Capital Corp. and will help you through your Community College experience. You must also be an Arizona resident.
PR
Phoenix Pride Scholarship
https://phoenixpride.org/phoenixpridecommunityfoundation/pride-scholarships/
Maricopa County LGBTQ students who are currently attending an accredited college or university, or who are soon to graduate high school are welcome to apply. There are two award levels: $1,000 and $5,000. Eight students will receive $5,000 and one is awarded $1,000. If you win, you must enroll for at least 12 credit hours in the following term. The $1,000 award is for a student-athlete. All applicants must have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.
AZNA
Arizona Nursery Association Scholarships
https://azna.org/Scholarship
If you love plants and intend on studying horticultural-related curriculum during your college years, this scholarship is intended for you. Your grades must be above-average, you should be employed by a nursery, and display extra-curricular activities related to the industry. Applicants can be attending a university, college, community college, or continuing education program. The Nursery Association awards two scholarships worth $500 and $3000.