6 Cheapest Universities in Arizona for International Students

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In Arizona, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in United States without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Arizona, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 6 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Arizona, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Arizona for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Arizona ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Grand Canyon University 16,500 USD 44%
University of Advancing Technology 25,900 USD 12%
Northern Arizona University 26,200 USD 11%
Arizona State University 32,800 USD -12%
Prescott College 34,000 USD -16%
University of Arizona 39,600 USD -35%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 29,200 USD for universities in Arizona.

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1. Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a privately funded institution that has been in the industry since 1949. GCU is a Christian university whose study programs are aligned with the Christian context. While it is known for providing top-rated programs in theology and ministry, it also offers various academic disciplines in business, education, engineering, medical sciences, humanities, and social sciences. The university is already one of Arizona’s leading private higher education schools. Still, it continues to invest in developing world-class programs to offer to its diverse student body.

2. University of Advancing Technology

The University of Advancing Technology (UAT) is a private university in Tempe, Arizona. It began as the CAD Institute for engineers and architects in 1983. UAD offers associate, undergraduate, and graduate programs in various areas of study including technology innovation, video game design, digital media, cyber security, robotics, and computer science.

3. Northern Arizona University

Established in 1833, Northern Arizona University was initially formed as a teacher’s college. Over the years, it has undergone several redevelopments and improvements. It has expanded to provide higher education programs in various fields of study. Its main campus is in Flagstaff, Arizona, but it has numerous locations across the state where students have more options for which site to study. Moreover, it also offers over a hundred online programs to accommodate students from across the globe.

4. Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) is a top-leading and world-class public research university in Phoenix, the largest city in Arizona. It was originally established in 1885 as Territorial Normal School to train teachers and educators for the state. The university became more developed throughout its inception; expanding its academic campuses, increasing and diversifying its academic programs, and improving its quality of education and research which led to opening its doors to thousands of degree-seeking students in various fields of interest. ASU is known as one of the most competitive higher education institutions in the United States.

5. Prescott College

Prescott College is a private institution on the west side of the US. It is ranked 94th in the region by US News for 2022. This liberal arts college is dedicated not just to the field but also to social justice and the environment, as reflected in its motto. Although both undergrad and grad programs are available, only undergraduate courses are offered on-campus. The rest are taught online for flexibility and convenience.

6. University of Arizona

The University of Arizona is a world-class higher education institution that was established by the 13th Arizona Territorial Legislature. It’s famously known as the very first university in the state. Recently the university expanded its affiliations and acquired Ashford University in 2021 which became known as the University of Arizona Global Campus.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Arizona for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Arizona ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Grand Canyon University 16,500 USD 34%
University of Advancing Technology 18,200 USD 28%
University of Arizona 27,000 USD -7%
Northern Arizona University 27,900 USD -11%
Arizona State University 35,300 USD -41%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 25,000 USD for universities in Arizona.

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1. Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a privately funded institution that has been in the industry since 1949. GCU is a Christian university whose study programs are aligned with the Christian context. While it is known for providing top-rated programs in theology and ministry, it also offers various academic disciplines in business, education, engineering, medical sciences, humanities, and social sciences. The university is already one of Arizona’s leading private higher education schools. Still, it continues to invest in developing world-class programs to offer to its diverse student body.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Grand Canyon University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 16,500 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. University of Advancing Technology

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is University of Advancing Technology. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at University of Advancing Technology is 18,200 USD.

The University of Advancing Technology (UAT) is a private university in Tempe, Arizona. It began as the CAD Institute for engineers and architects in 1983. UAD offers associate, undergraduate, and graduate programs in various areas of study including technology innovation, video game design, digital media, cyber security, robotics, and computer science.

3. University of Arizona

The University of Arizona is a world-class higher education institution that was established by the 13th Arizona Territorial Legislature. It’s famously known as the very first university in the state. Recently the university expanded its affiliations and acquired Ashford University in 2021 which became known as the University of Arizona Global Campus.

The tuition fee at University of Arizona for incoming international master’s students is 26,910 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Northern Arizona University

Another affordable university to consider in Arizona is Northern Arizona University.

Established in 1833, Northern Arizona University was initially formed as a teacher’s college. Over the years, it has undergone several redevelopments and improvements. It has expanded to provide higher education programs in various fields of study. Its main campus is in Flagstaff, Arizona, but it has numerous locations across the state where students have more options for which site to study. Moreover, it also offers over a hundred online programs to accommodate students from across the globe.

The tuition fee in Northern Arizona University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 27,804 USD.

5. Arizona State University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Arizona State University has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 35,280 USD yearly.

Arizona State University (ASU) is a top-leading and world-class public research university in Phoenix, the largest city in Arizona. It was originally established in 1885 as Territorial Normal School to train teachers and educators for the state. The university became more developed throughout its inception; expanding its academic campuses, increasing and diversifying its academic programs, and improving its quality of education and research which led to opening its doors to thousands of degree-seeking students in various fields of interest. ASU is known as one of the most competitive higher education institutions in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Arizona?

Applying to cheap universities in Arizona requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in United States for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Arizona?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Arizona. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Arizona is the Arizona State University, which offers Architecture, Business, and Aeronautical Management Technology to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Arizona State University offers Architecture , Business, and Aerospace Engineering.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Arizona, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Arizona as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Arizona for international students was helpful!