Picking an online college can feel like standing in front of a wall of identical doors.
Every website promises flexibility. Every school claims to be “ranked #1.” Every landing page wants your email address before it answers a single real question.
Arizona State University Online is different in one important way: it’s big enough, old enough, and transparent enough that you can actually verify the claims.
This guide pulls together everything a serious applicant needs — tuition by the credit, real admission requirements, which programs are ABET or AACSB accredited, and how financial aid, scholarships, and employer partnerships like the Starbucks College Achievement Plan actually work.
No fluff. No guesswork. Just the numbers and policies you need before you apply.
Quick Fact: ASU Online has grown from a handful of pilot courses launched in 2006 into one of the largest online universities in the country, with more than 400 online degree programs and well over 100,000 online students worldwide.
What Is ASU Online?
ASU Online is the fully online division of Arizona State University, operated through a unit called EdPlus at ASU.
It is not a separate, lesser-known “online college” that happens to share ASU’s name. It is the same university, the same faculty, the same degree audit system, and — in the vast majority of programs — the same diploma.
The distinction only shows up on your transcript in the delivery method, not in the degree title.
A Short History
ASU launched its first fully online degree programs in 2006. Growth was gradual for the first several years, then accelerated sharply after 2010 as ASU leadership, under president Michael Crow, began pushing the “New American University” model: an institution measured by whom it includes, not whom it excludes.
Today ASU Online enrolls well over 100,000 students, making it one of the largest online student populations of any public research university in the United States.
Did You Know? ASU has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1931 — long before “online learning” existed as a concept. That century-old accreditation now covers the online division too.
What Makes ASU Online Different From a For-Profit Online School
- Nonprofit, public status — ASU answers to the Arizona Board of Regents, not shareholders.
- Research university backing — ASU is classified as an R1 research institution, meaning online students have access to research-active faculty, not adjunct-only staffing.
- Shared curriculum — most ASU Online courses are built by the same academic departments that teach the on-campus version, sometimes taught by the very same professor.
- Scale — the size of the online program funds course design, tutoring, and student support infrastructure that smaller online schools can’t match.
The “New American University” Model
To understand why ASU Online looks the way it does, it helps to understand the philosophy driving the whole university.
Under president Michael Crow, ASU adopted what it calls the “New American University” model: a research university judged not by how many applicants it rejects, but by the academic quality of the education it delivers to the broadest possible population — including working adults, first-generation students, parents, and military-connected learners who never fit the traditional 18-year-old-on-campus mold.
ASU Online is the clearest expression of that philosophy in action. Instead of treating online education as a lesser, discounted version of the “real” university, ASU built its online division as a direct extension of the same academic departments, the same faculty hiring standards, and — critically — the same accreditation.
Quick Fact: ASU has been ranked the No. 1 university in the U.S. for innovation by U.S. News & World Report for multiple consecutive years, a ranking that reflects the university as a whole, not a marketing claim specific to the online division.
Arizona State University: A Quick Overview
Founded in 1885 as the Tempe Normal School, Arizona State University has grown into one of the largest public universities in the United States by total enrollment.
ASU operates multiple physical campuses across the Phoenix metro area — Tempe, Downtown Phoenix, West Valley, and Polytechnic — alongside its online division and Barrett, The Honors College.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1885 |
| Type | Public research university (R1 classification) |
| Main campus | Tempe, Arizona |
| Online division | ASU Online (via EdPlus at ASU) |
| Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission (HLC), continuous since 1931 |
| Online programs | 400+ undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs |
| Online enrollment | 100,000+ students worldwide |
ASU’s stated mission — sometimes called the “ASU Charter” — commits the university to being measured by who it includes rather than who it excludes, while still maintaining research excellence. That philosophy is the reason ASU’s acceptance rate is high relative to its research output and rankings: access, not exclusivity, is the institutional goal.
ASU’s Physical Campuses
Even though this guide is about the online division, it’s worth knowing what the “on-campus” side of ASU looks like, since some online students choose to attend occasional in-person events, use campus resources during a visit, or transition between online and on-campus enrollment.
- Tempe campus — the original and largest campus, home to most undergraduate colleges and traditional campus life.
- Downtown Phoenix campus — focused on journalism, nursing, health sciences, and public service programs.
- West Valley campus — smaller, community-oriented campus with a focus on interdisciplinary and STEM programs.
- Polytechnic campus — applied and technical programs, including aviation and engineering technology.
- ASU Online — no physical location; students access everything remotely.
Rankings and Recognition
ASU’s rankings are relevant to online applicants because they reflect the university as a whole — the same faculty, curriculum standards, and academic reputation that back your online diploma.
| Ranking Category | Recognition |
|---|---|
| Innovation (U.S. News & World Report) | Ranked No. 1 in the U.S. for multiple consecutive years |
| Best Online Bachelor’s Programs (2026, U.S. News) | No. 6 overall |
| Best Online Bachelor’s in Business (2026, U.S. News) | No. 2 |
| Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans (2026, U.S. News) | No. 3 |
| Total top-10 rankings across programs (2026 U.S. News Best Online Programs) | 25+ |
| Undergraduate teaching | Top 15 nationally |
| Patents awarded to faculty and researchers | Top 10 nationally |
Did You Know? More than 107,000 students were enrolled in ASU Online programs worldwide as of the 2026 rankings cycle, with more than 110,000 total graduates from ASU’s online degree programs since the division launched in 2006.
Why This Matters for Online Applicants
Because access is baked into the mission, ASU Online tends to be more forgiving of nontraditional academic backgrounds than many peer institutions — while still requiring you to meet real, published admission standards, which we’ll break down in detail later in this guide.
ASU Online vs. On-Campus ASU
The most common question from prospective students isn’t “is ASU good?” — it’s “will an ASU Online degree look different from a campus degree?”
Here’s the direct answer: for most programs, no. Your diploma does not say “online.” Your transcript does not flag delivery method to employers. The degree title, major, and college awarding it are identical.
What actually differs is the student experience, not the credential.
| Feature | ASU Online | ASU On-Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Class format | Asynchronous, some live sessions | In-person lectures, labs, seminars |
| Diploma wording | Same degree title, no “online” designation for most programs | Same degree title |
| Faculty | Often the same faculty as on-campus courses | Full-time and adjunct faculty |
| Tuition structure | Flat per-credit rate regardless of residency for most programs | Resident vs. nonresident tuition tiers |
| Campus life | Virtual clubs, online community, optional campus visits | Full campus life, housing, in-person clubs |
| Lab science courses | At-home lab kits or approved lab partners for many courses | On-campus wet labs |
| Start dates | Multiple sessions per year (A, B, C sessions) | Primarily fall and spring semesters |
| Best for | Working adults, military, parents, self-directed learners | Traditional 18–22 year old students wanting residential life |
Expert Tip: If a specific program matters to your career (say, ABET-accredited engineering or CCNE-accredited nursing), always confirm that program’s online accreditation status individually. Institutional accreditation covers the whole university, but professional/programmatic accreditation is awarded degree-by-degree, and not every on-campus program has a fully online equivalent.
One Real Limitation to Know About
Not every ASU major is available online. Highly hands-on programs — certain performing arts degrees, some laboratory-heavy sciences, and clinical prelicensure nursing tracks — remain campus-only or hybrid. Always check a specific program’s degree page rather than assuming “ASU offers it” automatically means “ASU offers it online.”
Is ASU Online Accredited?
Yes. Arizona State University — including every degree delivered through ASU Online — is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), one of the seven accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
This is not a minor detail. Regional accreditation is the gatekeeping credential that determines whether:
- Your credits are eligible for federal financial aid (FAFSA, loans, Pell Grants).
- Your credits transfer to other accredited universities.
- Employers and graduate schools treat your degree as legitimate.
- You can sit for many professional licensure exams.
Important Note: ASU has held HLC accreditation continuously since 1931. That’s the same institutional accreditation held by universities like the University of Illinois, Northwestern, and the University of Colorado — ASU Online students share it in full.
Institutional Accreditation vs. Programmatic Accreditation
These are two different things, and mixing them up is one of the most common mistakes prospective students make.
| Type | What It Covers | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Regional (institutional) accreditation | The entire university | Required for financial aid eligibility and general credit transfer |
| Programmatic accreditation | A specific degree program | Often required for licensure or signals field-specific rigor to employers |
ASU Online carries several notable programmatic accreditations, including:
- ABET — for select online engineering and computer science degrees, including online BS Computer Science, BSE Electrical Engineering, BSE Mechanical Engineering, BSE Biomedical Engineering, BSE Engineering Management and BS Software Engineering. Several of these are among a small handful of ABET-accredited online programs in the country nationwide.
- AACSB — for W. P. Carey School of Business programs, a distinction held by a minority of business schools worldwide.
- CCNE — Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, covering ASU’s baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs.
- CAEP — Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, covering teacher-preparation programs.
- CSWE — Council on Social Work Education, covering social work degrees.
State Authorization
Because online students can live anywhere, universities also need state-level authorization to legally enroll students in every state. ASU participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), which — combined with its HLC accreditation as a public nonprofit institution — has allowed it to meet authorization requirements in all states, districts, and U.S. territories.
Warning: State authorization status can change, and licensure-track programs (nursing, teaching, counseling) have state-specific rules that go beyond general authorization. If your goal is professional licensure, verify your specific state’s requirements on ASU Online’s state authorization and professional licensure pages before enrolling — not after.
ASU Online Degree Programs
ASU Online offers more than 400 degree and certificate programs, spanning bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctoral programs, and graduate certificates.
That scale is one of ASU Online’s biggest structural advantages: most online-only universities offer a narrow menu of business and IT degrees. ASU offers everything from software engineering to sustainability to family and human development.
Quick Fact: In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings, ASU Online earned more than two dozen top-10 placements, including a No. 6 overall ranking for online bachelor’s programs and a No. 2 ranking for its online bachelor’s in business.
Bachelor’s Degrees
ASU Online offers well over 180 bachelor’s degree programs. Common categories include:
- Business, marketing and management
- Computer science, software engineering and information technology
- Nursing and health sciences
- Education and teacher preparation
- Engineering (electrical, mechanical, biomedical, engineering management)
- Psychology and the social sciences
- Communications and journalism
- Criminal justice and public policy
- Liberal arts, humanities and interdisciplinary studies
Bachelor’s degrees generally require 120 credit hours, though a handful of ABET-accredited engineering degrees require slightly more.
Master’s Degrees
ASU Online’s graduate catalog includes more than 150 master’s degrees and dozens of graduate certificates. Popular categories include:
- MBA and specialized business master’s degrees
- Master of Education (curriculum, administration, instructional design)
- Master of Science in Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Data Science
- Master of Social Work (MSW)
- Master of Public Administration (MPA)
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- Master’s in engineering disciplines
Most master’s degrees run 30–36 credit hours, though this varies significantly by field — some specialized STEM master’s degrees require more.
Business Programs
Business degrees are housed in the W. P. Carey School of Business, which holds AACSB accreditation — the same accrediting body that certifies top-ranked business schools worldwide.
ASU Online business options include:
- BS in Business (with concentrations such as marketing, finance, management, supply chain management, and business data analytics)
- Online MBA
- Master of Science in specialized fields like finance, business analytics, and information management
ASU’s online bachelor’s in business has repeatedly placed in the top three nationally in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s in Business rankings.
Computer Science Programs
Computer science and software degrees are housed in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. This is one of ASU Online’s flagship strengths: its online BS in Computer Science is ABET-accredited under the Computing Accreditation Commission — a distinction held by fewer than ten online computer science programs in the entire country.
- BS Computer Science (ABET-accredited)
- BS Software Engineering (ABET-accredited — the only online ABET-accredited software engineering degree in the U.S. as of this writing)
- BS Information Technology
- Master of Computer Science
- Master of Science in Software Engineering
Best Practice: If your career goal involves an engineering role that expects an ABET degree (common in aerospace, defense, and some corporate engineering tracks), confirm ABET status on the specific program’s degree page — accreditation status can change and applies at the individual program level, not the school level.
Nursing and Healthcare Programs
Nursing and health programs are housed in the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, which is CCNE-accredited.
Online healthcare options include:
- RN-BSN completion program (for licensed RNs seeking a bachelor’s)
- Master of Science in Nursing (multiple tracks, including nurse educator and leadership paths)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Public health, health sciences, and health innovation degrees
Important Note: Direct-entry, prelicensure BSN programs that lead to your first RN license generally require in-person clinical rotations and are not fully online. The RN-BSN completion pathway — for students who are already licensed RNs — is the program that is offered 100% online.
Education Degrees
Education programs are housed in the Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation (renamed from Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College in 2025), which holds CAEP accreditation.
- Bachelor’s degrees in elementary education, special education, and secondary education
- Master of Education (curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, instructional design)
- Graduate certificates in specific teaching endorsements
ASU’s online graduate education programs have repeatedly earned No. 1 or top-five national rankings in categories like educational administration and instructional design.
Warning: Teacher certification requirements are state-specific. An ASU online education degree prepares you academically, but you are responsible for confirming that the program satisfies your target state’s licensure requirements before you enroll, especially if you plan to teach outside Arizona.
Engineering Programs
ASU Online, through the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, offers a genuinely unusual lineup for an online program — most online universities simply don’t attempt engineering because of lab and equipment requirements. ASU has invested in remote lab kits and simulation software to make it work.
- BSE Electrical Engineering (ABET-accredited)
- BSE Mechanical Engineering (ABET-accredited — the only fully online ABET-accredited mechanical engineering degree in the U.S.)
- BSE Biomedical Engineering (ABET-accredited — one of only two online ABET-accredited biomedical engineering programs nationally)
- BSE Engineering Management (ABET-accredited)
- Master’s degrees in electrical engineering, systems engineering, and engineering management
Psychology Programs
Psychology is one of ASU Online’s most popular undergraduate majors, offered through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
- BS in Psychology
- BS in Psychology with concentrations (forensic psychology, applied behavior analysis foundations, etc.)
- Graduate certificates related to behavioral health
ASU’s online psychology bachelor’s degree has been repeatedly recognized among the top online psychology programs nationally by U.S. News & World Report.
Other Notable Program Areas
- Criminal justice and criminology
- Communication and mass communication
- Sustainability (ASU pioneered the first school dedicated entirely to sustainability)
- Public service and public administration
- Social work (CSWE-accredited MSW)
- Applied science and technical management (Bachelor of Applied Science, designed for AAS transfer students)
Doctoral Degrees and Graduate Certificates
ASU Online isn’t limited to bachelor’s and master’s degrees. It also offers a growing catalog of fully online doctoral programs and shorter graduate certificates, including:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) — for advanced-practice nurses moving into leadership or clinical specialization roles
- Doctor of Education (EdD) — for education professionals pursuing leadership positions in K–12 or higher education
- Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH)
- PhD programs in select fields, often in hybrid or low-residency formats rather than fully asynchronous
- Graduate certificates in narrow specializations (data analytics, project management, TESOL, learning sciences, and dozens more) — useful for adding a targeted credential without committing to a full degree
Pro Tip: Graduate certificates are a low-risk way to test whether ASU Online’s format fits your learning style before committing to a full master’s or doctoral program — and the credits often apply toward a full degree later if you decide to continue.
How to Choose the Right ASU Online Program
With 400-plus programs to sort through, narrowing your choice can feel overwhelming. Use this checklist to filter efficiently:
- Confirm it’s actually offered online. Search ASU’s Degree Search tool and filter specifically for “ASU Online,” since not every on-campus major has a fully online twin.
- Check programmatic accreditation if your field has a relevant accrediting body (engineering, business, nursing, education, social work).
- Look at required residencies or in-person components. A small number of “online” programs still require occasional in-person intensives — read the fine print.
- Map your transfer credits against the specific major’s requirements using MyPath2ASU before assuming your prior coursework will shorten the timeline.
- Check licensure alignment with your home state if the field requires professional licensure (nursing, teaching, counseling, social work).
- Compare career outcomes for the specific program, not just the university overall — a strong general reputation doesn’t guarantee every individual program has equally strong outcomes.
| College/School | Notable Online Programs | Programmatic Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| W. P. Carey School of Business | BS Business, Online MBA | AACSB |
| Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering | Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical/Mechanical/Biomedical Engineering | ABET |
| Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation | RN-BSN, MSN, DNP | CCNE |
| Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation | BA Education, MEd, teaching certificates | CAEP |
| College of Liberal Arts and Sciences | Psychology, Communication, Sociology | Field-specific where applicable |
| Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions | Criminal Justice, Social Work, Public Administration | CSWE (MSW) |
How ASU Online Admissions Work
ASU Online admission requirements differ depending on your student type: first-year, transfer, graduate, international, military, or nondegree.
Here’s the breakdown for the two largest groups — first-year and transfer applicants — followed by the general application process.
Admission Requirements for First-Year Students
You’re classified as a first-year student if you’ve never attended college, or have fewer than 12 transferable college credits with at least a 2.50 cumulative GPA.
Step 1: Meet the high school competency requirements. ASU requires specific coursework, not just a diploma:
- Four years of math
- Four years of English (non-ESL/ELL courses)
- Three years of lab science (one year each from two of: biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated science, or physics)
- Two years of social science (including one year of American history)
- Two years of the same second language
- One year of fine arts or career and technical education
You need a minimum 2.00 GPA within each competency area. One deficiency in up to two competency areas may still be admissible, but you cannot have deficiencies in both math and lab science simultaneously.
Step 2: Meet at least one of the following additional benchmarks:
- Top 25% of your high school graduating class, or
- A 3.00 GPA in competency courses, or
- ACT score of 22 (Arizona residents) or 24 (nonresidents), or
- SAT score of 1120 (Arizona residents) or 1180 (nonresidents)
Pro Tip: ACT/SAT scores are optional for general admission at ASU — you can be admitted purely on GPA and coursework. Test scores may still be required for course placement or for a handful of competitive majors, so check your specific program.
Don’t Meet the Requirements? Earned Admission Is a Real Path
If you don’t meet the standard benchmarks, ASU offers Earned Admission: you take a defined set of ASU Online courses and, if you complete them with a 2.75 GPA or higher, you become eligible for general admission. This pathway exists specifically because ASU’s mission prioritizes access — it is not a marketing gimmick, and thousands of students use it every year.
Admission Requirements for Transfer Students
You’re a transfer student if you’ve completed at least 12 transferable college credits with a minimum 2.50 GPA, or hold an associate degree.
- Minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA on transferable coursework (varies slightly by program; competitive programs may require higher)
- Official transcripts from every college or university attended
- Some majors have specific prerequisite courses that must be completed before transfer
Admission Requirements for Graduate Programs
- A bachelor’s degree (or higher) from a regionally accredited institution
- Program-specific GPA minimums (commonly 3.00, though this varies widely by department)
- Letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and sometimes a resume — required by most programs
- GRE/GMAT — required by some programs, waived by many others (verify per program)
- English proficiency proof (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test) for applicants whose native language isn’t English
International Student Admission
International applicants follow the same general first-year or transfer pathway, with a few additions:
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test), unless exempt based on prior education in an English-speaking country
- Certified, translated academic transcripts evaluated for U.S. credit equivalency
- Conditional admission options for students who meet academic requirements but not yet the English proficiency threshold
- Confirmation from your home country’s credentialing body that an online ASU degree will satisfy local licensure or employment requirements, especially in regulated professions
Military and Veteran Admission
ASU Online has one of the larger populations of military-connected online students in the country, and offers dedicated support including:
- Credit evaluation for military training and coursework through ACE guidelines
- Yellow Ribbon Program participation, which can cover tuition gaps beyond standard G.I. Bill benefits
- A dedicated military and veteran advising team familiar with VA education benefit paperwork
- Arizona statute protection ensuring failing grades earned by a veteran before military service aren’t counted against admission eligibility
Nondegree Admission
If you’re not ready to commit to a full degree, ASU Online also offers nondegree enrollment, letting you take individual undergraduate or graduate courses for credit, professional development, or to test the waters before formally applying to a degree program. Credits earned as a nondegree student can often later apply toward a full degree if you decide to enroll formally.
The Step-by-Step Application Process
- Choose your program using ASU’s degree search tool, and confirm it’s offered through ASU Online specifically.
- Complete the online application (undergraduate applicants can also use the Common Application). Only one application is needed per admission cycle.
- Pay the application fee — $75 for ASU Online undergraduate programs, payable by card or check.
- Self-report your grades in the application to speed up your decision (official transcripts are still required afterward to finalize enrollment).
- Send official transcripts from every high school, college, or university attended, either electronically (via Parchment, eSCRIP, National Clearinghouse, or direct email from the institution) or by mail.
- File the FAFSA using ASU’s federal school code 001081 if you plan to seek financial aid.
- Submit test scores (optional for general admission, but check if your intended major requires them for placement).
- Wait for your decision — typically 2 to 6 weeks, often faster (under a week) if you self-reported grades and there are no missing items.
Application Deadlines and Start Dates
Unlike many traditional universities that only admit twice a year, ASU Online runs multiple start dates throughout the year because courses are organized into shorter sessions:
- Session A and B — roughly 7.5 weeks each (two per full semester), allowing students to start in the middle of a traditional semester.
- Session C — a traditional full 15-week semester.
- Summer sessions — shorter, accelerated terms.
Because of this structure, ASU Online effectively offers far more start dates per year than a typical fall/spring-only university. Undergraduate admission is largely rolling, though graduate programs and specific majors set their own application deadlines, which are published on each program’s individual Degree Search page.
Action Step: Don’t rely on generic “fall/spring deadline” advice you find online. Go to ASU’s Degree Search, open your specific program page, and check the listed deadline and next start date — deadlines are set at the program level, not university-wide, and they change from year to year.
Quick Fact: The FAFSA typically opens in December for the following academic year. Filing early matters because some aid programs are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until funds run out.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying
- Assuming every ASU major is available online. Always confirm through Degree Search before building your plans around a specific program.
- Waiting to file the FAFSA. Some institutional aid is limited and awarded on a rolling basis — filing late can mean missing out even if you’d otherwise qualify.
- Not self-reporting grades. Skipping this step can add weeks to your admission decision timeline for no real benefit.
- Ignoring program-specific deadlines. Undergraduate admission is largely rolling, but many graduate programs and competitive majors have hard deadlines that don’t bend.
- Assuming transfer credits automatically apply to your major. “Accepted” and “applicable to your degree plan” are different things — verify with MyPath2ASU before counting on specific credits.
- Overlooking employer tuition benefits. Many applicants never ask HR whether their employer has a direct ASU partnership, leaving potential savings on the table.
ASU Online Tuition and Costs
This is the section most prospective students actually came for, so let’s get straight to numbers.
For the 2026–2027 academic year, ASU’s published digital immersion (online) tuition rate is:
| Student Level | Per-Credit Tuition (2026–2027) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $580 per credit |
| Graduate | $605 per credit |
Important Note: This is the base tuition rate only. On top of it, ASU adds relatively modest per-credit “college fees” (which vary depending on which school offers your major — engineering, business, and nursing fees run higher than humanities or social sciences) and a flat per-semester student-initiated fee that funds campus services. Tuition and fees are set annually by the Arizona Board of Regents and can change year to year, so always confirm current numbers with ASU’s own tuition calculator before budgeting.
One Rate, Regardless of Residency
Here’s a genuinely important detail: for most ASU Online programs, Arizona residents and out-of-state or international students pay the same per-credit rate. This is unusual — most public universities charge nonresidents two to three times more than in-state students. ASU Online effectively removes that penalty for online learners, which is a major reason it competes well against in-state options in other states.
Arizona residents do get one small extra benefit: tuition is capped once you reach 11 credit hours in a semester, meaning additional credits beyond that point don’t add to your bill.
Total Estimated Bachelor’s Degree Cost
A typical bachelor’s degree requires 120 credit hours. Using the 2026–2027 undergraduate rate of $580 per credit as a baseline:
| Cost Component | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (120 credits × $580) | ≈ $69,600 |
| College and student fees (varies by major) | ≈ $3,000–$10,000+ total over the degree |
| Books and course materials | ≈ $1,200–$2,500 total (varies widely by program) |
| Estimated total, before aid | ≈ $74,000–$82,000 |
Warning: These are sticker-price estimates, not what most students actually pay. Independent research cited by outlets tracking ASU Online costs has found total out-of-pocket cost after transfer credits, financial aid, and scholarships often lands far below sticker price for many students — sometimes in the $30,000–$45,000 range for a full bachelor’s degree. Your real number depends heavily on transfer credits, aid eligibility, and whether an employer partner is covering some or all of the bill.
Total Estimated Master’s Degree Cost
Using the 2026–2027 graduate rate of $605 per credit and a typical 30–36 credit master’s program:
| Program Length | Estimated Tuition |
|---|---|
| 30 credits | ≈ $18,150 |
| 36 credits | ≈ $21,780 |
Fees add a modest amount on top, and MBA or specialized STEM master’s programs can run higher due to additional college fees.
How to Get a Real, Personalized Number
- Use ASU Online’s official tuition and time estimator tool, which factors in your specific program, residency, and course load.
- Enter any transfer credits you expect to bring in — this can meaningfully shrink both cost and time to degree.
- Cross-check against the Cost of Attendance figures ASU publishes, which include indirect costs like books and technology.
Best Practice: Never compare “sticker price” tuition across universities without also comparing transfer credit policies and aid generosity. A school with slightly higher per-credit tuition but a more generous transfer policy can end up cheaper overall.
Hidden Costs to Budget For
Tuition is the headline number, but it isn’t the whole bill. Budget for these as well:
- Technology fee — a small per-credit or per-semester fee covering platform access, typically bundled into your total bill automatically.
- Course materials — some courses use ASU-negotiated digital materials billed directly to your student account; others require purchasing textbooks separately.
- Proctoring or lab kit shipping — certain science courses require an at-home lab kit shipped to you, occasionally with a shipping or kit fee.
- Software or hardware — engineering and computer science students may need to budget for a reasonably capable laptop and, occasionally, specific software licenses (many of which ASU provides free or discounted through student agreements).
- Graduation application fee — a small one-time fee required to apply to graduate once you complete your final semester.
Real-World Cost Scenarios
Two brief examples show how differently the final bill can look depending on your starting point.
Scenario 1 — Transfer Student: A student enrolls with an associate degree (60 transferable credits) and needs 60 more credits for a bachelor’s in business. At $580 per credit plus modest business-college fees, that’s roughly $35,000–$38,000 in tuition and fees for the remaining coursework — plus books — completed in as little as two years at a full-time pace.
Scenario 2 — First-Time Student With an Employer Benefit: A Starbucks partner with no prior college credit enrolls in a 120-credit bachelor’s program. Because SCAP covers 100% of tuition upfront (after any grants or scholarships are applied first), the partner’s out-of-pocket tuition cost is $0, though they’re still responsible for the cost of a laptop and any course materials not bundled into tuition.
Financial Aid for ASU Online Students
Because ASU Online carries full regional accreditation, its students are eligible for the same federal financial aid programs as on-campus students — a benefit that doesn’t exist at unaccredited or non-Title-IV-eligible online schools.
FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the starting point for essentially all financial aid — federal, state, and much institutional aid.
- ASU’s Federal School Code is 001081. Enter this on your FAFSA so ASU receives your information.
- File every year — financial aid isn’t automatically renewed, and your eligibility can change year to year.
- The FAFSA generally opens in December for the following academic year; filing early matters because some aid is limited and awarded on a rolling or first-come basis.
- The FAFSA determines eligibility for the Pell Grant, subsidized/unsubsidized federal loans, and work-study (though work-study opportunities are naturally more limited for fully online students).
Action Step: File your FAFSA as soon as it opens, even if you’re unsure you’ll qualify for need-based aid. Many merit scholarships and institutional aid programs also require a completed FAFSA on file, so skipping it can quietly disqualify you from aid you didn’t even know required it.
Scholarships
ASU Online students can apply for:
- ASU-specific scholarships — searchable through ASU’s scholarship database, which includes need-based, merit-based, and major-specific awards.
- New American University scholarships for incoming first-year students who meet GPA and test-score thresholds (where submitted).
- Transfer scholarships for students bringing in qualifying transfer credit and GPA.
- Outside/private scholarships — general national scholarship databases work the same way regardless of whether you attend online or on campus.
- Military and veteran-specific aid, including Yellow Ribbon Program participation.
Common Mistake: Assuming online students aren’t eligible for the same scholarships as campus students. In almost all cases at ASU, that’s false — the scholarship pool doesn’t discriminate by delivery method. The bigger risk is missing scholarship deadlines because they often fall earlier than you’d expect, sometimes months before the term starts.
Federal and State Grants
- Pell Grant — need-based, doesn’t require repayment, determined by your FAFSA results.
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) — additional need-based aid for students with exceptional financial need.
- State grants — Arizona residents may qualify for state-specific aid; check with the Arizona Board of Regents for current programs.
Federal Student Loans
ASU Online students remain eligible for Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized federal loans, and graduate students can access Direct PLUS loans. As with any student loan, borrow conservatively and understand repayment terms before signing.
Employer Tuition Assistance: Starbucks, Uber and More
One of the most distinctive things about ASU Online is the sheer number of employer partnerships that route employees directly into ASU degree programs — often with tuition fully or partially covered.
General Employer Tuition Assistance
Many employers offer standard tuition reimbursement or assistance benefits (commonly capped around $5,250 per year, which is the threshold for tax-free employer education assistance under U.S. tax rules). If your employer offers any form of tuition benefit, ASU Online’s flexible, asynchronous format makes it realistic to use that benefit without quitting your job.
Action Step: Ask your HR department specifically whether your company has a direct partnership with ASU’s EdPlus corporate partner network. Direct partnerships sometimes include discounted rates or streamlined billing (the company pays ASU directly) rather than a slower reimbursement-after-the-fact model.
Starbucks College Achievement Plan (SCAP)
Launched in 2014, the Starbucks College Achievement Plan is arguably the most famous corporate-education partnership in the country, and ASU is its exclusive university partner.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Benefits-eligible U.S. Starbucks partners (employees), including part-time staff who meet the hours threshold |
| Hours requirement | 240 hours worked over three consecutive months to establish benefits eligibility |
| Coverage | 100% of tuition, paid upfront directly to ASU — not a reimbursement model |
| Degree type | First-time bachelor’s degree only, through ASU Online |
| Program options | 180+ undergraduate degree programs |
| Commitment after graduation | None — partners are not required to stay at Starbucks after finishing their degree |
| Credit ceiling | Up to 135 credits covered (enough cushion beyond the standard 120-credit degree) |
SCAP works as a “last-dollar” style benefit: financial aid and grants apply first, and Starbucks covers what remains, up to full tuition. Starbucks pays ASU directly, so partners don’t front the cost and wait for reimbursement.
Since the program’s 2014 launch, more than 18,000 partners have earned bachelor’s degrees through SCAP, with tens of thousands more currently enrolled or working through the Pathway to Admission program for those who don’t yet meet ASU’s standard admission requirements.
Did You Know? Eligible U.S. military veterans who are Starbucks partners can extend SCAP tuition coverage to one qualifying family member, even if that veteran already used G.I. Bill benefits themselves.
Uber and ASU Education Partnership
Uber’s education benefit, launched as a pilot in 2018 and expanded nationwide in 2019, works similarly to SCAP but with one key structural difference: Uber allows drivers to transfer the benefit to a family member.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Drivers/couriers who’ve completed at least 3,000 rides/deliveries and reached Platinum or Diamond status on Uber Pro |
| Coverage | 100% tuition, up to 135 credits, toward an ASU Online undergraduate degree |
| Transferable benefit | Can be passed to a spouse, domestic partner, child, sibling, parent, legal guardian, or dependent |
| Program options | 180+ undergraduate degree programs, including Barrett Honors College as of fall 2024 |
| Non-degree path | English-language and entrepreneurship courses also available through ASU’s Continuing and Professional Education program |
Since launch, thousands of drivers, couriers, and their family members have completed degrees through the program, and tens of thousands more have taken the shorter non-degree courses offered alongside it.
Pro Tip: If you don’t currently meet ASU’s admission requirements, both the Starbucks and Uber programs include an Earned Admission-style “Pathway to Admission” track, where preparatory coursework costs are also covered by the employer partnership — meaning academic eligibility gaps don’t automatically disqualify you from the benefit.
Other Notable Corporate Partners
ASU’s EdPlus division maintains dozens of additional corporate partnerships beyond Starbucks and Uber, generally offering discounted tuition rates, guaranteed admission pathways, or streamlined transfer credit evaluation for employees. If you work for a large employer, it’s worth a five-minute search to check whether your company already has a direct ASU partnership in place.
Transfer Credits at ASU Online
Transfer credit policy is one of the biggest — and most underrated — cost levers available to prospective ASU Online students.
How Many Credits Can You Transfer?
| Source of Credit | Transfer Limit |
|---|---|
| Community college / two-year institution | Up to 64 semester credit hours (lower-division credit) |
| Four-year regionally accredited university | No stated maximum |
| AAS degree holders pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science | Up to 75 credits in some cases |
| Exam credit (AP, CLEP, IB, military training) | Evaluated case-by-case against ASU’s course equivalency database |
To qualify, transferred coursework generally needs a grade of C- or better and must come from a regionally accredited institution. Remedial or developmental courses don’t count.
How Transfer Credits Reduce Costs
The math here is straightforward: every transferred credit is a credit you don’t pay ASU’s per-credit rate for. Transferring the maximum 64 community college credits toward a 120-credit bachelor’s degree, for example, could reduce your ASU tuition bill by roughly half — assuming those credits actually apply to your specific major’s requirements (not just count as generic electives).
Warning: “Accepted for transfer” and “applies to your degree” are not the same thing. ASU might accept a course into your overall credit total while your specific major still requires you to take an equivalent course, because the transferred course doesn’t match your program’s requirements closely enough. Always run your credits through ASU’s MyPath2ASU or Transfer Guide tools before assuming they’ll shorten your timeline.
How to Check Your Transfer Credits
- Use ASU’s Transfer Guide to search course-by-course equivalencies for your specific prior institution.
- Use MyPath2ASU for a personalized transfer pathway aligned to your intended major.
- Submit your application and official transcripts — ASU’s Academic Transfer Credit Solutions team evaluates thousands of courses weekly and will confirm your final, applicable transfer credits after admission.
- If you disagree with a transfer decision, ASU has a formal appeal process for denied transfer credit.
Credit by Examination
Beyond traditional transfer credit, ASU also accepts:
- AP (Advanced Placement) exam scores
- CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) scores
- IB (International Baccalaureate) scores
- Military training and coursework, evaluated through ACE (American Council on Education) guidelines
Online Classes and Course Structure
ASU Online courses are built primarily around asynchronous learning — meaning you don’t need to log in at a specific time to attend a live lecture. Coursework, lectures, discussions, and assignments are available on a weekly schedule that you complete on your own time, within deadlines.
Key Structural Features
- Learning management system — courses run through Canvas, where you’ll find syllabi, video lectures, readings, discussion boards, and assignment submission.
- Weekly modules — most courses are broken into weekly units with specific due dates, giving structure without requiring live attendance.
- Session lengths — courses run in 7.5-week (Session A/B) or full 15-week (Session C) formats, letting you choose a pace that fits your schedule.
- Science labs — many lab science courses ship physical lab kits to your home or use ASU-approved virtual/remote lab partners.
- Group work — some courses include collaborative projects, handled asynchronously through shared documents and scheduled video check-ins rather than mandatory live class meetings.
- Support services — 24/7 tutoring, academic advising, career services, and technical support are all available remotely.
Expert Tip: Asynchronous doesn’t mean unstructured. Successful ASU Online students treat their weekly modules like fixed appointments on a calendar — the flexibility is in when during the week you work, not whether you keep a consistent weekly rhythm.
Typical Course Load
| Enrollment Status | Credits per Semester | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 12+ credits | Students prioritizing fastest completion |
| Three-quarter time | 9–11 credits | Working students balancing a heavier job schedule |
| Half-time | 6–8 credits | Parents, caregivers, or those with demanding jobs |
| Less than half-time | 1–5 credits | Slow, steady progress; note this may affect financial aid eligibility |
Important Note: Federal financial aid eligibility is tied to enrollment status. Dropping below half-time enrollment can reduce or eliminate certain aid, so check with ASU’s financial aid office before scaling back your course load mid-degree.
Student Support Services and Technology Requirements
A common worry about online school is isolation — no hallway conversations, no office-hours drop-ins, no study group forming organically after class. ASU Online has built a fairly extensive support system specifically to counter that.
Support Services Available Remotely
- Academic advising — dedicated advisors assigned per program, reachable by phone, email, or video call
- 24/7 online tutoring — covering most core subjects, including writing, math, and statistics
- Career services — resume review, mock interviews, and access to ASU’s employer recruiting network
- Disability Resource Center — accommodations for online coursework, exams, and materials
- Mental health and wellness resources — teletherapy and counseling access for enrolled students
- Military and veteran services — a dedicated team familiar with VA benefits, Yellow Ribbon processing, and military transfer credit
- Online student community — moderated discussion spaces, virtual clubs, and organized study groups by program
- Study abroad — yes, even online students can participate in select short-term study abroad experiences
Technology Requirements
ASU Online doesn’t require exotic equipment, but a few baseline requirements apply:
- A reasonably current computer (Windows or Mac) — most courses are not optimized for completing coursework entirely on a phone or tablet
- Reliable high-speed internet access
- A webcam and microphone for courses that include proctored exams or occasional live video components
- Specific software for certain majors (engineering design software, statistical packages, programming environments) — usually provided free or discounted through ASU’s student software agreements
- Basic comfort navigating a learning management system (Canvas), which ASU provides orientation materials for before your first term
Warning: Some engineering and computer science courses have more demanding hardware requirements than a typical liberal arts course — check your specific program’s technology requirements page before your first semester so you’re not scrambling to upgrade equipment mid-term.
How Long an ASU Online Degree Takes
Degree length depends almost entirely on two variables: how many credits you transfer in, and how many credits you take per term.
| Scenario | Approx. Time to Bachelor’s Degree |
|---|---|
| Full-time, no transfer credit (15 credits/semester) | ~4 years |
| Full-time, 30 transfer credits | ~3 years |
| Full-time, 60 transfer credits (associate degree) | ~2 years |
| Half-time (6–8 credits/semester), no transfer credit | ~6–7 years |
| Part-time with year-round enrollment (summers included) | Faster than academic-year-only pacing, since sessions run continuously |
Master’s degrees typically take:
- 1–2 years full-time for a standard 30–36 credit program
- 2–3+ years part-time, depending on course load
Best Practice: Because ASU Online runs year-round sessions (fall, spring, and summer), you can often shave real time off your degree simply by not skipping summer terms — something that isn’t an option at universities that only run two semesters per year.
Career Opportunities After ASU Online
Because ASU Online diplomas don’t distinguish delivery method for the vast majority of programs, graduates enter the job market with the same credential as their on-campus peers.
What Employers Actually Care About
- Accreditation — HR systems and applicant tracking software generally check regional accreditation status, which ASU Online has in full.
- Degree title and major — identical wording to the on-campus version.
- Relevant experience and skills — as with any degree, internships, projects, and demonstrable skills matter as much as the diploma itself.
Career Services Available to Online Students
- Virtual career coaching and resume review
- Access to ASU’s employer recruiting network and online job board
- Mock interviews conducted remotely
- Alumni networking events, many of which are livestreamed or hybrid
- Field-specific career guidance embedded within programs like business, nursing, and engineering
Fields With Particularly Strong Outcomes
- Nursing (RN-BSN) — most students are already working RNs advancing their credential, so outcomes are tied to existing employment, with the degree opening leadership and specialization paths.
- Computer science and software engineering — ABET accreditation and ASU’s tech-industry proximity (Arizona has a growing semiconductor and tech sector) support strong placement.
- Business — AACSB accreditation is widely recognized by employers and useful for MBA holders pursuing management tracks.
- Education — many students are already teaching and use the online format to add certifications or advance to administration.
Did You Know? ASU has ranked among the top public universities for employability in national rankings, reflecting strong employer recognition of ASU degrees broadly — a reputational benefit that extends to the online division since the credential is identical.
Building a Network Without a Physical Campus
Networking is the part of “campus life” online students most often worry about losing. In practice, ASU Online students build professional networks through a few specific channels rather than hallway small talk:
- Cohort-based discussion boards and group projects within courses, which often lead to ongoing professional contacts
- ASU’s alumni association, which includes online graduates on equal footing with campus graduates and hosts virtual and regional in-person events
- Program-specific LinkedIn groups and virtual meetups organized by academic departments
- Optional in-person events, such as regional alumni gatherings or on-campus intensives some graduate programs offer
- Direct faculty relationships — many ASU Online instructors hold virtual office hours and are reachable the same way an on-campus student would reach a professor
Best Practices for Thriving as an ASU Online Student
Academic ability isn’t usually what determines whether an online student finishes their degree — time management and structure are. These practices consistently separate students who finish from those who stall out.
- Treat weekly modules like scheduled classes. Block specific calendar time each week rather than relying on “whenever I have a free moment,” which tends to evaporate.
- Front-load harder material. In a 7.5-week accelerated session, falling behind in week two is much harder to recover from than in a traditional 15-week semester — start assignments early.
- Use the free tutoring before you’re struggling, not after. Waiting until you’re behind in a compressed session leaves little runway to recover.
- Join at least one online community or study group. Isolation is the top reason online students report considering withdrawal — a single active study group meaningfully reduces that risk.
- Talk to your academic advisor every semester, not just when something goes wrong. Advisors can catch degree-plan issues (like a transfer credit not applying correctly) long before they become a graduation delay.
- Protect your login credentials and back up major assignments. Technical issues happen; submitting work with time to spare protects you from last-minute platform problems.
Key Takeaway: The flexibility that makes ASU Online appealing is the same flexibility that causes students to fall behind if they don’t self-impose structure. Build your own deadlines a few days ahead of ASU’s actual deadlines, and treat that buffer as non-negotiable.
Pros and Cons of ASU Online
No school is the right fit for everyone. Here’s an honest breakdown.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Same diploma as on-campus ASU for most programs | Large class sizes in some courses can mean less individual faculty attention |
| Full regional (HLC) accreditation plus strong programmatic accreditation (ABET, AACSB, CCNE, CAEP, CSWE) | Asynchronous format requires strong self-discipline; not ideal for students who need external structure |
| Flat per-credit tuition regardless of residency for most programs | Still a real financial commitment without employer or aid coverage — sticker price runs into the tens of thousands |
| 400+ programs, including rare fully online ABET-accredited engineering degrees | Not every ASU major is available online (especially hands-on performing arts and prelicensure clinical programs) |
| Multiple start dates per year via 7.5-week sessions | Compressed 7.5-week sessions move fast and can feel intense |
| Generous transfer credit policy (up to 64 community college credits, unlimited from 4-year schools) | Limited in-person networking and campus experience compared to residential programs |
| Employer partnerships (Starbucks, Uber, others) can fund a degree entirely | Financial aid amounts can be lower for online-only students in some categories (e.g., limited work-study opportunities) |
| 24/7 tutoring and remote student support infrastructure | Lab science and certain technical courses require shipped kits or scheduled remote sessions, adding logistics |
Expert Tip: The single best predictor of success in an ASU Online program isn’t prior GPA — it’s whether a student can consistently block out dedicated weekly study time without an instructor physically reminding them to show up. If you thrive with external structure, build your own (calendar blocks, accountability partners, fixed “class time” each week) before you start.
ASU Online Alternatives
ASU Online isn’t the only serious option for a fully online, regionally accredited degree. Here’s how it stacks up against a few of the most commonly compared alternatives.
| School | Notable Strength | How It Compares to ASU Online |
|---|---|---|
| Western Governors University (WGU) | Competency-based, self-paced model; flat-rate tuition | WGU can be faster/cheaper for highly self-directed students but offers a narrower academic range and lacks ASU’s research-university breadth and ABET engineering options |
| Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) Online | Very large online enrollment, wide program menu, frequent scholarships | Competitive pricing similar to ASU; ASU generally has stronger name recognition and more specialized STEM/engineering accreditation |
| University of Florida Online | Strong in-state public option with national online reach | Comparable academic reputation; state residency can affect relative cost depending on your home state |
| Penn State World Campus | Long-established online division of a major research university | Similar model to ASU — research university backing, wide program range; tuition and specific program rankings vary by field |
| Purdue University Global | Designed specifically for working adults and transfer-heavy students | More adult-learner-focused positioning; ASU Online offers broader traditional degree parity with its flagship campus |
Best Practice: When comparing alternatives, evaluate all three factors together — sticker-price tuition, transfer credit generosity, and program-specific accreditation — rather than ranking schools by tuition rate alone. A cheaper per-credit rate can end up costing more overall if the school accepts fewer of your transfer credits or lacks accreditation your target career requires.
When ASU Online Is (and Isn’t) the Better Choice
ASU Online tends to be the stronger pick when any of the following apply to your situation:
- You want research-university breadth — access to hundreds of majors rather than a narrow menu of business and IT degrees.
- Your target field has a programmatic accreditation requirement (engineering, nursing, business, education) that a smaller online-only school may not carry.
- You qualify for an employer partnership like SCAP or the Uber education benefit, which effectively erases the cost comparison altogether.
- You want a globally recognized university name on your diploma for reasons tied to your specific industry or region.
A competitor may be the better choice if you specifically want a self-paced, subscription-style model (WGU’s flat monthly tuition rewards students who can move unusually fast), or if a competitor offers a steep state-specific discount that ASU’s flat national rate doesn’t match for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ASU Online the same as Arizona State University?
Yes. ASU Online is the fully online delivery method of Arizona State University, operated through the university’s EdPlus division. It is not a separate school, and for most programs, the diploma you receive doesn’t distinguish between online and on-campus delivery.
Is ASU Online accredited?
Yes. ASU holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, which covers every ASU Online degree program. Many individual programs also carry programmatic accreditation, such as ABET for engineering and computer science, AACSB for business, and CCNE for nursing.
How much does ASU Online cost per credit?
For the 2026–2027 academic year, ASU Online’s base tuition rate is $580 per credit for undergraduate programs and $605 per credit for graduate programs, plus modest college and student fees that vary by major. Always confirm current rates using ASU’s official tuition calculator, since rates are set annually by the Arizona Board of Regents.
Do out-of-state students pay more for ASU Online?
For most ASU Online programs, no — residents and nonresidents pay the same flat per-credit rate. This is a notable difference from ASU’s on-campus tuition structure, which does distinguish between resident and nonresident students.
What GPA do I need to get into ASU Online?
First-year applicants need to meet high school competency coursework requirements plus at least one of: top 25% class rank, a 3.00 GPA in competency courses, an ACT score of 22 (24 for nonresidents), or an SAT score of 1120 (1180 for nonresidents). Students who don’t meet these benchmarks can pursue Earned Admission by completing specific ASU courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
How many transfer credits does ASU Online accept?
ASU Online typically accepts up to 64 semester credit hours from a community college or two-year institution, with no stated maximum for credit transferred from a four-year regionally accredited university. Whether transferred credit actually applies to your specific degree requirements is evaluated course-by-course.
Does Starbucks really pay for ASU Online tuition?
Yes. Through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, benefits-eligible U.S. Starbucks employees can receive 100% upfront tuition coverage toward a first-time bachelor’s degree at ASU Online, with no obligation to stay at Starbucks after graduating. Eligibility requires working 240 hours over three consecutive months to establish benefits status.
Does Uber offer a similar education benefit?
Yes. The Uber and ASU Education Partnership offers 100% tuition coverage for eligible drivers and couriers who’ve completed at least 3,000 rides and reached Platinum or Diamond status on Uber Pro, and uniquely allows the benefit to be transferred to a qualifying family member.
How long does it take to finish an ASU Online bachelor’s degree?
A full-time student taking 15 credits per semester with no transfer credit typically finishes in about four years. Transfer credits and year-round enrollment (including summer sessions) can shorten that timeline significantly — sometimes to two or three years depending on how many credits you bring in.
Are ASU Online classes live or self-paced?
Most ASU Online courses are asynchronous, meaning there’s no requirement to log in at a specific time. Coursework is organized into weekly modules with deadlines, giving structure without mandatory live attendance, though some courses include optional or occasional live sessions.
Can I get financial aid for ASU Online?
Yes. Because ASU carries full regional accreditation, online students are eligible for the same federal financial aid — including the Pell Grant, federal student loans, and many scholarships — as on-campus students. Start by filing the FAFSA using ASU’s school code, 001081.
Is an ASU Online degree respected by employers?
Generally, yes. Because the degree title and accreditation are identical to the on-campus version for the vast majority of programs, employers reviewing a transcript or diploma typically see no distinction. ASU’s overall reputation and its programmatic accreditations (AACSB, ABET, CCNE, etc.) carry through to the online division.
Can international students enroll in ASU Online?
Yes, though international applicants have additional requirements, including proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test) and certified transcript translations. International students should also confirm with their home country’s credentialing authority whether an online ASU degree meets local licensure or employment requirements in their field.
Does ASU Online offer nursing degrees?
Yes, but with an important distinction: the RN-BSN completion program (for students already licensed as registered nurses) is offered fully online, along with graduate nursing degrees like the MSN and DNP. Direct-entry, prelicensure nursing programs that lead to your first RN license generally require in-person clinical components and aren’t fully online.
What’s the difference between ASU Online tuition and campus tuition?
ASU Online tuition is charged as a flat per-credit rate regardless of residency for most programs, while on-campus tuition uses separate resident and nonresident tuition tiers along with additional fees tied to campus facilities and housing. Depending on your state of residence and program, online tuition can be significantly cheaper than out-of-state campus tuition.
Can I switch between ASU Online and on-campus enrollment?
In many cases, yes. Because online and on-campus programs share the same academic departments and course catalogs, students sometimes transition between formats when their circumstances change, though not every individual course or major supports a seamless switch. Talk to your academic advisor early if you think you might want to change formats partway through your degree.
Does ASU Online offer any fully self-paced, competency-based programs?
ASU Online’s dominant model is asynchronous but session-based, meaning you still work within defined start and end dates for each 7.5- or 15-week session rather than progressing entirely at your own pace like a competency-based school such as WGU. However, the multiple session lengths and year-round terms give substantially more scheduling flexibility than a traditional two-semester academic calendar.
What happens if I fail a class or need to withdraw?
ASU has standard withdrawal and grade-replacement policies that apply to online and on-campus students alike, including defined drop/withdrawal deadlines within each session and academic renewal options in some circumstances. Because online sessions move faster than a traditional semester, it’s especially important to contact your advisor the moment you’re struggling, rather than waiting — the withdrawal window in a 7.5-week session closes much sooner than in a 15-week one.
Quick Summary: Key Takeaways
- ASU Online is the real ASU — same accreditation, same faculty pool, same diploma wording for the vast majority of programs.
- Tuition for 2026–2027 runs $580 per undergraduate credit and $605 per graduate credit, with the same rate for residents and nonresidents in most programs.
- Admission is accessible but not automatic — real GPA and coursework benchmarks apply, with Earned Admission as a backup pathway.
- Transfer credit policy is generous: up to 64 community college credits and unlimited four-year credits, which can dramatically cut both cost and time to degree.
- Financial aid works the same as on-campus — file the FAFSA (school code 001081) and explore ASU-specific and outside scholarships.
- Employer partnerships can cover the entire bill for eligible Starbucks and Uber employees, and many other companies have direct ASU partnerships worth asking your HR department about.
- Programmatic accreditation matters for career-critical fields — confirm ABET, AACSB, CCNE, or CAEP status for your specific program before enrolling.
- Degree length is flexible — from about two years (with heavy transfer credit and full-time pacing) to six-plus years for slower, part-time students.
Final Thoughts
Arizona State University Online isn’t the flashiest option on the internet, and it doesn’t need to be.
What it offers instead is something harder to fake: a real, century-old accreditation history, genuine research-university faculty, programmatic accreditation in fields where that actually matters (engineering, business, nursing, education), and a transfer and financial aid system built for adults who already have a life to work around.
If you’re weighing ASU Online against a smaller online-only school, the deciding factors usually come down to three things — whether your specific program has the accreditation your career needs, how generously your prior credits transfer, and whether an employer partnership or scholarship can bring your real cost down from the sticker price.
Run your own numbers through ASU’s tuition calculator, check your target program’s specific accreditation and deadline, and file your FAFSA early. Those three steps will tell you more about your actual cost and timeline than any ranking list ever will.
