Frequently Asked Questions
The affiliation between the University of Arizona and the University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC) brought together one of the nation's premier research and teaching universities with one of the most innovative online institutions. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions regarding the current affiliation and differences between the two institutions.
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UAGC is a fully online public university without a physical campus that is separately accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). In addition, the U.S. Department of Education considers UAGC to be a separate institution of higher education for the purposes federal student aid provided under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended.
UAGC is operated as a business unit of the University of Arizona, which is a public institution, but UAGC academic programs, faculty, and student body are all separate from those of the University of Arizona.
Visit About the University of Arizona Global Campus for more information.
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UAGC and the University of Arizona are separately accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Visit UAGC accreditation for more information.
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Yes, the application, admission processes, and criteria for UAGC are different from those of the University of Arizona and Arizona Online.
- The admission requirements for UAGC are intended to promote broad access to UAGC educational programs. Applicants for UAGC associate degree and bachelor’s degree programs generally must be 18 years old or older, have a high school diploma or equivalent, access to a computer and online connection, and a demonstrated ability to study in English.
- Applicants for UAGC master’s programs generally must also have obtained a bachelor’s degree or graduate level degree from approved accredited institution with a GPA of 2.0 or above. Applicants for UAGC doctoral degree programs generally must have obtained a master’s degree from an approved accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or above, or a doctoral degree from an approved accredited institution. For more information, visit https://www.uagc.edu/admission.
- The admission requirements for the University of Arizona include a high school diploma or equivalent and satisfaction of certain core competency requirements established by the Arizona Board of Regents (based on high school coursework requirements, standardized test scores, or college courses needed). Certain undergraduate programs include additional admission requirements. Admission to the University of Arizona as a first-year student is assured for high school graduates in the top 25% of their class or who have an unweighted 3.0 GPA or better and have completed the Arizona Board of Regents core competency requirements. Those who don’t meet these criteria can apply to participate in a review process. Transfer students and applicants seeking admission to the University of Arizona’s graduate programs are subject to various other admissions criteria. For more information, see https://www.arizona.edu/admissions.
- Applicants to Arizona Online must complete an application and, if under 22 years of age, must provide a high school transcript. Applicants over 22 who have not completed 12 transferrable credits also will need a high school transcript. Additional admissions criteria may apply for certain programs. Further information about the admissions process to Arizona Online is available at https://online.arizona.edu/admission/how-apply.
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While both UAGC and Arizona Online provide 100% online educational experiences, they differ substantially in the content and delivery of their academic offerings.
UAGC is a separate educational institution from the University of Arizona, with its own academic programs and faculty. UAGC undergraduate programs offer frequent start dates throughout the year, with courses lasting 5 weeks each for undergraduate, and 6 weeks for master’s and doctoral courses.
By comparison, students enrolled in Arizona Online earn the same undergraduate and graduate degree as the University of Arizona’s on-campus students. They go through the same educational curriculum and programs offered by the University of Arizona to its on-campus students, with instruction from the same professors. However, rather than following the traditional semester model applicable to on-campus students, Arizona Online students can enroll in courses at their own pace as they pursue a degree, since Arizona Online offers up to six start dates per year, with courses lasting 7.5 weeks each. Degrees awarded to Arizona Online students are the same as those awarded to the University of Arizona on-campus students.
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With over 24,000 students, many of whom are working adults with an average age of 35, UAGC has a diverse and inclusive community. Nearly two-thirds of its students are from traditionally underrepresented groups, and more than 7,000 students are military-affiliated (including veterans and active duty military).
Arizona Online enrolls approximately 9,000 working adults with an average age of 31, and about half being from traditionally underrepresented groups.
Both UAGC and Arizona Online have strong enrollment from military-affiliated students and first-generation college students.
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Tuition differs for UAGC, the University of Arizona, and Arizona Online students.
For information about UAGC tuition and financial aid, visit https://www.uagc.edu/tuition-financial-aid.
For information about the costs of attending the University of Arizona, visit https://www.arizona.edu/admissions/cost.
For information about tuition and fees at Arizona Online, visit https://online.arizona.edu/cost-and-aid/tuition.