UAGC operates as a business unit within the University of Arizona. UAGC maintains and reports under a distinct identification number issued by the U.S. Department of Education. The DOE considers UAGC and UArizona to be two separate institutions for purposes of participation in federal student aid programs.
UAGC is led by an administrative team that reports to the president of the University of Arizona. UAGC is entirely online without a physical campus, and UAGC academic programs, faculty members and students are all separate from those of UArizona. A graduate of UAGC receives a UArizona degree with a UAGC designation.
Visit About the University of Arizona Global Campus for more information.
UAGC and UArizona are separately accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Visit UAGC accreditation for more information.
Yes, the application and admission processes and criteria for UAGC are different from those of UArizona and Arizona Online.
UAGC
- The admissions 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 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 an 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 the UAGC Admissions webpage.
University of Arizona
- The admissions requirements for UArizona 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 UArizona 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 UArizona’s graduate programs are subject to various other admissions criteria. For more information, visit the University of Arizona's Admissions website.
Arizona Online
- 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. For more information about the admissions process visit the Arizona Online Admissions webpage.
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 separately educational institution with its own academic programs and faculty. UAGC undergraduate programs offer frequent start dates throughout the year, with courses lasting five weeks each for undergraduate courses, six weeks for master’s courses, and six to nine weeks for doctoral courses. A graduate of UAGC receives a University of Arizona degree with a UAGC designation.
Students enrolled in Arizona Online earn the same undergraduate and graduate degree as UArizona’s on-campus students. They go through the same educational curriculum and programs offered by UArizona 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 UArizona on-campus students.
With over 24,000 students, many of whom are working adults with an average age of 35, UAGC has a wide-range of student communities. Nearly two-thirds of its students are from traditionally underrepresented groups, and more than 7,000 students are military-affiliated.
Arizona Online enrolls approximately 9,500 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.
Tuition differs for UAGC, University of Arizona and Arizona Online students.
For information about UAGC tuition and financial aid programs, visit the UAGC Tuition and Aid webpage.
For information about the costs of attending UArizona, visit the University of Arizona Tuition and Aid webpage.
For information about tuition and fees at Arizona Online, visit the Arizona Online Tuition and Aid webpage.
Students have access to academic support teams, career services, teams, student access and wellness support teams, and a combination of tools, technology, and guidance to help them progress. You can see more about the individualized resources UAGC provides for students at these links: UAGC Student Support and UAGC Advisor Support Team.
In addition to these resources, UAGC has a Formal Resolution Center. Issues eligible for review by the Resolution Center include matters concerning billing and/or refund policy, transcripts, financial aid, and other finance options (excluding Employee Tuition Benefit), course drop or scheduling concerns, personal hardship matters resulting in an account balance, student account complaints, military benefits, disability-related matters, and advising issues. In addition, any discrimination complaints based on race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, religion, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, marital status, sex or gender identity, medical condition, service in the uniformed services, political activities and affiliations, age, disability, veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws excluding behavior that falls under the Title IX Nondiscrimination Policy.
University of Arizona (U of A) and UAGC officials provided comprehensive documentation and information detailing UAGC’s operational protocols, budget, marketing expenditures, student support resources, Program Disclosures, Career Services, and Culture of Care. Despite this engagement and transparency, the articles misrepresent UAGC and do not accurately reflect UACG’s core values, professional standards, and commitment to student success.
An independent assessment report conducted by one of the most trusted and experienced global services firms affirmed the U of A’s decision to establish and begin a multi-year process to integrate UAGC with Arizona Online to serve students. This process is ongoing and requires the approval of the U.S. Department of Education, WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), and ABOR.
On June 30, 2023, less than three years after it began operating as an accredited institution of higher education, UAGC came under complete university control, with direct oversight by the U of A President and its Provost and governance by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR). Just over one year later, the positive changes continue, and the assessment report makes clear that UAGC and Arizona Online have great potential. Moreover, none of the students referenced in the article enrolled in or attended UAGC since the U of A took full control.
As the higher education landscape continues to evolve, a commitment to integrated online education will help the U of A meet its land-grant mission and provide high-quality educational opportunities to communities worldwide.