Can Arizonans still afford to get an education in this ever-changing economy?
With the price of food, healthcare and other basic necessities on the rise, Arizonans are left wondering if they can afford to get an education while also fearing they'll miss out on important job opportunities without a degree or certifications.
With the price of food, healthcare and other basic necessities on the rise it’s hard for some Arizonans to even consider getting an education. But with workforce needs changing, there is also the fear that those without a degree or certifications will miss out on important employment opportunities and get left behind.
For the 2025-2026 academic year, U.S. News Data listed the average cost of tuition and fees for an in-state, ranked public college at $11,371, while out-of-state was $25,415.
Those prices can look very daunting, especially for prospective students who have families they need to take care of, plan to continue working while attending school or both.
On top of that, 30% to 40% of undergraduate students apply for federal student loans and 70% of learners who receive a bachelor’s degree end up having education debt when they graduate, according to Urban Institute. Assuming new debt can be a major barrier for those considering attending or returning to school.
Western Governors University (WGU), an online institution, tries to bridge those gaps by offering a flat rate tuition that students pay per term and having a Responsible Borrowing Initiative that educates students about loans, estimates costs for them and pushes them to only borrow what is needed to receive their degree or certification. In fact, the RBI has helped reduce attendees’ debt by 32% when they graduate.
How much does it cost to get an education at WGU?
The average annual tuition and fees for a WGU student is $8,010 and the average total cost to earn a bachelor’s degree from the school is $20,025. As to be expected, prices can vary depending on the type of degree or certification.
On top of the assistance with loans, the school also offers scholarships of up to $3,000. In 2025, WGU awarded a total of more than $55 million in need-based scholarships.
In addition, WGU’s competency-based education allows students to move at their own pace and complete courses by taking assessments to prove their competence in the subject instead of waiting for the semester to be done. The university doesn’t put a limit on how many courses learners can take during a term and permits them to complete as many as they’re able.
On average, WGU students are able to earn their bachelor’s degree in 30 months.
There are also mentors and counselors, in addition to instructors, who work with students to support them and create a personalized plan for their education.
In a 2023 survey, 73% of WGU alumni said they felt their education was worth what it cost. That was compared to only 34% of graduates nationwide. Additionally, a different poll from the same year reported that 87% of students who attended WGU had full-time jobs after graduation, with 85% of those being in their field of study.
Those interested in earning a degree, certificate or license in business, technology, education, health or nursing from the university can apply online.
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