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Arizona Student Loans: Paying for College in Arizona

There are several ways to pay for school in Arizona, including scholarships, grants, and student loans.

Lindsay VanSomeren Lindsay VanSomeren Edited by Ashley Harrison Updated October 7, 2021

Our goal is to give you the tools and confidence you need to improve your finances. Although we receive compensation from our partner lenders, whom we will always identify, all opinions are our own. Credible Operations, Inc. NMLS # 1681276, is referred to here as "Credible."

If you’re planning to attend a college or university in Arizona, you might need the help of scholarships, grants, or Arizona student loans to help you pay for it.

While the cost of going to school in Arizona varies widely depending on the school you choose, you can expect to pay about $23,798 for in-state tuition and $27,174 for out-of-state tuition, according to Education Data.

Here are a few popular Arizona schools and their costs of attendance for undergraduate in-state residents during the 2020-21 academic year:

  • Arizona State University: $20,022 to $31,070
  • Grand Canyon University: $24,550 to $40,700
  • Northern Arizona University: $21,922 to $28,622
  • University of Arizona: $20,850 to $30,650

Note: Actual costs might vary depending on your degree program, whether you live on or off campus, and other factors.

Here are four ways to pay for school in Arizona:

  1. Start with scholarships and grants for Arizona students
  2. Apply for federal student loans
  3. Consider a state student loan designed for future teachers
  4. Use private student loans to fill in the gaps

1. Start with scholarships and grants for Arizona students

If you need to pay for school, it’s usually a good idea to start with college scholarships and grants — mainly because they don’t have to be repaid, unlike student loans. There are also several scholarships and grants available specifically to Arizona students.

Here are a few options to consider:

  • Arizona Business and Professional Women’s Foundation Scholarships: These awards are available to Arizona women who are 21 or older and who are attending an Arizona community college.
  • Arizona Community Foundation Scholarships: The Arizona Community Foundation lets students complete one general application to apply for over 100 online Arizona scholarships at once.
  • Arizona Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (AzLEAP) Grants: These need-based grants are worth up to $2,500 and are available to low-income undergraduate students.
  • Community Foundation for Southern Arizona Scholarships: These awards are geared toward a wide variety of students in southern Arizona.
Tip: Be sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you qualify for any federal grants, such as the Pell Grant.

Some colleges and universities also offer school-specific grants and scholarships, which are generally awarded based on your FAFSA results.

If scholarships and grants don’t fully cover your costs, you could also consider using federal or private student loans to pay for your other expenses. Just be sure to think about how much a student loan will cost you in the future before you decide to borrow.

You can find out how much you’ll owe over the life of your federal or private student loans using our student loan calculator below.

Enter your loan information to calculate how much you could pay

? Enter the total amount borrowed $
? Enter your annual interest rate %
or
? Enter the amount of time you have to repay your loan years
Total Payment $
Total Interest $
Monthly Payment $

With a $ loan, you will pay $ monthly and a total of $ in interest over the life of your loan. You will pay a total of $ over the life of the loan, assuming you're making full payments while in school.


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2. Apply for federal student loans

If you need to borrow money for school, federal student loans are typically a good place to start — mainly because they come with federal benefits and protections, such as access to income-driven repayment and student loan forgiveness programs.

Tip: To apply for federal student loans, you’ll need to submit the FAFSA. Your school will use your results to determine what federal student loans and other financial aid you’re eligible for.

Here are the types of federal student loans you might be eligible for as an Arizona student:

  • Direct Subsidized Loans are available to undergraduate students with financial need. The government will cover the interest that accrues on these loans while you’re in school, meaning you’ll have less to pay off later.
  • Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students — regardless of financial need. Unlike subsidized loans, you’re responsible for all interest that accrues on unsubsidized loans.
  • Direct PLUS Loans come in two types: Grad PLUS Loans for students who want to pay for grad school and Parent PLUS Loans for parents who want to cover their child’s education costs. These loans typically come with higher interest rates than subsidized and unsubsidized loans. They also require a credit check.
Loan typeWho qualifies?
Interest rates
(2022-23)
Loan limits
Direct Subsidized LoansUndergrad students with financial need4.99*$3,500 to $5,500 per year
Direct Unsubsidized LoansUndergrad, graduate, and professional studentsUndergrad: 4.99%*

Graduate and professional: 6.54%*
Dependent undergrad: $5,500 to $7,500 per year ($31,000 total limit)

Independent undergrad: $9,500 to $12,500 per school year ($57,500 total limit)

Graduate and professional: $20,500 per year
($138,500 total limit)
Direct PLUS LoansParents, graduate students, and professional students7.54%*Cost of attendance minus any other financial aid received
*Federal student loan rates for the 2022-23 academic school year.
Keep in mind: The amount you can borrow in federal student loans depends on several factors, including your school’s cost of attendance, year in school, and dependency status. There are also federal student loan limits that apply to certain loans.

For example, undergraduate students might be able to borrow up to $12,500 per year in federal loans while graduate students could borrow up to their school’s cost of attendance in Grad PLUS Loans (minus other financial aid they’ve received).

Check Out: On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Costs

3. Consider a state student loan designed for future teachers

If you’re attending a teaching program at a public or private Arizona school, you might be able to take advantage of the Arizona Teacher Student Loan Program. Through this need-based program, you can borrow up to $7,000 per year for up to three academic years.

In return, you must agree to serve as a teacher at an Arizona public school for the number of years you accepted a loan plus one extra year. If you meet this obligation, you could have your teacher student loans fully forgiven.

To be eligible for this program, some requirements include:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • Be a resident of Arizona for at least one year prior to applying
  • Have financial need
  • Be enrolled at least half time at an Arizona public or private school
  • Be a junior or senior who is enrolled in a teaching degree or alternative teacher certification
  • Plan to be licensed as a teacher in math, science, or special education or plan to work at a school that is low-income, located in a rural area, or located on an Indian reservation

Learn More: Low-Interest Student Loans

4. Use private student loans to fill in the gaps

If you’ve exhausted your scholarship, grant, and federal student loan options, private student loans could help fill any financial gaps left over.

Private student loans don’t offer the same protections as federal student loans, such as access to income-driven repayment or student loan forgiveness programs.

However, if you’re considering federal vs. private student loans, keep in mind that they do offer some benefits of their own, such as:

  • Higher borrowing limits: You might be able to borrow up to your school’s cost of attendance.
  • Potentially lower interest rates: You might qualify for a lower interest rate than you’d get on a federal loan, depending on your credit.
  • Might be available for other types of schooling: Depending on the lender, you might be able to use a private loan to pay for non-traditional schooling options, such as coding bootcamps or trade schools.
Tip: You’ll typically need good to excellent credit to qualify for a private student loan. There are some lenders that offer private student loans for bad credit, but these generally come with higher interest rates compared to good credit loans.

If you’re struggling to get approved, another option is applying with a cosigner. Even if you don’t need a cosigner to qualify, having one could get you a lower interest rate than you’d get on your own.

If you decide to take out a private student loan, be sure to consider as many lenders as possible to find the right loan for you.

Credible makes this easy — you can compare your prequalified rates from our partner lenders in the table below in two minutes. Plus, all of these lenders are available in Arizona.

LenderFixed rates from (APR)Variable rates from (APR)Loan terms (years)Loan amounts


Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
View details
4.62%+10 5.74%+10 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20
(depending on loan type)
$2,001 to $400,000
  • Fixed APR: 4.62%+10
  • Variable APR: 5.74%+10
  • Min. credit score: Does not disclose
  • Loan amount: $2,001 to $400,000
  • Loan terms (years): 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20
  • Repayment options: Full deferral, fixed/flat repayment, interest only, academic deferment, military deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability
  • Fees: None
  • Discounts: 0.25% to 1.00% automatic payment discount, 1% cash back graduation reward
  • Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident or DACA student enrolled at least half-time in a degree-seeking program
  • Customer service: Email, phone
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Cosigner release: After 12 on-time principal and interest payments
  • Loan servicer: Launch Servicing, LLC


Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
View details
4.99%+1 4.89%+ 5, 10, 15$1,000 to $350,000
(depending on degree)
  • Fixed APR: 4.99%+1
  • Variable APR: 4.89%+
  • Min. credit score: 720
  • Loan amount: $1,000 to $350,000
  • Loan terms (years): 5, 10, 15
  • Loan types: Any private or federal student loan
  • Repayment options: Full deferral, full monthly payment, interest only, immediate repayment, academic deferment, military deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability
  • Fees: Late fee
  • Discounts: Autopay, loyalty
  • Eligibility: Available in all 50 states (international students can apply with a creditworthy U.S. citizen or permanent resident cosigner)
  • Customer service: Email, phone, chat
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Cosigner release: After 36 months
  • Loan servicer: Firstmark Services


Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
View details
4.49%+2,3
4.49%+2,3 5, 8, 10, 15$1,000 up to 100% of the school-certified cost of attendance
  • Fixed APR: 4.49%+2,3
  • Variable APR: 4.49%+2,3
  • Min. credit score: Does not disclose
  • Loan amount: $1,000 up to cost of attendance
  • Loan terms (years): 5, 8, 10, 15, 20
  • Repayment options: Full deferral, full monthly payment, fixed/flat repayment, interest only, immediate repayment, academic deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability
  • Fees: Late fee
  • Discounts: Autopay
  • Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and be making satisfactory academic progress.
  • Customer service: Email, phone
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Cosigner release: After 24 months
  • Loan servicer: College Ave Servicing LLC

edvestinu student loan refinance

Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
View details
7.52%+7 6.89%+7 7, 10, 15$1,000 to $200,000
  • Fixed APR: 7.52%+7
  • Variable APR: 6.89%+7
  • Min. credit score: 750
  • Loan amount: $1,000 to $200,000
  • Loan terms (years): 7, 10, 15
  • Repayment options: Full deferral, full monthly payment, interest only, immediate repayment, academic deferment, loans discharged upon death or disability
  • Fees: Late fee
  • Discounts: Autopay
  • Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have a minimum income of $30,000.
  • Customer service: Email, phone
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Cosigner release: After 36 months
  • Loan servicer: Granite State Management & Resources (GSM&R)


Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
View details
4.89%+ N/A10, 15$1,500 or $2,000 up to school’s certified cost of attendance
(depending on school type and minus other aid received)
  • Fixed APR: 4.89%+
  • Variable APR: N/A
  • Min. credit score: 670
  • Loan amount: $1,500 up to cost of attendance less aid
  • Loan terms (years): 10, 15
  • Repayment options: Full deferral, interest only, immediate repayment, academic deferral, forbearance
  • Fees: None
  • Discounts: None
  • Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and be making satisfactory academic progress.
  • Customer service: Email, phone
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Cosigner release: After 48 months
  • Loan servicer: American Education Services (AES)


Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
View details
4.509 - 14.83%9 5.37%9 - 15.709 10 to 20$1,000 up to 100% of the school-certified cost of attendance
  • Fixed APR: 4.509 - 14.83%9
  • Variable APR: 5.37%9 - 15.709
  • Min. credit score: Does not disclose
  • Loan amount: $1,000 up to 100% of school-certified cost of attendance
  • Loan terms (years): 10 to 209
  • Repayment options: Full deferral, fixed/flat repayment, interest only, academic deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability
  • Fees: Late fee, non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee
  • Discounts: Autopay
  • Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Also available to non-U.S. citizen students (including DACA students) attending a school located in the U.S. who apply with a qualifying cosigner.
  • Customer service: Phone, chat
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Cosigner release: Borrowers can apply after graduation, 12 consecutive on-time principal and interest payments, and meeting certain credit requirements.
  • Loan servicer: Sallie Mae
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Lowest APRs reflect autopay, loyalty, and interest-only repayment discounts where available | 10Ascent Disclosures | 1Citizens Disclosures | 2,3College Ave Disclosures | 7EDvestinU Disclosures | 8INvestEd Disclosures | 9Sallie Mae Disclosures

Students in Arizona have plenty of options to pay for college

Paying for college can be difficult, but thankfully, there are plenty of options that could help you cover the cost.

Remember to start with financial aid that doesn’t have to be repaid like scholarships and grants before moving on to federal student loans and finally private student loans.

Keep in mind: Most students end up with a mix of both federal and private student loans to pay for school.

If a private student loan seems right for you, be sure to consider as many lenders as you can to find a loan that suits your needs. Credible makes this easy — you can compare your prequalified rates from multiple lenders in two minutes.

Compare student loan rates from top lenders

  • Multiple lenders compete to get you the best rate
  • Get actual rates, not estimated ones
  • Finance almost any degree

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Keep Reading: How to Get a Student Loan for Online College

About the author
Lindsay VanSomeren
Lindsay VanSomeren

Lindsay VanSomeren specializes in credit and loans. Her work has appeared on Credit Karma, Forbes Advisor, LendingTree, and more.

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