Avila University Arizona: A New Campus, a Clear Pathway

A trusted institution—now in Arizona

AUA may be new to Goodyear, but it’s backed by more than a century of academic tradition from Avila University (founded 1916) in Kansas City, Missouri. The Arizona campus welcomed its first cohort in October, steps from Goodyear’s city government offices—reflecting strong local ties and a welcoming environment for international students. The operating model is straightforward: GUS North America manages operations, admissions, and student services; Avila University provides academics, faculty, curriculum, and compliance. Students benefit from a modern campus experience with the depth and standards of an established university.

Why Greater Phoenix—and why now

Arizona is quickly becoming a magnet for technology and advanced industry. Investment from global leaders in semiconductors, AI, autonomous vehicles, logistics, and manufacturing is reshaping the region’s opportunities. From TSMC’s multi‐billion dollar expansion to Waymo’s autonomous ride service and UPS/Amazon logistics growth, the Phoenix–Goodyear corridor is an engine for STEM jobs and internships. For international students aiming to pair study with practical experience, it’s a location that aligns academics with the market.

Programs that meet the moment

AUA currently offers five STEM-designated master’s programs designed around industry relevance and faculty-led instruction (no TA-taught courses). Options include MBA in Healthcare Administration and MBA in Project Management, plus MS in Technology Management with tracks in Business Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Science. All programs are 36 credits and designed for completion in about 24 months, using a cohort structure that keeps students on pace and supported.

Two delivery formats make planning flexible. Students can study on campus (intakes in August, January, May) or choose the low-residency option (intakes in August, October, January, March, May, July) that blends online coursework with a required in-person residency once every eight weeks. Either way, students gain access to the same academic standards and faculty mentorship.

Support that’s built for international students

AUA’s model is hands-on by design. Advisors register classes for new intakes to ensure a smooth start. The university invests heavily in career readiness—from CPT/OPT advising and career coaching to industry networking, writing support, and leadership development—so students are building a professional profile while they study. Housing is off campus but close by, with a housing coordinator available for apartment searches, roommate matching, and lease review. Getting around is easy and affordable with WeRide, Goodyear’s city shuttle (Mon–Fri, 7am–7pm, $1 per trip for students).

Admissions made simple—and fast

Academic backgrounds are intentionally flexible: applicants with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from an accredited institution are considered, including many three-year degrees after AUA’s in-house evaluation (no third-party service required). The standard minimum GPA is 2.75; applicants in the 2.50–2.74 range may be admitted provisionally with academic check-ins and a 3.0 in the first 9 credits. English proficiency can be met with IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 75, Duolingo 105, or equivalents; students slightly below the threshold can enroll with a built-in 16-week online ESL support at no extra step. Best of all, once documents are in, admission decisions arrive within 24–36 business hours.

CPT, OPT, and pacing

Students planning for CPT can submit requests before the start of the program, with start dates effective on the program start date. In most cases, students pursue one CPT per semester, and renewals depend on good academic standing—something AUA actively supports through advising. Because programs run in cohorts, early completion (e.g., in one year) isn’t the goal; the structure is intentionally set to balance learning, compliance, and career-building over ~24 months.

Tuition, scholarships, and refunds—transparent and practical

AUA emphasizes clarity on costs. The published tuition comes to a net of about $24,300 (before fees/insurance). Through our partnership, GoElite students receive an exclusive $6,000 scholarship, bringing the net tuition to about $18,300. If students already have valid insurance (for example, through an employer), that cost can be waived, which may further reduce overall expenses. There’s a $500 deposit (refundable if a visa is denied), and the tuition refund window is straightforward in the first two weeks of class. For the scholarship, students simply list GoElite as their representative on the AUA application—no extra steps.

The bottom line

AUA’s Arizona campus blends established academics, STEM-focused programs, and career access in one of the U.S.’s most active tech markets. For students who want a clear route from classroom to industry—supported by faculty, advisors, and a city that’s hiring—the fit is compelling.