Most Affordable Online Associate Degrees

Consistently recognized as one of the country’s best schools for online associate degree programs, Arizona’s Cochise County provides innovative, forward-focused degree paths. The impressive array of associate programs includes social and behavioral sciences, computer information systems, psychology, and intelligence operations studies.

Cochise County maintains transfer agreements with three Arizona four-year institutions, as well as many out-of-state colleges and universities. Cochise County first offered distance education in 1998, making it a pioneering college for online learning. The college educates more than 2,500 online students at any given time, creating a robust community to augment the learning experience. All classes are delivered through Moodle.

Founded in 1928, Kansas’ Hutchinson Community College enrolls nearly 14,000 learners in on-campus and online classes. In addition to 250 fully online courses, Hutchinson offers three online associate degree paths. The associate of science is available in general education, while the associate of arts and the associate of applied science each offer numerous majors, such as health information management, business administrative technology, information technology in healthcare, and medical transcription.

Graduates of Hutchinson’s online programs are prepared to enter the workforce or to pursue further education. Hutchinson offers some of the most affordable online degrees in Kansas, with discounted tuition available for in-state students.

ND State is a public two-year institution offering both career and technical programs and a range of liberal arts degrees, along with a handful of certificates. ND State’s online associate degree programs include health information technology, marketing management, paramedic technology, and web design and development. Transfer paths in general liberal arts and general studies are available to students intending to pursue a bachelor’s degree after graduation.

In addition to academic advising, online degree seekers benefit from 24/7 technology and Blackboard support, online tutorials, SMARTTHINKING tutoring, and proctoring services for end-of-term exams. ND State is authorized to educate distance learners in all states except Massachusetts.

Central Wyoming has campuses in Riverton, Jackson, Lander, Dubois, and the Wind River Indian Reservation. For distance learners, the institution has a bustling eLearning department. Completely online associate degree programs include technical studies in entrepreneurship, technical studies in homeland security, criminal justice, and business management.

Programs typically require 3 to 12 hours of weekly work per class. While online classes require the same levels of rigor and dedication as on-campus classes, online classes are delivered asynchronously; distance learners are not required to attend live meetings, making Central Wyoming a good choice for working professionals. Discounted tuition is available for Wyoming residents.

Cowley County online students earn career, technical, and transfer degrees. The main campus is located in Arkansas City, but Cowley County also has campuses in Winfield, Mulvane, and Wichita. The school offers more than 600 accredited online classes and more than 30 online associate degree programs. Most programs are available as associate of art or associate of applied science degrees; program options include creative writing, entrepreneurship and business leadership, equine studies, and sports management/administration.

Online students earn their degrees on their own time, from any location, making Cowley County a great option for degree seekers balancing professional and personal responsibilities. All Cowley County students pay the same affordable tuition rate, and scholarships are available.

A member of the Technical College System of Georgia, GPTC is a public two-year institution serving the greater Atlanta area. The college’s online associate degree offerings include education and new media, economic development, health professional services, and industrial and transportation technologies, along with a new film academy program. GPTC currently enrolls more than 9,000 students, and online classes are available in fully online and hybrid formats.

Distance learners have access to academic advising, career coaching, Blackboard support, technology support, proctored exam assistance, library services, and advising for students considering post-graduation plans. Discounted tuition is available for Georgia residents.

A member of the Technical College System of Georgia, Atlanta Tech was originally founded to educate GIs returning from World War II. Atlanta Tech currently enrolls 5,000 students in its two Atlanta campuses and through the online learning portal. Online associate degree offerings include business management, accounting, marketing management, and business and administrative technology.

The eCampus delivers hundreds of online classes that can be used toward associate degrees or transfer agreements. Services offered to distance learners include GALILEO, the Georgia Library Learning Online system, SMARTTHINKING online tutoring, technological support, and career advising. Online students complete a comprehensive Blackboard orientation.

Since the university operates within the Oklahoma State University System, Oklahoma State students benefit from a massive amount of support and funding, while still enjoying personalized learning opportunities. Oklahoma State enrolls approximately 9,000 students, allowing online degree seekers to build close academic relationships with peers and professors without ever visiting campus. Associate degree online programs include healthcare administration, general business management, management, police science, and public service.

All online classes are taught entirely online by the same professors who lead on-campus classes, ensuring distance learners receive the same high-quality education. Affordable tuition rates make Oklahoma State a high-value option for online learning.

Founded in 1915 as a private school for dental assisting, Community Care now offers numerous career-focused degree paths. Of the 11 degrees available, CCC offers 7 fully online. In addition to programs in accounting, business and industry management, and early childhood education, online degree seekers can study healthcare administration, medical assisting, medical billing and coding, and paralegal studies.

CCC is known for providing extra support, such as resources and scholarships, to veterans and active members of the armed forces. Members of Native American tribes are eligible for tribal funding. CCC offers nine scholarships, with award amounts ranging from full tuition to $1,000 per semester.

Arkansas Northeastern offers the lowest tuition in Arkansas, making it a stellar option for cost-conscious degree seekers. ANC offers six associate degrees online, including general studies, criminal justice, business, criminology, and early childhood education. A fully online associate of arts is also available and covers all core topics necessary to transfer into a four-year program. Besides the AA, Arkansas Northeastern provides numerous paths to help graduates pursue further education.

ANC boasts a diverse community, on-campus and online; approximately 30% of students identify as a minority, and 55% of students are enrolled full time. Discounted per-credit tuition is available to Arkansas residents.

Located in Statesboro in East Central Georgia, Ogeechee Tech is a member of the Technical College System of Georgia, allowing the two-year institution to provide a variety of associate degrees online and in hybrid formats. Fully online associate degree options include accounting, business technology, criminal justice, and health information management technology. Ogeechee Tech also offers online general education courses to help students meet four-year programs’ transfer requirements.

Although distance learners must complete regular assignments, maintain steady communication with professors, and participate in online class discussions, courses are delivered in a flexible asynchronous format; students are never required to log in at specific times.

In addition to providing two-year degree options, Western Wyoming partners with Laramie’s University of Wyoming to offer a select number of four-year programs. Although online learners are not required to visit campus, they are welcome to explore the underground hallways that connect the entire campus. WWCC has emerged as a distance education leader within Wyoming’s community college system, with associate degree online programs including criminal justice, social science, social work, sociology, office information systems, accounting, business administration, and computer information systems.

WWCC online programs are not self-paced; students must log in to their classes a minimum of three days per week, for approximately nine hours. WWCC maintains transfer agreements with numerous four-year institutions in the region and beyond.

Along with its four main campuses, Western Texas College has an extensive distance learning department. Thanks to a partnership with the Texas Association of Community College’s Virtual College of Texas, WTC offers a myriad of online associate degrees and certificate programs. Along with courses offered by WTC, students can enroll in online classes offered by other member schools, making it easy to complete a number of degree programs—perfect for students seeking variety and flexible scheduling.

Students of WTC’s eCampus access online coursework through Moodle, including course materials, assignments, and projects. Discounted tuition is available for students living within the district.

Founded in 1973 to provide vocational and technical educations to students in northeast Nebraska, NCC is based in Norfolk and now serves thousands of in-state and out-of-state students. NCC offers online associate of applied science and associate of arts programs in areas such as international business, insurance services, agriculture, and criminal justice. Students earning their associate degrees online are prepared to enter the workforce or to pursue further education following graduation.

NCC employs highly qualified faculty and provides students with resources such as the academic support center, counseling, career coaching, library services, disability assistance, and assistance finding suitable proctored exam locations.

Located in Sedalia, Missouri, SFCC offers seven fully online associate degrees in various business and medical fields, such as business management, diagnostic medical sonography, pharmacy technician, and medical coding. SFCC’s online degrees have no on-campus requirements. While online bachelor’s degrees are not yet available, SFCC offers distance courses in disciplines required to transfer into a four-year program.

In addition to civilian courses, SFCC’s partnership with Community College of the Air Force General Education Mobile program allows active members of the armed services to complete associate degrees online. SFCC enrolls nearly 5,000 students annually, through six campuses and online.

Founded in 1975, after merging three vocational and technical schools, Mid-Plains has been a pioneer in online health services degrees. The distance education department oversees the college’s associate degree online programs, such as criminal justice, business administration, and library technical assistance. Mid-Plains also offers three programs designed to meet academic transfer requirements.

Students benefit from small class sizes, personal education advisors, expert faculty members, up-to-date technology, and financial aid. Online classes are delivered asynchronously; students log in to complete assignments according to their schedules. Distance learners are not required to visit campus, yet they have opportunities to interact with peers from throughout the country. Discounts on the already affordable tuition rates are available for Nebraska residents.

A member of the North Dakota University System, Bismarck State is the third-largest higher education institution in the state. BSC offers a number of associate degrees online, along with more than two dozen online bachelor’s programs. Online associate in applied science degrees include nuclear power technology, petroleum production technology, energy services and renewable technology, and water/wastewater technology. Many of BSC’s degrees can be transferred to four-year institutions.

As a member of the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges, BSC provides a range of services to veterans and active military members. Resources available to online students include career advisement, academic support, digital libraries, and technical support. Discounts on BSC’s affordable tuition are available to residents of North Dakota and to military members.

From its rural, 200-acre campus, NMJC serves more than 3,000 students, including hundreds of distance learners. The college currently offers three associate degrees online: an energy technology degree, a general associate of arts, and a general associate of science. All three programs are designed to transfer to four-year institutions, for students who plan to pursue further education.

Along with providing flexible degree programs for working professionals, NMJC prides itself on offering affordable tuition, with in-state students receiving even lower tuition rates. Transfer students may apply previously earned credits toward their degrees, but students must complete at least 15 credits at NMJC.

GBC in Elko offers associate and bachelor’s degrees online, with options for both career and technical students, as well as for those who plan to pursue further education. GBC’s Classes at a Distance program allows distance learners to follow the same class schedule and learn from the same qualified professors as their campus-based peers. Students earning associate degrees online study subjects such as early childhood education, graphic communications, land surveying/geomatics, and entrepreneurship.

GBC offers AA, AS, and AAS programs, and classes area taught both synchronously and asynchronously; the professor typically chooses the format. Students whose schedules may conflict with set class times should discuss expectations with faculty before enrolling. GBC is a member of the Nevada System of Higher Education.

As the flagship campus of the University of Alaska System, UAF is a land-, sea-, and space-grant institution. In addition to providing cutting-edge bachelor’s and graduate degrees, the eLearning department offers a number of associate degree online programs, such as applied accounting, applied business, early childhood education, information technology specialist, paralegal studies, and a general associate of arts.

Most programs are offered as associate of arts or associate of applied science degrees. UAF’s affordable, fully online associate programs prepare students to move directly into careers or to pursue further education. A virtual tour is available on the university’s website.

Casper College, a public college in Wyoming, is one of the largest two-year schools in the state, offering a wide range of associate degrees online. Founded in 1945, this world-class community college enrolls 4,000 students annually. Associate degree online programs include agri-business, fire science, hospitality and tourism management, and office management.

Students choose from three start dates throughout the year, and Casper’s fully online associate programs have no on-campus requirements. Online programs are both flexible and affordable; Casper offers a lower tuition rate for online-only students. Local students may opt for a hybrid program, which combines online and campus-based learning.

Williston State, a North Dakota University System institution, provides associate and bachelor’s degrees online. The college was established in 1961 to offer general, technical, and vocational educations. WSC enrolls approximately 1,000 students annually, encouraging close student relationships with peers and faculty. WSC offers general associate degrees online, which are available as AA and AS programs and are designed to transfer to four-year institutions. Also available are AAS degrees in accounting, business management, mental health and addictions, and language-speech pathology assistance.

WSC delivers online coursework through Moodle and utilizes Blackboard’s web conferencing and instant messaging tools and other cutting-edge learning technologies. Online students have access to Hippo Campus, which provides thousands of free video tutorials.

Originally founded in 1912 as an agricultural school, MGCCC now has eight campuses and a thriving eLearning program. MGCCC’s rural location makes eLearning a large part of the college’s mission; MGCCC is continually working to expand its online offerings. Students earn associate degrees online in areas such as business, elementary education, accounting technology, and office systems technology. MGCCC also offers four online bachelor’s degrees, such as American studies, general studies, and science.

Online students earn the same number of credits per class as on-campus students, and distance learners’ transcripts and diplomas show no distinction. Online learners have access to 24/7 academic and technical support.

Located in North Georgia, Lanier Tech enrolls 27,000 students in seven Georgia counties and throughout the country. LTC is a member of the Technical College System of Georgia and partners with other schools in the state, allowing online students to take advantage of course offerings from multiple institutions. LTC’s seven online associate degrees include technical management, business technology, emergency management, and fire science technology, as well as an interdisciplinary studies program, which provides a liberal arts foundation.

Coursework is delivered through Blackboard, and students can use the SmarterMeasure tool to assess the probability of their success in an online class prior to enrolling.

Eastern Wyoming is a small, public community college with a range of distance learning options. The Torrington-based institution offers online associate degrees such as business administration, criminal justice, early childhood education, elementary education, and interdisciplinary studies. All programs are designed to transfer to four-year institutions, creating smooth transitions for students who pursue further education after graduating from EWC.

Courses are taught both synchronously, using web conferencing, and asynchronously, using recorded lectures. Students with time constraints should contact EWC to learn more about scheduling considerations. Distance learning services include an online library, a bookstore, tutoring, and academic support. EWC’s affordable per-credit tuition is discounted for Wyoming residents.

Although WCC enrolls more than 14,000 students at its Goldsboro campus and online, this North Carolina institution provides individualized educational support to each student. Originally founded in 1958 as an industrial education center, WCC offers a wide range of online associate degree programs, with AAS options including accounting, business administration, criminal justice technology, emergency management technology, medical office administration, and general office administration. General education programs are available, along with AS and AA programs that transfer easily to four-year institutions.

Online students typically devote 10 to 15 weekly hours per class. All coursework is delivered through Moodle, and distance learners have access to LMS webinars and tech support. Prospective students may learn about WCC through the college’s social media channels.

Operated by the Northern Wyoming Community College District, Sheridan College has campuses in Sheridan and Gillette, along with satellite programs throughout the state. For a small school, Sheridan offers an impressive range of online associate degrees, including computer information systems and cyber security, early childhood education, and social sciences. A general studies program allows students to complete the general education requirements of a bachelor’s degree prior to transferring to a four-year institution.

Online students have access to Sheridan’s Student HelpZone, an interactive platform that provides technical assistance and information. Discounted tuition is available to Wyoming residents and to residents of states within the Western Undergraduate Exchange.

As the largest Christian university in the world, Liberty University in Virginia enrolls approximately 80,000 distance learners each year. Liberty offers an impressive number of online bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, in addition to a range of online associate programs such as accounting, education, healthcare management, paralegal studies, and religious studies. General education programs are also available. Liberty is a private institution, but 87% of students receive financial aid, making Liberty an affordable option for online learning.

Online classes are self-paced, so students with busy or unpredictable schedules can progress through coursework and turn in assignments at their convenience, making Liberty ideal for those with professional or personal commitments.

LCC in Kinston is a member of the 58-institution North Carolina Community College System; the partnership provides LCC with extensive resources, while maintaining the small enrollment that ensures personalized learning opportunities. Because of this agreement, LCC offers a wide range of online associate degrees, including aviation management, business administration marketing, emergency medical science, occupational education, and supply chain management global logistics.

To ensure distance learners receive the same quality education as on-campus students, LCC’s online programs employ technologies such as Moodle, Lancer, and WebAdvisor. Online students have access to tutoring services, and discounts on the already cheap tuition are available for North Carolina residents.

California’s Taft College, a well-respected public two-year school, is building a name for itself in distance education. Taft currently offers four online associate degrees: criminal justice administration (corrections focus), criminal justice administration (non-corrections focus), liberal arts, and early childhood education. Online programs in business administration and liberal studies are in development.

Distance learners may begin their studies during fall, spring, or summer semesters. Each term features different class options. Class enrollment is capped at 35 students to ensure each learner has the opportunity to participate and interact with peers and instructors. Coursework is delivered through Canvas, a learning management platform.

Tulsa Community College, located in Oklahoma, enrolls approximately 30,000 students each year. TCC’s online associate degrees are divided into three schools: business and information technology, liberal arts and communication, and science and mathematics. TCC’s 16 online associate programs include information technology, management, liberal arts with an international track, and mathematics, along with programs educating future elementary and secondary teachers.

Aside from fully online programs, TCC offers blended programs for local students who want to take some classes on campus. Every new distance learner must complete an online student orientation to become familiar with the learning management system, the course delivery, and the various services and support systems.

Foothill College is a California-based two-year institution with an impressive number of notable alumni—MLB players, actresses, artists, authors, athletes, musicians, university chancellors, and even the founder of Mrs. Fields Confections. Foothill’s online programs provide the same quality education as on-campus programs, while allowing maximum flexibility for nontraditional students. Foothill offers 14 online associate of arts programs, including anthropology, art history, graphic and interactive design, and music technology.

Each program is designed so that coursework transfers seamlessly into bachelor’s programs, allowing graduates who pursue four-year degrees to immediately begin upper-level classes. California residents receive discounts on the already affordable per-credit tuition rate.

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina, Surry Community College is a public two-year institution catering to nearly 20,000 learners. Surry provides eight online associate degrees, including AA, AS, and AAS programs in advertising and graphic design technology, criminal justice technology, early childhood education, and office administration. A number of online certificate programs are available to help distance learners specialize their knowledge.

New online students are required to complete a Moodle learning management platform orientation prior to the start of classes. Discounts on the already affordable tuition rate are available to North Carolina residents.

SAGU is a private Christian university in the suburbs of Dallas-Fort Worth. The university enrolls approximately 2,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students annually. SAGU provides religious and liberal arts educations, offering 13 online associate degrees that prepare graduates to enter the workforce or to pursue further education. Online associate degree programs at SAGU include addictions counseling, church ministries, intercultural studies, religious studies, and teaching English to speakers of other languages. SAGU is the only Assemblies of God higher education facility in Texas and is the alma mater of numerous well-known ministers and public figures. Applicants must be at least 22 years of age.

In addition to online bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Michigan’s Davenport University offers a number of online associate degrees through its Global Campus. Davenport offers two associate of applied science degrees online: a networking technology program and a computer information systems program, which are both designed to prepare students for quick entry into the workforce.

Online courses are delivered both asynchronously, using pre-recorded lectures in Blackboard Learn, and synchronously, employing real-time virtual learning that requires students to engage with peers and instructors using the Blackboard Collaborate platform. Recognized as a Yellow Ribbon school, Davenport provides resources for active service members and veterans of the armed forces.

With more than a dozen locations throughout North Carolina and a thriving online learning community, Forsyth Tech enrolls approximately 36,000 students each year. Praised by former President Barack Obama for supporting low-income students in low-opportunity areas, FTCC is committed to making education accessible and affordable. FTCC recognizes that not all students can visit campus multiple times per week and offers online associate degrees tailored to unpredictable schedules, including programs in international business, logistics management, entrepreneurship, financial services, and global logistics technology. FTCC also offers online certificates.

Distance learners have access to academic advising, career coaching, technical support, and a growing digital library. North Carolina residents receive a discounted per-credit tuition rate.

Central Georgia Tech is accredited to provide certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees to online students throughout the country. The public two-year institution enrolls approximately 6,500 students, many of whom take advantage of the flexibility afforded by online learning. CGTC offers online associate degrees such as technical studies, banking and finance, website design and development, drafting technology, and geographic information systems.

Because CGTC is a member of the Georgia Virtual Technical Connection, students have access to online courses and programs from 22 other member institutions. Prospective students are encouraged to complete an online learning self-assessment through SmarterMeasure. Discounted tuition rates are available to Georgia residents.

Of the approximately 3,200 students enrolled at HCTC, 1,440 are distance learners. Popular online associate programs include business administration systems, criminal justice, and health information technology. Online students also pursue degrees in medical information technology and general associate in arts and associate in science degrees. Many online degrees offer specializations; for example, the medical information technology degree offers concentrations in medical administration, medical coding, electronic medical records, and medical transcription.

Applicants should be self-motivated, self-directed learners who are familiar with technology. Online students typically spend 9 to 12 weekly hours per class listening to lectures, participating in discussions, and completing assignments.

Since 1920, Indiana Wesleyan has provided evangelical Christian educations focused on the liberal arts. With nearly 16,000 students enrolled annually, IWU is the largest private higher education institution in Indiana and is the largest member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. IWU hosted its first online class in 1997, and today, nearly half of all IWU students are distance learners. As a four-year institution, IWU provides more than 90 online programs, including eight online associate degrees. Online students pursue degrees in accounting, business, computer information technology, Christian ministries, early childhood education, and criminal justice.

IWU has a 95% admissions rate. Although IWU is a private institution, it distributes approximately $143 million in financial aid annually.

West Valley College is one of the 112 campuses comprising the California Community College System. Originally established in 1963, WVC currently enrolls nearly 15,000 students. With more than 150 online courses offered each semester, students pursue online associate degrees in business, education, criminal justice, and general education.

WVC alumni include notable individuals in athletics, the sciences, entertainment, and journalism. WVC provides resources and services related to ADA and accessibility. Videos are available to educate prospective students about distance learning opportunities and to ensure that WVC is the right school for them. Prospective students can follow WVC’s Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube accounts.

Founded in 1929, Amarillo College is a public two-year institution serving students throughout Texas and the country. AC offers online associate degree programs such as business administration, criminal justice, general studies, psychology, and radiation therapy. A mortuary science certificate for future funeral directors is also available online. Other than the radiation therapy program, all online programs are offered as associate of science degrees and apply toward general education requirements at four-year institutions.

Some programs may be completed in a hybrid format, in which students take half of their classes at one of AC’s brick-and-mortar campuses. All of the online courses are taught asynchronously, with no on-campus requirements.

With its flexible distance degrees, GNTC ensures online students have access to the latest technologies and constantly updated plans of study. All of GNTC’s fully online degrees are associate of applied science programs, including accounting, business technology, business management, and website design and development. Other online programs, such as health information management technology, marketing management, medical assisting, and social work assisting, may require students to take on-campus courses. GNTC is a member of the Technical College System of Georgia, allowing students to take courses offered by other participating institutions. Discounts on GNTC’s affordable tuition rate are available for Georgia residents.

Founded in 1941 and accredited in 1973, Lake Region State is a two-year co-educational college located in Devils Lake, North Dakota. Graduates of LRSC’s comprehensive programs are prepared to pursue bachelor’s degrees or enter the workforce. LRSC offers a wide range of online associate degrees, including business administration, early childhood education, fitness training, law enforcement, speech language pathology, and a general education associate in arts.

LRSC is authorized to provide distance education to residents of 38 states, and it maintains partial authorization in four additional states. Residents of Alabama, Florida, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Utah may not enroll in LRSC’s distance education programs.

NICC offers a variety of online associate degrees, providing students with a high-quality, flexible distance education. DNICC’s range of fully online degrees includes associate of arts pre-professional programs in areas of education, history, human services, wellness management, and psychology. An associate of science in computer science and an associate of applied science in health information technology and agriculture are also available.

Because NICC maintains partnerships with other community colleges, students can enroll in online classes offered by other Iowa institutions. Online students have access to resources such as academic advisors, the digital library, tutoring services, career resources, and distance learning professionals.

With nearly 20 campuses throughout Florida, Keiser University educates tens of thousands of students each year. The private, nonprofit university is a leader in distance education, with online associate, bachelor’s, and master’s programs available. Online associate degree programs include accounting, health services administration, homeland security, medical administrative billing and coding, and paralegal studies. Keiser’s AS and AA programs transfer easily to four-year institutions, perfect for students who intend to pursue further education.

Academic advisors, librarians, professors, and student support professionals guide and support online students throughout their education. With a large alumni population, new graduates benefit from an instant networking circle.