Best Online Associate Degree Programs

1. Regent University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$16952	86%	57%	99%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

2. Davenport University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$15888	82%	49%	98%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits

3. University of Alaska Fairbanks

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$12256	76%	35%	88%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits

4. Liberty University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8400	51%	47%	99%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

5. Siena Heights University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$12446	73%	47%	99%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

6. Brigham Young University-Idaho

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$0	96%	60%	61%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

7. Clarion University of Pennsylvania

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$12179	95%	52%	96%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

8. University of Toledo

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$15809	96%	50%	95%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE Credits

9. SUNY College of Technology at Canton

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$0	85%	47%	95%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

10. Fort Hays State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$4356	91%	43%	96%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE Credits

11. Arkansas Tech University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$6737	95%	38%	96%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

12. Dakota State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$6660	77%	43%	93%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits

13. Saint Leo University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$7296	72%	49%	100%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits

14. Bethel University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$11034	90%	32%	99%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

15. Western Kentucky University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$12140	97%	48%	98%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

16. Chaminade University of Honolulu

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$24000	95%	59%	99%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

17. Lewis-Clark State College

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$0	100%	38%	94%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

18. California University of Pennsylvania

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$12919	97%	50%	97%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

19. Hawaii Pacific University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$20600	75%	45%	98%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

20. University of the Incarnate Word

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$19122	94%	51%	99%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE Credits

21. Northwood University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$37080	79%	54%	98%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

22. South Dakota State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$9217	90%	56%	93%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

23. Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$9686	82%	44%	97%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE Credits

24. Tiffin University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$13000	69%	39%	100%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE Credits

25. Concordia University-Saint Paul

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8550	98%	51%	98%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE Credits

26. Eastern Kentucky University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$10450	94%	45%	98%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

27. McNeese State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8120	81%	47%	99%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

28. Ball State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$9512	77%	67%	91%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

29. Bethel University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$11034	90%	32%	99%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

30. Arkansas State University-Main Campus

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$6422	80%	53%	97%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

31. Ashland University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$6540	71%	65%	99%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

32. Wichita State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$6932	92%	50%	89%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE Credits

33. Austin Peay State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$9683	95%	43%	99%	No	Yes	AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits

34. Northern State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$6665	84%	48%	96%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

35. Nicholls State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8048	88%	49%	96%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

36. Brandman University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$12320	89%	60%	89%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE Credits

37. Utah State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$7003	91%	54%	86%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE Credits

38. Dickinson State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$6052	100%	41%	93%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

39. Mansfield University of Pennsylvania

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$11124	96%	51%	98%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

40. Adams State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$7311	99%	30%	98%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE Credits

41. University of South Dakota

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$7043	86%	59%	94%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

42. University of Maine at Fort Kent

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$0	99%	36%	94%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

43. University of Southern Indiana

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$10046	93%	50%	92%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

44. Columbia College

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8574	97%	60%	100%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

45. University of Sioux Falls

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$7020	91%	64%	99%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

46. Troy University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8506	88%	47%	92%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

47. Northern Kentucky University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$11418	90%	46%	99%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE Credits

48. Husson University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$16640	85%	57%	100%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits

49. University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$15160	73%	66%	90%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

50. Faulkner University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$11530	78%	33%	99%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.

Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

There are several types of online associate degree programs available to students. These different types are available in a wide range of subject areas and usually require at least 60 to 90 credits of coursework. In general, these programs typically include general education courses and core subject courses, but may vary by type in how many they require. Compare and contrast some of the most common types of online associate degree programs below.

Online Associate of Arts (AA) Degrees

Online AA degrees may be most suited for students wishing to transfer to a 4-year school, as they usually require more general education courses, especially in the social sciences and humanities, than other associate degrees. This also means that this type of degree provides students with a broader, well-rounded education versus a more focused one in the chosen subject. Students in AA degree programs may be required to take a foreign language course.

Online Associate of Science (AS) Degrees

Online AS degrees are usually intended for students wishing to begin their career after graduation, but students still have the option to transfer to a 4-year school and continue their studies. These programs provide more core courses than an AA degree, but also require more math and science general education courses than the social sciences and humanities. These programs may be more technical in nature and provide students with more specific skills/knowledge concerning their chosen major.

Online Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degrees

An online AAS degree is also more focused in nature and typically requires specific courses for degree completion. Unlike AA and AS degree programs, these programs are not usually intended for transfer to a 4-year school (although they may be able to be transferred), but even more strongly prepare students to enter a career field. These specific programs and requirements vary by school and subject area.

Online Associate of General Studies (AGS) Degrees

Students who are maybe unsure of what they want to study may consider earning an online AGS degree. These broad degree programs are also not usually designed as transfer degrees and may only have some courses that qualify for transfer, but are instead intended for students wanting to pursue a vocational/technical course of study. However, these types of degrees do not represent a specific area of study and may instead allow students to explore various areas of interest through general education courses and multiple electives.

In general, no matter the type of online associate degree earned, graduates with their associate degree will be better qualified for a range of jobs in comparison to graduates who only hold a high school diploma or GED (general education development). This also means that earning an associate degree can commonly increase a student's income. While salaries vary greatly based on position, location, employer, and more, PayScale.com reported that graduates with an associate degree made a median annual salary of $54,578, as of 2020, compared to the median annual salary of $40,143 for those with a GED. Earning an associate degree also gives students the option to further continue their studies at a later date if they would like and potentially earn a bachelor's degree much faster due to their prior coursework.

Although the specific requirements for an online associate degree may vary by school and program, in general, associate degree requirements include completing general education courses and some introductory courses in the chosen subject area. Some of these programs may conclude with a capstone or other culminating course; however, many, if not most, online associate degree programs can be completed fully online. There are some online programs, such as an online associate degree in nursing, that may require in-person clinical or fieldwork experience that can usually be completed in a student's local area. There are also some programs that may offer blended courses, with a combination of online and in-person requirements, but typically online associate degree programs offer synchronous and/or asynchronous courses. Synchronous courses means students attend a live, interactive class at different times throughout the week, while asynchronous courses do not require meeting times, and students complete requirements on their own schedule.

How to Choose an Online Associate Program

Choosing an online degree that is right for you may seem difficult. However, finding the best associate degree for the future may be based on potential job availability and/or personal factors, such as personal interest in the subject area and/or the ease of transferring and continuing one's studies in the field. After students have decided what they want to study, they may need to compare the different types of associate degrees available in the field. For example, online associate degree programs in nursing may be offered as an AS or AAS degree. Students may want to check for any in-person requirements and/or compare the types of course formats offered. Those who know they want to go on to earn their bachelor's degree may also investigate articulation agreements and/or other transfer pathways available to potential schools of interest.

Other factors to consider when choosing an online associate degree include accreditation, program cost, and personal preferences/needs. Students should be sure to attend an accredited institution, such as a school accredited by groups like the Higher Learning Commission or the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, to ensure that they are earning a quality education and that their credits will transfer more smoothly to a 4-year school. Attending a regionally accredited school also allows students to accept financial aid. Students will also likely need to calculate the cost of an online associate degree to compare schools and budget accordingly. Finally, students may want to consider personal preferences or needs concerning factors like class size or additional online resources, such as advising, library access, and tutoring.

How Long Does it Take to Get an Online Associate Degree?

Usually, full-time students can complete an online associate degree in about 2 years. Students going part-time may finish a little more slowly, and there are also some ways to finish an associate degree faster. Some online associate degrees may be offered in an accelerated format to allow students to finish their degree in as little as 15 months. This may be accomplished through shorter class periods. Some programs may also accept transfer credit for prior coursework students have taken, which may shorten the time to degree completion.

Tuition and Fees for Online Associate Degrees

As mentioned, determining the total cost of an online associate degree may help students choose a program that fits within their budget. Tuition rates and fees vary greatly by school and/or program. In general, an associate degree costs less than a bachelor's degree because it can be completed faster. Depending on the school, tuition rates may be higher for out-of-state residents. Online degree programs also usually have fees that students should consider when calculating the cost of a program. Although students may pay additional fees for online programs, they may save some money in housing and/or books and materials. Some examples of potential fees and/or additional costs to research include:

• Technology fee
• General service fee
• Nonresident surcharge
• Graduation fee
• Books and materials
• Lab fee(s)
• Prior learning assessment

Career information for an associate degree varies greatly by subject matter. In general, online associate degree programs are viewed the same as an in-person associate degree program and help prepare students for entry-level jobs in various fields. However, there are still some high paying jobs for those with an associate degree. Students may be able to advance their career from these positions with additional education and/or work experience. While the exact salary will vary by position, employer, location, experience, and other factors, some examples of potential careers for graduates with an associate degree and the respective salaries are listed below.

Job Title	Median Annual Salary (2019)*
Chemical technicians	$49,260
Radiologic and MRI technologists	$62,280
Preschool teachers	$30,520
Web developers	$73,760
Drafters, engineering technicians, and mapping technicians	$57,690
Mechanical engineering technicians and technologists	$56,980
Agricultural and food science technicians	$41,230
Environmental science and protection technicians	$46,540

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Job Outlook for Online Associate Degree Graduates

Although the job outlook for specific positions that may require an associate degree differs, in general, students with an associate degree may have a better chance of finding a job than those with only a high school diploma. This is because those with an associate are likely more qualified for more entry-level positions with their additional postsecondary education. The job outlook for specific jobs vary by industry, location, and other factors. The table below shows the job outlook for some careers that require at least an associate degree.

Job Title	Job Outlook (2019-2029*
Chemical technicians	3%
Radiologic and MRI technologists	7%
Preschool teachers	2%
Web developers	8%
Drafters, engineering technicians, and mapping technicians	1%
Mechanical engineering technicians and technologists	3%
Agricultural and food science technicians	4%
Environmental science and protection technicians	8%

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Transferring to a Four-Year College

Students can usually further advance their career by earning their bachelor's degree. For those students who have already earned an associate degree, they can usually earn their bachelor's degree in 2 years or less by transferring credits from their associate degree to a 4-year school. This is because they have already likely completed many, if not all, of the general education courses required for a bachelor's degree during their associate program.

The transferring process may be different depending on the schools and/or programs. Some schools may offer a seamless transfer to a bachelor's degree program at the same institution that accepts up to 90 credits from the associate degree to count toward the bachelor's program. It is also fairly common for community colleges and other 2-year schools to have articulation agreements with surrounding 4-year schools. These agreements make the transfer process smooth and helps ensure that students take the right courses for their associate degree that will count for their bachelor's degree. Some schools may also offer specialized transfer degree programs, such as RN to BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) programs or AAS partnerships that accept technical credits.

Students who cannot or do not wish to pay for their entire online associate degree out-of-pocket may consider various financial aid options. The first step in finding different financial aid options is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if they qualify for federal or state loans and/or grants. Some students who are already working and have started a career may check with their employer to see if they offer tuition reimbursement.

Scholarships are also a great way to help pay for school, as these awards (along with grants) do not have to be repaid. Students can apply to multiple scholarship opportunities based on financial need, demographics, merit, talents, majors, and other factors. Scholarships may be available from colleges and universities, professional organizations, and other outside groups. There are some schools, such as Grace College in Indiana, that have intentionally lowered the price of the online degree programs offered at the school and/or work in partnership with local organizations, like the Questa Education Foundation, to provide scholarships and/or forgivable loans.