Associates Degree Online
An online associate degree is the first step toward higher education. Associate degrees build foundational knowledge in one field of study, such as accounting or nursing. Community colleges and vocational schools often offer associate programs. Applicants need only a high school or GED diploma.
Most associate degrees prepare students for entry-level careers. Some programs lead to specific careers, such as healthcare jobs. Others prepare students for bachelor's programs.
Our guide lists some of the most affordable associate programs. Read on to learn about common degree options, degree costs, and salary potential after graduation.
FAQ About Associate Degrees
What is the difference between an associate degree and a bachelor's degree?
An associate degree builds general knowledge in one subject and takes about two years to complete. A bachelor's degree builds more specialized knowledge and takes about four years to complete.
What kind of jobs can I get with an associate degree?
Associate degree-holders can pursue many entry-level careers. They may work as administrative assistants, bookkeepers, or customer service representatives. More advanced careers usually require a bachelor's degree.
Can I get an associate degree online?
Many colleges offer online associate degrees. Some programs run entirely online. Others, such as nursing, may include in-person components.
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Top Online Associates Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Online Associate Degrees
#3 Best Affordable Online Associate Degrees
Georgia Northwestern Technical College
- Rome, GA
- 2 years
- Online + Campus
Fast Facts
School Type: Public
Concentrations Available: Accounting, Business Management, Business Healthcare Technology, Business Technology, Computer Support Specialist, Criminal Justice Technology, Cybersecurity, Drafting Technology, Early Childhood Care and Education, Health Care Management, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Marketing Management, Networking Specialist, Social Work Assistant, Web Site Design/Development
Accredited By: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? No
A member of the Technical College System of Georgia, Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) is located in Rome, Georgia.
The school began in 2009 as a merger between Coosa Valley Technical College and Northwestern Technical College. Today, GNTC offers certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees through both online and traditional methods.
Online associate degree options include accounting, business, cybersecurity, drafting, and logistics and supply chain technology.
The school accepts all applicants unless their application is missing two or more documents or they do not meet the minimum standards on the placement test. Prospective students can submit ACT, SAT, Compass, Asset, or ACCUPLACER scores.
Available Scholarships: Zell Miller Scholarship
Out-of-state
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
53%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Affordable Online Associate Degrees
Lone Star College System
- The Woodlands, TX
- 2 years
- Online + Campus
Fast Facts
School Type: Public
Concentrations Available: Business, Criminal Justice, English, History, Political Science, Sociology, Speech Communication, Mexican American Studies, Biomedical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering
Accredited By: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? No
Situated in The Woodlands, Texas, Lone Star College System (LSC) serves 85,243 at seven colleges, two university centers, 10 additional centers, and 11 partner school districts.
The school offers many online associate programs in fields such as biomedical engineering, computer science, business, history, and Mexican American studies. Students may also take a single online course to complement coursework in an on-campus program.
Once students earn an online associate degree at LSC, they may pursue a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree at LSC's university center.
For admission, applicants should submit their transcripts, vaccination records, and placement tests.
Available Scholarships: Honors College Chancellor's Fellows
Out-of-state
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
40%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Why Get an Associate Degree Online?
Associate degrees prepare students for many careers or bachelor's programs. As of 2020, associate degree-holders earn an average annual salary of $46,120. This surpasses the average annual salary for high school graduates by more than $7,000. Associate degree-holders who go on to earn their bachelor's degree earn an annual median salary of $64,900.
Earning an associate degree online can help students keep a full-time job while in school. Enrollees can train for a better career while continuing to earn a paycheck.
How Much Does an Associate Degree Cost?
Associate degree costs vary by program. Learners seeking an associate degree at in-state, public schools spend an average of $3,372 annually, according to EducationData.org. Students attending private nonprofit schools spend an average of $17,294.
Enrolling in an online program can help students lower their educational expenses. Online learners do not pay for campus housing or meal plans. They can also enroll in the most affordable programs without relocating.
Additional Online Student Fees
Many online schools charge technology fees to cover technical support and other technology costs. Online students may also need to pay enrollment or graduation fees.
Just like campus students, online learners must buy textbooks and other school supplies. Students who enroll in programs with in-person requirements may need to budget for traveling and lodging costs. Graduates seeking professional licensure or certification should plan for additional fees.
Available Online Associate Degrees
Most online associate programs build foundational knowledge in one focus area. Some programs prepare graduates for specific career paths, such as nurse or radiologist. Others build broad skills in areas such as business or liberal arts. These programs typically prepare graduates for bachelor's programs in a similar area of study.
This list highlights five common online associate degrees. Not all schools offer these degrees online. Students should check their prospective schools' program listings for specific degree offerings.
Nursing
An associate degree in nursing prepares graduates to work as registered nurses. Learners gain broad healthcare skills that help them serve patients throughout the lifespan. Many schools offer nursing programs in hybrid formats. Students complete online courses and in-person labs and simulations.Business Administration
An associate in business administration builds business knowledge in accounting, marketing, and finance. Associate degree-holders can pursue entry-level business careers or transfer into bachelor's in business programs. Earning a bachelor's degree may lead to high-paying careers.Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity focuses on protecting digital data and information systems. Associate programs introduce students to information technology and information security principles. Graduates can pursue entry-level information security careers. They may also transfer into a bachelor's program in cybersecurity or a related information technology field.Liberal Arts
An online associate degree in liberal arts builds critical thinking, argumentation, writing, and communication skills. Students take courses in philosophy, social science, and history. A liberal arts degree prepares students for various entry-level careers. Many students transfer into bachelor's programs in fields such as English or sociology.Accounting
Accounting focuses on financial record-keeping and analysis, helping businesses understand their profitability. Enrollees develop foundational knowledge in topics such as financial accounting and federal taxation. Graduates may work as bookkeepers or payroll clerks. They may also transfer into a bachelor's in accounting program.
More Associate Degree Programs
Online Students Survey Methodology
Student testimonials have generally been obtained with the offer of compensation for completion of a survey (e.g., entrance into a gift card drawing). Such testimonials are the opinions of such students and surveys are designed to avoid influencing such testimonials either positively or negatively. All student respondents were supplied by Lucid LLC.
Methodology:
Respondents were fielded by Lucid LLC. All respondents in the study were screened by multiple quality checks, including systems like Relevant ID, and responses were manually reviewed to ensure consistency and accuracy. Survey participants include 622 individuals who graduated with an online degree in the past 6 years. Degrees ranged from certifications to associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral level programs. Respondents are between 21 and 60 years of age and identified as 48% Female and 52% Male.
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