Associates Degree Online

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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.

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Questions 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.

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.

Online Associate Degrees 2021

#1 Online College in Indiana

Ivy Tech Community College

School Information
Location	Indianapolis, Indiana
Graduation Rate	25%
Accreditation	Yes Higher Learning Commission
Percent Online Enrollment	58% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.

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Fast Facts

School Type: Public

Concentrations Available: Accounting, Building Construction Management, Business Administration, Business Operations, Applications & Technology, Cloud Technologies,

Computer Science, Criminal Justice, Cyber Security / Information Assurance, Data Analytics, Early Childhood Education, General Studies / Transfer, Health Information Technology, Homeland Security / Public Safety, Human Services, Informatics, Information Technology Support, Legal Studies, Manufacturing Production & Operations, Paralegal Studies, Software Development, Supply Chain Management,

Accredited By: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? No

Located in Indianapolis, Indiana, Ivy Tech Community College (ITCC) maintains educational centers all across the state and online. The school offers more than 70 academic and career-focused programs in areas such as nursing, cloud technologies, and smart manufacturing and digital integration.

Students can earn a two-year associate degree online at ITCC and then transfer into a bachelor's program at a four-year college or university. Online students enjoy an affordable tuition rate, one-on-one instructional support, tutoring, and career development.

Applicants do not have to submit a fee or complete their application by a certain date. 

Available Scholarships: Ivy Tech Foundation Scholarship

#2 Online College in Ohio

Eastern Gateway Community College

School Information
Location	Steubenville, Ohio
Graduation Rate	19%
Accreditation	Yes Higher Learning Commission
Percent Online Enrollment	97% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.

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Fast Facts

School Type: Public

Concentrations Available: Health, Public Service, Public Safety, Business, Engineering, Information Technology, Machining, Education, Transfer

Accredited By: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? No

Situated in Steubenville, Ohio, Eastern Gateway Community College (EGCC) offers courses, certificates, programs, and degrees on site and online. The school was founded in 1968 and has served more than 59,000 students since its founding. 

EGCC offers many programs fully online. Students can earn degrees in other majors through a mix of online and in-person coursework. Areas of study include healthcare administration, criminal justice, information technology, and teacher education. 

First-year applicants should submit their high school transcripts or GED scores. EGCC accepts SAT, ACT, or Accuplacer admission tests. The school also maintains a dual enrollment program for qualifying high school students.

Available Scholarships: Senator Lou Gentile Energy Scholarship

#3 Online College in Georgia

Georgia Northwestern Technical College

School Information
Location	Rome, Georgia
Graduation Rate	47%
Accreditation	Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Percent Online Enrollment	53% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.

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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

#4 Online College in Texas

Lone Star College System

School Information
Location	The Woodlands, Texas
Graduation Rate	18%
Accreditation	Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Percent Online Enrollment	40% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.

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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

#5 Online College in Ohio

Cuyahoga Community College District

School Information
Location	Cleveland, Ohio
Graduation Rate	21%
Accreditation	Yes Higher Learning Commission
Percent Online Enrollment	68% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.

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Fast Facts

School Type: Public

Concentrations Available: International Business, Purchasing and Supply Management, Captioning and Court Reporting, Steno Machine Writing, Voice Writing, Graphic Design, Information Technology, Public Safety

Accredited By: Higher Learning Commission

Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? No

Ohio's first and largest community college, Cuyahoga Community College District (Tri-C) offers more than 1,000 classes and 200-plus degree programs. About 85% of Tri-C's students are earning an associate degree, many of them online. 

Distance-education learners can pursue an online associate degree in business management, creative arts, information technology, public safety,or captioning and court reporting. Some students may need or want to take on-campus courses to supplement their online experience.

First-year applicants should submit their online application along with their transcripts and test scores. Once accepted, new enrollees need to take a readiness assessment before beginning their first course. 

Available Scholarships: Amsdell Group of Companies Endowed Scholarship

Online Associates Degree Reviews from Real Students

We believe the best people to share about online learning experiences are students who have really done it, which is why we surveyed 600 unique students. Filter to find a student like you or sort to read the good, the bad, and everything in between. By leaving a review, students were entered to win a sweepstakes.

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First-generation students Learners over 30 Starting with debt Income level

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* means this student may have had to visit the campus a few times a year for their program.

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• Age 40
• Associate of Science, Medical Billing and Coding
• Ultimate Medical Academy
• Online

Experience

5.0

Value

5.0

Affordability

5.0

What did you like most about your online college experience?

"Being flexible and available to my family at home."

• Financial assitance
• First generation student
• Has support system

Recommends

• Age 46
• Associate in Medical Billing and Coding
• Bryant and Stratton College
• Online

Experience

5.0

Value

5.0

Affordability

5.0

Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?

"It was easier to go to college for the thing that I wanted to go to college for online. Was not offered locally"

• Financial assitance

Recommends

• Age 22
• Associate Degree- Business Administration, Bachelor of Science - Retail Management
• Florida State University
• Online *

Experience

3.0

Value

5.0

Affordability

1.0

What advice would you give to a student looking to enroll in an online program?

"Be prepared to do hard work, try to do everything ahead of time, and do not wait until last minute."

• Financial assitance
• First generation student
• Has support system

Recommends

• Age 31
• Associates in Business Management
• University of Phoenix
• Online

Experience

4.0

Value

5.0

Affordability

5.0

Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?

"I wanted to expand my knowledge and career opportunities."

• First generation student
• Has support system

Recommends

• Age 41
• Associate in Art
• Shaw University
• Online

Experience

5.0

Value

5.0

Affordability

4.0

Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?

"To make more money and further my career"

• Financial assitance
• First generation student
• Works in field of study
• Has support system

Recommends

• Age 24
• Associate Degree
• Montclair State University
• Online

Experience

3.0

Value

5.0

Affordability

4.0

How has completing an online degree changed your life?

"It has drastically changed my life because now I am doing I love."

• Financial assitance
• First generation student
• Works in field of study
• Has support system

Recommends

• Age 37
• Associate in Medical Coding
• Mid State Technical college
• Online *

Experience

5.0

Value

5.0

Affordability

5.0

What advice would you give to a student looking to enroll in an online program?

"Be prepared to work independently, but do not be afraid to ask questions."

• First generation student
• Works in field of study
• Has support system

Recommends

• Age 30
• Associate Degree
• ATM
• Online *

Experience

5.0

Value

5.0

Affordability

5.0

Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?

"Because I think it was better for my skills and learning"

• Financial assitance
• First generation student
• Works in field of study
• Has support system

Recommends

• Age 22
• Associate in Applied Nursing Science
• Rose State College
• Online *

Experience

5.0

Value

5.0

Affordability

5.0

What did you like most about your online college experience?

"Even though it was online, I still felt like my professors cared for my success."

• Financial assitance
• First generation student
• Works in field of study
• Has support system

Recommends

• Age 66
• Associates - Health Information Technology
• Rasmussen
• Online

Experience

4.0

Value

4.0

Affordability

4.0

What did you like most about your online college experience?

"I liked the interaction between students and teachers; I learned alot from it."

• Financial assitance
• First generation student
• Has support system

Recommends

• Age 22
• Associate of Arts
• Seminole State College of Florida
• Online *

Experience

4.0

Value

4.0

Affordability

3.0

Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?

"So I had more time to work and not commute to a campus."

• Financial assitance
• Has support system

Recommends

• Age 52
• Associate in Medical Coding and Auditing
• Three Rivers Community College
• Online

Experience

4.0

Value

5.0

Affordability

3.0

What were the challenges of getting your degree online?

"Finding the time to complete the work"

• Works in field of study
• Has support system

Recommends

• Age 49
• Associate Degree in Business
• TCC University
• Online

Experience

4.0

Value

2.0

Affordability

1.0

How has completing an online degree changed your life?

"It allowed me to get the position that I was looking at my prior job."

• Financial assitance
• First generation student
• Works in field of study
• Has support system

Recommends

• Age 29
• Associate - Business Administration
• University of Oklahoma
• Online *

Experience

5.0

Value

4.0

Affordability

4.0

What advice would you give to a student looking to enroll in an online program?

"Make sure you are allocating your time properly."

• First generation student
• Has support system

Recommends

• Age 55
• Associate in Web Development
• Everglades University
• Online *

Experience

5.0

Value

4.0

Affordability

5.0

Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?

"because I need more skills to upgrade my career"

• Works in field of study
• Has support system

Recommends

• Age 21
• Associate - Marketing
• Tarrant County College
• Online *

Experience

3.0

Value

5.0

Affordability

4.0

Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?

"Honestly, it’s less stress. Although it might me more difficult at times, I have more reliable resources on the internet."

• Financial assitance
• First generation student
• Has support system

Recommends

• Age 39
• Associate in Business
• Strayer University
• Online

Experience

5.0

Value

5.0

Affordability

5.0

What were the challenges of getting your degree online?

"Finding the right school"

• Financial assitance
• First generation student
• Works in field of study
• Has support system

Recommends

• Age 21
• Associate of Nursing
• Wake Forest Medical School
• Online *

Experience

5.0

Value

5.0

Affordability

5.0

What did you like most about your online college experience?

"Self-guided education"

• Financial assitance
• First generation student
• Works in field of study
• Has support system

Recommends

• Age 23
• Associate - Music Technology
• CCBC
• Online

Experience

3.0

Value

5.0

Affordability

3.0

What were the challenges of getting your degree online?

"dealing with my mental health and staying on track"

• Financial assitance
• Has support system

Doesn't recommend

• Age 34
• Associate
• Boston University
• Online *

Experience

5.0

Value

5.0

Affordability

5.0

What were the challenges of getting your degree online?

"There were no challenges"

• Financial assitance
• First generation student
• Works in field of study
• Has support system

Recommends

• Age 23
• Associate in Electrical Engineering
• Arizona state University
• Online *

Experience

4.0

Value

4.0

Affordability

3.0

What were the challenges of getting your degree online?

"Financial expenses"

• Financial assitance
• Works in field of study
• Has support system

Recommends

• Age 52
• Associate, Dental Assistant
• Penn Foster
• Online *

Experience

3.0

Value

5.0

Affordability

5.0

What did you like most about your online college experience?

"Being able to be home while getting my degree. Not having to pay for someone to care for my child."

• First generation student
• Works in field of study

Recommends

• Age 39
• Associate - Medical Billing and Coding
• Keiser University online
• Online *

Experience

5.0

Value

5.0

Affordability

4.0

Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?

"Provide an additional source of income"

• First generation student
• Has support system

Recommends

• Age 21
• Associates - Business Administrative Technology
• Central Georgia Technical College
• Online

Experience

5.0

Value

5.0

Affordability

5.0

Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?

"Easier to learn online"

• Financial assitance
• Has support system

Recommends

• Age 25
• Associates degree - accounting / business
• Lorain County Community College
• Online

Experience

3.0

Value

5.0

Affordability

3.0

Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?

"Because I was working, and it made it easier to work full time and go to school."

• First generation student
• Works in field of study
• Has support system

Recommends

• Age 23
• Associate - Business Administration
• UCLA
• Online

Experience

4.0

Value

4.0

Affordability

4.0

What were the challenges of getting your degree online?

"stable internet connection"

• Financial assitance
• First generation student
• Has support system

Doesn't recommend

• Age 30
• Associate Medical Billing
• Liberty
• Online

Experience

3.0

Value

4.0

Affordability

4.0

What were the challenges of getting your degree online?

"Having time to do work in school"

• First generation student
• Has support system

Recommends

• Age 22
• Associate - Behavioral Science
• Eastern New Mexico University
• Online *

Experience

4.0

Value

5.0

Affordability

4.0

What did you like most about your online college experience?

"It allowed me to dictate my own time and still be able to work while going to school."

• First generation student
• Has support system

Recommends

• Age 25
• Associate, Nursing Science, English, History, Biology
• Jersey College
• Online *

Experience

4.0

Value

5.0

Affordability

5.0

Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?

"Because COVID-19 I wanted to study at home"

• Financial assitance
• First generation student
• Works in field of study
• Has support system

Recommends

• Age 28
• Associate Degree
• Unconfirmed
• Online *

Experience

4.0

Value

4.0

Affordability

4.0

What did you like most about your online college experience?

"I like the way the program is easy to learn and easy to do"

• Financial assitance
• First generation student
• Works in field of study
• Has support system

Recommends

• Age 38
• Associate - Business Management
• Miller-Motte College
• Online

Experience

4.0

Value

5.0

Affordability

3.0

What were the challenges of getting your degree online?

"Set times of when the instructors were available. Not always able to do the work and possibly have questions when they are available."

• Financial assitance
• Has support system

Recommends

• Age 25
• Associate Sociology
• Front Range Community College
• Online *

Experience

4.0

Value

4.0

Affordability

5.0

What were the challenges of getting your degree online?

"Sometimes online courses were repetitive and not engaging"

• Financial assitance
• First generation student
• Has support system

Recommends

• Age 41
• Associate, Banking and Finance
• University of Toronto
• Online *

Experience

4.0

Value

4.0

Affordability

3.0

How has completing an online degree changed your life?

"It has increased my monthly income."

• Works in field of study
• Has support system

Recommends

• Age 31
• Associate - Avionics Systems Technologies
• Community College of the Air Force
• Online *

Experience

4.0

Value

2.0

Affordability

4.0

How has completing an online degree changed your life?

"It hasn't, but it paves the way for my bachelor's."

• Financial assitance
• Works in field of study
• Has support system

Recommends

• Age 35
• Associate - Web Design
• University of California
• Online *

Experience

4.0

Value

4.0

Affordability

5.0

How has completing an online degree changed your life?

"It helped boost my career."

• Financial assitance
• Works in field of study
• Has support system

Recommends

• Age 35
• Associate - General Studies
• Columbia College
• Online

Experience

5.0

Value

5.0

Affordability

5.0

What were the challenges of getting your degree online?

"In-person exams"

• Has support system

Recommends

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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:

All data was collected between 5/19/21 and 5/26/21 and 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.