10 Most Affordable Online Liberal Arts Associate Degrees 2025

A liberal arts associate degree is a two-year undergraduate program that introduces you to the humanities, social sciences, mathematics, and natural sciences. Instead of focusing on just one field, you'll also build versatile skills like communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

If you're balancing work, family, or distance from campus, online liberal arts programs can offer you an accessible and practical way to earn a degree. Choosing an affordable program keeps your options open while helping you stay on track financially.

Keep reading to explore some of the most budget-friendly programs available and find the one that fits your goals.

What Is an Online Associate Degree in Liberal Arts?

An online associate degree in liberal arts gives you a well-rounded education in about two years. You'll take a variety of courses in subjects like English composition, math, natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences, all from the comfort of your home.

Most programs require 60 to 65 credit hours and include electives that let you explore topics like psychology, history, or communication. This makes it a great option if you're still deciding on a major or want to build a solid base before transferring to a four-year program.

If you're looking to sharpen your writing, research, and analytical skills, or just want to get started with college-level coursework, this degree gives you the tools to do it.

How Much Does an Online Associate Degree in Liberal Arts Cost?

When you're looking to earn your liberal arts associate degree online, the price will depend on where you enroll and whether you're an in-state student. In general, you'll pay between $60 and $300 per credit hour. With most programs requiring around 60 to 65 credits, that adds up to anywhere from $4,000 to $20,000.

Community colleges are usually the most budget-friendly, especially if you qualify for in-state or in-district tuition. Some schools charge the same low rate for all online learners, no matter where you live. Even private colleges, while more expensive, often provide financial aid to help offset costs.

As a general rule, any program under $150 per credit hour is considered highly affordable. Look for colleges with strong transfer partnerships if you're planning to continue your education later on.

Cheapest Online Liberal Arts Associate Degrees

The following schools offer some of the most affordable ways for you to earn an online associate in liberal arts degree. We chose them based on tuition, online learning options, and regional accreditation.

1. Hudson County Community College

Hudson County Community College (HCCC) offers a fully online Associate of Arts (AA) in liberal arts through its Hudson Online platform. HCCC is a public community college in Hudson County, New Jersey, serving a diverse student population with flexible, high-quality online offerings.

This 60-credit program combines general education courses with flexible electives that can lead to transfer or career-focused pathways. You'll study subjects like English, math, humanities, and social sciences.

• Estimated tuition cost: $103 per credit hour (in-county); $206 (out-of-county or out-of-state)
• Financial aid: HCCC accepts the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), New Jersey grants, federal Pell and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), and offers scholarships.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

2. Eastern Florida State College

Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) gives you the opportunity to earn your AA in liberal arts online through its Eastern Florida Online (EFO) platform. Based in Brevard County, Florida, EFSC is part of the state's public college system.

The program covers core subjects like English composition, math, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. While it doesn't have formal concentrations, you can select electives in areas like communication, psychology, or the humanities to match your goals.

• Estimated tuition cost: $104 per credit hour (in-state residents); $405.76 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: EFSC accepts FAFSA, Florida state aid, and offers scholarships and payment plans.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

3. Great Basin College

Great Basin College (GBC) offers an online AA in liberal arts, designed for students seeking a well-rounded academic foundation and seamless transfer to four-year universities. GBC is a public institution located in Elko, Nevada.

In GBC's liberal arts program, you'll take foundational courses in areas like English, math, social sciences, and humanities to prepare you for further study or entry-level opportunities. The degree program offers flexibility in your studies, so if you're interested in fields like art, business, or literature, your electives can reflect that.

• Estimated tuition cost: $134.50 per credit hour (in-state residents); $198 per credit hour (non-resident online-only)
• Financial aid: GBC accepts FAFSA, state grants, institutional aid, and work-study.
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

4. Broward College

Broward College offers a 100% online AA degree in liberal arts through its distance education platform. Broward is a public college in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and is part of the Florida College System.

The online AA degree at Broward College covers courses in English, humanities, social sciences, math, and science, with room to explore electives like literature, psychology, or communication. What's more, you're guaranteed junior-level transfer to any Florida public university, which makes it a solid option if you plan to continue your education.

• Estimated tuition cost: $122.90 per credit hour (in-state residents); $243.40 (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Broward College accepts FAFSA, Florida state aid, and has scholarships available.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Leeward Community College

Leeward Community College offers a 100% online AA in liberal arts through its distance education program. Situated in Pearl City, Hawaii, Leeward is part of the University of Hawai'i System and serves a diverse student population.

The 60-credit curriculum covers general education requirements and lets you choose between a structured cohort model or a more flexible self-paced option. You can also select electives to match your interests and timeline.

• Estimated tuition cost: $131 per credit hour (in-state residents); $345 (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Leeward Community College accepts FAFSA, federal grants, state scholarships, and institutional aid.
• Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC/WASC)

6. Eastern Iowa Community Colleges

Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC), serving Clinton, Muscatine, and Scott community colleges in Iowa, offers an online AA in liberal arts through its Iowa Community College Online Consortium.

The AA in liberal arts is available fully online, so you can work through the program on your own schedule. The curriculum includes courses in English, math, humanities, and science, with the flexibility to add electives that align with your future major or career path.

• Estimated tuition cost: $209 per credit hour (in-state residents); $276 (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: EICC accepts FAFSA, federal and state grants, scholarships, and has work-study options available.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

7. Faulkner University

Faulkner University offers an online AA in liberal arts, ideal for students seeking a broad academic foundation grounded in Christian values. Located in Montgomery, Alabama, Faulkner is a private nonprofit institution affiliated with the Churches of Christ.

This 62-credit program combines courses in Christian literacy, ethics, communication, literature, and social sciences. Classes run in two eight-week sessions per term, which can make it easier to manage your pace.

• Estimated tuition cost: $335 per credit hour (flat rate)
• Financial aid: Faulkner University accepts FAFSA, Pell and SEOG grants, and has institutional scholarships available.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. University of Wisconsin?uperior

University of Wisconsin?uperior (UWS) offers an online AA in liberal arts, delivered through the Universities of Wisconsin Online program. UWS is a public liberal arts university and a member of the UW system, located in Superior, Wisconsin, with a strong history of excellence in distance education.

You'll take general education courses across disciplines like humanities, math, natural sciences, and global studies. The 60-credit program meets transfer requirements within the UW system and beyond.

• Estimated tuition cost: $319 per credit hour
• Financial aid: UWS accepts federal aid, including the FAFSA, and offers work-study programs and institutional aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers an online AA in liberal arts, a flexible 60-credit program grounded in general education that supports transfer to bachelor's degree programs. SNHU is a private, nonprofit university based in Manchester, New Hampshire.

You'll complete 60 credits, including courses in composition, math, humanities, science, and behavioral studies. Additionally, SNHU's rolling admissions and eight-week terms give you the flexibility to start when you're ready.

• Estimated tuition cost: $342 per credit hour (flat rate)
• Financial aid: SNHU accepts FAFSA, federal loans and grants, and has scholarships available.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

10. Virginia Wesleyan University

Virginia Wesleyan University (VWU) offers an online AA in liberal arts, a 60-credit program tailored to working adults. Courses are delivered in seven-week sessions via VWU Global Campus, with year-round start dates and 24/7 access.

This degree provides broad-based general education coursework including English composition, humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, and electives. If you're a transfer student, you may bring in up to 32 credits, and the university allows up to 96 total transfer credits toward the degree.

• Estimated tuition cost: $410 per credit hour
• Financial aid: VWU accepts FAFSA, federal loans, VWU scholarships, and Yellow Ribbon benefits.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

To create this list of affordable online associate in liberal arts degrees, we focused several important criteria, including:

• Accreditation: Every school here is regionally accredited, so you can be confident your degree meets recognized academic standards.
• Affordability: All programs offer tuition under $500 per credit hour for in-state students.
• Program reputation: We included nonprofit institutions with strong academic support, satisfied students, and proven transfer pathways.

How To Find an Affordable Online Liberal Arts Degree

If you want to earn a liberal arts associate degree online without overspending, there are a few key things to keep in mind.

First, compare tuition rates carefully. Multiply the cost per credit by the number of credits (usually 60 to 65) to get your estimated total. Some colleges offer the same price for all online students, while others give discounts to in-state or local residents. Community colleges tend to have the most affordable rates.

Next, look at financial aid. Every school in this list accepts the FAFSA and offers federal grants, scholarships, and sometimes state or institutional aid. Some schools, like Hudson County Community College or Eastern Florida State College, even offer interest-free payment plans.

Lastly, choose regionally accredited, nonprofit schools. These institutions typically offer better student support and smoother credit transfers to four-year programs. With the right school, you can get a quality education at a price that fits your budget.

FAQs About Low-Cost Online Associate in Liberal Arts Degrees

Choosing an affordable online liberal arts associate degree can raise important questions about cost, transferability, and program quality. Below are answers to some of the most common questions you might have as you explore your options.

Is an Online Liberal Arts Degree Worth It?

Yes, an online liberal arts degree can be a smart investment, especially if the program is affordable. It helps you develop versatile skills, like communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving, which apply to many industries. Plus, it lays a strong foundation for transferring into a bachelor's program or pursuing future academic goals.

How Long Does It Take To Complete an Online Associate Degree in Liberal Arts?

Most online associate degrees in liberal arts take about two years to complete with full-time enrollment. However, part-time students or those bringing in transfer credits may take more or less time. Many schools offer flexible schedules, accelerated formats, and year-round courses to help you finish at a pace that fits your life.

What Can I Do With an Online Associate in Liberal Arts Degree?

With this type of degree, you can qualify for a variety of liberal arts associate degree jobs in fields like customer service, administration, education, and sales. The degree also prepares you to transfer into a four-year program in areas such as communication, psychology, or business, expanding your career and academic opportunities.

How Much Can I Make With an Online Associate Degree in Liberal Arts?

Salaries vary based on the job, location, and experience, but liberal arts graduates earn a median annual salary $55,000 per year. Entry-level roles may start at a lower range, but with time and experience, you may qualify for higher-paying positions or advance with further education.

Discover Online Liberal Arts Degrees

You don't have to spend a fortune to take the next step in your education. A liberal arts associate degree can help you build valuable skills, explore your interests, and prepare for whatever comes next, whether that's a job, a promotion, or a four-year degree. Check out the schools on Learn.org and find the one that fits your life, your goals, and your budget.