10 Most Affordable Online Marketing Associate Degrees 2025

Marketing is an exciting career path leading to jobs that interact with nearly every industry. These careers encompass a range of roles, including creative, technical, and managerial positions. Although many marketing jobs might require a bachelor's degree, there are many entry-level marketing positions available to students who complete a marketing associate degree program.

Learn more about some of the best and most affordable online programs to earn an associate's degree in marketing.

What Is an Online Associate Degree in Marketing?

An associate degree in marketing is a two-year degree that covers many of the fundamentals of a marketing career. Classes often include introduction to business, entrepreneurship, and business communication. Students should expect coursework that covers topics such as public relations, consumer behavior, and creating sample marketing plans.

The largest difference between an associate's and a bachelor's degree is the depth of information covered. Associate's degrees provide aspiring marketing professionals with an introductory level of information, and many students use these degrees to satisfy the prerequisites for their four-year degree.

How Much Does an Online Associate Degree in Marketing Cost?

The average cost of an online associate in marketing degree is about $13,500 for four semesters. This is based on full-time enrollment with a standard 60 total credit hours. Total costs will vary school to school, and can even vary student to student based on factors such as financial aid (grants, scholarships, and more), enrollment status (full-time vs. part-time), and total electives taken.

Cheapest Online Marketing Associate Degrees

Students preparing for marketing careers can find associate marketing degree programs online with affordable tuition rates and flexible learning opportunities. These marketing programs can open the doors to some entry-level career opportunities as well as lay the groundwork for further education.

1. Ashworth College

Ashworth College offers a self-paced associate degree in marketing. Coursework includes consumer buying behavior, integrated marketing communications, and economics. Students have up to four years to complete their self-paced degree, allowing for one of the most flexible learning pathways available.

• Estimated tuition cost: $90 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Ashworth College doesn't offer financial aid, but students have some of the lowest tuition rates in the nation. All relevant materials, such as books and supplies, are included in this low tuition rate.
• Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

2. Albany Technical College

Albany Technical College's fully online associate degree in marketing management has five specializations. Students can pursue sports marketing management, entrepreneurship, and more.

This degree also has multiple optional courses that can allow for further specialization in your degree. Students at Albany must complete the SmarterMeasure Assessment with passing scores to be admitted to fully remote learning programs.

• Estimated tuition cost: $107 per credit hour
• Financial aid: The school partners with multiple third-party scholarship providers, but students can also use their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) results.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Chattahoochee Technical College

Chattahoochee Technical College (CTC) has an online Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in marketing. In addition to general education and core classes, students can choose from four different specializations. These specializations include social media marketing, real estate, marketing management, and entrepreneurship. There are also additional elective opportunities available to focus your education toward a certain career path.

• Estimated tuition cost: $160 per credit hour
• Financial aid: CTC students can enroll in state and federal financial aid programs, including grants and scholarships.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

4. California Coast University

The Associate of Science in marketing at California Coast University (CCU) provides a highly flexible and affordable option. All courses are fully online and self-paced, allowing learners to study around their other responsibilities. This degree includes 60 total credit hours spread across core, general education, and elective courses.

• Estimated tuition cost: $170 per credit hour
• Financial aid: CCU doesn't participate in financial aid programs; however, students can participate in no-interest payment plans and receive tuition discounts based on military service.
• Accreditation: DEAC

5. University of Northwestern Ohio

The University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) offers a fully online Associate of Applied Business in marketing. This program includes coursework covering the principles of marketing, management, and international business. Students will gain hands-on experience with technical aspects of marketing, such as graphic design, social media, and digital marketing.

• Estimated tuition cost: $295 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can access grants, scholarships, and student employment opportunities to reduce costs.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

6. Rasmussen University

Students can earn an online AAS in marketing from Rasmussen University. This degree is designed specifically to ''ladder up'' to Rasmussen's bachelor's in marketing for students aiming to advance their education. This degree can be completed in as few as 18 months, compared to a more traditional 24-month timeline.

• Estimated tuition cost: $322 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Rasmussen offers online-specific grants and scholarships in addition to accepting FAFSA results.
• Accreditation: HLC

7. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a leader in online learning, including associate degrees. Students can enroll in an Associate of Science in marketing in a fully online format. Topics covered include some of the most important skills needed in marketing, such as ethical marketing, critical thinking, and marketing strategy.

• Estimated tuition cost: $342 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can submit their FAFSA to apply for grants, scholarships, and loans. The school also offers discounts and proprietary financial aid opportunities.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

8. Strayer University

Strayer University has 45 campuses across 17 states, but the school also has fully online degrees available nationwide, including an Associate of Arts (AA) in marketing. Students take 20 different 11-week courses to earn this degree, offered with four quarters per year. Coursework includes social media marketing, consumer behavior, and communication.

• Estimated tuition cost: $381 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Strayer accepts FAFSA results, including scholarships, grants, and work-employment opportunities.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

9. Dakota College

Dakota College offers the same high-quality AAS in advertising and marketing online as it does at its campuses in Bottineau and Minot. This degree combines real-world-inspired marketing courses with electives to provide a well-rounded education.

• Estimated tuition cost: $397 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students at Dakota College can qualify for federal and state-based financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and student employment.
• Accreditation: HLC

10. Northcentral Technical College

Northcentral Technical College (NTC) offers a 62-credit marketing associate degree. This degree is available through NTC's Attend Your Way program, which allows students to pick and choose from taking classes on campus (at Wausau, WI), through synchronous online sessions, or in fully online formats.

• Estimated tuition cost: $399 per credit hour
• Financial aid: NTC has grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. The school also has the NTC promise, which offers free tuition to qualifying Wisconsin students.
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

Choosing an affordable associate in marketing online program goes beyond simple cost evaluation. We use three strict factors when evaluating schools to ensure high-quality recommendations.

• Accreditation: Each school on this list has regional accreditation, meaning that your degree meets national standards. Accredited education can lead to careers and further undergraduate education.
• Affordability: Every program on this list has tuition rates under $500 per credit hour, ensuring affordability. These schools also have financial aid programs to further reduce costs.
• Program reputation: We selected schools with positive reputations, based on factors such as student reviews, third-party awards, and more.

How To Find an Affordable Online Marketing Degree

Finding an affordable marketing degree online isn't hard if you know where to look. Although prices can vary from school to school, the lowest average tuition rates can be found at public, non-profit, in-state schools. In addition to lower tuition rates, these schools generally accept higher amounts of financial aid. Always check the accreditation status of your school. This will ensure that your credits can transfer if you plan to earn additional degrees.

FAQs About Low-Cost Online Associate in Marketing Degrees

Some low-cost online associate marketing degrees might seem too good to be true, which can raise many questions for aspiring marketers. Some of the most common questions include value, length of degree, and career outcomes.

Is an Online Marketing Degree Worth It?

Yes, accredited online marketing degrees are worth it. Marketing is an in-demand field, and graduates can work in numerous industries, both in-house and at agencies. Online marketing degrees provide some of the most affordable and flexible pathways to these careers.

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

Most online associate degrees take four semesters, or roughly 24 months, with full-time enrollment. Part-time enrollment can extend this as long as four years. Some programs with self-paced opportunities can be completed in as few as 18 months.

What Can I Do With an Online Associate in Marketing Degree?

An online associate in marketing can lead to careers including being a marketing associate, public relations specialist, and market research assistant. Most of the roles available to associate degree holders will be entry-level. To pursue more senior roles, most employers will require a bachelor's degree or higher.

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

An average pay range for associate degree holders can be from $40,000 to $60,000, but the salary for an online associate degree holder can vary greatly. Factors that impact salaries include location, experience, industry, and specialization. Graduates with only an associate degree will see a lower payment ceiling than their coworkers with bachelor's or master's degrees.

Discover Online Marketing Degrees

Read our school profiles and articles to learn more about these degrees and other online marketing associate degrees available. Learn about the specializations, outcomes, and how you can begin connecting with colleges and universities today.