7 Most Affordable Online Photography Associate Degrees 2025

Photography is a compelling expression of creativity and storytelling � it's also an extremely technical craft that requires training and practice to finely hone. Photography degree programs provide excellent pathways to developing your skills and expertise in this fine art.

In this article, we explore seven accredited schools that offer associate degree in photography programs. We also answer questions about photography program costs, degree timelines, and career outlooks. Keep reading to learn how you can get started on your photography education journey.

What Is an Online Associate Degree in Photography?

An online associate degree in photography consists of photography classes and hands-on assignments designed to develop a solid foundation of creative and technical skills. Most affordable associate degree programs are about 60 credit hours total, though some degree programs require additional courses.

You can earn different associate degrees in photography online: Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Applied Science (AAS), Associate of Science (AS), and Associate of Fine Arts (AFA). Though each degree program has a slightly different focus, all teach photography fundamentals and prepare students to become professional photographers.

How Much Does an Online Associate Degree in Photography Cost?

Online associate degrees in photography tuition costs range from $2,700 to more than $30,000. In addition to tuition, photography students will likely need to invest in equipment (e.g., cameras and lenses) and software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom).

The cost of your associate degree in photography will ultimately depend on your chosen school's degree program, eligible transfer credits, and financial aid opportunities, such as scholarships for online students.

Cheapest Online Photography Associate Degrees

This list represents some of the most affordable online photography degree programs. All of the following colleges and universities are accredited institutions and accept the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

1. Foothill College

Foothill College is a mid-sized public school in Los Altos Hills, CA, that has an affordable AA in photography program. This online degree program develops students' creative capacities for visual storytelling, as well as their technical skills using professional equipment and production processes.

Students take general education courses followed by core photography courses. The curriculum covers topics such as studio lighting, digital photography, portraiture, photojournalism, darkroom processes, and the history of photography.

• Estimated tuition cost: $31 per credit hour (in-state); $249 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, loans, work-study programs, and veterans' benefits are available.
• Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC)

2. Miami Dade College

Miami Dade College offers an AS in photography program for students interested in immediately entering a professional photography career after graduating. Students learn skills related to portrait photography, fashion photography, image editing, and more. The program is 64 credit hours total and is conducted either online or on campus.

Photography courses include illustrative photography, computer-assisted graphic design, and advanced electronic publishing. Students can become commercial photographers upon graduation or transition to a more advanced degree, such as a bachelor's degree in photography.

• Estimated tuition cost: $83 per credit hour (in-state); $331 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Students may apply for scholarships, grants, work-study programs, loans, and military benefits.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

3. St. Louis Community College

St. Louis Community College (STLCC) has a 60-credit AFA in photography program. This associate degree program can be taken either online or at one of STLCC's campuses: Meramec, Forest Park, and Florissant Valley.

The AFA degree program emphasizes visual analysis, printing techniques, and camera operation in various photography genres. Students develop skills in creating pictures in both analog and digital formats, printing in darkroom settings, and processing digital print papers.

• Estimated tuition cost: $171 per credit hour (in-state); $233 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs are available to help offset education costs.
• Accreditation: National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)

4. Columbus State Community College

Columbus State Community College (CSCC) is a large public school located in Columbus, OH. CSCC has an online AAS in digital photography program that provides a strong foundation in digital design, marketing, written communications, and web design.

The AAS program is 64 to 66 credit hours total and includes both general education studies (e.g., humanities) and core courses such as digital photography, studio lighting, and digital media marketing. Full-time students can earn their degree in four semesters.

• Estimated tuition cost: $193 per credit hour (in-state); $364 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: CSCC students can apply for scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

5. Dakota County Technical College

Located in Rosemount, MN, Dakota County Technical College has an AAS in professional photography offered entirely online. The degree program focuses on lighting techniques, workflow, portraiture, and product photography. Coursework includes digital imaging, color management, and print production.

Students must have a single-lens reflex (SLR) digital camera or a mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses. Some students may be eligible for Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), which is academic credit awarded to students who demonstrate college-level learning through prior experience.

• Estimated tuition cost: $209 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students may apply for grants, loans, and scholarships to help keep education costs low.
• Accreditation: HLC

6. Suffolk County Community College

Suffolk County Community College (SUNY Suffolk) offers a 60-credit AAS in photography program. The AAS program is conducted in a hybrid format, with a combination of in-person and online courses. The program prepares students for entry-level roles in professional photography and for continuing education.

Students who enroll full-time can complete the program in two years. Students must possess an adjustable digital camera with interchangeable lenses; they will also need additional supplies like storage drives, memory cards, and photo-quality inkjet paper.

• Estimated tuition cost: $3,025 per semester (in-state); $6,025 per semester (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and loans are available.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

7. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has an online AA in photography program that is 60 credit hours total. Throughout the degree program's 20 courses, students develop skills in design theory and image composition, lighting and coloring practices, and post-production editing.

Areas of study include the fundamentals of design, digital photography, business practices of photography, and media communications. Students must have access to special equipment like digital cameras, a tripod, and a lighting kit.

• Estimated tuition cost: $342 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, loans, and military benefits are available options for qualified students.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

How We Rank Schools

We used the following criteria when considering which schools to feature on our list:

• Accreditation: All of the colleges and universities here are accredited institutions. Independent accrediting organizations ensure that schools adhere to quality education standards.
• Affordability: Each associate degree program must cost $500 or less per credit hour.
• Program reputation: We review a program's curriculum, accreditation status, faculty, and graduation rates when considering its reputation.

How To Find an Affordable Online Photography Degree

Keep the following guidance in mind as you search for affordable photography degree programs:

• Community colleges and technical schools typically offer lower tuition rates than their private school counterparts. If you are an in-state resident, you will likely pay a lower tuition rate than out-of-state residents.
• FAFSA is a form used to determine your eligibility for financial aid such as loans, grants, and work-study programs. Applying for FAFSA is typically the first step to securing financial assistance and an excellent way to keep education costs low.
• Transfer credits and Credit for Prior Learning reduce the number of credit hours you'll need to take to earn your degree, thereby reducing your overall tuition costs. If you already have college-level credits and/or CPL, search out degree programs that accept these.

FAQs About Low-Cost Online Associate in Photography Degrees

In this section, we address frequently asked questions about online photography degrees, from program timelines to job opportunities.

Is an Online Photography Degree Worth It?

An online associate degree in photography prepares you for entry-level positions and, should you wish to continue your education, for a seamless transition into a bachelor's degree program.

Ultimately, the decision as to whether or not to pursue a photography degree is a highly personal process. You must weigh your budget and personal commitments with your professional goals.

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

Online associate degrees in photography are typically 60 credit hours total. Most full-time students earn their associate degree in two years or fewer. Transferring eligible credits will help accelerate your degree timeline.

Many online programs allow students to enroll on a part-time basis. If you are a part-time student, it can take three years or more to earn your associate degree.

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

Professional photographers perform a broad range of skilled services, such as capturing high-quality pictures, digitally editing photographs, and incorporating photos with graphic design elements. Photographers work at home, in studios, for publishing and broadcast providers, and in retail.

Career opportunities for graduates with an associate degree include:

• freelance photographer
• photojournalist
• photo lab technician
• studio assistant
• production/film set photographer

Discover Online Photography Degrees

No matter your creative vision, there is a degree pathway to support your goals. Request additional information from Learn.org's partner schools and discover which online program is right for you.