10 Most Affordable Online Associate Degrees in 2025

This article highlights various online associate degree programs that offer flexible and affordable options for learners aiming to advance their careers.

Online associate degrees often cost less than traditional on-campus degrees, with savings on commuting, housing, and materials. Workers and busy individuals should consider enrolling in an online program to expand their career opportunities beyond what a high school diploma offers.

Many affordable online colleges offer programs from healthcare to business, catering to various interests and career goals. Take charge of your education with this flexible option that allows you to balance your studies and personal commitments.

Cheapest Associate Degrees Online

Online associate degree programs equip students with essential skills and knowledge that can be directly applied in the workforce. Many community colleges and universities provide part-time and full-time online programs to meet students' needs for a flexible schedule.

Ensure your chosen institution has accreditation from a reputable accrediting body. These schools ensure employer recognition and easy transferability of credits. Below, we've listed degree programs from some of the best online colleges for associate degrees.

1. National University

National University's online Associate of Arts in general education inspires future teachers to develop abstract reasoning through mathematics and informational literacy coursework. This program covers the fundamentals of education methodology and prepares students for many fields, including early childhood education and elementary education.

Needs-based financial aid such as the Key Grant Scholarship is available to help support your higher education. Visit the university's website to learn more about its scholarships. Some of the coursework here includes:

Film and Culture
Introduction to Quantitative Methods
Cross-Cultural Communication
Spanish for the Workplace

2. Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University's online Associate of Arts in business administration prepares learners for accounting, sales, and human resources careers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), business and financial occupations are projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033.

Eligible students can receive the New Horizon discount for associate degree programs. Contact a representative from the financial aid office for more information. Coursework here consists of:

Business Law
Principles of Management
Principles of Financial Accounting
Principles of Macroeconomics

3. Pace University

Pace University offers an Associate of Arts in general arts and sciences through the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences. This program's diverse coursework prepares students to succeed in various industries.

The university's Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process allows students to convert life and work experience into college credits. Career service experts are available to provide personalized career support. Students should expect to take courses such as:

Computer Applications for Telecommunications
Mathematics for Life
Modern Language and Culture
Critical Writing

4. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University's Associate of Science in information technologies teaches students the importance of technology's role in the workplace. You will learn technical skills that prepare you for entry-level information technology jobs.

Active-duty service members and their spouses can apply a 30% discount to undergraduate tuition costs. Online students can transfer up to 45 credits toward their associate degree program. Courses here include:

Computer Operating Systems
Introduction to Scripting
Introduction to Computer Networks
Cross-Platform Technologies

5. American Public University

American Public University offers an Associate of Applied Science in health sciences through the School of Health Sciences. Aspiring healthcare professionals will learn about fundamental medical and health knowledge.

This program allows online learners to study at their own pace. The school offers military education benefits and allows transfer credits to help students combat high tuition rates. Some of the courses here include:

Human Anatomy and Physiology
General Chemistry
General Biology
Elements of Physics

6. Northern State University

Northern State University's online associate degree in criminal justice teaches students the foundational terminology used in the criminal justice system. You will learn about the relationships between the police, the courts, and corrections.

The school offers financial aid options, such as the merit-based WolfPACT Unleashed Scholarship for first-time freshmen. Contact a financial aid counselor to explore your funding options. Some of the courses here include:

Policing in a Free Society
Crime Scene Investigation
State and Local Government
Social Policy

7. Seminole State College

Seminole State College's Associate of Arts in computer science teaches students the fundamentals of computer systems and programming. This low-cost program is designed to transfer to an upper-division public college or university in Florida.

Merit-based Seminole State scholarships are available through the Foundation for Seminole State. Check the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships website for more information. Online courses here consist of:

Analytic Geometry and Calculus
Physics With Calculus
Principles of Computer Programming
Advanced Java Programming

8. Florida Institute of Technology

The Florida Institute of Technology, or Florida Tech, offers an Associate of Science in computer information systems focusing on soft skill development. You will learn core information systems concepts like software solutions and information technology infrastructure.

Florida Tech's Wisdom Warrior Program can cover up to 100% of active-duty service members' tuition. Contact the Office of Military and Veteran Student Services for more information. Coursework here includes:

Business Computer Skills
Principles of Marketing
Systems Analysis and Design
Electronic Commerce

9. University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati's Associate of Applied Business in business management technology prepares learners for entry-level management and supervisory roles. You will enhance your critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills.

The university partners with many companies to provide tuition scholarships. The Student Financial Aid Office can help you determine which scholarships you are eligible for. Courses here include:

Fundamentals of Management
Fundamentals of Human Relations
Legal Environment of Business
Introduction to Marketing

10. American Military University

American Military University offers an online Associate of Science in cybersecurity through the School of Security & Global Studies. Students will learn about internal and external cyber warfare affecting the U.S.

The university provides preferred military tuition rates and career coaching to enrollees. Education managers are also available across the country for academic advising. Some of the courses here comprise:

Networking Concepts
Hardening Operation Systems
Cryptography Concepts
Law, Privacy, and Digital Data

FAQs About Associate Degree Programs at Online Colleges

Here are answers to frequently asked questions about associate degree programs at online colleges.

What Is the Average Cost of an Online Associate Degree Program?

The average cost of an online associate degree varies by institution. Financial aid also determines how much a degree costs for many. Some of the factors that influence degree cost include:

institution type
in-state vs out-of-state tuition
program length
additional fees

You can find an example of the cost of an online associate degree program at Southern New Hampshire University. As of 2024, undergraduate tuition for the information technology associate degree is $330 per credit hour. Overall, the total cost of the 60-credit degree is $19,800.

How Can I Make My Associate Degree More Affordable?

You can make your associate degree more affordable in various ways. Some of the most popular ways include:

scholarships for online students
Choosing online colleges that accept Pell grants
employer tuition reimbursement
work-study programs
military education benefits

Fill out the FAFSA online form to see what financial aid you qualify for. Apply early to maximize your benefits package while the most funds are available. You will get a student aid report (SAR) outlining the federal student aid you can receive.

Learn More: Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA

Are Online Associate Degrees Worth It?

Whether an online associate degree is worth it depends on your career goals and passions. Some of the things you should consider before deciding to pursue an online associate degree include:

flexibility
cost-effectiveness
transfer opportunities
skill development

An associate degree can open doors to entry-level positions and may lead to promotions or higher earning potential in various fields. Ensure your credits can transfer to a bachelor's degree program if you decide to further your education and advance your career.

Find an Online Associate Degree Near You

Obtaining an online associate degree is the first step toward a fulfilling and lucrative career. You can gain foundational knowledge about your chosen field and learn vital skills through this program. Contact one of the featured institutions on Learn.org for more information. Find local programs in your state: