Best Affordable Online Associate Degrees in California 2025

The cost of living might be sky-high in certain areas of California, but the state works hard to make college tuition affordable, especially for associate degrees. Associate degrees are a great option for students who want to jump-start their careers or want an inexpensive way to complete their general education credits.

Associate degrees are available on campus or through distance education. Taking online classes is often ideal for students with busy lives who can't come to campus during the day. Cheap online associates degrees are a great option to start your higher education. Keep reading to discover affordable associate degrees online in California.

How Much Does an Associate Degree Cost in California?

There are many affordable online colleges in California. However, the price you pay for your tuition will depend heavily on the type of school you choose and whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student.

Public community colleges in California have the lowest tuition rate; most charge just $46 per credit to in-state students, and many offer programs that make tuition free. The rate for out-of-state students typically varies between $350 and $450 per credit.

No four-year public schools in California offer online associate degrees, but a handful of private schools do. These schools usually charge at least $300 per credit, with some charging over $600 per credit hour.

California offers the CalGrant, a financial aid program that can cover all tuition costs for eligible students. To find out if you qualify, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is usually the best way to earn a cheap online associate degree in California.

Cheapest Online Associate Degree Programs

Over 50 California colleges and universities offer online associate degrees. Below, we've highlighted the cheapest online associate degrees in California.

Note that most of California's community colleges offer some amount of online courses. However, we focused specifically on schools that list fully online associate degrees.

1. Coastline College

Coastline College is a public community college with campuses in Garden Grove, Newport Beach, and Westminster, CA. It offers over 70 online associate degrees and certificate programs in fields like business, criminal justice, healthcare, and social sciences.

The college typically charges $46 per credit for California residents and $448 per credit hour for out-of-state residents. However, students not eligible for the CalGrant may qualify for the Coastline Dolphin Promise, which waives two years of tuition and provides $500 per semester for books and supplies.

Average in-state tuition: $46 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $448 per credit hour

Program length: four months of full-time study

Financial aid: Coastline College accepts aid through FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid, such as grants and scholarships.

Accreditation: Western Association of Colleges and Schools (WASC) Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC)

2. College of San Mateo

At the College of San Mateo, students can earn numerous associate degrees online. Areas of study include business administration, computer science, education, and geology.

This public community college is located in San Mateo; it is part of the San Mateo Community College District (SMCCD). Through the Promise Scholars Program, eligible students can receive two years of tuition for free, as well as up to $750 toward textbooks.

Average in-state tuition: $46 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $413 per credit hour

Program length: Four semesters of full-time study

Financial aid: CSM offers institutional aid like the Promise Scholars Program. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private organizations.

Accreditation: ACCJC

3. Foothill College

Foothill College offers dozens of standard associate degrees, as well as associate degrees, for transfer. The public college is located in Los Altos Hills, CA, and is part of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District.

Online degrees are available in fields like business, computer science, graphic design, and social sciences. Tuition is just $31 per credit for in-state residents and $276 for out-of-state students. The college offers a promise program, the Foothill College Promise, which covers tuition and fees for eligible students.

Average in-state tuition: $31

Average out-of-state tuition: $276

Program length: Four semesters of full-time study

Financial aid: Foothill College offers institutional aid and accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

Accreditation: ACCJC

4. Woodland Community College

Various associate degrees are available online at Woodland Community College. Areas of study include agriculture, early childhood education, environmental technology, and human services.

WCC, located in Woodland, CA, is a public community college. It charges $46 per credit for in-state students and offers several promise programs that cover entirely tuition costs.

Average in-state tuition: $46 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $365 per credit

Program length: Four semesters of full-time study

Financial aid: WCC accepts FAFSA and private aid. It also offers institutional aid, including three different promise programs.

Accreditation: ACCJC

5. Saddleback College

Saddleback College is a public community college in Mission Viejo, CA. It offers over 100 fully online degrees and certificates in fields like behavioral and social sciences, business administration, information technology, and web design.

Tuition for in-state residents is $46 per credit. However, through the Saddleback College Promise Program, in-person and online students can receive free tuition for two years.

Average in-state tuition: $46 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $446 per credit

Program length: Four semesters of full-time study

Financial aid: Saddleback College accepts aid through FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.

Accreditation: ACCJC

6. Ventura College

Students at Ventura College can earn various associate degrees online. Areas of study include criminal justice, nutrition, psychology, and social justice.

This public community college is located in Ventura, CA. Through the Ventura College Promise, California residents can have tuition and fees completely covered for their first two years. Otherwise, tuition is $46 per credit hour for in-state residents.

Average in-state tuition: $46 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $443 per credit

Program length: Four semesters of full-time study

Financial aid: Ventura College offers institutional aid, including the Ventura College Promise. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private organizations.

Accreditation: ACCJC

7. City College of San Francisco

City College of San Francisco offers over two dozen online associate degrees. It is a public community college in San Francisco, CA.

Online programs are available in fields like health sciences, information technology, economics, and social justice. Through the college's Free City program, San Francisco residents can attend the school for free. Other California residents pay a rate of $46 per credit.

Average in-state tuition: $46 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $446 per credit hour

Program length: Four semesters of full-time study

Financial aid: CCSF offers institutional aid and accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

Accreditation: ACCJC

8. Santa Rosa Junior College

Santa Rosa Junior College offers several online associate degrees. These degrees are in areas such as computer science, human resources, paralegal studies, and sociology.

SRJC is a public community college in Santa Rosa, CA. It charges $46 per credit to California residents, but those who don't qualify for the CalGrant may be eligible for free college through the school's SRJC for Free initiative.

Average in-state tuition: $46 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $406 per credit

Program length: Four semesters of full-time study

Financial aid: SRJC accepts FAFSA and private aid. It also offers institutional aid, including the SRJC for Free program.

Accreditation: ACCJC

9. Moorpark College

Moorpark College is a public community college in Moorpark, CA. It offers online associate degrees in fields like business administration, digital journalism, humanities, and natural sciences.

The in-state tuition rate is $46 per credit; however, the Moorpark College Promise Program allows eligible students to attend the school for free for two years.

Average in-state tuition: $46 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $443 per credit hour

Program length: Four semesters of full-time study

Financial aid: Moorpark College accepts aid through FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private aid.

Accreditation: ACCJC

10. Ca?ada Colllege

Through Ca?ada College, students can choose from around 20 online associate degrees. Areas of study include business, early childhood education, paralegal studies, and social sciences.

This public community college is located in Redwood City, CA, and is another member of the SMCCD. Tuition is $46 for in-state students, but students who live in San Mateo County can attend for free through the school's free college program.

Average in-state tuition: $46 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $413 per credit hour

Program length: Four semesters of full-time study

Financial aid: The college offers institutional aid, including a free college program. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private organizations.

Accreditation: ACCJC

How We Rank Schools

California has many, many schools offering low-cost online associate degrees. To curate this list, we focused on:

• Location: All schools on this list are located in California
• Accreditation: We only looked at public and private nonprofit schools that are regionally accredited, ensuring the highest-quality distance learning options.
• Affordability: Once we narrowed down which accredited schools in California offer online associate degrees, we looked at the least expensive choices.
• Online options: Dozens of schools in California offer free online associate degrees. To choose 10 for this list, we looked at which had the most variety of program options.

FAQs About the Cheapest Associate Degrees in California

There are a lot of things to think about when choosing an affordable associate degree online in California. We've answered some frequently asked questions below to help you out.

Can I Get an Associate Degree Online in California?

In California, you can earn an associate degree online through over 50 colleges and universities. Online associate degrees are primarily offered through public community colleges, though some private schools also offer them.

Many of the community colleges in California have transfer agreements with schools in the California State University (CSU) system. This allows students to earn their associate degree and complete most of their general education credits, then smoothly transfer credits into a bachelor's degree program at a CSU school.

What Is the Cheapest and Fastest Way To Get an Associate Degree in California?

One of the best ways to earn your college degree cheaply and quickly is to take advantage of any transfer credits you have. This reduces the amount of credits you have left for your program, reducing the time and cost.

If you're still in high school, consider looking into options that let you take college-level coursework during your junior or senior year, such as Advanced Placement (AP) courses or dual enrollment opportunities.

Some schools will also accept life or work experience for college credit. If you've been in the workforce for a while, see what your college will accept.

Transfer credits aren't the only way to finish your degree quickly and cheaply. Taking a higher course load each semester and taking courses in the summer can help you finish faster, while filling out FAFSA and applying for financial aid can reduce the cost of your online education. Additionally, look for online colleges that accept financial aid.

Are There Any 6-Month Associate Degrees in California?

While 6-month online associate degrees are scarce, students can graduate quickly. Associate degrees typically require 60 or so credit hours � which takes about four semesters to complete.

However, if you already have some college experience, you may be able to transfer credits and finish in around six months. You can also take courses during summer terms to finish faster.

What Are Some of the Fastest Associate Degrees You Can Get Online?

Because most associate degrees require the same number of credits, there aren't any that you can typically finish faster than others. However, you may have the best luck finishing a general studies degree more quickly.

General studies degrees usually have very few specific course requirements. Instead, they let students choose courses within their general education requirements. For example, a natural sciences requirement could be fulfilled with anything from biology to geology to astronomy.

The benefit is that you don't need to complete prerequisites for a major or wait around for a specific course to be offered. General studies degrees usually transfer into a bachelor's degree program.

Earn Your Associate Degree Online

Explore the affordable options featured on Learn.org to find the perfect online program. Contact individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.