Best Affordable Online Associate Degrees in Colorado 2025

Getting a cheap online associate degree in Colorado can help you save time and money as you gain career training or take steps toward a bachelor's degree. If you're ready to start this journey, you may be wondering which schools in your state offer the most affordable options.

Keep reading as we discuss affordable associate degrees online available to Colorado students. We'll also look at answers to some frequently asked questions you may be wondering about.

How Much Does an Associate Degree Cost in Colorado?

The cost of an associate degree in Colorado may vary from school to school. Most associate degrees in the state are available through community colleges belonging to the Colorado Community College System. Base tuition for online programs at these schools is $393.80 per credit hour; for a 60-credit associate degree, that works out to a total of $23,628.

In Colorado, the most affordable online colleges charge lower rates ranging from $107 to $371 per credit hour. Regardless of the school they attend, students eligible for the state's College Opportunity Fund (COF) pay lower rates thanks to the stipends they receive.

Cheapest Online Associate Degree Programs

Whether you are a recent high school graduate or an adult returning to school, you can benefit from affordable online courses and degree programs. Keep reading as we explore our top 10 list of the most affordable online colleges offering associate degrees.

1. Colorado Mountain College

The cheapest online associate degrees in Colorado are available at Colorado Mountain College, especially if you live within the district. Located in Glenwood Springs, this school offers dozens of online programs, including associate degrees in:

• political science
• communication
• paralegal
• hospitality management
• early childhood education

Students can complete coursework online or on-campus and take advantage of exceptional tuition prices, helping them save money both on their associate degree and on future academic endeavors.

Average in-state tuition: $107 to $214 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $321 to $545 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: College Opportunity Fund (COF), Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) funds, scholarships.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Adams State University

Adams State University is a public school in Alamosa. It offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of disciplines. Online associate degrees are as follows:

• Associate of Arts
• Associate of Science
• general business
• social studies

Both full-time and part-time learners are welcome. The associate degrees transfer seamlessly to bachelor's degree programs at Adams State and other universities for those looking to advance their education.

Average in-state tuition: $371 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $395 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, loans, federal work-study, COF

Accreditation: HLC

3. Community College of Aurora

Community College of Aurora is the first school on this list belonging to the Colorado Community College System. It offers various online associate degrees and certificate programs; options include:

• addiction recovery
• cybersecurity
• criminal justice
• graphic and web design
• biology

With online, hybrid, and in-person courses available, students can choose to study in whatever way works best for them.

Average in-state tuition: $393.80 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $423.60 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA aid, scholarships, COF

Accreditation: HLC

4. Front Range Community College

Fort Range Community College has several locations but is headquartered in Westminster. It offers 48 fully online programs, including associate degrees in:

• business administration
• health information technology
• accounting
• computer information systems
• anthropology

Various student services are available to help online learners succeed, and more than half of the school's entire student population takes at least some classes online.

Average in-state tuition: $393.80 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $423.60 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, loans, COF

Accreditation: HLC

5. Red Rocks Community College

Red Rocks Community College is a public institution in Arvada and Lakewood. Students can earn various online associate degrees at this school, including:

• chemistry
• world languages
• emergency management and planning
• health and wellness
• philosophy

Many of these programs can be transferred to other schools for students who want to obtain a bachelor's degree.

Average in-state tuition: $393.80 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $423.60 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA aid, COF, scholarships, loans

Accreditation: HLC

6. Pueblo Community College

Pueblo Community College is another Colorado Community College System school. It provides affordable online associate degrees in disciplines such as:

• computer science
• geology
• library technician
• social work
• pre-engineering

Students have access to support services as they work through their online courses, and many have opportunities to transfer to four-year schools to continue their education.

Average in-state tuition: $393.80

Average out-of-state tuition: $423.60

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Grants, loans, scholarships, federal work-study, COF

Accreditation: HLC

7. Pikes Peak State College

Pikes Peak State College is located in Colorado Springs. It offers dozens of online associate degrees, as well as certificates and a few bachelor's degrees. Areas of study include:

• allied health
• dietetics
• fire service management
• journalism
• Spanish

The school strives for quality in all its programs and provides support services to make learning as flexible and adaptable as possible for students.

Average in-state tuition: $393.80 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $423.60 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: COF, FAFSA aid, grants, scholarships, loans

Accreditation: HLC

8. Community College of Denver

Community College of Denver is another school in the Colorado Community College System. It offers many of its in-person degrees in a convenient online format. Options include:

• architectural technologies
• marketing
• creative writing
• healthcare informatics
• medical assisting

Courses are designed and taught with the same standards as in-person classes but provide extra flexibility for busy or nontraditional learners.

Average in-state tuition: $393.80 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $423.60 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Scholarships, COF, FAFSA

Accreditation: HLC

9. Colorado Northwestern Community College

Colorado Northwestern Community College has campuses in Rangely and Craig. The college states that many of its Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees are available online and encourages students to contact an academic advisor to learn more about these programs.

The school offers eight-, 10-, and 15-week course options to give students extra flexibility. Many courses and programs offer transfer guarantees thanks to the college's transfer agreement with various universities in Colorado.

Average in-state tuition: $393.80 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $423.60 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Scholarships, COF, FAFSA

Accreditation: HLC

10. Arapahoe Community College

Arapahoe Community College is located in Littleton. It offers online associate and bachelor's degrees and certificate programs. Some of the associate degrees available include:

• psychology
• computer network technology
• mathematics
• French
• education

Students can complete courses on their own schedules and have access to tech support 24 hours a day.

Average in-state tuition: $393.80 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $423.60 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Grants, loans, federal work-study, COF, scholarships

Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

We strive to educate students about the best online learning opportunities through our school rank lists. We used the following criteria when selecting the schools above:

• Accreditation: Each of the schools above maintains accreditation from a nationally recognized accrediting body, namely the Higher Learning Commission.
• Affordability: The schools listed provide the lowest per-credit-hour tuition rates for associate degrees in the state.
• Program reputation and quality: Each school is known for providing quality higher education programs for both online and on-campus learners.
• Online format: All schools offer various associate degree programs in convenient and flexible formats for online students.

FAQs About the Cheapest Associate Degrees in Colorado

If you still have questions about affordable online education in Colorado, keep reading. Below, we'll provide answers to some commonly asked questions.

Can I Get an Associate Degree Online in Colorado?

Yes, many schools provide online associate degrees for students in Colorado, including each of the online schools featured in this article. The community colleges discussed above provide a quality education for online students at the most affordable prices in the state.

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

To get an associate degree quickly and affordably, students are encouraged to explore online colleges that accept financial aid like scholarships, grants, and loans. Not only can the financial aid help them save big on out-of-pocket expenses, but studying online typically provides a more flexible schedule, making it possible for them to graduate more quickly than average if desired.

Are There Any 6-Month Associate Degrees in Colorado?

There aren't any associate degree programs in Colorado specifically designed to be completed within six months. However, you can complete your degree in as little as six months by applying dual enrollment credits or other types of transfer credits, studying online, taking heavy courseloads, and staying enrolled year-round.

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

Some schools in the U.S. offer 6-month online associate degrees. These are some of the fastest associate degrees available on the internet. Before enrolling in one of these programs, it's important to ensure the school is reputable and accredited.

Earn Your Associate Degree Online

If you're ready to start a high-quality and affordable associate degree online, explore the schools featured here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the colleges to find out more about their programs and to choose the right one for you.