Most Affordable Online Associate Degrees in Connecticut 2025

Whether you're fresh out of high school or have worked full-time for several years, an associate degree can kickstart a new career or further into your higher education journey. If you reside in Connecticut, you have options for obtaining an affordable associate degree, including programs in an online format.

This article features a list of affordable associate degrees online programs, from the cheapest online associate degree in Connecticut to those offered by out-of-state colleges. We'll also share a brief FAQ addressing the average cost of tuition and other relevant information. Read on to learn more and make the most informed decisions about your educational future.

How Much Does an Associate Degree Cost in Connecticut?

The cost of earning a typically two-year degree varies statewide and nationally, based on such factors as:

• private vs. public schools
• in-state vs. out-of-state locations
• traditional vs. contemporary formats at online schools

An in-state, public institution that provides an online degree option is generally the most economical choice, although many smaller, private colleges have competitive tuition rates. The following list will feature 10 of the nation's most affordable online colleges and some of the degrees and financial aid they offer.

Cheapest Online Associate Degree Programs

At these institutions, you can earn an Associate of Arts (AA), an Associate of Science (AS), or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in various fields. Tuition prices are based on programs that require a minimum of 60 credits to complete.

Each is also among the cheapest online colleges that accept FAFSA, or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Completing this form is a prerequisite for any type of federal or state government assistance.

1. Connecticut State Community College

Connecticut State Community College (CSCC) offers five fully online and dozens of hybrid associate degree programs throughout various locations in its 12-campus network. You may earn AS degrees in such subjects as business administration: entrepreneurship (BENR-AS), health information technology, and healthcare administration.

Average in-state tuition: $9,216

Average out-of-state tuition: $27,744

Program length: 24 months or more

Financial aid: Options include federal, state, or college grants, campus foundation scholarships, and external scholarships and grants. State and private loans may also be available.

Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

2. Charter Oak State College

As a public online college in New Britain, CT, Charter Oak State College bestows associate degrees in early childhood education, paraprofessional, and liberal arts and sciences fields.

Average in-state tuition: $19,740

Average out-of-state tuition: $19,740

Program length: 24 months or less

Financial aid: Online students may seek assistance in the form of a federal grant or loan, need- and merit-based scholarships, or private loans. Other options may include state funds and external grants or scholarships.

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education (BOR)

3. Holy Apostles College and Seminary

Two online associate degrees � AAs in liberal arts and theology � are offered at Holy Apostles College and Seminary (HACS). This private school is located in Cromwell, CT.

Average in-state tuition: $23,700

Average out-of-state tuition: $23,700

Program length: 16 months to three years

Financial aid: Grants and loans are offered by federal and state sources. You may also apply for a private loan or external scholarships.

Accreditation: NEASC, Association of Theological Schools (ATS), and Connecticut Office of Higher Education (CTOHE)

4. Franklin University

At Franklin University, a private school, you can choose from several online associate degrees like ASs in accounting, communications, criminal justice, and more.

Average in-state tuition: $23,880

Average out-of-state tuition: $23,880

Program length: 24 months or less

Financial aid: Franklin's offerings include federal and state aid, university-based and external scholarships, institutional aid such as employment programs, and private loans. Current service members receive a tuition discount. Connecticut state loans and grants may also be available.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

5. Post University

Post University is a private, for-profit university in Waterbury, CT. It provides six associate degrees for online learners, including AS degrees in management, legal studies, and marketing.

Average in-state tuition: $37,740

Average out-of-state tuition: $37,740

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: You may seek assistance from federal grants and loans, institutional and external scholarships, and private loans. Students may also qualify for certain tuition reductions. Other options may include state loans or grants.

Accreditation: NECHE, Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), and National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

Other Affordable Online Associate Degrees in the U.S.

Many other colleges outside of Connecticut offer an affordable associate degree online. Here are a few of the best examples offered by institutions with the lowest online learning rates.

Itawamba Community College

This community college in Fulton, MS, features eight associate degree programs, including paralegal, health information technology, public health, and general studies.

Average in-state tuition: $6,200

Average out-of-state tuition: $11,000

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: There is a wide variety of aid available from federal, state, and local sectors, as well as veterans' benefits, institutional scholarships, and work-study programs.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Tyler Junior College

Tyler Junior College (TJC), named for its location in Texas, offers a dozen associate degrees online. You can earn, among other degrees, AAs in economics and English, an AAS in medical office management, and an Associate of Arts in teaching (AAT).

Average in-state tuition: $6,224 to $10,004

Average out-of-state tuition: $10,004

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: TJY assists with federal and state loans and grants, scholarships, veterans' benefits, and work-study programs.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

Northeast Community College

At Northeast Community College (NCC) in Nebraska, you can choose from several associate degrees in such subjects as business, early childhood education, agriculture, and social science.

Average in-state tuition: $6,480

Average out-of-state tuition: $9,060

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: In addition to federal and state grants and loans, scholarships and work-study options may be pursued.

Accreditation: HLC

Barton Community College

Located in Great Bend, KS, Barton Community College (BCC) grants online associate degrees in nearly 40 programs. Just a few examples include AS degrees in chemistry, education, and math, as well as an AA in history.

Average in-state tuition: $7,020 to $7,860

Average out-of-state tuition: $9,600

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Numerous options are available, from federal grants and loans to institutional and state scholarships. Other sources of aid include community and external scholarships, alternative student loans, and tax credits.

Accreditation: HLC and National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)

Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech College in Indianapolis offers more than two dozen associate degrees, some of which include logistics and supply chain management, information technology and informatics, liberal arts, and homeland security and public safety.

Average in-state tuition: $10,702

Average out-of-state tuition: $20,938.20

Program length: 24 months or more

Financial aid: Federal and state sources fund grants, loans, and work-study programs, while the state and school offer scholarships and fee remission grants. Students may also obtain private loans and scholarships.

Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

We carefully reviewed each institution to compile the rank list above. It highlights not only the cheapest online associate degree programs in Connecticut and beyond, but also a rigorous methodology that ensures consistent, high-quality coursework and outcomes.

• Accreditation: Schools must meet the minimum requirement of national or regional accreditation by HLC, SACSCOC, or other recognized credentialing organizations. Some have earned specialized accreditations, which are indicated for relevant degree programs.
• Affordability: Each school offers competitive tuition rates and offers generous financial aid to offset costs.
• Program reputation and quality: The universities must be respected and have graduation rates, student outcomes, and rankings that demonstrate a superior educational experience.
• Online format: Each program provides easy access to course information, resources, and personal support services online or in person.

FAQs About the Cheapest Associate Degrees in Connecticut

You may still have many questions, so we've provided the following information to address some common inquiries.

What Is the Easiest Associate Degree To Get Online in Connecticut?

There is no single correct answer because people excel in different subjects and with different styles of learning. Degrees that do not require the rigors of math or science, such as history or liberal arts, may be considered easier by many, as do programs that allow for broader interests, such as general studies.

An accelerated learning option will allow you to earn the fastest associate degrees online, saving you from potential difficulties that may result from a longer timeframe. However, compressed coursework will require more demands in the short term, so carefully weigh the advantages of each decision against your overall needs and comfort level.

How Much Does a 2-Year Degree Cost?

According to U.S. News & World Report, the average cost of attending a ranked public college in 2024-2025 is $11,011, which includes tuition and fees for in-state enrollment. For a two-year associate degree, this amounts to $22,022. This is significantly less than similar calculations for out-of-state enrollment at a public college ($49,026) or a private institution ($87,010).

You can further reduce the price of tuition by attending an in-state, two-year college rather than a four-year university. Selecting a fully accredited, unranked school will also lower costs, in addition to seeking financial assistance.

What Is the Cheapest College in Connecticut?

CSCC offers the lowest tuition rates in the state. As a two-year public college, its in-state price of $9,216 is about $10,000 less than Charter Oak State College. This also applies to the cost of CSCC's online program, which offers the cheapest online associate degree in Connecticut.

What Is the Cheapest Way To Get an Associate Degree in Connecticut?

You can eliminate many of the expenses associated with a traditional, on-campus education at a four-year institution when you choose an online associate degree at a two-year, in-state public college. Don't forget to complete your FAFSA and apply for any financial aid you can receive to further offset the cost of your education.

Find Online Degree Programs

If you're curious to learn more, explore the programs offered by accredited institutions on Learn.org and discover online associate degrees that may suit your needs. Contact schools for more information regarding how you can advance your educational goals today.