Most Affordable Online Associate Degrees in Hawaii 2025

A cheap online associate degree in Hawaii has never been more accessible. Whether you're a working adult or a recent graduate, there are numerous programs available that strike a balance between flexibility and affordability. Meaning you can study from home and keep expenses manageable.

From community colleges to online-only institutions, we've compiled a list of affordable associate degree online options to help you find the cheapest online associate degree in Hawaii.

How Much Does an Associate Degree Cost in Hawaii?

Most community colleges in Hawaii charge tuition rates between $120 and $140 per credit hour for residents. This translates to roughly $3,600 to $4,200 annually.

Out-of-state tuition may run one and a half to two times higher. However, many programs cap online rates or offer special rates for distance learners. When comparing affordable online colleges, it is critical that prospective students research online colleges that accept financial aid to ensure they pay the least amount possible for their associate degree.

Some Hawaii schools offer special tuition discounts to qualifying students in their non-resident exemption categories. These categories include U.S. Military Personnel stationed in Hawaii on active duty and their dependents, members of the Hawaii National Guard and Hawaii-based reserves, full-time Employees of the University of Hawaii, their spouses and dependents, East-West Center student grantees pursuing a baccalaureate or advanced degree, and Native Hawaiians.

Cheapest Online Associate Degree Programs

Below, you'll find our top Hawaii-based colleges offering online associate degrees for under $10,000 annually. Many accept transfer credits and feature accelerated terms that lower costs and allow you to finish your degree faster than traditional timelines.

1. Kauai Community College

Kauai Community College offers foundational online courses that are transferable to four-year institutions, career-focused classes to develop or refine job skills, and broad general education courses that help all students gain insight into the key ideas and values that shape our society. Therefore, two-year college graduates can seamlessly transfer their college credits to four-year institutions or enter the workforce with their degree in programs such as Associate of Arts (AA) in liberal arts or Associate of Science (AS) in business.

Average in-state tuition: $3,930 per year

Average out-of-state tuition: $10,350 per year

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), state grants, work-study

Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC)

2. Hawaii Community College

Hawaii Community College (HawaiiCC) has partnered with other University of Hawaii Community Colleges (UHCC) to offer a variety of distance education classes to meet the needs of online students. In addition to the courses offered at HawaiiCC, students can enroll in online classes from all other University of Hawaii (UH) Community Colleges.

Hawaii CC's online AA in creative arts and AS in natural sciences combines synchronous workshops, virtual labs, and self-paced modules. Part-time and full-time online learners can access tutoring, library resources, and transfer advising for the University of Hawaii's bachelor's programs.

Average in-state tuition: $3,930 per year

Average out-of-state tuition: $10,350 per year, $5,895 per year (Pacific Isle Institution Non-Resident Exception)

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, scholarships, tuition waivers

Accreditation: ACCJC

3. Honolulu Community College

Honolulu Community College (HonCC) offers online AA in liberal arts and AAS in human services, featuring rolling admissions and eight-week terms. Coursework includes live virtual lectures, e-tutoring, and interactive discussion boards. In addition to online degree programs, HonCC offers cable courses featuring lectures delivered via Oceanic Time Warner Cable's Basic Cable Service.

HonCC's 'student-centered, student-focused' culture means students benefit from dedicated online advising, career services, and industry partnerships that facilitate internships. Credits transfer to the University of Hawaii at Manoa and other four-year campuses.

Average in-state tuition: $4,050 per year, $5,895 (Pacific Isle Institution Non-Resident Exemptions Tuition)

Average out-of-state tuition: $5,940 per year

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, state grants, college scholarships

Accreditation: ACCJC

4. Kapiolani Community College

Kapiolani Community College (KCC) offers several online education options, providing learners with flexibility as they work towards their academic goals. Their fully online courses provide synchronous or asynchronous classes. While hybrid classes offer in-person class activities.

Online education programs offered at KCC include an AA in liberal arts or business administration. These programs and others include guided transfer pathways to the University of Hawaii at Manoa and the University of Hawaii at West Oahu, ensuring continuity toward a bachelor's degree.

Average in-state tuition: $3,930 per year

Average out-of-state tuition: $10,350 per year, $3,930 per year (Non-Resident Exemption and Pacific Isle Institution Non-Resident Exemption Categories)

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, institutional grants

Accreditation: ACCJC

5. Leeward Community College

Leeward Community College (LCC) offers distance education courses delivered and facilitated electronically via the Internet or cable television.

LCC's Online AA 5-week Program in liberal arts is among the cheapest and fastest associate degrees online in Hawaii. It allows students to earn an affordable associate degree online by earning 60 credits broken into fast, five-week courses. Transfer agreements then facilitate enrollment in four-year undergraduate degree programs at UH campuses for seamless progression to a bachelor's degree.

Average in-state tuition: $3,930 per year

Average out-of-state tuition: $10,350 per year, $5,895 per year (Non-Resident Pacific Island Jurisdiction)

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, scholarships, fee waivers

Accreditation: ACCJC

6. Windward Community College

Windward Community College (WCC) offers several online AA degree pathways, known as Kumuola Pathways, including one specifically in Hawaiian Studies.

In addition to online courses, WCC offers hybrid and evening courses to accommodate students with busy schedules who prefer in-person classes to online learning. All WCC programs offer academic advising, online tutoring, and support for transfer credits to UH Manoa or UH West Oahu, preparing graduates for their next steps.

Average in-state tuition: $3,930 per year

Average out-of-state tuition: $10,350 per year

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, scholarships

Accreditation: ACCJC

7. University of Hawaii Maui College

The University of Hawaii Maui College (UHMC) offers online associate degrees in numerous fields, such as their AA in Hawaiian studies and AS in business administration. UHMC's online courses may be asynchronous or require synchronous meeting times via video conferencing software.

Additionally, cable courses allow students to take classes from the convenience of their home via Spectrum Cable or MCTV live. Virtual students receive transfer advising for UH West Oahu or UH Manoa, plus access to the e-library and online career, proctoring, and tutoring services. The curriculum emphasizes local context, preparing graduates for roles in Pacific studies, hospitality, or entrepreneurial ventures.

Average in-state tuition: $3,930 per year

Average out-of-state tuition: $10,350 per year

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, institutional scholarships

Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

8. Chaminade University of Honolulu

Chaminade University of Honolulu offers an online two-year and four-year undergraduate program called 'Flex' that allows students to earn a degree without traditional class meeting times. This program provides flexibility with 12 enrollment starts throughout the year and 24/7 access to online courses. Students can choose between a Flex Accelerated (10-week courses) or Flex Standard model (4 months or less.) The program also includes support services like dedicated academic advisors and faculty, success checkpoints, and access to career preparation resources. U.S. News and World Report ranked Chaminade University of Honolulu among the best online colleges for school value.

Average in-state tuition: $7,500 per year (active duty Military), $13,050 per year (non-active duty military), $18,000 (non-military)

Average out-of-state tuition: $18,000 per year

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, Grants

Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Other Affordable Online Associate Degrees in the U.S.

Outside of Hawaii-based colleges, these national options serve students nationwide, including Hawaii residents. They are fully online schools offering accredited programs costing under $10,000 annually. Their flexible pacing and virtual learner support make them ideal for learners seeking affordable associate degrees beyond state lines:

University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix, in Arizona, offers flexible, fully online associate degree programs tailored for working adults. Students can pursue degrees in fields like information technology, cybersecurity, and criminal justice, with courses designed to fit into busy schedules. Each course typically lasts five weeks, allowing learners to focus on one subject at a time. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills applicable to the workplace, and students may transfer eligible credits to accelerate their program completion.

Average in-state tuition: $9,480 per year

Average out-of-state tuition: $9,480 per year

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, scholarships, grants, employer tuition benefits

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Coastline Community College

Coastline Community College (CCC) ranks in the top five California community colleges for online associate degrees. CCC offers online AA degrees in general studies and AS in business administration. As a WSCUC-accredited institution, it provides asynchronous lectures, virtual tutoring, and robust transfer agreements with CSU and UC systems, making it a cost-effective option for Hawaii residents.

Average in-state tuition: $1,530 per year

Average out-of-state tuition: $12,060 per year

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, state grants, scholarships

Accreditation: ACCJC

How We Rank Schools

We rank schools based on the key factors that will help you find the best online associate degree at the best value.

• Accreditation: All schools are regionally or nationally accredited, ensuring quality education.
• Affordability: We only consider schools with annual tuition of $10,000 or less for Hawaii residents.
• Program reputation and quality: We look at graduation rates, transfer pathways, and student satisfaction to select the highest-quality programs.
• Online format: All schools must offer fully virtual programs or significant online coursework.

FAQs About the Cheapest Associate Degrees in Hawaii

Choosing the right online associate program can raise many questions. Below, we address the most common concerns students struggle with when searching for a cheap online associate degree in Hawaii. These FAQs will help you make informed decisions while pursuing your affordable associate degree online in Hawaii.

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

Associate degrees in liberal arts, general studies, and business administration are often considered the easiest to complete online. These programs feature broad, transferable course requirements, self-paced modules, and fewer specialized prerequisites. Because most courses are asynchronous, students can work at their own rhythm. Strong transfer agreements and widespread acceptance of general education credits can streamline the path to degree completion.

Are Online Associate Degrees Worth It?

Online associate degrees are absolutely worth it. Accredited online associate degrees deliver career-ready skills and clear transfer pathways at a fraction of on-campus costs. You'll benefit from lower tuition, reduced commuting expenses, and flexible scheduling that accommodates work or family commitments. Employers increasingly recognize online credentials from regionally accredited institutions, and many graduates leverage their associate degree to secure entry-level positions or seamlessly transition into bachelor's degree programs with minimal debt.

What Is the Best Online Associate Degree To Get?

The best associate degree is the one that aligns with your career ambitions and local job market demands. Popular choices include business administration for its versatility, information technology for its high growth potential, health sciences for stable careers in healthcare, and criminal justice for pathways in law enforcement.

Look for programs offering hands-on practicums or virtual simulations, strong academic support, and articulation agreements with four-year universities to ensure smooth transfer when you're ready to advance your education.

Does the University of Hawaii Offer Online Degrees?

Yes, the University of Hawaii's community and technical colleges, Honolulu CC, Kapiolani CC, Leeward CC, Windward CC, Kauai CC, Hawaii CC (Hilo), and Maui College, all offer fully online associate degrees. These schools offer degrees in fields such as business, liberal arts, IT, hospitality, and education. All maintain in-state tuition rates under $4,200 annually, plus robust online student services like virtual advising, e-tutoring, and library access to support your academic success.

Explore Online Degrees

Ready to start? Compare programs at the schools featured on Learn.org and apply today. With low tuition, financial aid, and fully online formats, Hawaii's most affordable schools can help you achieve your academic and career goals.