Most Affordable Online Associate Degrees in Maine 2025

If you're searching for the cheapest online associate degree in Maine, you're in the right place. This article highlights where to find the most affordable associate degree online, with tuition rates that won't drain your savings.

If you're exploring your options for an affordable associate degree online, we've got you covered. Read on to keep learning and to discover how to start your education journey without breaking the bank.

How Much Does an Associate Degree Cost in Maine?

Earning an associate degree in Maine is notably affordable, especially through the state's public community colleges. In-state students can expect to pay approximately $4,156 per year in tuition and fees, the lowest in New England. This translates to about $96 per credit hour, making these institutions some of the most affordable online colleges in the region.

Public community colleges offer a cost-effective pathway for those seeking the cheapest online associate degree in Maine. In contrast, private colleges in Maine have higher tuition rates, averaging around $38,421 annually. Overall, Maine's public community colleges provide an affordable associate degree online.

Cheapest Online Associate Degree Programs

Maine is home to several online colleges that accept financial aid, allowing students to maximize their funding while minimizing out-of-pocket costs. The schools listed below offer some of the cheapest online associate degree programs in the state.

1. Kennebec Valley Community College

Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) offers affordable associate degrees online in areas such as early childhood education and business administration. Local students have the option to choose hybrid or in-person classes on KVCC's three campuses located in Augusta, Fairfield, and Rockland. With a graduation rate of 48%, it ranks among the highest in Maine's community colleges.

Average in-state tuition: $3,562

Average out-of-state tuition: $6,442

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: grants, scholarships, bookstore credit, Federal Work-Study Program, the Free College Scholarship, and student loans

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

2. Washington County Community College

Washington County Community College (WCCC) professors post assignments for online students a week at a time. Students are able to complete the coursework at their convenience as long as they are submitted by the deadline. Known for its flexible scheduling and career-focused programs like criminal justice and business management, the college makes it easy for students to balance education with life's other demands, all at a low cost.

Average in-state tuition: $3,687

Average out-of-state tuition: $6,567

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: scholarships (including the Worthington Scholarship, Adult-Learner Scholarship, and the Soaring Back Scholarship), grants, Federal Work-Study Program, the Free College Scholarship, and student loans

Accreditation: NECHE

3. Southern Maine Community College

Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) offers online education in disciplines such as criminal justice and liberal studies, like social work and human resources. As Maine's largest community college, it provides extensive resources and support services for online learners. SMCC's student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1, and they offer Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, and Associate in Applied Science degrees.

Average in-state tuition: $3,797

Average out-of-state tuition: $6,677

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: grants, scholarships (including the Bernard Osher Scholarship and Maine State Gaming Fund scholarships), the Free College Scholarship, the New England Regional Student Program, tuition waivers, and student loans

Accreditation: NECHE

4. Central Maine Community College

Central Maine Community College's (CMCC) Center for Workforce and Professional Development offers assistance to students who want to improve or acquire technical and job skills. CMCC provides online associate degrees in areas like criminal justice and business administration. The college emphasizes hands-on learning and offers career services to support student success.

Average in-state tuition: $3,864

Average out-of-state tuition: $6,744

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: grants, scholarships, Federal Work-Study Program, the Free College Scholarship, waivers, and student loans

Accreditation: NECHE

5. York County Community College

York County Community College (YCCC) provides online associate degrees in fields like liberal studies and business administration. The college offers flexible online learning options, catering to both full-time and part-time students. Originally a technical college, YCCC now offers other programs including a nursing degree and an electrician technology certificate program.

Average in-state tuition: $3,866

Average out-of-state tuition: $6,746

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: veteran benefits, grants, scholarships, the Free College Scholarship, and student loans

Accreditation: NECHE

6. Eastern Maine Community College

Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC), located in Bangor, offers online associate degrees in fields such as business management and liberal studies. With a focus on workforce development, students receive the skills needed for immediate employment. Providing one of the fastest associate degrees online, EMCC has over 30 one- and two-year options in business, community, and industry.

Average in-state tuition: $3,877

Average out-of-state tuition: $6,667

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: grants, scholarships, the Free College Scholarship, waivers (like the Native American Tuition Waiver program), and student loans

Accreditation:NECHE

7. Northern Maine Community College

Northern Maine Community College (NMCC) offers a variety of online associate degrees, including programs in business administration and liberal studies. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention. Recent Maine high school graduates may qualify for free tuition through the Free College Scholarship program.

Average in-state tuition: $3,880

Average out-of-state tuition: $6,760

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: grants, scholarships, Federal Work-Study Program, the Free College Scholarship, and student loans

Accreditation: NECHE

Other Affordable Online Associate Degrees in the U.S.

If you're seeking online associate degree programs outside of Maine, several institutions across the United States offer quality education at low tuition rates. Below are three such colleges, each providing online associate degrees with tuition under $10,000.

Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech offers a variety of online associate degree programs, including healthcare support, software development, and supply chain management. The college emphasizes career readiness and offers resources to assist with job placement after graduation. Online classes have the same amount of coursework with a variety of activities, such as video lectures, online assignments, and discussion boards.

Average in-state tuition: $4,912

Average out-of-state tuition: $9,465

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: grants, scholarships, student loans, waivers, and work-study programs

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Northern Virginia Community College

Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) offers a range of online associate degree programs, including business administration, information technology, and liberal arts. The college provides flexible scheduling options, making it suitable for working adults and non-traditional students. The Career Services Center offers all students, even online students, goal setting, career assessments, employment resources, and more.

Average in-state tuition: $5,703

Average out-of-state tuition: $11,786

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: grants, scholarships, student loans, and work-study programs

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

Lone Star College System

Lone Star College offers online associate degrees in fields such as accounting, cybersecurity, and teaching. The college is known for its robust online learning platform and support services for distance learners. Some resources for online students include virtual tutoring, an online library, and classes with free textbooks and learning materials.

Average in-state tuition: $6,930

Average out-of-state tuition: $8,700

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: grants, scholarships, student loans, and work-study programs

Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

Choosing the right college is a big decision, especially when you're balancing cost, quality, and convenience. Our rankings are designed to spotlight schools that make online learning both accessible and worthwhile.

• Accreditation: We only feature schools that hold accreditation from respected agencies, which means their programs meet national standards for academic rigor and credibility.
• Affordability: Cost matters. That's why we give top priority to schools with the lowest published tuition rates, particularly those offering in-state tuition under $10,000.
• Program reputation and quality: We consider factors like student outcomes, retention rates, and faculty credentials to identify programs that go beyond just checking boxes but rather genuinely support student success.
• Online format: Each school must offer fully online associate degree options. We also favor programs that are designed with flexibility in mind, so students can learn on their own schedule without sacrificing support.

FAQs About the Cheapest Associate Degrees in Maine

If you are looking for more details before choosing an affordable associate degree in Maine, here are answers to some of the most common questions students ask when comparing low-cost online options.

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

The easiest online associate degree in Maine often depends on your strengths, but many students find liberal studies or general education programs more manageable. These degrees offer broad coursework, fewer technical demands, and flexible electives. This makes them ideal for those seeking a straightforward path to graduation or future transfer opportunities.

What Is the Cheapest Way To Get an Associate Degree?

The cheapest way to earn an associate degree is to attend a public community college in your home state and take online courses. Look for schools that accept financial aid, offer tuition waivers or free course programs, and let you transfer previous credits to cut costs and shorten the time to graduate.

Who Qualifies for Free College in Maine?

Maine residents who graduated high school, or earned a GED or HiSET, may qualify for the state's Free College Scholarship. To be eligible, students must enroll in a Maine community college, pursue a degree or certificate, live in Maine during their studies, and accept all federal and state financial aid.

What Is the Cheapest College in Maine?

The cheapest colleges in Maine are the seven colleges in the Maine Community College System (MCCS). In-state tuition is just $96 per credit hour. Full-time students taking 15 credits per semester can expect to pay approximately $2,880 annually for tuition.

MCCS colleges � which include the high-quality schools of CMCC, EMCC, KVCC, NMCC, SMCC, YCCC, and WCCC � offer a variety of associate degrees certain to meet Maine students' interests. Not only are MCCS colleges the cheapest in Maine, they boast the lowest tuition rates in all of New England.

Find Online Associate Degree Programs

Earning an associate degree in Maine doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag, especially if you know where to look. Whether you're starting fresh or switching careers, Maine's online programs make education more accessible than ever. For more tips on finding affordable, flexible college options, explore what's next at Learn.org.