Best Affordable Online Associate Degrees in Massachusetts 2025

Online learning has created affordable opportunities for learners at the bachelor's and master's levels, but students across New England can also earn an affordable associate degree online. Enrollment in these academic programs can help students begin a career or earn transfer credits for a bachelor's degree program.

Some of the cheapest online associate's degrees in Massachusetts are offered by accredited community colleges, making it easy for online students to transfer their college credits when the time comes. Learn more about these online programs to find affordable and flexible alternatives to on-campus degrees.

How Much Does an Associate Degree Cost in Massachusetts?

An associate degree from affordable online colleges costs around $3,000 per semester. Most community colleges charge tuition based on a per-credit-hour model, so full-time or part-time enrollment won't affect pricing the same way as it does at other colleges.

The Massachusetts government has two programs, MassReconnect and MassEducate, which provide free education for eligible college students at community colleges in the state. Students must apply to receive this tuition coverage.

Cheapest Online Associate Degree Programs

Students can find an affordable associate's degree online through accredited community colleges across Massachusetts. In addition to low tuition rates, students can find online colleges that accept financial aid to make their associate degree even more affordable.

Continue reading to learn more about the cheapest online associate's degrees in Massachusetts, their degree programs, and more.

1. Massachusetts Bay Community College

Learners at Massachusetts Bay Community College (MBCC) can complete 12 online associate degree programs and nine different online certificate programs. Some associate degrees available include Associate in Science degrees in accounting, general studies, and criminal justice.

MBCC participates in the MassTransfer program, which guarantees earned credits can transfer to the University of Massachusetts college system.

Average in-state tuition: $244 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $450 per credit hour

Program length: About 24

Financial aid: Free college is available for many students. Non-eligible students can apply for scholarships, grants, and federal work-study programs.

Accreditation: The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

2. Quinsigamond Community College

Quinsigamond Community College (QCC) offers 12 fully online associate degree programs in subjects such as liberal arts, business administration, and more. Students can also enroll in transfer-focused programs, such as the computer science degree.

These programs prepare students to transfer to a four-year degree while saving money on general education and entry-level courses. QCC also offers non-credit online courses that can be used for professional development.

Average in-state tuition: $223 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $429 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Students can qualify for traditional scholarships, grants, and loans, but QCC also offers emergency grant options for students who have catastrophic situations arise. QCC also participates in the MassEducate and MassReconnect programs.

Accreditation: NECHE

3. Bristol Community College

There are 10 fully online degrees available at Bristol Community College (BCC). Seven of the degree programs available at BCC are transfer programs in subjects such as business administration, communication, and psychology.

Online certificates are also available in cybersecurity, law enforcement, and more. Another option at BCC is hybrid enrollment, which combines online and in-person coursework.

Average in-state tuition: $243 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $449 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Students can qualify for Bristol Foundation scholarships in addition to federal and state grants and the MassReconnect and MassEducate benefits.

Accreditation: NECHE

4. Massasoit Community College

Students at Massasoit Community College (MCC) can choose from 12 fully online degree programs in social science, criminal justice, and business administration, with transfer and career options available. There are 14 additional hybrid degrees available for students open to on-campus and online classes.

Average in-state tuition: $224 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $430 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: In addition to MassReconnect and MassEducate, students can apply for FAFSA to determine eligibility for scholarships and grants.

Accreditation: NECHE

5. Holyoke Community College

Holyoke Community College (HCC) has affordable associate's degree online education programs in nine subjects, including business administration, sports management, and liberal studies. HCC degrees align with MassTransfer guidelines, making it easier for students pursuing higher college degrees.

There are also online certificate programs available to complement associate degrees or serve as professional development.

Average in-state tuition: $237 per credit hour

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

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Students at HCC can receive federal and state scholarships, grants, and work-study programs.

Accreditation: NECHE

6. Mount Wachusett Community College

There are over 70 associate degrees available at Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC), including six fully online programs. Online programs at MWCC include paralegal studies, business administration, and fire science technology. Online students at MWCC can take advantage of on-campus benefits, including child care, a food pantry, and veterans services, even if they aren't enrolled in in-person classes.

Average in-state tuition: $240 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $445 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Students can qualify for grants and scholarships after submitting their FAFSA. There are also MWCC Foundation Inc. scholarships available upon application.

Accreditation: NECHE

7. Bunker Hill Community College

Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) offers online courses and degrees in various healthcare, business, and social science fields. In addition to traditional online courses, BHCC has accelerated winter semesters, which allow students to complete full courses in three weeks. There are also a variety of other online courses that can be used towards degrees or in continuing education capacities.

Average in-state tuition: $282 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $488 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: BHCC students can use scholarships, grants, and work-study programs to pay for their tuition after submitting their FAFSA forms.

Accreditation: NECHE

8. Springfield Technical Community College

Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) has online courses that can be used in many degree programs. A total of 14 degree and transfer degree programs are available online, including elementary education, criminal justice, and cybersecurity. Online learners can access STCC 24/7 support services, such as tutoring, transfer support, and more.

Average in-state tuition: $345 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $562 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: STCC participates in MassEducate and MassReconnect and provides Student Financial Services to help students submit their FAFSA and apply for federal grants and scholarships if needed.

Accreditation: NECHE

9. Northern Essex Community College

Northern Essex Community College (NECC) offers a variety of fully online and mostly hybrid programs. Some online degrees include business, criminal justice, and general studies with a health specialization. The transfer-focused programs include intersession and summer courses and can be completed on an accelerated timeline.

Average in-state tuition: $263 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $504 per credit hour

Program length: 12 to 24 months

Financial aid: After submitting their FAFSA, students can apply for the MassEducate and MassReconnect programs, scholarships, grants, and federal work-study programs.

Accreditation: NECHE

10. Greenfield Community College

There are four online associate's degrees offered at Greenfield Community College. Students can pursue business administration transfer, liberal arts, English, and social science programs.

The transfer program meets MassTransfer guidelines and guarantees admission into a University of Massachusetts school. These programs can lead to direct transfer or satisfy general education and elective credits.

Average in-state tuition: $237 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $492 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Students can qualify for GCC and external scholarships, grants, and work-study programs.

Accreditation: NECHE

How We Rank Schools

We selected these online schools based on strict criteria. This ensures that we recommend schools that provide high-quality education with affordable tuition rates.

• Accreditation: Every school on this list is accredited by the NECHE, one of six U.S. Department of Education regional accreditation bodies. Accredited degrees will almost always be accepted for transfer by four-year universities as transfer credits.
• Affordability: We highlighted programs with low tuition rates and online colleges that accept financial aid. These schools also qualify for Massachusetts-based programs that can lead to free education.
• Program reputation and quality: Every degree on this list is from a respected community college. For this, we looked beyond accreditation status to focus on awards and other recognition factors.
• Online format: We only selected schools that offer multiple degrees in fully online formats. Some of these schools also offer hybrid degrees, but they all have at least three fully online options.

FAQs About the Cheapest Associate Degrees in Massachusetts

Associate degrees are some of the most affordable ways to start a career or earn transfer credits to save money and time on a four-year degree. Even though they are common, many students still have questions about these programs, their costs, and the length of these programs.

Can I Get an Associate Degree Online in Massachusetts?

Many accredited community colleges offer fully online associate degrees in Massachusetts. These online programs are usually offered as career-focused degrees or as part of a larger transfer pathway that continues directly to a four-year degree from a University of Massachusetts school.

What Is the Cheapest and Fastest Way To Get an Associate's Degree in Massachusetts?

The cheapest way to earn a degree in Massachusetts is to submit your FAFSA and apply for the MassEducate or MassReconnect programs. These programs cover all tuition costs and even offer additional coverage for books and supplies for eligible learners.

The fastest associate degree programs are transfer-focused programs that can be completed in 12 months or fewer, depending on enrollment level and field of study.

Are There Any 6-Month Associate Degrees in Massachusetts?

None of the community colleges in Massachusetts offer 6-month online associate degrees. However, students in Massachusetts can find enrollment in fully online programs offered in other states if they're looking for an accelerated degree program.

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

Not all associate's degrees can be earned on accelerated pathways, but there are several common subjects available in 6-month formats. The most common accelerated associate's degrees include business administration, criminal justice, and nursing.

Earn Your Associate Degree Online

No matter the subject, our school profiles make it easy to find the best associate degree and school for your educational goal. Once you've read about your options and selected the right program, use our resources to reach out and start your application process today.