Most Affordable Online Associate Degrees in New Hampshire 2025

Earning a degree doesn't have to come with massive debt. Today's students can choose from the cheapest online associate degrees that deliver quality education at a fraction of traditional costs.

This guide highlights the cheapest online associate degrees in New Hampshire and other low-cost options nationwide. Whether you're just starting out or returning to school, you'll find flexible, accredited programs that fit your goals and your budget. Keep reading to discover the most affordable paths to your future.

How Much Does an Associate Degree Cost in New Hampshire?

An affordable associate degree online typically costs around $12,900 at public colleges in New Hampshire, based on $215 per credit for 60 credits. Private schools, like Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), may charge up to $19,800.

Costs vary by program and whether the school is public or private. Many affordable online colleges offer financial aid, making education more accessible. For those looking for a cheap online associate degree in New Hampshire, options like community colleges and SNHU, with one of the lowest online tuition rates, provide flexible, budget-friendly paths to a degree.

Cheapest Online Associate Degree Programs

Looking for affordable associate degrees online? The following schools offer quality education at a fraction of the cost, making it easier to earn your degree without spending an arm and a leg.

1. Lakes Region Community College

Lakes Region Community College (LRCC) offers online associate degree programs in areas such as fire science and interdisciplinary studies. The fire science program is 100% online and recognized by the U.S. Fire Administration through the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) program. With flexible eight-week courses, students can earn one of the fastest associate degrees online at LRCC.

Average in-state tuition: $6,720

Average out-of-state tuition: $14,970

Program length: 19 to 24 months

Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, loans, work-study programs

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

2. River Valley Community College

River Valley Community College (RVCC) delivers fully online associate degree programs in accounting, social services, and more. With small class sizes and personalized support, students receive a high-quality education that fits their schedules. RVCC offers a unique hybrid model in some programs, allowing online students the flexibility of remote learning with the option to attend occasional in-person labs or workshops, if desired.

Average in-state tuition: $6,940

Average out-of-state tuition: $15,190

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Federal and state grants, scholarships, work-study programs

Accreditation: NECHE

3. White Mountains Community College

White Mountains Community College (WMCC) offers online associate degrees in criminal justice, education, and information technology. Programs combine flexibility with real-world relevance, helping students prepare for immediate employment or further education. WMCC participates in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), which expands online program access to students in many other states.

Average in-state tuition: $7,050

Average out-of-state tuition: $15,300

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Pell Grants, state scholarships, institutional aid, work-study programs

Accreditation: NECHE

4. Manchester Community College

Manchester Community College (MCC) offers flexible online courses in fields like accounting, business, and health information management. Courses are designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce or for transfer to a four-year institution. MCC provides dedicated online student support services, including virtual tutoring and academic advising tailored for distance learners.

Average in-state tuition: $7,090

Average out-of-state tuition: $15,340

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Federal grants, state scholarships, institutional aid, work-study programs

Accreditation: NECHE

5. Nashua Community College

Nashua Community College offers online associate degrees in aviation management, psychology, and other high-demand fields. Programs are ideal for students who need a flexible schedule and want to build skills for a specific career or pursue bachelor's programs. Nashua's online programs include accelerated course options, allowing motivated students to complete their associate degree faster than the traditional two-year timeline.

Average in-state tuition: $7,140

Average out-of-state tuition: $15,390

Program length: 19 to 24 months

Financial aid: Pell Grants, state aid, scholarships, work-study programs

Accreditation: NECHE

6. Great Bay Community College

Great Bay Community College (GBCC) offers online degree programs in fields like business administration and criminal justice. As one of the online colleges that accept financial aid, GBCC ensures affordability through various assistance programs. Great Bay provides several fully online programs that are part of a statewide transfer credits pathway, making it easier for students to continue on to a four-year degree within the University System of New Hampshire.

Average in-state tuition: $7,200

Average out-of-state tuition: $15,450

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Federal Pell Grants, state grants, scholarships, work-study programs

Accreditation: NECHE

7. NHTI - Concord's Community College

NHTI programs include hospitality and tourism management, business administration, and criminal justice, among others. The general studies program provides maximum flexibility with on-campus and virtual options, allowing students to tailor their education to their goals. The program allows students to complete the prerequisites required for any of NHTI's allied health programs. NHTI also offers online eight-week accelerated courses for select programs.

Average in-state tuition: $7,200

Average out-of-state tuition: $15,450

Program length: 19 to 24 months

Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, loans, work-study programs

Accreditation: NECHE

Other Affordable Online Associate Degrees in the U.S.

For students seeking budget-friendly online learning outside New Hampshire, several institutions across the nation offer accredited programs with in-state tuition under $10,000. These online schools provide diverse fields of study, flexible learning options, and various financial aid opportunities to support online students in achieving their distance education goals.

Coastline Community College

Coastline Community College in California provides more than 70 fully online college degree and certificate programs in areas like communication studies, computer information systems, and Spanish. The college is known for its robust distance learning programs tailored for non-traditional students. Remote learners have access to 24/7 tutoring, e-counselors, and a library that is entirely online.

Average in-state tuition: $1,180

Average out-of-state tuition: $9,964

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Federal grants, state scholarships, institutional aid, work-study programs

Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Central Texas College

Central Texas College (CTC) offers over 60 areas of study entirely online in disciplines such as child development, homeland security, and medical coding and billing. The college caters to military personnel and adult learners seeking flexible education options. CTC utilizes the Blackboard Learning Management System to facilitate flexible learning for students worldwide.

Average in-state tuition: $3,900

Average out-of-state tuition: $7,500

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Federal Pell Grants, state grants, scholarships, work-study programs

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

Laramie County Community College

Laramie County Community College (LCCC) in Wyoming offers online associate degrees in fields like artificial intelligence, elementary and early childhood education, and nursing. The programs are designed to provide students with practical skills for the workforce or transfer to four-year institutions. LCCC caters to students' different scheduling needs with various delivery methods, including online on a schedule, online anytime, face-to-face, hybrid, and hiflex.

Average in-state tuition: $4,613

Average out-of-state tuition: $10,913

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Federal grants, state scholarships, institutional aid, work-study programs

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

How We Rank Schools

We evaluate online associate degree programs based on key factors that matter most to students seeking flexibility, value, and credibility. Each school on our list meets essential benchmarks in the following categories:

• Accreditation: We verified institutional accreditation from recognized regional or national bodies to feature high-quality and credible degree programs.
• Affordability: All institutions offer in-state tuition rates of $10,000 or less, as well as financial aid opportunities to help offset the cost of your degree.
• Program reputation and quality: The schools above are backed by accolades such as positive outcomes, experienced faculty, and transfer or career readiness.
• Online format: Each degree program is available entirely online or offers majority-online coursework with flexible learning options.

FAQs About the Cheapest Associate Degrees in New Hampshire

Curious about tuition, financial aid, or which programs are offered online? We've provided answers to common questions to help you find the most affordable and accessible associate degrees in New Hampshire.

What Is the Easiest Associate Degree To Get Online in New Hampshire?

One of the most accessible online associate degrees is the Associate of Arts in general studies offered by RVCC. This program provides a flexible curriculum, allowing students to tailor their coursework to their interests and career goals. It's particularly suitable for those who are undecided about a specific field or are seeking a broad educational foundation to set them up for a bachelor's degree of their choosing.

What Is the Cheapest Way To Get an Associate Degree?

The most affordable path to an associate degree includes choosing a low-cost, accredited community college, applying for federal and state financial aid, transferring existing college credits, and earning credits through CLEP exams or prior learning assessments. These strategies can reduce both time and tuition costs.

How Much Does a 2-Year Degree Cost?

A two-year associate degree typically costs between $4,000 and $20,000, depending on whether you attend a public community college or a private institution. Costs can rise with added fees for lab courses, online platforms, or materials. Financial aid such as Pell Grants, scholarships, and work-study programs can help offset expenses significantly.

What Is the Cheapest College in New Hampshire?

The Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) offers the most affordable in-state tuition at $215 per credit hour. This rate applies across all seven CCSNH institutions, including Lakes Region, NHTI, Great Bay, Manchester, Nashua, River Valley, and White Mountains Community Colleges.

For a full-time student taking 60 credits, the total tuition would be approximately $12,900. However, with financial aid options such as Pell Grants, scholarships, and work-study programs, the net cost will be lessened.

Explore Online Associate Degrees

Affordable online associate degrees in New Hampshire and across the U.S. make it easier than ever to begin your college journey without a heavy financial burden. With flexible formats and solid financial aid options, students can learn on their own terms. Explore more budget-friendly programs today here on Learn.org.