Most Affordable Online Associate Degrees in Oregon 2025

Oregon's most affordable online associate degree programs offer low tuition rates, scholarships, and financial aid while providing quality learning experiences.

Students ready to further their education beyond high school can find cheap online associate degree programs in Oregon with flexible coursework and low tuition rates. Depending on your preferred online school, degree programs could explore healthcare, cybersecurity, social work, business administration, and more.

Do you want to earn an affordable associate degree online? Keep reading. Below, we'll highlight some of the best colleges in Oregon with budget-friendly online degree programs.

How Much Does an Associate Degree Cost in Oregon?

The amount students pay to earn an associate degree varies based on factors like program type, format (on-campus vs. distance education), and institution type (private vs. public). In-state vs. out-of-state residency can also impact tuition costs.

For example, Oregon residents who attended two-year public institutions in the state during the 2022-23 academic year paid $5,376 in tuition and fees, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Non-residents paid $9,154 during the same school year.

If you want to study virtually, earning a cheap online associate degree in Oregon is easy. There are plenty of affordable online colleges with reputable programs statewide.

Cheapest Online Associate Degree Programs

Oregon institutions offer reputable associate degree programs with affordable online classes that students can access anytime. Review the following list to discover some of the cheapest online associate programs in the state.

1. Chemeketa Community College

Chemeketa Community College offers 100% online transfer and general studies associate degrees, including an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer (AAOT), Associate of General Studies (AGS), and Associate of Science Oregon Transfer - business (ASOT). Additional programs include Associate of Applied Science (AAS) options in accounting, criminal justice, speech-language pathology, and management.

Average in-state tuition: $104 per credit (Oregon and border states)

Average out-of-state tuition: $275 per credit (out-of-state and international students)

Program length: Two years

Financial aid: Enrollees can use grants, scholarships, student loans, and work-study jobs to increase affordability.

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

2. Tillamook Bay Community College

The AAS in business administration at Tillamook Bay Community College is a 100% online program teaching personal leadership development, business communication, managerial accounting, human resource management, payroll accounting, and more. Learners can select from two areas of emphasis: accounting and management. Two career pathway certificates and two one-year certificates are also available.

Average in-state tuition: $110 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $130 per credit

Program length: Two years

Financial aid: Learners who want to make their degree more affordable can use grants, scholarships, work-study jobs, and student loans.

Accreditation: NWCCU

3. Southwestern Oregon Community College

At Southwestern Oregon Community College, learners interested in transfer and career pathway associate programs can find dozens of options � and some are available online. Business degrees include Associate of Science (AS) business transfer and AAS in accounting programs. Students can also consider an AS in computer science transfer program and AS degrees in ecological engineering, forest engineering, and natural resources.

Average in-state tuition: $114 (U.S. residents)

Average out-of-state tuition: $228 per credit (international students)

Program length: Two years

Financial aid: Federal and state aid, including grants, student employment, and loans, reduce school costs.

Accreditation: NWCCU

4. Klamath Community College

Klamath Community College helps students interested in learning at home or on the go further their education through online associate programs in varied disciplines. Whether enrollees want to transfer to a bachelor's degree program or immediately start a new career, degrees in accounting, digital media design, business administration, health information management, and more can help.

Average in-state tuition: Starting at $118 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: Starting at $203 per credit hour

Program length: Two years

Financial aid: Federal student aid (grants, work-study, and student loans) and scholarships make learning more affordable.

Accreditation: NWCCU

5. Umpqua Community College

Roseburg is home to Umpqua Community College, a two-year public institution with 100% online associate degrees for transfer and immediate employment. Students can choose from an AS in business transfer program and an AAS in business career program. Other degree options include online AS and AAS degrees in criminal justice and an AAS for students seeking paralegal roles.

Average in-state tuition: $120 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $120 per credit

Program length: Two years

Financial aid: The college offers grants, work-study jobs, scholarships, veterans' benefits, and scholarships to lower costs.

Accreditation: NWCCU

6. Portland Community College

Learners at Portland Community College prepare for careers in their field of choice or secure the educational background to qualify for bachelor's programs at four-year institutions. Transfer programs include the AA Oregon transfer, AGS, AS, and AS Oregon transfer in business degrees. Online accounting, computer information systems, cybersecurity, gerontology, and elementary education programs are also available.

Average in-state tuition: $133 per credit (Washington residents and students from bordering states)

Average out-of-state tuition: $278 per credit

Program length: Two years

Financial aid: Students can lower school costs with federal student aid, scholarships, and veterans' benefits.

Accreditation: NWCCU

7. Eastern Oregon University

At Eastern Oregon University, online learners can access over two dozen undergraduate degrees, including an AA in early childhood education. In this 90-credit program, enrollees gain foundational skills to start K-12 education, childcare, and social services careers. After earning the AA degree, graduates qualify for a bachelor's degree program in multidisciplinary studies.

Average in-state tuition: $316 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $316 per credit

Program length: Two years

Financial aid: The university helps students save on tuition and fees with scholarships, military benefits, community partnerships, and federal financial aid.

Accreditation: NWCCU

8. Oregon Institute of Technology

The AAS in clinical sleep health is an online associate program at Oregon Institute of Technology for health professionals interested in sitting for the Certification in Clinical Sleep Health (CCSH) health credential examination. The institute also offers an online AAS in polysomnography technology designed for students interested in starting or advancing careers in the sleep field.

Average in-state tuition: $322 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $322 per credit

Program length: Unspecified

Financial aid: The institute offers grants, loans, work-study, scholarships, and other financial assistance to lower costs.

Accreditation: NWCCU

Other Affordable Online Associate Degrees in the U.S.

Many low-cost associate programs are available virtually in Oregon. But did you know you can also earn an affordable associate degree online at a school in another state? Read on to discover reputable programs outside of Oregon.

Dallas College

Dallas College in Texas offers nearly two dozen online associate degrees in diverse fields of study, including accounting, teaching, entrepreneurship, real estate, and management. Students who plan to transfer to four-year colleges or universities in Texas can choose from Texas direct AA programs in business administration and management, criminal justice, psychology, sociology, and political science.

Average in-state tuition: Starting at $99 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $250 per credit

Program length: Two years (or about four semesters)

Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, work-study jobs, and student loans reduce costs for eligible enrollees.

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

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University offers numerous online associate degrees that enrollees can easily transfer to four-year institutions. Flexible and affordable programs are available in marketing, criminal justice, photography, liberal arts, computer science, and information technologies.

Online learners at SNHU select full-time or part-time enrollment and enjoy an asynchronous format with 24/7 access to coursework and student services.

Average in-state tuition: $330 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $330 per credit

Program length: Two years

Financial aid: Enrollees make learning at SNHU more affordable with scholarships, grants, work-study, and federal and private student loans.

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

How We Rank Schools

Our team picked the institutions in this rank list using a rigorous vetting process that ensures they met the following criteria for delivering a high-quality education:

  • Accreditation: The schools above have received accreditation from nationally recognized organizations such as the NWCCU and SACSCOC.
  • Affordability: All institutions in this list make online education more affordable by offering scholarships, financial aid, and low tuition.
  • Program reputation and quality: We confirmed that the colleges and universities above have reputable college degree programs for in-person and online students.
  • Online format: Most schools above offer convenient online courses with flexible schedules and online support services to enhance the learning experience.

FAQs About the Cheapest Associate Degrees in Oregon

After selecting a cheap online associate degree in Oregon, you're set to enroll. But before taking this step, review the following FAQs for more information about these programs.

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

The easiest associate degrees to earn online in Oregon are often the ones with flexible schedules, which sometimes makes them the fastest associate degrees online. These programs enable students to access coursework and submit learning materials at their desired pace. Instead of following program-determined deadlines, enrollees decide when to learn and can select their graduation dates.

Are There Any Free Online Associate Degrees in Oregon?

Eligible Oregon residents can earn a free associate degree through the Oregon Promise Grant, a state grant covering tuition costs at any Oregon community college for up to 90 credits. To qualify, learners must meet eligibility requirements that include:

  • Be a recent Oregon high school or GED test graduate.
  • Submit an application and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA).
  • Apply during senior year or immediately after GED test completion.
  • Attend an Oregon community college by the required start term.

What Is the Cheapest College in Oregon?

Oregon is home to numerous low-cost colleges. One of the most affordable to attend when pursuing an online associate degree is Chemeketa Community College. The institution offers 100% online transfer and career-based programs in criminal justice, general studies, hospitality and tourism management, administrative office assistance, and accounting.

These degrees cost in-state learners and students from border states just $104 per credit. Financial aid, scholarships, and other assistance can help lower costs.

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

There are several cheap ways to earn an associate degree in Oregon, particularly if you prefer online learning. You can apply to schools with low tuition rates or look for online colleges that accept financial aid.

Another way to lower associate degree costs is to attend schools that accept transfer and other prior learning credits. In addition to saving money on courses, students often graduate from their programs sooner.

Explore Online Programs

Take the next step toward a fulfilling experience in higher education by exploring the accredited degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools of interest today to learn how they can assist you in achieving your goals.