Most Affordable Online Associate Degrees in Pennsylvania 2025

A college degree can kick-start your career or help you transition into a new field. However, many find pursuing a college education financially daunting. It doesn't have to be! You can find a number of flexible and cheap online associate degrees in Pennsylvania that combine quality education with budget-friendly tuition.

We've done the research to help you find the most affordable associate degree online programs available in the Keystone State. Keep reading to discover the perfect education program for you.

How Much Does an Associate Degree Cost in Pennsylvania?

The cost of an associate degree in Pennsylvania varies depending on the type of institution, private or public, your Pennsylvania residency status, and the particular degree program you choose.

On average, students at a Pennsylvania public community college, typically one of the most affordable options, can expect to pay between $9,000 and $12,000 per year for an associate degree. However, Pennsylvania also offers even more affordable online colleges, generally ranging from $3,000 to $16,000 annually.

Keep in mind that many schools offer financial aid to help ease the financial burden. When searching for the best associate degree program, you should consider online colleges that accept financial aid for the most affordable options.

Cheapest Online Associate Degree Programs

Below is a curated list of Pennsylvania's most affordable accredited online associate degree programs, all with tuition rates under $10,000, accredited programs, and financial aid opportunities.

1. Reading Area Community College

Reading Area Community College (RACC) offers one of Pennsylvania's cheapest online associate degrees. Their programs, organized as pathways, are available in business, communications, arts and humanities, computer and IT, education, health sciences, office technology, industry and manufacturing, social sciences and human services, and STEM. Berks County residents also receive discounted tuition, which makes RACC among the most affordable Pennsylvania colleges.

Average in-state tuition: $3,240 per year (Berks County residents), $5,655 per year (other Pennsylvania residents)

Average out-of-state tuition: $6,255 per year

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, scholarships, and work-study programs

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

2. Lehigh Carbon Community College

Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) offers 10 fully online associate degrees, as well as 10 programs with 80% or more online coursework. Their programs in the areas of education, healthcare, and business are available either entirely online or in a hybrid format for those seeking in-person learning options.

Average in-state tuition: $3,750 per year (within sponsoring districts), $5,625.00 per year (Schuylkill County residents), $7,500 per year (other Pennsylvania residents)

Average out-of-state tuition: $11,250 per year

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, scholarships, work study

Accreditation: MSCHE

3. Harrisburg Area Community College

Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) offers 20 fully online two-year associate degree programs across various fields. Some of these programs are designed to transition directly into traditional or online bachelor's programs. Online students take classes in English, math, science, and social studies, which they can then transfer to a branch of Pennsylvania State University or another four-year university in Pennsylvania.

Average in-state tuition: $6,660 per year

Average out-of-state tuition: $8,334 per year

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, state grants, and scholarships

Accreditation: MSCHE

4. Community College of Philadelphia

Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) combines academic rigor with affordability with its fully online associate degrees. Additionally, CCP provides comprehensive support services for online learners, including online counseling, advising, library resources, tutoring, and access to on-campus facilities. Philadelphia residents pay an astoundingly low tuition rate of $159 per credit hour.

Average in-state tuition: $4,134 per year (Philadelphia residents), $8,268 per year (other Pennsylvania residents)

Average out-of-state tuition: $12,402 per year

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Grants, FAFSA, and college-funded aid

Accreditation: MSCHE

5. Montgomery County Community College

Montgomery County Community College's (MC3) two-year associate degree can be achieved via any of its four class formats. These include fully online synchronous, fully online asynchronous, hybrid, or flex classes. This choice allows you to select the format that best suits your needs and learning style. Whichever format you choose, MC3 offers small class sizes averaging 14 students per course for personalized attention. Additionally, MC3 boasts seamless transfer opportunities to four-year schools for those looking to further their education beyond an associate degree.

Average in-state tuition: $4,980 per year (Montgomery County residents), $9,960 per year (other Pennsylvania residents)

Average out-of-state tuition: $14,940 per year

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, scholarships, grants, and tuition assistance

Accreditation: MSCHE

6. Delaware County Community College

Delaware County Community College (DCCC) students can choose from more than 150 online and 30 hybrid courses offered throughout the academic year. In addition to their numerous flexible online associate degrees, they offer fully online and hybrid certificates in medical coding and billing, human resources management, and more.

Students from sponsoring school districts pay even more affordable tuition costs thanks to DCCC sponsoring school district tuition discounts.

Average in-state tuition: $6,450 per year (sponsoring school district residents), $10,620 per year (non-sponsoring Pennsylvania residents)

Average out-of-state tuition: $14,790 per year

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA and scholarships

Accreditation: MSCHE

7. Bucks County Community College

Bucks County Community College (BCCC) offers 26 full-time and part-time online associate degree programs in fields such as business administration and criminal justice. If you are looking for flexible online courses, all BCCC courses are taught asynchronously, meaning that students never need to be logged in to their course at a set time.

Average in-state tuition: $5,100 per year (Bucks County residents), $10,200 per year (other Pennsylvania residents)

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

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Institutional aid and FAFSA

Accreditation: MSCHE

8. Butler County Community College

Butler County Community College (BC3) offers 30 online associate degrees and nine certificates. These are available in areas such as healthcare, education, and cybersecurity.

An additional benefit of pursuing your degree with BC3 is their established partnership with Ottawa University to offer Butler Online graduates a discounted tuition rate and up to 80 transfer credits toward their bachelor's degree at Ottawa University.

Average in-state tuition: $5,610 per year (Butler County residents), $8,700 per year (out-of-county residents)

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

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, local scholarships, grants, and work study

Accreditation: MSCHE

9. Penn State University World Campus

Penn State University, Pennsylvania's largest public school, maintains its own virtual campus, World Campus, offering undergraduate degrees as well as master's degrees, doctoral degrees, and certificate programs. It is easy to find the perfect program for you with Penn State's more than 200 online education programs.

Average in-state tuition: $15,356 per year

Average out-of-state tuition: $15,356 per year

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, tuition assistance

Accreditation: MSCHE

10. PennWest Clarion University

Clarion University offers 71 online associate degree programs in criminal justice, accounting, and business. Penn West prides itself on making the admissions process as simple as possible for online students with their one-stop-shop approach to admissions support for new in-person and virtual learners.

Average in-state tuition: $7,716 per year

Average out-of-state tuition: $11,574 per year

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, scholarship opportunities, grants, and other aid resources

Accreditation: MSCHE

How We Rank Schools

We rank schools based on affordability, program quality, flexibility, and accreditation to ensure students find the best options for their education.

• Accreditation: All schools listed are regionally accredited.
• Affordability: Annual tuition must be $10,000 or less for in-state students.
• Program reputation and quality: We review transfer rates, graduate success, and student satisfaction.
• Online format: Programs must be fully online or offer a robust online learning experience.

FAQs About the Cheapest Associate Degrees in Pennsylvania

If you're exploring your options for the cheapest online associate degree in Pennsylvania, these FAQs may help you make the right choice to meet your needs.

Can I Get an Associate Degree Online in Pennsylvania?

Yes, many community colleges and public universities in Pennsylvania offer fully online associate degrees in fields like business, healthcare, criminal justice, and information technology. These flexible programs are ideal for working adults or students who prefer a remote setting.

What Is the Cheapest and Fastest Way To Get an Associate Degree in Pennsylvania?

The cheapest and fastest way to earn an associate degree in Pennsylvania is by enrolling at a community college that offers fully online programs. Institutions like Bucks County Community College and HACC provide affordable tuition, flexible course schedules, and 100% online associate degrees that can be completed in as little as two years.

Are There Any 6-Month Associate Degrees in Pennsylvania?

While traditional associate degrees take about two years, some accelerated programs allow students to finish faster. Though rare in Pennsylvania, you can explore 6-month online associate degrees offered by out-of-state colleges.

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

Some of the fastest associate degrees online include programs in business administration, information technology (IT), and health sciences.

These programs are often quicker because they offer accelerated eight-week terms, accept transfer credits, and may follow a competency-based format, allowing students to move through the material at their own pace.

Additionally, many schools offer year-round enrollment, enabling students to complete their degree in as little as 12 to 18 months.

Earn Your Associate Degree Online

Whether you're just beginning to think about college or returning to school to advance your career, earning an affordable associate degree online in Pennsylvania can be a smart move, thanks to the affordable and flexible options available.

If you're ready to take the next step toward pursuing your education, browse degree programs and schools featured here on Learn.org and find an affordable online associate degree today.