Best Affordable Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2025

Associate degrees are two-year degrees primarily offered by community colleges. Students can use these degrees to enter certain career fields or transfer their credits into a bachelor's degree program. Earning credits at a community college is often cheaper than earning them at a four-year institution, which can help lower overall costs for students.

Many schools offer associate degrees online. Online learning is ideal for working adults, as it's more flexible than learning in person. The most affordable associate degree online are usually found at community colleges. Keep reading to discover the cheapest online associate degrees in Tennessee.

How Much Does an Associate Degree Cost in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, the cost of an online associate degree depends on several factors: the type of school you choose, whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student, your financial aid, and how many credits you need.

Typically, the cheapest online colleges in any state are public schools. According to the Education Data Initiative (EDI), the school charges higher-than-average rates for in-state students at community colleges. Despite this, the most affordable associate degrees online in Tennessee come from community colleges.

However, if you're an out-of-state student, proceed with caution. Tennessee has the highest out-of-state tuition at community colleges out of any state in the U.S. That being said, some schools offer lower rates for out-of-state online students.

Tennessee also provides a last-dollar scholarship called the Tennessee Promise. This program covers whatever tuition and fees are left after federal and state aid is applied. To qualify, you must be a Tennessee resident attending an in-state community or technical college. You can find out if you're eligible by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and applying for the program in your senior year of high school.

Cheapest Online Associate Degree Programs

In Tennessee, students at any of the state's 13 community colleges can take courses online through the TN eCampus. Many schools also offer their own online courses; note that tuition prices can vary depending on who is providing the course.

For the list below, we only included schools that specifically indicated you can earn a full degree through online learning.

1. Roane State Community College

Roane State Community College is a public school based in Harriman, TN. It offers online associate degrees and technical certificates in fields like agriculture, education, healthcare information systems, and social sciences.

In-state students pay $185 per credit before any additional fees or costs. Out-of-state students pay $726 per credit, but they may receive a lower rate if they take courses exclusively through the TN eCampus.

Average in-state tuition: $185 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $726 per credit

Program length: Four semesters of full-time study

Financial aid: Roane State accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid like scholarships, and accepts private aid.

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

2. Columbia State Community College

At Columbia State Community College, students can earn their degrees online through either the school's online campus or the TN eCampus. Areas of study include business administration, communication, healthcare, and humanities.

This public community college is located in Columbia, TN. It charges in-state students $185 per credit and out-of-state students $726 per credit. Students can apply for scholarships or participate in work-study programs to help pay for their college degrees.

Average in-state tuition: $185 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $726 per credit

Program length: Four semesters of full-time study

Financial aid: Columbia State offers institutional aid options. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Motlow State Community College

Motlow State Community College offers dozens of online programs, many with transfer pathways into local universities. The public school is based in Tullahoma, TN, but has several campuses in southern Middle Tennessee.

Online degrees span numerous fields, including computer science, cybersecurity, education, and liberal arts. Tuition for in-state students is $185 per credit, and out-of-state students pay a rate of $273 per credit if enrolled only in distance education courses.

Average in-state tuition: $185 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $726 per credit

Program length: Four semesters of full-time study

Financial aid: Motlow State offers institutional aid, including scholarships, and also accepts FAFSA and private aid.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Nashville State Community College

Nearly 40 associate degrees are available online through Nashville State Community College. Areas of study include business administration, criminal justice, humanities, and natural sciences.

NSCC, located in Nashville, TN, is a public community college. It charges in-state students $185 per credit and out-of-state students $726 per credit; however, out-of-state students studying solely through the eCampus pay $264 per credit.

Average in-state tuition: $185 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $726 per credit

Program length: Four semesters of full-time study

Financial aid: NSCC accepts aid through FAFSA and private organizations. It also offers institutional aid options.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Volunteer State Community College

Volunteer State Community College is a public school in Gallatin, TN. It offers a variety of online degrees in fields like fire science, foreign languages, information systems, and social science.

In-state students pay $185 per credit. Out-of-state students typically pay $726 per credit, but those studying fully online pay only $273 per credit hour.

Average in-state tuition: $185 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $726 per credit

Program length: Four semesters of full-time study

Financial aid: Vol State accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid such as scholarship programs, and accepts private aid.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Southwest Tennessee Community College

Students at Southwest Tennessee Community College can earn multiple associate degrees online. Areas of study include business administration, criminal justice, education, and general studies.

This public community college is located in Memphis, TN. It charges in-state students $191 per credit and out-of-state students $331 per credit. Institutional financial aid, including scholarships and work-study options, is available to help online learners pay for their programs.

Average in-state tuition: $191 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $331 per credit

Program length: Four semesters of full-time study

Financial aid: Southwest TN offers institutional financial aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Pellissippi State Community College

Pellissippi State Community College offers several career and transfer degree options online. PSTCC is a public school based in Knoxville, TN.

Online education programs are available in fields like communication, healthcare management, paralegal studies, and social work. Tuition is $185 per credit for Tennessee residents and $726 for nonresidents.

Average in-state tuition: $185 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $726 per credit

Program length: Four semesters of full-time study

Financial aid: PSTCC accepts FAFSA and private aid. It also offers institutional aid, including scholarships.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Cleveland State Community College

A handful of associate degrees are available at Cleveland State Community College through online classes from the TN eCampus. Areas of study include business administration, education, medical informatics, and liberal arts.

Cleveland State, located in Cleveland, TN, is a public community college. Tuition is $185 per credit for in-state students, but additional fees may be required to study through the TN eCampus.

Average in-state tuition: $185 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $726 per credit

Program length: Four semesters of full-time study

Financial aid: Cleveland State offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private financial aid.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Chattanooga State Community College

Chattanooga State Community College is a public school in Chattanooga, TN. It offers a range of online degrees in fields like family and consumer sciences, nuclear medicine, political science, and teaching.

The tuition rate for in-state students at Chatt State is $185 per credit, with the exception of certain programs. Out-of-state students studying exclusively online pay $264 per credit hour.

Average in-state tuition: $185 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $726 per credit

Program length: Four semesters of full-time study

Financial aid: Chatt State accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid programs, and accepts private aid.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Austin Peay State University

Through Austin Peay State University, students can earn an associate degree in university studies fully online. This program is a good choice for students trying to complete their general education coursework.

APSU is a public university iocated in Clarksville, TN. It charges all online students $303 per credit hour, regardless of where they live.

Average in-state tuition: $303 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $303 per credit

Program length: Four semesters of full-time study

Financial aid: APSU offers institutional financial aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

To choose the cheapest online associate degrees in Tennessee, we focused on:

• Location: We started by looking specifically at public and private nonprofit schools in Tennessee.
• Accreditation: All schools listed above are regionally accredited so as to ensure high-quality programs.
• Affordability: We sorted by which schools have the lowest tuition rates for in-state students.
• Online format: All programs listed offer at least one online associate degree program.

FAQs About the Cheapest Associate Degrees in Tennessee

Choosing an online school that offers affordable associate degrees isn't always easy. Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about the best online colleges to help.

Can I Get an Associate Degree Online in Tennessee?

Many schools offer online associate degrees in Tennessee. While most of these programs are offered by community colleges, a few four-year institutions, both public and private, offer online associate degrees as well. However, these schools have higher tuition rates, typically anywhere from $300 to $500 per credit hour.

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

For many students, the cheapest and fastest way to get an associate degree is to start taking college-level coursework while in high school. Look for programs like Advanced Placement (AP) courses, which allow you to earn college credit for free.

To lower your tuition further, look for online colleges that accept financial aid. All the schools listed above accept aid through FAFSA, including the Tennessee Promise and the Tennessee Reconnect program, which help in-state residents cover the costs of attending a Tennessee community college.

Most associate degrees take two years to complete. However, you can finish faster by transferring in credits, taking courses during summer months, and looking for accelerated program options.

Are There Any 6-Month Associate Degrees in Tennessee?

Associate degrees usually require at least 60 credit hours, which takes about four semesters of full-time study to complete. As a result, you'll have a hard time finding 6-month online associate degrees in any state.

However, if you already have transfer credits, it certainly may be possible for you to finish the remainder of your degree within six months. You can also speed up your program by taking courses during summer terms.

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

On average, an associate degree takes about four semesters to finish 60 credit hours. However, to earn your degree faster, you may want to consider a general studies program.

Typically, if you're majoring in a specific subject, you'll have a core curriculum of courses that you must take. General studies degrees are far more flexible. This means that if a course isn't offered one semester or is full, you can choose another one. As a result, you don't waste time waiting around for specific courses.

Earn Your Associate Degree Online

Find the perfect affordable associate degree online by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.