Best Affordable Online Associate Degrees in Wisconsin 2025

Earning a degree doesn't have to mean going deep into debt or putting your life on hold. Earning a cheap online associate degree in Wisconsin makes it easier than ever to start a new career or build on your current one without stepping foot on campus.

Keep reading if you're looking for the cheapest online associate degree. We'll explore ten schools offering low tuition rates and financial aid for Wisconsin students, so you can complete an affordable associate degree online.

How Much Does an Associate Degree Cost in Wisconsin?

Affordable online colleges can help you avoid debt and provide flexibility for those with busy schedules. If you're searching for an affordable associate degree online, look at colleges in your area. Local technical colleges are the most affordable options for in-state students, typically falling under $10,000 per program.

Financial aid, including scholarships, can lower this cost even further, so it's important to consider a school's total financial aid package to find the cheapest online associate degree in Wisconsin.

Cheapest Online Associate Degree Programs

Wisconsin students can choose from many accredited institutions offering associate degrees. We'll explore top programs to help you make the right decision.

1. Chippewa Valley Technical College

Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire offers several fully online associate degree programs. Students can choose the program that best fits their career goals, from business to library and information science. Graduates may transfer these credits to four-year universities, where they can continue their education and receive a bachelor's degree.

Average in-state tuition: $152.85 per credit for both Wisconsin and Minnesota residents

Average out-of-state tuition: $229.28 per credit

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Students can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Institutional and outside scholarships can also help lower tuition costs.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College

At Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, students can choose from several convenient online associate degree programs in fields such as business management, supply chain management, and nonprofit leadership. These online degrees are just as valuable as traditional in-person ones as they feature the same quality instructors as on-campus programs.

Average in-state tuition: $149.50 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $224.25 per credit

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Financial aid is available, including loans, grants, and scholarships.

Accreditation: HLC

3. Moraine Park Technical College

Moraine Park Technical College offers several quality online associate degree programs. Students can explore fields such as health information technology, marketing, and business management. The school has transfer agreements with over 25 universities, making it easy to transfer these credits to a four-year university.

Average in-state tuition: $149.50 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $224.25 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Students should complete FAFSA and apply for the institutional scholarship opportunities, like the Moraine Park Foundation Scholarship or the Moraine Park Promise Scholarship.

Accreditation: HLC

4. Northwood Technical College

Though located in Rice Lake, Northwood Technical College offers several associate degrees online. These programs span fields such as accounting, criminal justice, and human resource management. Students benefit from the high-quality curriculum and instructors, which prepare them for a bachelor's degree or for entering the workforce.

Average in-state tuition: $168.10 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $168.10 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: There are plenty of financial opportunities, including loans, grants, and scholarships. Northwood offers over 500 scholarships and free tuition to local high school graduates who meet the Pell Grant financial threshold.

Accreditation: HLC

5. Fox Valley Technical College

Fox Valley Technical College offers various associate degrees online in fields like forensic science, marketing, and supply chain management. The school has been a staple in the community for decades, offering residents the opportunity to boost their skills and prepare for rewarding careers. Students benefit from the small class sizes and flexible learning options.

Average in-state tuition: $152.85 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $229.28 per credit

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Scholarships, loans, and grants are available. Military members may qualify for tuition assistance.

Accreditation: HLC

6. Western Technical College

Western Technical College in La Crosse offers in-person and online degree programs. Some online programs include accounting, business management, and health office assistant. These two-year degrees provide the skills training necessary to pursue a bachelor's degree or enter the workforce. Coursework is flexible, allowing learners to participate in live-stream classes or even a hybrid schedule.

Average in-state tuition: $149.50 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $238.90 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Students can apply for over 500 institutional scholarships. Federal and state loans and grants are also available to qualifying students.

Accreditation: HLC

7. Milwaukee Area Technical College

Milwaukee Area Technical College has developed a 100% online campus, which includes fully remote associate degrees, student clubs, and resources like academic advising and coaching. Students can choose from numerous fields, such as graphic design, healthcare services management, and paralegal studies. Classes are offered in an asynchronous or synchronous format, allowing students to learn in a way that works for them.

Average in-state tuition: $177.57 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $216.92

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Students can apply for several institutional scholarships, including the Checota MATC Scholarship Program � a full-ride award. Payment plans are also available to help students manage college costs.

Accreditation: HLC

8. Madison Area Technical College

Madison Area Technical College offers 18 associate degree programs entirely online. Enrollees can study subjects such as supply chain management, finance, or hospitality management at their own pace. The school is committed to student success and offers tutoring and career support for online learners.

Average in-state tuition: $152.85 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $229.28 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Through the school's Madison College Foundation, students can apply for various scholarship awards. Students can also seek federal and state aid.

Accreditation: HLC

9. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay offers numerous online associate programs. Students can choose from majors like cybersecurity, data analytics, and office management. Online courses can be completed remotely, though some may require synchronous learning at specified weekly times.

Average in-state tuition: $171.05 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $247.48 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: The school awards $750,000 in scholarships yearly. Loans, grants, and outside scholarships can also help lower tuition costs.

Accreditation: HLC

10. Gateway Technical College

Gateway Technical College offers flexible online learning programs in various subjects, such as early childhood education, leadership development, and entrepreneurship. Students can easily transfer credits, as Gateway has agreements with over 155 four-year universities.

Average in-state tuition: $192.20 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $288.30 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: The school offers over 160 scholarships annually, typically ranging from $500 to $6,000. Loans, grants, and payment plans can also help college students afford tuition.

Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

Wisconsin students have many options for higher education. We base our school rankings on several factors, including:

• Accreditation: We only consider schools properly accredited by recognized agencies. This ensures programs meet established standards and that your degree will be respected by employers and other institutions.
• Affordability: We selected schools that offer low tuition rates and plenty of financial aid opportunities.
• Program reputation and quality: All schools on this list offer quality education programs that include expert instructors, a comprehensive curriculum, and student support services.
• Online format: We chose schools that offer fully remote degree programs to ensure flexibility.

FAQs About the Cheapest Associate Degrees in Wisconsin

If you're looking to complete your associate degree, you may have some questions. Below, we'll discuss affordability, tuition rates, and timelines.

Can I Get an Associate Degree Online in Wisconsin?

Yes, Wisconsin students have many options for online associate degrees. Most community colleges offer several remote programs at an affordable price point. Students may also consider the University of Wisconsin's flexible online associate degrees, though this option is notably more expensive than the options on this list at $320 per credit hour.

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

Attending a Wisconsin technical college is the most affordable and efficient option. Many offer low tuition rates and accelerated programs that let students graduate in 18 months or less, especially in fields like healthcare, business, and skilled trades.

To ensure affordability, it's essential to choose online colleges that accept financial aid. Students can receive loans or grants that help lower or cover tuition costs. For example, the Wisconsin Grant Program awards money to students attending technical colleges and demonstrate financial need.

Are There Any 6-Month Associate Degrees in Wisconsin?

An associate degree is comprised of 60 credits. Full-time students typically take 15 credits per semester, which, for most programs, amounts to two years. Accelerated programs may shorten this timeframe by several months. Additionally, transferring credits into the program, taking summer courses, or heavier courseloads may speed up your educational path.

In general, six-month associate degree programs are rare; however, many schools offer half-year certificates or diploma programs that can be stacked toward an associate degree. Speak with an academic advisor to see if 6-month online associate degrees are the right fit for your background and goals.

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

Some of the quickest online associate degrees are in fields like business administration, criminal justice, and health science. These programs often offer accelerated formats, letting motivated students complete coursework year-round and graduate in 12 to 18 months, depending on transfer credits and course load.

Earn Your Associate Degree Online

Getting your associate degree online can be fast, flexible, and affordable � especially if you choose the right program. Check out the associate degree programs here on Learn.org and contact schools directly for more information.