Best Free Associate Degrees Online | Learn.org

If you're considering college, you may be concerned about the cost. Even associate degrees can cost several thousand dollars; but are all degree programs expensive? Are there any schools offering free or inexpensive associate degrees?

There are ways of getting an online associate degree for free or nearly free. Some schools offer tuition waivers for certain students, while others offer full-ride scholarships or partnerships that cover costs. Still, other schools don't offer low tuition rates and various financial aid options to help students attend school at greatly reduced out-of-pocket costs.

Keep reading to find out more.

Is It Possible To Earn a Free Associate Degree Online?

There are ways you can get a tuition-free online associate degree; tuition-free doesn't mean you won't have to pay anything for your college education. The cost of tuition is only one factor when attending college. Many online courses also have associated fees, book costs, and more.

Many schools offer full tuition coverage for students who meet eligibility requirements. Other schools provide free courses, certificate programs, and degrees for certain groups of students, such as senior citizens or veterans. Still others offer tuition waivers for qualifying low-income students.

Many community colleges offer free courses on various subjects, but these don't always result in college credit. Online associate degree programs typically have at least some costs. Eligible students can reduce or eliminate these costs through financial assistance like grants, student loans, and scholarships.

Many federal student aid opportunities like the Pell Grant and federal work-study programs, are need-based; award amounts are determined after you have completed the FAFSA to demonstrate financial need.

Aspiring college students can also complete scholarship applications, many of which are available for distance education learners and on-campus students. Most applications are merit-based and dependent on academic excellence, GPA, or other specific criteria. They may be available through schools, businesses, and nonprofit organizations.

With so many options for aid, higher education can be affordable. You can get a college degree for little or no cost if you meet certain eligibility requirements or obtain sufficient financial help.

Top 9 Affordable Schools Offering Online Associate Degrees

The following schools offer free and low-cost online degree programs to help eligible students afford their undergraduate degrees or courses.

1. Pennsylvania Highlands Community College

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is a public community college in Johnstown, PA. Many of its degree programs are available online. The school offers affordable in-state tuition rates and generous financial aid opportunities. Both scholarships and need-based aid are available.

2. Houston Community College

Houston Community College is in Texas but provides various online degree and certificate programs. Students have flexible opportunities to attend school either full-time or part-time. This school offers free tuition to senior citizens ages 65 and older. The school provides the Eagle Promise Program, which covers any additional expenses for qualifying students whose costs are not fully covered by other scholarships or financial aid.

3. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private school in New Hampshire. Most of its students study online, and hundreds of associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees are available. The school offers affordable online tuition rates for all students and additional discounts for those with a military background. Financial aid opportunities are also available.

4. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University is a public school in Hays, KS. It offers online degree programs at various levels, including associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees.

The school does not offer free tuition but has some of the most affordable online tuition in the U.S. The same rate applies to both in-state and out-of-state students. The Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science provides tuition-free courses that high school students can take to obtain college credit.

5. Miami Dade College

Miami Dade College is a public school in Miami, FL. This large American school provides many online associate degrees, and students can study tuition-free.

This college offers the Future Ready Miami Dade Scholarship, available to all residents of Miami Dade County. It covers all college-related expenses not covered by other forms of financial aid. The school's Kick-Start Program also provides free online education for students enrolled in certificate programs leading to certain high-demand professions like healthcare and computer science.

6. Eastern Gateway Community College

Eastern Gateway Community College is located in Steubenville, OH. Students can complete various associate degrees and certificate programs online.

The school offers a Summer Guarantee program, ensuring first-time, full-time, and returning students don't have to pay for college-related expenses during the summer semester. The scholarship is for local students only and goes into effect after all other financial aid has been applied. Students can also gain small tuition waivers to cover other courses by volunteering with approved organizations.

7. Northern Virginia Community College

Northern Virginia Community College is located across several campuses in Virginia and Washington, D.C. Various online learning opportunities are available.

This is an excellent tuition-free online college for senior citizens who live in Virginia and want to expand their education. These students can audit college courses for free. Free education is available for students who live in Manassas and are enrolled in career training programs and college courses.

8. Dallas College

Dallas College is a network of community colleges located throughout Dallas County, Texas. More than 70,000 students attend this school, including many who study online.

The school offers the Dallas Promise initiative, which covers tuition costs for students graduating from eligible high schools. The scholarship will cover tuition for up to three years for students enrolled in associate degree programs.

9. Montgomery College

Montgomery College is located in Montgomery County, MD. Online degrees are available for part-time and full-time students at affordable tuition rates. The school also provides an array of tuition waivers and discounts for qualifying students. Senior citizens, foster care youth, military members, disabled students, and homeless students qualify for these discounts.