Most Affordable Online Associate Degrees in Arkansas 2025

If you're planning to go to school in Arkansas, you may be wondering about the most affordable associate degrees online. Are there any schools offering online programs that won't break the bank?

Keep reading as we look at schools offering the cheapest online associate degrees in Arkansas. We'll also talk about the average cost of an associate degree in your state and answer a few questions you may have.

How Much Does an Associate Degree Cost in Arkansas?

The total cost for an associate degree can vary widely. Different schools charge different tuition rates and may also have different fees and other expenses.

Those attending the affordable online colleges featured in this article can expect to pay anywhere between $74 and $145 per credit hour for tuition as in-state students. For a typical 60-credit associate degree, this works out to $4,440 to $8,700 in total tuition costs.

Cheapest Online Associate Degree Programs

If you're ready to pursue higher education as an online student, keep reading. In this section, we'll explore the schools in Arkansas offering the best online learning opportunities at the lowest prices.

1. Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas

This public community college is a member of the University of Arkansas System. Located in De Queen, it provides several Associate of Arts programs and other online associate degree options, including:

• general studies
• criminal justice
• psychology
• general business

Many of these programs are designed for students hoping to eventually earn a bachelor's degree. The school provides the cheapest online associate degrees in Arkansas, both for in-district and out-of-district learners.

Average in-state tuition: $74 to $87 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $92 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Federal aid, state aid, scholarships

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. University of Arkansas Community College Batesville

This is another school associated with the University of Arkansas System. It provides a variety of online associate degrees and certificate programs. Areas of study include:

• computer technology
• elementary education
• health professions
• management and supervision
• pre-engineering

Students can complete coursework from wherever they have an internet connection and on a schedule that works for them. This is a top Arkansas school that provides affordable associate degrees online.

Average in-state tuition: $87 to $103 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $127 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Federal and state grants, scholarships, student loans

Accreditation: HLC

3. Northwest Arkansas Community College

Northwest Arkansas Community College is located in Bentonville. Students at this school can pursue three fully online associate degrees, such as an Associate of Arts, and they can cover various disciplines like general business or environmental and regulatory science.

Several other degrees, including entrepreneurship and health information management, are available in hybrid formats, with 95% of classes available online.

Average in-state tuition: $91 to $157 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $170 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Federal and state grants, institutional scholarships, student loans

Accreditation: HLC

4. National Park College

National Park College is a public school in Hot Springs. It offers a few associate degrees for dedicated online learners:

• music education
• secondary education
• elementary education
• middle-level education

These programs provide transfer credits for students planning to go to four-year schools to complete their bachelor's degrees. They provide high-quality education to help students save money in the first two years of their college careers.

Average in-state tuition: $110 to $120 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $157 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Institutional scholarships, student loans, federal aid, state aid

Accreditation: HLC

5. North Arkansas College

North Arkansas College has campuses in Harrison and Berryville. It offers several online associate degrees and certificate programs. Some of the concentrations include:

• logistics and supply chain
• office management
• accounting
• medical laboratory technology
• business

Classes are offered through both asynchronous and live online formats to give students a blend of flexibility and structure. Programs provide a general education foundation while preparing students for careers or college transfer.

Average in-state tuition: $112 to $127 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $154 to $199 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Institutional grants and scholarships, federal and state aid, student loans

Accreditation: HLC

6. Southern Arkansas University Tech

Southern Arkansas University Tech is a technical school affiliated with Southern Arkansas University. It offers several online undergraduate programs and certificates, including:

• environmental management
• computer information technology
• business administration
• health sciences
• fire science management and fire & emergency response

Students can choose between flexible asynchronous courses and livestreaming video courses, helping them get their education in the way that works best for them.

Average in-state tuition: $115 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $163 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Federal grants, state aid, scholarships, student loans

Accreditation: HLC

7. Arkansas State University Newport

Arkansas State University Newport is a community college affiliated with the Arkansas State University (A-State) System. Students can choose from several online associate degrees and certificates, such as:

• natural sciences
• data science - data analytics
• general education
• criminal justice
• pre-health professions

Students complete flexible courses on their own time and can choose to study full-time or part-time. Hybrid class options are also available.

Average in-state tuition: $115 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $175 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Student loans, state and federal aid, scholarships

Accreditation: HLC

8. Arkansas State University Beebe

Arkansas State University Beebe is another A-State System community college. Students can choose from several online associate degree options, including:

• liberal arts
• liberal arts and sciences
• computer information systems
• education
• criminal justice

These programs are designed as transfer degrees for students planning to continue their education at a four-year school. Each option is flexible in terms of coursework, allowing students to design their education according to their interests.

Average in-state tuition: $120 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $198 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Federal and state grants, institutional scholarships, student loans

Accreditation: HLC

9. Arkansas State University Mid-South

Another A-State System college, this school is located in West Memphis. Students can take online education courses leading to several associate degrees and certificate programs. Options include general education and business administration.

The school offers additional courses that can count toward various healthcare degrees, though these programs also have in-person components.

Average in-state tuition: $134 to $156 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $156 to $201 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Federal grants, scholarships, state aid

Accreditation: HLC

10. University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College

The University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College is another two-year school affiliated with the University of Arkansas System. Students can earn two associate degrees entirely online at this school:

• Associate of Science in health information technology
• Associate of Applied Science in hospitality management

Several hospitality-related certificate programs are also available, and students can take advantage of various individual online courses and tutoring options to help them meet their academic goals.

Average in-state tuition: $145 per credit hour

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

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Federal grants, student loans, scholarships, state aid

Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

We strive to choose the best online degree programs when selecting schools for our rank lists. The following criteria were used to choose the schools featured above:

• Accreditation: Each school is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body, the Higher Learning Commission.
• Affordability: Each school provides affordable tuition rates, making it possible for learners to earn an online associate degree for under $10,000.
• Program reputation and quality: All of the schools are known for providing high-quality on-campus and online education opportunities.
• Online format: All the schools offer multiple online programs, including associate degrees.

FAQs About the Cheapest Associate Degrees in Arkansas

If you still have questions about completing an affordable distance education program in Arkansas, you're not alone. Keep reading for answers to some commonly asked questions.

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

The terms ''hard'' and ''easy'' are subjective, as all learners have different strengths and weaknesses. Many students consider Associate of Arts degrees to be the easiest, as they are designed for transfer to bachelor's programs and consist entirely of lower-division courses. However, depending on your unique academic strengths, you may prefer a more technically focused Associate of Science degree or even a specialized Associate of Applied Science program.

Are There Any Free Online Degrees in Arkansas?

All schools in Arkansas charge tuition rates, fees, and other expenses. However, most schools provide affordable rates, and various financial aid opportunities are available. Students with the right combination of financial aid may be able to earn an affordable associate degree in Arkansas with few or no out-of-pocket expenses.

How Much Does a 2-Year Degree Cost?

As noted above, degree costs can vary widely. Students attendingonline colleges that accept financial aid generally face the lowest costs. All the colleges outlined above accept various types of financial aid, and affordable tuition costs make it possible to earn an associate degree at any of the schools for under $8,700.

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

Students pursuing some of the fastest associate degree/degrees online can often graduate more affordably as well. This is especially true if they start while still in high school.

Many programs allow students to take dual enrollment courses that count toward both their high school diplomas and undergraduate degrees. These cost less than typical college courses, and they make it possible for students to get a jump start on their college education. In many cases, they can earn their associate degrees by the time they graduate high school or within a few months of graduating.

Explore Online Colleges

If you're ready to start taking online courses as you work toward your affordable associate degree, explore the schools here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools to learn more about their programs and to find the best option for you.