Most Affordable Online Associate Degrees in Mississippi 2025

If you're searching for the cheapest online associate degree in Mississippi, you're in the right place. Mississippi's community colleges offer flexible, accredited programs ideal for busy students. To help you find affordable associate degrees online, we've gathered top schools that allow you to save money and earn a quality education. Keep reading to discover the best options for your budget and goals.

How Much Does an Associate Degree Cost in Mississippi?

On average, in-state tuition at Mississippi community colleges ranges from $96 to $195 per credit hour. Keep in mind the cost of a cheap online associate degree in Mississippi varies depending on factors like residency status, program type, and whether the school is public or private. However, choosing a public institution and enrolling in an affordable associate degree online can significantly reduce total costs.

Cheapest Online Associate Degree Programs

Many cheap online colleges in Mississippi provide associate degree programs entirely online, allowing students to study on their own schedule. With low tuition rates, flexible coursework, and strong financial aid support, these programs offer excellent value for students looking to earn an affordable associate degree online without sacrificing quality.

1. Northwest Mississippi Community College

Northwest Mississippi Community College (NMCC) offers flexible, affordable online associate degrees in fields like accounting, business, criminal justice, psychology, and more. With over 100 online courses and 15 fully-online degree pathways, students learn from expert faculty and can study on their own schedule through the award-winning Division of eLearning.

Average in-state tuition: $113 to $160

Average out-of-state tuition: $113 to $160

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Students at NMCC can access financial aid through federal grants, federal work-study, federal loans, state/county grants, and over 500 scholarship opportunities.

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

2. Holmes Community College

Holmes Community College (HCC) has fully online Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science degrees in programs like criminal justice, paralegal technology, medical office technology, and more. All courses have start and end dates and with the option of accelerated four- and eigh-week classes, students can earn one of the fastest associate degrees online.

Average in-state tuition: $96 to $160

Average out-of-state tuition: $96 to $160

Program length: 24 months or less

Financial aid: Students can pay for their online program at HCC with payment plans, FAFSA, scholarships, and work-study options.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

Students at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) can take advantage of flexible online learning through its eLearning program, allowing them to earn associate degrees anytime, anywhere. With both synchronous and asynchronous options, MGCCC provides accessible, affordable education in fields like accounting, business, and elementary education�perfect for those with busy schedules or unable to attend on-campus classes.

Average in-state tuition: $120

Average out-of-state tuition: $120

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, work study, and student loans are all financial aid options for students enrolled at MGCCC.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Copiah-Lincoln Community College

Copiah-Lincoln Community College offers fully online Associate of Arts, Science, and Applied Science degrees. Concentrations include criminal justice, psychology, paralegal studies, social work, sociology, and more. Students can study at their own pace, providing flexibility for busy parents, working professionals, military members, and remote learners.

Average in-state tuition: $154 to $185

Average out-of-state tuition: $154 to $185

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Students can use FAFSA, grants, scholarships, and loans to fund their online education.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Pearl River Community College

Pearl River Community College (PRCC) provides fully online degree programs, allowing students to balance their education with busy lives. With a commitment to student success and community involvement, PRCC offers flexible associate programs in agricultural science, health education, accounting, kinesiology, business, and others.

Average in-state tuition: $116 to $160

Average out-of-state tuition: $116 to $160

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Students at PRCC may receive assistance through work-study, scholarships, grants, loans, and/or part-time employment.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Southwest Mississippi Community College

Southwest Mississippi Community College stands out with its supportive, close-knit learning environment�now extended online. Programs include concentrations in social science, human services and public safety, arts, humanities, etc. Students can earn their fully online associate degree programs with the flexibility to study anywhere, anytime.

Average in-state tuition: $145

Average out-of-state tuition: $145

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Southwest Mississippi Community College does not participate in the federal student loan program, but students can still receive financial assistance through scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities, veteran benefits, and private loans.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Meridian Community College

Meridian Community College offers fully online associate degrees designed for flexibility and convenience. Online programs are offered in various specializations, such as marketing, secondary education, coaching, health and fitness, and more. It offers strong student support services and coursework with a focus on real-world career readiness.

Average in-state tuition: $160

Average out-of-state tuition: $160

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Meridian Community College students have a range of financial aid options including federal aid, state programs, work-study, scholarships, and grants.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. East Central Community College

East Central Community College (ECCC) combines flexibility with personalized support for its online associate degree programs. ECCC provides programs that fit the schedules of all student circumstances, with concentrations in nursing, general education, healthcare data technology, business management, and many others. Tuition rates change depending on full-time or part-time enrollment.

Average in-state tuition: $148 to $160

Average out-of-state tuition: $148 to $160

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: ECCC administers federal, state, institutional, and outside financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, and work programs.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. East Mississippi Community College

East Mississippi Community College (EMCC) offers flexible online associate degree programs designed to help students achieve their higher education goals. Since it isn't self-paced, courses follow set schedules with regular assignments. Education programs include humanities, fine arts, social sciences, business administration, math, and more. Program enrollment requires ACT or ACCUPLACER entrance exam scores.

Average in-state tuition: $120 to $165

Average out-of-state tuition: $120 to $165

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Grants, work study, federal loans, scholarships, and tuition assistance are available to students at EMCC.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Jones College

Students can access affordable online associate degree programs that mirror the quality of traditional classes at Jones College. Designed for motivated, independent learners, these flexible courses fit into busy schedules. With over 80 career and technical options, students can pursue quality education pathways like journalism, biological sciences, computer science, chemistry, and more�preparing for success in both education and the workforce.

Average in-state tuition: $195

Average out-of-state tuition: $195

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Students can use scholarships, payment plans, FAFSA, work study, and grants to afford their college degree from this public institution.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

Our school rankings are based on essential factors that reflect quality, affordability, and flexibility�key elements of a trustworthy online education. We require the following from each school listed:

• Accreditation: We give preference to institutions with recognized accreditation to ensure academic credibility and respected qualifications.
• Affordability: We analyze tuition costs, available financial aid, and overall value to identify cost-effective options.
• Program reputation and quality: We review a program's reputation, student satisfaction, and graduate success to gauge overall quality.
• Online format: We assess the accessibility, user-friendliness, and flexibility of each school's online learning environment.

FAQs About the Cheapest Associate Degrees in Mississippi

Mississippi offers many low-cost online associate degrees that are flexible, accredited, and ideal for students looking to save money while earning a quality education. If you're looking to learn more, you can find common questions below.

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

The easiest online associate degrees in Mississippi are often in general studies, business, or social sciences. These programs typically have flexible formats, minimal prerequisites, and broad coursework that supports multiple career paths or smooth transfer to a four-year school.

Are There Any Free Online Degrees in Mississippi?

While no fully free online associate degrees exist, several Mississippi community colleges offer extensive financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, and work-study, that can significantly reduce or even eliminate costs for qualifying students.

What Is the Cheapest College in Mississippi?

Holmes Community College is one of the most affordable colleges in Mississippi, with tuition starting at just $96 per credit hour. Other low-cost options include Northwest Mississippi, MGCCC, and Pearl River, all offering in-state rates under $120 and fully online degree programs.

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

The cheapest way to earn an associate degree in Mississippi is by enrolling in online colleges that accept financial aid, grants, and scholarships. You can also take advantage of flexible payment plans or work-study programs to reduce expenses.

Discover Online Schools

Mississippi's online community colleges make it easier than ever to earn an affordable, flexible associate degree. Whether you're starting your education or advancing your career, these accredited programs offer a smart, accessible path to your goals from wherever you are.