Most Affordable Online Associate Degrees in Texas 2025

If you're ready to jump into higher education, pursuing an affordable associate degree online may be the perfect first step. Many schools in Texas offer affordable and flexible associate programs, so you can juggle multiple responsibilities while earning your college degree.

Keep reading if you're looking for the cheapest online associate degree. We'll explore 10 schools that offer a degree under $10,000, so you can get a quality education without incurring loads of debt. Below, find a cheap online associate degree in Texas that fits your budget and career goals.

How Much Does an Associate Degree Cost in Texas?

Fortunately, there are many affordable online colleges offering associate degrees. But the cost of an associate degree in Texas varies depending on the school and program type.

At public community colleges, in-district students typically pay between $2,000 and $4,000 per year. Out-of-district or out-of-state students usually pay more. The cheapest online associate degree in Texas comes from Alvin Community College at $51 per credit hour for in-district students.

Private colleges can charge significantly higher, often $10,000 or more annually. Prospective students should also consider financial aid opportunities and additional expenses like books and materials to find the most affordable associate degree online.

Cheapest Online Associate Degree Programs

Texas has many affordable associate degree programs. Below, we'll discuss these online learning opportunities in more detail.

1. Alvin Community College

At Alvin Community College, students can earn associate degrees entirely online. Some of the programs include general studies, mathematics, and psychology. These programs, though flexible and convenient, provide a quality education that prepares students for four-year universities. Students can study for these online courses at their own pace and reach out to instructors and support staff for help whenever needed.

Average in-state tuition: $51 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $155 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Students can apply for federal, state, and institutional aid, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

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

2. Coastal Bend College

Coastal Bend College in Beeville has several fully remote associate degrees in subjects such as health information management, industrial mechanics, and early childhood education. The school emphasizes personalized attention, and students benefit from the small class sizes and attentive faculty and administrators.

Average in-state tuition: $97.20 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $174.20 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Scholarships, loans, and grants are available to qualifying students.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Dallas College

At Dallas College, students can pursue associate degrees fully online in business administration, human resource management, and marketing. This flexible online learning format allows students to maintain balance with competing work and personal priorities. Graduates can transfer credits to private or public universities to finish their bachelor's degree.

Average in-state tuition: $99 per credit hour

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

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Dallas College offers hundreds of scholarship opportunities, such as the Dallas College Promise, which offers free tuition for the entirety of an associate degree to graduates of select local high schools. Federal and state aid is also available to qualifying students.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Houston Community College

Houston Community College offers over 60 online degree and certificate programs. Online students can major in business, economics, computer science, and several other fields. Online courses provide the same quality education as on-campus classes, and students have the tools and resources to succeed on their academic journeys.

Average in-state tuition: $107.50 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $322 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Students can apply for loans, grants, and scholarships to help lower tuition costs.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Lone Star College

Lone Star College offers over 30 completely online programs in fields such as accounting, business administration, and criminal justice. The credits from these degrees are transferable to a four-year school, where you can continue to earn a bachelor's degree.

The school offers both asynchronous and synchronous courses, providing an engaging and flexible curriculum. Online learners benefit from the plentiful support resources available, including tutoring and academic advising.

Average in-state tuition: $111 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $313 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for government loans and grants. The school also awards numerous scholarships.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Central Texas College

Central Texas College in Killeen offers online degrees in addition to its on-campus programs. Students can study computer science, network cloud support and cybersecurity, and mathematics. Students also have access to support services, such as career help and academic advising.

Average in-state tuition: $125 per credit hour

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

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: The school awards hundreds of students with scholarships annually. Students can also apply for federal and state aid opportunities.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Blinn College

Blinn College offers many online associate degree programs in fields like communication studies, health information technology, and liberal arts. These credits can seamlessly transfer into bachelor's degree programs as Blinn participates in numerous transfer agreements with four-year universities. A dedicated academic advisor can assist you throughout this process to ensure you're prepared to meet your educational goals.

Average in-state tuition: $126 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $558 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Federal and state aid is available. Students may also complete one application to be considered for various institutional scholarships.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Navarro College

Navarro College in Corsicana offers several associate degree programs 100% online. Students can pursue programs such as English, general studies, or hospitality management remotely. While students must meet assignment deadlines, online classes offer flexibility for students to learn, watch lectures, and complete coursework within their schedules.

Average in-state tuition: $135 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $348 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Students can qualify for loans, grants, or scholarships. The school also offers payment installment plans to help manage costs.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Tyler Junior College

Tyler Junior College offers several degree programs remotely. Some of the available associate degrees include healthcare administration, criminal justice, and business. Students have access to numerous resources to aid their success, such as free tutoring and mental health counseling.

Average in-state tuition: $207.47 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $333.47 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Loans, grants, and scholarships are available. The school awards over $3.5 million in scholarships annually to full-time students.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Trinity Valley Community College

Trinity Valley Community College offers accessible online associate degree programs. Students can pursue various degrees, including history, psychology, and biology. The school is committed to providing a first-rate education experience for distance learners and offers numerous support services online, like mental health counseling and tutoring, to ensure student success.

Average in-state tuition: $314.56 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $425.57 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: Many financial aid opportunities are available, including government aid and institutional scholarships. The Board of Trustees Scholarship is awarded based on merit, while other foundation awards may be given based on financial need or academic department.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

To rank the best associate degrees in Texas, we relied on several ranking factors. We considered:

• Accreditation: All selected schools hold accreditation from a recognized accrediting agency, namely, the SACSCOC.
• Affordability: We found online colleges that accept financial aid and offer low tuition rates.
• Program reputation and quality: These schools are well known for their quality online education, knowledgeable instructors, and student success resources.
• Online format: To ensure flexibility for learners, all schools offer 100% online degree programs.

FAQs About the Cheapest Associate Degrees in Texas

If you're looking to start pursuing your associate degree, check out these common questions to prepare yourself for this academic journey. We'll cover tuition rates, timelines, and more.

Can I Get an Associate Degree Online in Texas?

Yes, you can get an associate degree online in Texas. Many local community colleges offer top-tier remote programs that combine flexible learning with affordability. These schools usually have transfer agreements in place with universities, so you can move directly from your associate degree to a bachelor's degree without hassle.

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

The cheapest and fastest way to get an associate degree in Texas is through community colleges offering flexible online or accelerated programs at low tuition rates. For example, Blinn College offers accelerated courses throughout the year, including during the summer terms.

Additionally, students should apply for state financial aid for maximum affordability. Check out the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to see if you may qualify for any awards to lower your tuition costs.

Are There Any 6-Month Associate Degrees in Texas?

Texas doesn't offer true 6-month online associate degrees, but some colleges may offer accelerated paths. Students can also earn certificates or stackable credentials in under a year, and then apply those credits toward a full associate degree. This shortens the overall timeline and gets students into the workforce faster.

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

Fast online associate degrees include programs in business administration, criminal justice, and cybersecurity. Many schools offer accelerated formats with short terms, year-round enrollment, and credit for prior learning. With a full course load, students can often complete these degrees in 12 to 18 months, making them ideal for quick career entry or as a first step to a bachelor's degree.

Earn Your Associate Degree Online

If you're ready to earn your associate degree, start browsing the programs here on Learn.org. When you find one that feels like the right fit, request info directly from the college.