10 Best Online Self-Paced Associate Degrees in 2025

There is a growing volume of self-paced online associate degrees, which offer flexible ways to earn a degree, such as an Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), or Associate of Applied Science (AAS). These options provide extra convenience for part-time students who cannot attend classes in person or carry a full course load.

Whether you just graduated from high school or wish to earn a college degree after years of work experience, there are plenty of flexible options available. We welcome you to explore our list of the best self-paced online colleges for distance learners.

What Is a Self-Paced Associate Degree?

A self-paced program is one that allows students to move at their own pace to complete general education courses, major courses, and all other classes required for an associate degree. These degree formats feature online classes where you can complete coursework whenever you please, usually through an asynchronous attendance format. Many community colleges and universities now offer this option for online students at the associate, bachelor's, and even master's degree levels.

Best Self-Paced Online Associate Degree Programs

Here is a list of 10 self-paced associate degrees for your consideration. These schools permit students to proceed through all course materials at their own pace.

1. Liberty University

Liberty University is one of the online universities on this list that specializes in distance education at every degree level. This includes 21 AA or AS degrees in fields as diverse as military history, paralegal studies, criminal justice, and creative writing.

• Estimated tuition cost: $21,222 per year
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Ohio University

Ohio University offers flexible and affordable associate degree opportunities in six subjects: business management, equine studies, general science, arts and humanities, individualized studies, and social sciences. They focus on asynchronous coursework for non-traditional working students.

• Estimated tuition cost: $13,746 per year
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. Central Texas College

Central Texas College has online associate degree programs and certificate programs covering a range of subjects. This college also allows students the flexibility of monthly start dates and course sessions that last anywhere between five and 16 weeks.

• Estimated tuition cost: $125 per credit hour
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. University of the People

The University of the People offers several online degrees, but its business administration program presents an option for students who wish to progress at a faster pace. This degree program consists of 20 courses, no live lectures, and costs only $160 per course; students can complete it within 18 months.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,200 per year
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

5. UMass Global

UMass Global's ''My Path'' program is all about the self-paced curriculum for non-traditional students seeking to earn their first degree and build a new career. You can do this to major in business administration for an associate degree and continue to higher education levels using the same delivery format.

• Estimated tuition cost: $500 per credit hour
• Accreditation: WASC

6. Florida National University

Florida National University promotes the concept of ''online college at your own pace'' by distinguishing itself from traditional online college programs that still require synchronous attendance and strict deadlines. You can enroll here to earn an associate degree in accounting, healthcare administration, public administration, and several other rewarding fields.

• Estimated tuition cost: $16,088 per year
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Ashworth College

Ashworth College considers its online programs to be affordable, self-paced, and a great opportunity to complete classes on your schedule. This applies to 13 associate degree options, along with various other certificates, career diplomas, and credentials.

• Estimated tuition cost: $729 (full program)
• Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

8. University of Wisconsin

The University of Wisconsin offers a ''flexible option'' for students who seek to pursue an online associate degree. This is also a competency-based system, which rewards students who possess prior work experience, can test out of certain subjects, or otherwise demonstrate mastery of a subject without taking the class.

• Estimated tuition cost: $11,205 per year
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Penn Foster

Penn Foster has multiple online degree options, including an AS degree for aspiring veterinary technicians who can take courses at their own pace. This large online university even offers a way for teenagers to earn a high school diploma through its online course materials.

• Estimated tuition cost: $109 to $144 per credit hour
• Accreditation: DEAC

10. California Coast University

California Coast University's online courses are affordable, self-paced, do not require any in-person components, and offer flexible start dates. Some students may qualify for a 10% tuition discount, along with other financial aid opportunities, to lower the costs to almost nothing.

• Estimated tuition cost: $170 per credit hour
• Accreditation: DEAC

How We Rank Schools

This is how we rank schools on this rankings list. Our three primary criteria include academic accreditation, program format, and college reputation.

• Accreditation: We only include accredited institutions, which have received full auditing from review boards like HLC.
• Program format: Self-paced programs usually involve online education or at least a hybrid delivery format rather than exclusively in-person instruction.
• College reputation: These are reputable colleges that offer online courses, which can serve as transfer credits for continuing education later.

FAQs About Self-Paced Online Associate Degrees

Here are some common questions about associate degrees and online education. These address topics like course difficulty, program duration, and the most in-demand college majors.

What's the Fastest Associate Degree To Get?

Occasionally, students can finish their programs quickly by enrolling in a 1-year associate degree program. These accelerated programs normally involve online learning, and you'll probably have to take summer courses as well to finish within just 12 months.

Can You Get an Associate Degree at Your Own Pace?

Yes, you can earn an associate degree at the institutions listed above (and various others), which allow you to work at your own pace as they don't require on-campus courses. Many of these online degree programs even have flexible start dates, so you don't have to wait to begin during the fall or spring like most traditional colleges.

What Is the Easiest Associate Degree To Get?

Some academic subjects are easier than others, at least in the eyes of those who have taken coursework in several disciplines. The so-called easy associate degrees might include areas like education, liberal arts, business management, psychology, information technology, criminal justice, or graphic design. The hardest associate degrees are in subjects such as nursing, mathematics, biology, or other natural sciences.

Is It Possible To Get an Associate Degree in Six Months?

There are very few options for this, but there are some 6-month associate degrees online. These are the most accelerated options available for degrees in business administration, pre-nursing, paralegal studies, healthcare management, human resources, early childhood education, and more.

What Is the Most In-Demand Associate Degree?

There are several high-demand associate degrees, and most of them involve utilizing a self-paced program for working adults. Among them, pre-nursing, medical billing, and computer science are the most popular. Business administration is also another popular field, especially for those who later pursue a bachelor's degree.

Is Self-Paced Online College Worth It?

They are most certainly worth it to the satisfied degree recipients who earn their degrees faster (or slower) rather than at the pace of traditional colleges. The value comes from the ability to dictate your pace and schedule, particularly if courses offer flexible online learning and asynchronous class times.

Discover Online Associate Degrees

Learn.org can help you identify the most suitable online degrees at any level. This includes associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, certificate programs, master's degrees, and other online programs.