10 Best Online Associate Degrees in 2025

Associate degrees are a great way to start your education at a low cost. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are hundreds of careers you can pursue with no more than an associate degree. Additionally, associate degrees will often transfer into four-year schools if you choose to pursue your bachelor's degree.

Choosing a program with online courses gives you flexibility, which is key if you work full-time or have a family to care for. Many of the best degrees online are available as associate degrees.

Top Accredited Schools for Online Associate Degrees

Pursuing an accredited online associate degree can help you jump-start your career. Many of the best accredited online colleges offer associate programs. Keep reading to discover the top accredited schools for online associate degrees.

1. Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University is a public institution in Trenton, NJ. It offers several online associate degrees in fields like:

• business administration
• computer science
• criminal justice
• healthcare

Students at TESU can earn Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees through online learning. TESU is geared toward adult learners and offers a generous transfer credit policy and support services for online students.

Average in-state tuition: $427 per credit or $3,419 per semester for nine or more credits

Average out-of-state tuition: $556 per credit or $4,428 per semester for nine or more credits

Financial aid: accepts aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), offers institutional scholarships, and accepts private aid.

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

2. Vincennes University

At Vincennes University, students can choose from several online AA, AS, and AAS programs. Areas of study include behavioral sciences, cybersecurity, information technology, and liberal arts.

Vincennes University, a public institution, is located in Vincennes, IN. It offers small class sizes and transfer pathways for many of the Associate of Science programs.

Average in-state tuition: $260.27

Average out-of-state tuition: $322.87

Financial aid: accepts FAFSA, offers institutional scholarships, accepts private aid

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. Empire State University

Empire State University offers about a dozen associate degrees online. The public institution is based in Saratoga Springs, NY, and is committed to providing flexible education for working adults.

Online associate degrees are available in fields like business management, cultural studies, educational studies, and social science. The university provides numerous alternative ways for students to earn credit as well as robust support services and numerous financial aid options.

Average in-state tuition: $295 per credit or $3,535 per semester for 12 or more credits

Average out-of-state tuition: $353 per credit or $4,240 per semester for 12 or more credits

Financial aid: accepts FAFSA, offers institutional scholarships, accepts private aid

Accreditation: MSCHE

4. Indiana Institute of Technology

Multiple associate degrees are available through online education at the Indiana Institute of Technology. Areas of study include business, criminal justice, electrical engineering, and health information technology.

Indiana Tech, located in Fort Wayne, IN, is a private, nonprofit school. Its goal is to provide a career-focused education to all students.

Average in-state and out-of-state tuition: $399 per credit for non-engineering/computer science programs, $426 per credit for engineering/computer science programs

Financial aid: accepts FAFSA, offers institutional scholarships, accepts private aid

Accreditation: HLC

5. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit school based in Manchester, NH. It offers over 200 online programs, including associate degrees in fields like:

• cybersecurity
• data analytics
• digital photography
• liberal arts

SNHU is primarily known for its online college degrees. It offers numerous support services for online students, including academic support and advising, career services, and online clubs and communities.

Average in-state and out-of-state tuition: $330 per credit

Financial aid: accepts FAFSA, accepts private financial aid

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

6. Franklin University

Students at Franklin University can choose from multiple online associate degrees. Areas of study include accounting, communications, criminal justice, and information technology.

Franklin University, a private, nonprofit institution, is located in Columbus, OH. It's geared toward adult learners and allows students to transfer in up to 75% of their required credits.

Average in-state and out-of-state tuition: $398 per credit

Financial aid: accepts FAFSA, accepts private financial aid

Accreditation: HLC

7. Davenport University

Davenport University offers several associate degrees online. The nonprofit, private institution is based in Grand Rapids, MI.

Degrees are available in fields like computer information systems, human resources, legal studies, and medical assisting. The college offers numerous financial aid opportunities, with 93% of students receiving scholarships.

Average in-state tuition: $1,018 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $688 per credit

Financial aid: accepts FAFSA, offers institutional scholarships, accepts private aid

Accreditation: HLC

8. Columbia College

Students at Columbia College can pursue a few different associate degrees online. Areas of study include criminal justice administration, general education studies, organizational leadership, and real estate management.

Columbia College, a private, nonprofit school, is based in Columbia, MO. However, it has campuses in nine other states across the U.S., making it easy for online students to visit in person if they need to.

Average in-state and out-of-state tuition: $375 per credit

Financial aid: accepts FAFSA, offers institutional scholarships, accepts private aid

Accreditation: HLC

9. Wilmington University

Wilmington University is a nonprofit private institution in New Castle, DE. It offers over 150 online degrees, including associate degrees in fields like:

• business management
• data analytics
• digital media
• health sciences

The university caters to both traditional students as well as adult and non-traditional learners. In Addition to the New Castle campus, it has several other campuses throughout Delaware and New Jersey.

Average in-state and out-of-state tuition: $419 per credit

Financial aid: accepts FAFSA, offers institutional scholarships, accepts private aid

Accreditation: MSCHE

10. University of Maine at Augusta

Through the University of Maine at Augusta, students can choose from multiple online associate degrees. Areas of study include business administration, computer information systems, human services, and music.

UMA, a public university, is located in Augusta, ME. It's been offering distance education programs since 1985 and has been leading the way in distance education since then. It also offers multiple financial aid options that can significantly reduce costs for students.

Average in-state tuition: $260 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $390 per credit

Financial aid: accepts FAFSA, offers institutional scholarships, accepts private aid

Accreditation: NECHE

How We Rank Schools

To choose the best online colleges for associate degrees listed above, we focused on:

• Accreditation: Every school on this list is a regionally accredited institution.
• School type: All schools are four-year public or non-profit private schools.
• Online degree offerings: We choose schools that offer a variety of online associate degree options.
• Program reputation: The schools we selected are all known for offering high-quality online programs.

How Much Does an Online Associate Degree Cost?

The cost of an online associate degree can depend on several factors, such as the type of school you choose, your major, how many credit hours you need, and whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student. It also depends on your financial aid; all students should fill out the FAFSA to see what they qualify for.

Many of the schools above have tuition rates below $400 per credit for associate degrees. Community colleges are often less expensive, and as a result, often the cheapest online colleges that accept FAFSA.

What Can I Do With an Associate Degree?

There are a number of jobs you can pursue with an associate degree. Below, we've listed some common career fields and careers within those fields for people with associate degrees:

• Business: human resources assistant, bookkeeper, receptionist
• Computer science/information technology: computer network support specialist
• Criminal justice: police officer, paralegal
• Education: early childhood teacher, teacher assistant
• Healthcare: registered nurse, diagnostic medical sonographer, health information tech
• Other STEM fields: engineering tech, forest and conservation tech, geological tech, veterinary tech
• Trades: electrician, HVAC tech, plumber, welder

Note that for some of these roles, entry-level positions are available to those without associate degrees. Additionally, some may require bachelor's degrees or even master's degrees to pursue more advanced job opportunities.

Types of Associate Degrees

When looking for an associate degree, you might notice there are several different types. We've broken these down below.

• Associate of Arts (AA): AA degrees typically focus more on liberal arts and general education. Majors are often in social sciences and liberal studies.
• Associate of Science (AS): AS degrees are more focused on STEM fields, usually with fewer elective options and sometimes fewer gen ed requirements.
• Associate of Applied Science (AAS): AAS degrees prepare students for immediate entry into their career path. These are not usually designed to be transferred into a bachelor's program.
• Associate of Applied Arts (AAA): AAA degrees are not as common as the previous three. These degrees are focused on applied arts and humanities fields and are also designed for immediate entry into the workforce.
• Associate of Fine Arts (AFA): AFA degrees are for students pursuing fine arts fields, like art, music, or theater. They are often set up for students to continue on with a bachelor's degree.
• Associate of Forestry (AF): Another uncommon degree, these provide students with an understanding of forestry and ecology.
• Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS): AOS degrees are also designed for immediate entry into the workforce. They often focus specifically on career courses, with fewer gen eds and as a result, are some of the fastest associate degree online or in person.

Popular Online Associate Degrees

According to the Digest of Education Statistics published by the National Center for Education Statistics, over one million students in the U.S. earned their associate degrees during the 2021-2022 school year. The most popular fields for associate degrees are:

• Liberal arts/science and general studies: These degrees allow students to complete their general education requirements and are usually used to transfer into a four-year institution.
• Business management/administration: These majors prepare students for entry-level positions in business or for transfer into a bachelor's business program.
• Registered nursing: After completing an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), students can pursue their RN licensure.
• Engineering technologies: Usually AAS degrees, these prepare students to work as engineering technicians or technologists.
• Health sciences: Health sciences programs prepare students to work in entry-level healthcare positions or continue to study health sciences at a four-year institution.

Earn Your Associate Degree Online

Start your journey toward reaching your career goals by exploring the online programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, start dates, and financial aid.