Affordable Associate Degrees

Did you know that you can get an associate degree for less than $50 per credit in tuition? The most affordable online associate degree programs are less expensive than you think.

Getting an affordable associate degree online can boost your earning potential and lead to new job opportunities. And by spending less on your degree, you’ll see a higher return on investment. Check out our resources on the most affordable online associate degrees.

What’s the return on investment for getting a cheap associate degree online? Choosing an affordable college can pay off.

An associate degree can boost your earning potential. Those with an associate degree report a median wage of $1,005 per week, according to 2022 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That’s more than $150 a week higher than those with a high school diploma. Over the course of a year, that translates into a difference of nearly $8,000.

Many of the most affordable online associate degree programs cost less than $8,000 in tuition to earn a degree. By prioritizing cost, you can increase the ROI of your degree.

On top of earning potential, workers with an associate degree benefit from a lower unemployment rate. While those with a high school diploma faced a 4% unemployment rate in 2022, people with an associate degree had a significantly lower 2.7% unemployment rate.

Choosing an online format can also help you save money. Distance learners can often cut their commuting and transportation costs, and a flexible schedule makes it easier to work while in college.

How much can you earn with an associate degree? It depends on the degree and industry. However, several degrees lead to careers with above-average salaries.

In May 2023, the median wage for all occupations reached $48,060, according to BLS data. Career paths with an associate degree in allied health, engineering, tech, and other fields all report higher median wages. Air traffic controllers, the highest-paid professionals with an associate degree, reported a median pay of nearly $137,380 in 2023.

When calculating the return on investment for an associate degree, make sure to research the earning potential for your chosen career path. Whether you’re interested in a high-paying career or one with a lower earning potential, choosing an affordable associate degree is a good idea. A cheaper degree can mean lower student loan payments or no debt at all after graduation.

There are more than 1,000 community colleges in the U.S., according to the American Association of Community Colleges – and that’s only counting public two-year colleges. How can you find the best school to earn your degree?

Factors like cost, degree type, and program requirements can help you narrow your choices. It’s also a good idea for online learners to research support services. And regardless of your major, you should always choose an accredited college.

Cost is the top concern for many college students. So how much should you expect to spend on an associate degree?

In general, public community colleges offer the most affordable online associate degree programs. Private colleges, including technical and vocational schools, typically charge higher tuition rates. Your cheapest bet is likely a community college in your state, thanks to in-state tuition discounts.

Public two-year colleges cost an average of $3,500 per year in tuition and fees, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. For a two-year degree, that adds up to $7,000. But costs vary widely depending on the state.

The most affordable states include California, New Mexico, and Arizona. In California, in-state tuition averages $1,285. New Mexico costs around $1,770, while Arizona community colleges charge $2,160. Other affordable states include North Carolina, at around $2,470; Florida, at $2,500, and Texas, at $2,830.

What about the most expensive states? Community colleges in South Dakota top the list at an average annual cost of $7,330. New Hampshire charges around $7,120 per year, while Vermont costs $6,920. Residents of these states might find lower tuition rates at out-of-state colleges.

You can earn an associate of arts (AA), associate of science (AS), associate of applied science (AAS), or one of the other several kinds of two-year associate degrees. When evaluating affordable two-year colleges, make sure to look into the type of degree. Some programs prepare graduates for specific career paths directly after graduation. These career-focused programs are often in allied health, the trades, and other vocational areas.

The most common vocation-focused associate degree is an AAS, or associate of applied science degree.

Other programs offer transfer degrees. These majors transfer into four-year bachelor’s programs. The coursework during a transfer degree will include general education classes that meet the requirements for a bachelor’s degree. You’ll likely take humanities, social science, communication, math, and natural science classes as part of your degree.

Most transfer degrees are either an AA or AS. However, credits from an AAS degree may also transfer into a four-year institution. If you’re planning to transfer and earn a bachelor’s degree, make sure you choose a transfer-focused program.

Every college sets different program requirements to earn an associate degree. In general, you’ll need a minimum of 60 credits to graduate. However, some majors may require more credits. That can affect the total cost and length of the program, so make sure to check the credit requirements.

Colleges also offer different enrollment options, including hybrid, fully online, and on-campus programs. It’s a good idea to ask about part-time enrollment options if you’ve got work or personal responsibilities outside of college.

Depending on your major, there might also be hands-on requirements. Distance learners may complete simulations, internships, practicums, or other forms of experiential learning. Contact online programs to learn about any in-person requirements to graduate.

The best online associate programs offer support services for distance learners. That can include access to library services, academic advising, and online tutoring. You might also complete an online student orientation or participate in mentorship programs.

Support services can make a big difference in your college experience. The ability to join student organizations, participate in school events, and receive support from your school can help you reach your educational goals.

When researching your options, ask about writing centers, career centers, and counseling services. Some colleges make these services available to distance learners.

You should always choose an accredited school to earn your associate degree. The best two-year colleges hold regional accreditation. These schools meet high standards for academic quality. That’s why we only included regionally accredited colleges in our list of affordable online associate degrees.

You should also check whether the college is public or private. In general, public colleges charge the cheapest tuition rates. If you choose a private trade school or vocational college, make sure to research its accreditation status.

Yes, an associate degree is a respected college degree. Two-year associate programs provide career-focused training and prepare graduates for bachelor’s degrees. When researching schools for your associate degree, make sure to choose an accredited institution. Accredited degrees meet high academic standards, and students qualify for federal financial aid.

The cheapest place to earn an associate degree is likely at a community college in your state. On average, community colleges cost $3,500 per year in tuition and fees for in-state learners, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. If you want to earn an affordable associate degree online, check tuition rates for community colleges in your state. You may also qualify for tuition discounts at out-of-state schools.

Earning an associate degree online in business, education, the liberal arts, or STEM is the easiest because these programs can seamlessly shift into an online format. Earning an allied health or vocational degree online can also be easy, but it typically requires some in-person requirements.