Best Accredited Online Associate Degrees 2025
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Want more job opportunities, a higher salary, and a lower likelihood of unemployment? Earning a college degree is one of the best ways to improve your career prospects.
With an associate degree, you’ll earn an average of $159 more per week than a high school graduate. Plus, your chances of unemployment drop by a third, according to an April 2024 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
You can get those benefits in a way that suits your schedule when you earn your associate degree online. Want to know more? Keep reading to learn about the best online associate degrees.
Popular Online Associate Degrees
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top 10 Accredited Schools for Online Associate Degrees
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,487
- Out-of-state$8,777
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate46%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled89,705
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment31%
- AccreditationYes
Northern Virginia Community College
- Annandale, VA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,051
- Out-of-state$10,790
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled51,896
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
Houston Community College
- Houston, TX
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,904
- Out-of-state$3,624
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled48,159
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
Tidewater Community College
- Norfolk, VA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,680
- Out-of-state$9,978
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled16,195
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment71%
- AccreditationYes
Fayetteville Technical Community College
- Fayetteville, NC
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,432
- Out-of-state$8,576
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled10,233
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment94%
- AccreditationYes
Gaston College
- Dallas, NC
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,432
- Out-of-state$8,576
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled5,558
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment94%
- AccreditationYes
Central Georgia Technical College
- Warner Robins, GA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,400
- Out-of-state$4,800
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled9,683
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment45%
- AccreditationYes
Washtenaw Community College
- Ann Arbor, MI
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,056
- Out-of-state$5,736
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled10,622
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment71%
- AccreditationYes
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
- Lexington, KY
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,368
- Out-of-state$15,288
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled10,318
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
Cuyahoga Community College District
- Cleveland, OH
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,230
- Out-of-state$6,521
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate39%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled15,764
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
Types of Associate Degrees
Your future career or bachelor’s program depends on what kind of associate degree you choose. Keep in mind that each degree features different graduation requirements.
Popular Associate Degree Majors
Popular online associate degrees include healthcare, business, and criminal justice. Work with your school’s advisors to learn how a degree can jumpstart your career.
1. Nursing
An associate degree in nursing can prepare you for a career as a registered nurse. These programs combine coursework in anatomy and physiology with supervised clinical hours. BLS data from 2023 reveals that registered nurses earn a median annual salary of $86,070.
2. Business Administration
The best associate degrees in business administration may require coursework in finance and marketing. Careers for recent graduates include salesperson, IT support specialist, and administrative assistant. As of May 2023, secretaries and administrative assistants earn a median annual wage of $46,010.
3. Criminal Justice
An online associate degree in criminal justice requires an in-depth study of criminal procedures and investigations. You can apply your education to a career in policing or corrections. According to the BLS, police and sheriff’s patrol officers earn a median salary of $72,280.
4. Education
An associate degree in education requires selecting a concentration, such as early childhood or special education. You can become a teacher assistant or preschool teacher with an associate degree. Preschool teachers take home a median annual wage of $37,130.
5. Fire Science
An online associate degree in fire science can prepare you for a career as a firefighter, a job offering a median salary of $57,120. Typical fire science programs emphasize coursework in fire protection equipment and fire protection organization.
Why Should You Get an Online Associate Degree?
Prepare for entry-level jobs and professional certifications.- Earn a higher wage than you would with just a high school diploma.
- Save money on tuition compared to campus-based programs.
- Complete schoolwork anytime and anywhere with asynchronous classes.
- Meet the general education requirements for a bachelor’s degree.
How to Choose the Best Online Associate Degree for You
Trying to choose an associate program? Here are some practical tips to help you find the right program and school for your needs.
Step 1: Define your goals.
Are you ultimately hoping to earn a bachelor’s degree? Choose a two-year school with a strong transfer record. Are you interested in allied health or technical programs? Find a school with a high job placement rate.
Once you know your goals and what field you are interested in, you can narrow down your school and program options.
Step 2: Determine your budget.
Many students rank cost as their top concern. But, there’s good news: Public community colleges are the most affordable way to earn a college degree. Plus, an online learning format can save you even more money!
After looking at your budget, consider financial aid options like scholarships and loans. Make sure to factor in any fees or technology costs, and find a school that matches your budget.
Step 3: Compare online associate programs.
Once you’ve considered your goals, interests, and budget, it’s time to compare programs. Look at delivery options — do you want a fully online program, or would you prefer a hybrid option? Do you want asynchronous classes with no set meeting times, or do you prefer live class sessions?
You can also research course offerings, graduation rates, and placement records. Consider online student services. Does the school offer tutoring, advising, and career services online? These factors will shape your experience as a student.
Step 4: Confirm accreditation.
Before applying to an online college, check the school’s accreditation status. An unaccredited school or diploma mill can cost you, so take the time to do your research.
Independent accrediting agencies evaluate colleges based on their student learning outcomes, faculty qualifications, and academic missions. That means a degree from an accredited school is worth more than a degree from an unaccredited school. Plus, you must attend an accredited school in order to be eligible for federal financial aid.
If you are pursuing a field that requires licensure or certification, then programmatic accreditation may be another important factor to check for. Prospective registered nurses, for instance, typically need their associate degrees to be accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing to qualify for licensure.
Step 5: Talk to current students, faculty, and alumni.
Still curious about the program? Connect with current students, recent graduates, and faculty members to learn more about it. Ask students about their experiences with the school, coursework, and online student services.
Use these conversations to make connections that will help you once you enroll in your associate program.
Associate Degree vs. Bachelor’s Degree
What’s the difference between an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree? While graduates with a bachelor’s degree report a higher annual salary, an associate degree costs significantly less — and takes less time to complete.
If you are enrolled full time, you can typically earn an associate degree in two years and a bachelor’s degree in four years. For online associate programs, the total tuition averages around $9,000 after two years, whereas online bachelor’s programs average over $55,000 after four years.
| Points to Consider | Associate Degree | Bachelor’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| Average Annual Tuition and Fees (Full-Time, Online) | $4,443 | $14,057 |
| Program Length (Full-Time) | 2 years | 4 years |
| Required Credits | 60 credits | 120 credits |
| Median Annual Earnings for Graduates | $55,016 | $77,636 |
| Degrees Available |
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Transferring From an Associate Program to a Bachelor’s Program
Most community college students ultimately want to complete a bachelor’s degree. And earning an associate degree from an accredited college is a great first step.
That’s because you can apply credits earned during your associate degree toward a bachelor’s degree. Many colleges have transfer agreements in which an associate degree meets the general education requirements for bachelor’s programs.
How does that help students? By paying a lower tuition rate for the first two years, you can save a ton of money on your bachelor’s degree.
Should you graduate from an associate program before transferring, or can you transfer at any time? If you attend an accredited college, you can transfer before or after completing your program. Make sure to check with four-year universities about their transfer credit policies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Associate Degree Programs
Yes, an associate degree can be worth it if you know what you want to do with the degree. It can qualify you for many entry-level positions aligning with your major. You can also use the degree to later pursue a bachelor’s degree completion program.
