An online associate degree is an effective way for students to differentiate themselves from others in the market. It is also a great way to get a college education on a budget. You can earn your associate degree through a two-year college or vocational school.
Featured Programs
In the past, classes were held primarily on campus. But now, online courses are increasingly popular. As a result, students can opt for many fully online degree programs. They can also pursue hybrid programs that combine online study and in-person learning.
What Is an Associate Degree?
A two-year undergraduate degree is referred to as an associate degree. Although it can take up to two years to complete, an associate’s degree can be valuable to an individual looking for a career in a specific field. Plus, with today’s online associate degree programs, you might even earn your degree faster.
There are many reasons to pursue an accredited online associate’s degree. Whether you’re already working or looking for a new career path, an associate’s degree will help you get there.
These programs emphasize basic academic knowledge and skills in a particular field. They may qualify you for entry-level positions in a field you are interested in. Additionally, they can help you advance your professional skills, travel, or further your education.
The coursework can vary from one program to another. Most online associate’s degree programs entail about 60 credit hours of coursework. However, you might want to look for the cheapest associates degree online.
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Can an Associate Degree Lead to a Bachelor’s Degree?
Once completed, an online associate degree program is equivalent to a certificate or diploma. So, it’s essentially an entry-level degree. An associate’s degree is a transfer degree that prepares students for a bachelor’s degree program at a four-year college or a university.
Students who complete an online associate’s degree for transfer are admitted to campus with junior standing. Admission to specific colleges is not guaranteed. However, students who earn an affordable associates degree online often receive priority admission consideration.
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How Much Does an Associate Degree Cost?
Typically, an associate’s degree is less expensive than a bachelor’s degree program. Associate degree tuition can often be lower, too. This is especially true when the program is completed through a community college. The shorter class periods of an associate degree program also reduce tuition costs.
An associate’s degree is an excellent choice for students who want to earn an inexpensive college diploma. It allows students to get an education with minimal student debt. This way, they can put their earnings toward other financial goals.
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About Associates Degrees Online
Thanks to today’s technology and the shift to distance learning, many schools now offer online degree programs. These programs are an excellent choice for your education.
A degree earned online is as respected by employers as the one you earn on a physical campus. Online degree programs can increase personal satisfaction while also providing financial benefits. Moreover, students can complete the coursework in less time with specific programs.
Pursuing a degree online also gives you the flexibility to complete your studies at any time of the day. For example, you can study during lunchtime or adjust your learning strategy to fit your working hours.
Some activities may require you to attend class at certain times. But most of the work to get an associates degree online is usually self-guided. This lets you complete your online classes at your own pace. In addition, getting your degree online gives you the freedom to pursue your career without sacrificing your family life.
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Accredited Online Associate Degree Programs
You will notice that we verify every school we rank is accredited. Why? Accredited colleges meet rigorous standards for quality. They must meet the criteria of the U.S. Department of Education to maintain that accreditation status.
Online accredited associate degree programs are the only way to go. Accreditation ensures that the college meets specific academic benchmarks. These are important for transferring credits and qualifying students for federal financial aid. Additionally, accreditation assures that the school has demonstrated positive outcomes for students.
Additionally, many employers require that candidates hold degrees from accredited institutions. As you can see, accreditation is vital when choosing your college or university. Always look for associates degree online accredited programs.
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Cheapest Online Associate’s Degree Programs Methodology
We want to help students find the cheapest online associate programs available. And we wanted to make it simple. So, we have created a list of the top schools offering associate programs for those who wish to earn a fast degree online.
These programs are ranked based on the cost of tuition and length of the program. They are ordered from highest to lowest scores. In addition to accreditation, each school’s nonprofit status has been verified.
Note that the tuition rates listed below are based on costs for in-state students. Out-of-state and online students may have varying costs. Plus, individual programs may have additional fees.
MOST AFFORDABLE ONLINE ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE PROGRAMS
| School | Tuition | Score |
| TAFT COLLEGE | $1,108 | 100 |
| FOOTHILL COLLEGE | $1,565 | 97.5 |
| SOUTHEASTERN TECHNICAL COLLEGE | $2,127 | 95 |
| SANTA FE COLLEGE | $2,563 | 92.5 |
| WAKE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE | $2,768 | 90 |
| CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE | $2,850 | 87.5 |
| ARIZONA WESTERN COLLEGE | $2,900 | 85 |
| TYLER JUNIOR COLLEGE | $2,962 | 82.5 |
| WESTERN TEXAS COLLEGE | $2,970 | 80 |
| ALLEN COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE | $3,080 | 77.5 |
| KANSAS CITY KANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE | $3,120 | 75 |
| MISSISSIPPI DELTA COMMUNITY COLLEGE | $3,140 | 72.5 |
| COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN IDAHO | $3,360 | 70 |
| NORTHWEST MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE | $3,430 | 67.5 |
| TULSA COMMUNITY COLLEGE | $3,445 | 65 |
| HOLMES COMMUNITY COLLEGE | $3,510 | 62.5 |
| BARTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE | $3,552 | 60 |
| GREAT BASIN COLLEGE | $3,593 | 57.5 |
| WESTERN WYOMING COMMUNITY COLLEGE | $3,600 | 55 |
| NORTHCENTRAL TECHNICAL COLLEGE | $3,723 | 52.5 |
| EAST MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE | $3,740 | 50 |
| MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE | $3,950 | 47.5 |
| JOLIET JUNIOR COLLEGE | $4,440 | 45 |
| WEST KENTUCKY COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE | $4,488 | 42.5 |
| THREE RIVERS COMMUNITY COLLEGE | $4,596 | 40 |
| LARAMIE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE | $4,613 | 37.5 |
| ROSE STATE COLLEGE | $4,754 | 35 |
| CINCINNATI STATE TECHNICAL AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE | $5,040 | 32.5 |
| MINNESOTA WEST COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE | $6,286 | 30 |
| LAKE AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGE | $6,718 | 27.5 |
Top 30 Cheapest Online Associate Degree Programs
#1 TAFT COLLEGE
Taft, California
Taft College is a public institution founded in 1922. It is located in Taft, California, and is a member of the California Community Colleges system. The college offers both associate degrees and certificates. The current enrollment is 6155 students.
Taft offers the cheapest online associate degrees on our list. These programs allow students easy transfer to other California state universities. The school has a wide range of programs to suit different needs. Upon completion, students will be ready for the workforce or to continue their education.
Taft College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.
- Tuition: $1,108
- Score: 100
#2 FOOTHILL COLLEGE
Los Altos Hills, CA
Located in Los Altos, California, you’ll find Foothill College. This public community college was founded in 1957 and has a student population of over 14,000. The school offers 79 associate’s degree programs. Plus, there are 107 certificate programs and a bachelor’s degree program. Foothill has some of the cheapest online associate degree programs in the country.
Accreditation comes from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC)
Foothill offers over 20 online associate’s degree programs. While most of them are fully asynchronous online programs, some are hybrid. Be sure to check which program is best for you. Some of the affordable online associate degrees available include:
- Economics
- Communication Studies
- Philosophy
- Business Administration
Most of these degrees are transferable to other colleges and universities.
- Tuition: $1,565
- Score: 97.5
#3 SOUTHEASTERN TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Vidalia, Georgia
Southeastern Technical College is a public community college established in 2009. Located in Vidalia, Georgia, the school is part of the Technical College System of Georgia. The current enrollment is 1,792 students. STC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Seven online associate degree programs are offered by Southeastern Technical College. They are some of the cheapest online associate degree programs in Georgia. While the programs are online, they are not asynchronous. Students have specific deadlines and time frames to complete tests. This means that the programs are not fully-self paced. A few of these programs include:
- Accounting
- Criminal Justice
- Technology
- Business Administration
- Tuition: $2,127
- Score: 95.0
#4 SANTA FE COLLEGE
Gainesville, Florida
Santa Fe College is a public college established in 1965. Located in Gainesville, Florida, it’s part of the Florida college system. Student enrollment is typically over 12,000. The school offers some of the cheapest associates degrees online. They also have some of the cheapest online business degree programs.
There are many online classes available at Santa Fe College. Students can complete their programs without ever stepping foot on campus. You can take Online Business, I.T., Computer Science, Humanities, and Health Science courses. Students can earn Associate of Arts, Associate of Applied Science, and Associate of Science degrees.
Santa Fe College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- Tuition: $2,563
- Score: 92.5
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#5 WAKE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Raleigh, North Carolina
Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, is Wake Technical Community College. This two-year public community college opened in 1963. It is the largest community college in North Carolina, with over 27,000 students. Wake is a member of the North Carolina Community College System. It is also one of the cheapest online schools on our list.
Wake Technical Community College offers over 130 online programs. Students can choose from a wide variety of subjects. Online associate degree programs are available in areas such as Health Sciences, Liberal Arts, Math, and more. The fully online programs can be completed at the student’s pace, making for a more convenient education.
Wake is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commissions on Colleges.
- Tuition: $2,768
- Score: 90
#6 CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE
Killeen, Texas
Central Texas College is a two-year community college located in Killeen, Texas. The school opened in 1967 and has a current enrollment of 10,173. The school offers numerous associate degrees and 40 certificate programs. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Online Associates programs at Central Texas College are asynchronous and self-paced. Students can choose from an array of subject fields. Some of these include Applied Technology, Social Work, and Medical Coding. A design-your-own Interdisciplinary Studies major is also available. Credits can be transferred to a four-year baccalaureate program. In fact, all of CTC’s online associate degree programs are transferable to other colleges and universities.
- Tuition: $2,850
- Score: 87.5
#7 ARIZONA WESTERN COLLEGE
Yuma, Arizona
Arizona Western College is a public community college. Founded in 1962. The College offers over 100 associate degrees and certificates. This is a medium-sized community college of nearly 6500 students. AWU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Arizona Western College has a robust online education platform. It offers over 100 different courses of study for associate degree programs. These programs allow easy transfer to Arizona’s public universities.
- Tuition: $2,900
- Score: 85
#8 TYLER JUNIOR COLLEGE
Tyler, Texas
Located in Tyler, Texas, is Tyler Junior College. Tyler is a public community college and is one of the largest community colleges in Texas. Currently, there are over 12,500 students enrolled. The College offers associate degree programs and certificate programs. It also offers two bachelor’s degrees.
Tyler Junior College offers ten online associate degrees. In addition to the 2-year degrees online, the school offers five hybrid associate degree programs. For these degrees, students will have mostly online classes with some on-campus courses to complete.
TJC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- Tuition: $2,962
- Score: 82.5
#9 WESTERN TEXAS COLLEGE
Snyder, Texas
Established in 1969, Western Texas College is a public community college in Snyder, Texas. The school’s current enrollment is 2,300 students. Western Texas College offers associate degrees only.
Western Texas College offers some of the cheapest online associate degrees on the list. Programs include Arts, Applied Science, Teaching, and more. In addition, a variety of non-credit online classes are also provided through the ed2go platform. While many programs are offered remotely, some require students to be on campus. Therefore, you’ll want to double-check your desired program to see if it is available online.
WTC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools commissions on colleges.
- Tuition: $2,970
- Score: 80
#10 ALLEN COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Iola, Kansas
Allen Community College is a public community college established in 1923. It has two campuses. The primary location is in Iola, and the other is in Burlingame. The school offers a variety of associate degree programs.
Students will find over 40 affordable online associate degrees at Allen County Community College. This school makes our list by offering students cheaper tuition rates. In addition, the general education track allows easy transfer of credits over to a university.
ACC Is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
- Tuition: $3,080
- Score: 77.5
#11 KANSAS CITY KANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Kansas City, Kansas
Kansas City Kansas Community College is a public College located in Kansas City, Kansas. It was founded in 1923 and adopted its current name in 1965. The current enrollment is 5,148 students. This two-year college offers a variety of associate degrees and certificates.
Kansas City Kansas Community College is one of the cheapest schools for online associate degrees. There are nine in all. That includes accounting, marketing, business administration, and others. Once completed, these programs can transfer to many other programs.
KCKCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $3,120
- Score: 75
#12 MISSISSIPPI DELTA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Moorhead, Mississippi
Located in Moorhead, Mississippi, is Mississippi Delta Community College. It is a public community college founded in 1927. The current enrollment is 3,491 students. This school offers associate degrees exclusively.
Mississippi Delta Community College offers some of the cheapest online associate degrees. It is a member of the Mississippi Virtual Community College program. This school partners with fifteen other community colleges. The schools pool their resources to offer more online education programs. All of the associate programs are designed to be transferable.
MDCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- Tuition: $3,140
- Score: 72.5
#13 COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN IDAHO
Twin Falls, Idaho
College of Southern Idaho is a public community college founded in 1963. It is located in Twin Falls, Idaho, and currently enrolls 7000 students. The College offers over 115 associate degrees and technical certificates. College of Southern Idaho is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Some of the cheapest online associate degrees available are at the College of Southern Idaho. Currently, a total of eighteen different online associate degrees are offered. These programs are designed to allow easy transfer of credits into other schools. Online students can take courses in health sciences, business administration, liberal arts, and more.
- Tuition: $3,360
- Score: 70
#14 NORTHWEST MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Senatobia, Mississippi
Based in Senatobia, Mississippi, Northwest Mississippi Community College is a two-year community college. It was founded in 1928 and currently enrolls over 7,100 students. The school offers 15 associate degrees and nine certificate programs.
At Northwest Mississippi Community College, students can access the cheapest online associate degrees. That’s not all, though. The school is backed by fifteen other community colleges, so there is plenty of variety. In addition, NMCC is a member of the Mississippi Virtual Community College program.
NMCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- Tuition: $3,430
- Score: 67.5
#15 TULSA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Tulsa, Oklahoma
The largest community college in Oklahoma state is Tulsa Community College. It is located in Tulsa and was founded in 1970. This public community college with an enrollment of around 23,000 students. The school offers associate degrees and certificates.
Tulsa Community College offers seventeen of the cheapest online associate degree programs. These programs are great options for students to control their higher education costs. In addition, after completing these programs, online students can transfer credits to another college.
Tulsa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $3,445
- Score: 65
#16 HOLMES COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Goodman, Mississippi
Holmes Community College is a public community college established in 1911. Its headquarters are in Goodman, Mississippi, but there are also campuses in Granada, Ridgeland, and Goodman. 5,409 students are currently enrolled at the school. HCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Holmes Community College offers some of the cheapest online associate degrees. These online programs are with the support of fifteen other colleges. The partnership is called the Mississippi Virtual Community College program. It allows students to benefit from the pooled resources of all 15 schools. In addition, many of the programs offered are transferable to other state schools.
HCC also offers students access to a network of live-streamed meetings and seminars.
- Tuition: $3,510
- Score: 62.5
#17 BARTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Great Bend, Kansas
Located in Great Bend, Kansas is Barton County Community College. This comprehensive community college was founded in 1965. The current enrollment is 4,094 students. Barton County Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Barton County Community College offers various cheap online associate degrees. It does so through its BART online virtual campus. Barton line is one of the older, more established virtual campuses. Courses at BCC are offered in six-week, eight-week, and sixteen-week formats. These course length options allow students to create a program that best fits their needs.
- Tuition: $3,552
- Score: 60
#18 GREAT BASIN COLLEGE
Elko, Nevada
Great Basin College is a public college that was opened in 1967. It is a part of the Nevada higher education system and enrolls over 3700 students. The school offers certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees. Great Basin College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on colleges and universities.
There is a wide array of the cheapest online programs available at Great Basin College. Students can choose from several programs. A few of these include:
- Land Surveying
- Graphic Communication
- Human Services
- Early Childhood Education
- Business Administration
In addition, the GBC Online platform allows you to earn an affordable associate degree entirely online.
- Tuition: $3,593
- Score: 57.5
#19 WESTERN WYOMING COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Rock Springs, Wyoming
Western Wyoming Community College is located in Rock Springs, Wyoming. It is a public community college that was established in 1959. There are currently 2,776 students enrolled at WWCC. The school has a partnership with the University of Wyoming. This allows other associate’s degrees and certificates.
Western Wyoming Community College offers some of the cheapest online associate degrees. Currently, WWCC has a total of 23 programs online. Tools like virtual advising, online tutoring, and 24-hour tech support are just some of the perks WWCC students enjoy.
WYCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $3,600
- Score: 55
#20 NORTHCENTRAL TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Wausau, Wisconsin
Located in Wausau, Wisconsin is Northcentral Technical College. It is a public community college member of the Wisconsin technical college system. 5,939 students are currently enrolled at NTC. The school offers associate degrees and certificates only. Northcentral Technical College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Northcentral Technical College Offers many of the cheapest online associate degrees through its platform: “Virtual College.” Students can earn associate degrees in unique areas such as:
- Digital Marketing
- Small Business Entrepreneurship
- Leadership Development
In addition, the virtual College at NTCC allows you to start work and complete programs at your own pace.
- Tuition: $3,723
- Score: 52.5
#21 EAST MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Scooba, Mississippi
East Mississippi Community College is a public community college founded in 1927. It is located in Scooba, Mississippi. The current enrollment is 3,392 students. The College offers various cheap associates degree programs online and in person. There is also a campus in Mayhew. EMCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
EMCC offers some of the most affordable online associate degree programs. The school is a member of the Mississippi Virtual Community College program. This links East Mississippi Community College to fifteen other institutions across the state. A variety of career-technical programs are available. Degrees in early childhood education, business administration, and more are available online. Tuition is under $4,000 per academic year, So EMCC has some of the cheapest online degree programs on our list.
- Tuition: $3,740
- Score: 50
#22 MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Perkinston, Mississippi
Based in Perkinston, Mississippi is Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. There are additional campuses in Gautier and in Gulfport. It is a public community college that was founded in 1912. Enrollment is currently at 8,677 students. The school offers associate degrees and certificates across various disciplines. MGCCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College offers very affordable online programs. Students can even earn a high school diploma and an associate degree online simultaneously. MGCCC is part of the Mississippi Virtual Community College program. This partnership offers over 350 different courses online. Plus, MGCCC has some of the most comprehensive resources for students. That makes this school a great choice for those looking for the easiest associates degree programs. Ten fully online associate degree programs are also available. If you need a cheap online associate’s degree, check out this school.
- Tuition: $3,950
- Score: 47.5
#23 JOLIET JUNIOR COLLEGE
Joliet, Illinois
Joliet Junior College was the first public community college in the United States. Founded in 1909, The school has a student body of over 10,000. Joliet offers associate degree programs and certificates online and on-campus. Joliet Junior College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Joliet Junior College uses the Canvas platform to administer its online classes. While most associate degrees are entirely online, some are hybrid. Be sure to check which format is available for your program of interest. Students can select from various studies for an associate degree at Joliet. Some of them include Computer Programming, Customer Service, and Global Supply Chain Management.
- Tuition: $4,440
- Score: 45
#24 WEST KENTUCKY COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Paducah, Kentucky
West Kentucky Community and Technical College is a public community college founded in 1932. It is located in Paducah and is a Kentucky Community and Technical College System member. The current student enrollment is 4,893. The College offers associate degrees and technical certificates. For the cheapest associate degree online, check out WKCT.
The school offers a wide selection of online associate programs. The school is part of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. The partnership enables students from across the nation access to the school’s programs. The College has been offering online learning for over twenty years.
WKCTC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- Tuition: $4,488
- Score: 42.5
#25 THREE RIVERS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Poplar Bluff, Missouri
Three Rivers Community College is a public community college founded in 1966. The school offers an impressive amount of associate degree programs online. TRCC is accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education. Three rivers has some of the most affordable online associate degrees on our list.
Three Rivers Community College offers more than 100 online programs. Many of the school’s associate degree programs are offered in a hybrid format. And over 80 percent of the courses can be completed online. Students can easily transfer credits from these programs over to other schools.
- Tuition: $4,596
- Score: 40
#26 LARAMIE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Cheyenne, Wyoming
Laramie County Community College is a public community college based in Cheyenne, Wyoming. There is an additional campus in Laramie. Current enrollment is at 3,838 students. The school offers almost 80 associate degrees and 30 certificates. LCCC is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Laramie County Community College offers many affordable associate degree programs. It is part of a state reciprocity system that gives more students access to the school’s programs. LCCC offers nine online associate degree programs, including business and criminal justice. There are also programs in computer information systems, education, and more.
- Tuition: $4,613
- Score: 37.5
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#27 ROSE STATE COLLEGE
Midwest City, Oklahoma
Rose State College is in Midwest City, Oklahoma. This public community college opened in 1970. Rose state has a regular enrollment of 8000 students. The school offers associate degrees and certificates only.
Students at Rose State College can select from more than sixty programs. Eight of these are available entirely online. These programs award credits that are easily transferable to other schools. Online classes at Rose State College are offered using the Canvas learning management system.
RSC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- Tuition: $4,754
- Score: 35
#28 CINCINNATI STATE TECHNICAL AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College is a public technical community college. It was chartered in 1969. It is located in Cincinnati and has a student population of over 8000. The school offers more than 75 associate degree programs and 40 certificate programs. SCTCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College offers many cheap online associate degrees. There are thirteen fully online associate degrees. These programs include degrees in computer programming, hospitality management, accounting, and more. In addition, CSTCC programs allow easy transfer into nearby universities and colleges. This is an excellent option for students who want to save money on their education.
- Tuition: $5,040
- Score: 32.5
#29 MINNESOTA WEST COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Granite Falls, Minnesota
Minnesota West Community and Technical College is a public community technical college. It is located in Granite Falls, Minnesota. There are additional campuses in Canby, Jackson, Pipestone, and Worthington. Current enrollment is at 3,253 students. The school offers associate degrees and certificates across more than 90 disciplines. MWCTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
More than 40 associate degree and certificate programs are offered entirely online at the school. These programs are administered with the same excellent caliber as traditional learning formats. A few of these associate degrees include:
- Accounting
- Diesel Mechanics
- Early Childhood Education
The school also offers a free online course—Introduction to Online Learning—for all prospective students. We rank MWCTC as one of the top online colleges for associates degree programs.
- Tuition: $6,286
- Score: 30
#30 LAKE AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Watertown, South Dakota
Lake Area Technical College is a public community college in Watertown, South Dakota. It was founded in 1965 and was the state’s first technical school. 2,217 students are currently enrolled at LATC. The college offers 30 programs of study for associate degrees and technical certificates. If you’re considering an IT associates degree online, LATC might be a great option.
Lake Area Technical College offers 15 online associate programs through its “eDegree” program. The online associate degrees offered are hybrid formatted. While most of the courses are administered online, some in-person attendance is required. Some of the programs include Nursing, Robotics, and Computer Information Systems.
Lake Area Technical College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
- Tuition: $6,718
- Score: 27.5
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What Can You Do With an Associates Degree?
The job market for associate degree holders is vast and exciting. After getting your online associate degree, you can pursue roles in virtually any field. Here are just five examples of the exciting careers you can get with a two-year associate degree.
Air Traffic Controller
An air traffic controller is one of the highest-paid occupations you can get with an associate degree. An air traffic controller helps move aircraft from one place to another. They must ensure safe distances between planes. They are responsible for monitoring takeoffs and landings and avoiding collisions. Aircraft controllers need to be calm and collected, and their roles can often be stressful.
To pursue this career, you must complete an undergraduate program in aviation or a related field. Most applicants can begin with an associate degree program. Many continue their educations with a bachelor’s degree. Much of the training comes from being on the job. Upon successfully completing an air traffic controller program, you can apply for a position at a control tower or facility.
Air traffic controllers typically make between $50,000 and $161,000 a year.
Office Manager
Office managers are responsible for the administrative activities of an office. They keep things organized and running smoothly. An office manager’s duties will vary depending on the size of the business. However, they usually entail tasks such as:
- Overseeing administrative assistants and other employees
- Managing data and office operations
- Dealing with correspondence
- Organizing meetings
- Preparing reports
- Setting up travel plans
Many schools offer office management certificate programs and associate degrees. These programs usually take a year or two to complete. Many will earn you credits that transfer to four-year bachelor’s degree programs.
An office manager’s salary can range from $35,000 to $71,000 a year.
Funeral Director
Funeral directors arrange services for the families of people who have passed away. This job involves lots of compassion, empathy, and solid business training. Funeral directors may:
- Arrange services, wakes, cremation, and burials
- Oversee preparation of the deceased before the funeral
- Transport the deceased
- Ensure that flowers, headstones, caskets, and other necessities are taken care of
- Oversee the funeral home budget
These are just a few of the tasks of a funeral director. Training typically involves an associate degree, but many funeral directors also hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Business Management.
The average annual salary of a funeral director is between $35,000 and $73,000.
Deputy Fire Chief
The Deputy Fire Chief performs various administrative duties. These include responding to emergencies and conducting fire investigations. In some instances, they also serve as incident commanders. This means that they must supervise the response of multiple fire companies.
Deputy Fire Chiefs may also oversee training, health, and safety programs. In addition, they often supervise the work of career and volunteer firefighters. They may function as a backup for the Fire Chief when they are away. They also review work and evaluate the success of various departments and programs.
Salaries for deputy fire chiefs range from $46,000 to $124,000 a year.
Paralegal
Paralegals (also called legal assistants) handle some of the more mundane tasks for attorneys. However, this job is far from boring. Paralegals assist lawyers by providing clerical services such as:
- Preparing and reviewing documents
- Researching and fact-checking
- Helping with investigations
- Interviewing witnesses and clients
- Preparing for trial
The job outlook in this career is bright. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, projected job growth in the field is 12 percent through 2030. This means the occupation is growing faster than average.
Paralegals make between $35,000 and $73,000 a year.
THIS CONCLUDES OUR RANKING OF THE CHEAPEST ONLINE COLLEGE ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE PROGRAMS.
NCPO Staff, 2023
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