Best Online Associate Degrees in Montana 2024
Find the best online associate degrees in Montana ranked by the academic success of faculty and alumni associated with the colleges and universities and their online degree programs.
Top Online Associate Degree Programs in Montana
- University of Montana
- Montana State University Billings
- University of Providence
- Montana State University–Northern
- Miles Community College
- Dawson Community College
- Great Falls College Montana State University
- University of Montana
- Montana State University Billings
- University of Providence
- Great Falls College Montana State University
- Miles Community College
- Dawson Community College
- Montana State University–Northern
- University of Montana 17 to 1
- Montana State University Billings 15 to 1
- Great Falls College Montana State University 14 to 1
- Montana State University–Northern 14 to 1
- Dawson Community College 13 to 1
- Miles Community College 12 to 1
- University of Providence 7 to 1
- University of Providence $27,606
- University of Montana $5,515
- Montana State University Billings $4,620
- Miles Community College $4,530
- Montana State University–Northern $4,496
- Dawson Community College $4,230
- Great Falls College Montana State University $2,834
- University of Providence $24,237
- Montana State University Billings $6,172
- Montana State University–Northern $5,742
- University of Montana $5,166
- Great Falls College Montana State University
- Dawson Community College
- Miles Community College
- Montana State University–Northern
- University of Providence
- Montana State University Billings
- University of Montana
- Montana State University–Northern
- Dawson Community College
- Miles Community College
- Great Falls College Montana State University
- University of Providence
- Montana State University Billings
- University of Montana
- University of Providence 7 to 1
- Miles Community College 12 to 1
- Dawson Community College 13 to 1
- Great Falls College Montana State University 14 to 1
- Montana State University–Northern 14 to 1
- Montana State University Billings 15 to 1
- University of Montana 17 to 1
- Great Falls College Montana State University $2,834
- Dawson Community College $4,230
- Montana State University–Northern $4,496
- Miles Community College $4,530
- Montana State University Billings $4,620
- University of Montana $5,515
- University of Providence $27,606
- University of Montana $5,166
- Montana State University–Northern $5,742
- Montana State University Billings $6,172
- University of Providence $24,237
Featured Programs
Colleges and Universities in Montana
Montana has 21 higher learning institutions, including 16 public universities and colleges. The largest is Montana State University (MSU) in Bozeman. With an affordable tuition of $7,000, MSU enrolls just over 16,000 students. Students can earn their degree in fields like forestry, wildlife biology, theatre, and creative writing. The state is also home to five private schools, three of which are religiously affiliated.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
Carroll College is a Roman Catholic liberal arts college with just over 1,000 students in attendance. The tuition runs about $35,000, the most expensive in the state, and it is located on a hilltop in Helena. Students can choose from 18 schools in Montana with tuitions of $7,000 or less, making Montana an affordable state to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. The state also offers loan repayment programs, including the Montana NHSC Student Loan Repayment Program, which grants up to $15,000 per year for two years for those in health-related fields.
Hiking through Glacier National Park, exploring the Northern Great Plains, and fishing from one of its many lakes and rivers are just some of the ways to enjoy the natural bounty that Montana has to offer. Visitors and locals can also drive Going-to-the-Sun-Road, a 52-mile highway that ventures through the National Park and crosses into Canada. No matter the outdoor hobby, prospective students are sure to love the scenic backdrop of The Treasure State as they earn their degree.
Check out the best programs Montana has to offer while enjoying the wide-open spaces of Big Sky Country.
What are Montana’s Colleges & Universities?
- 2 Research Universities
- 7 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 3 Graduate Schools
- 6 Public Colleges & Universities
- 3 Private Colleges & Universities
- 3 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 7 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 6 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 2 Community Colleges
- 7 Online Colleges
Montana’s Best Overall
What is an Associate Degree?
An associate degree is a two-year degree that can be earned at state community colleges, vocational schools, and most accredited colleges and universities.
What will I study with an associate degree?
The associate degree provides an introductory level college education. You will usually take an array of liberal arts or humanities courses along with introductory level courses in a specific subject area. Most associate degree programs are available to both on campus students and online students.
Why get an associate degree?
There are several good reasons to get an associate degree. An associate degree is an affordable and accessible way to get a college education while improving your earning potential. The associate degree is popular both among students looking for entry-level work in their field, and for those who are already working.
The online degree is particularly popular at the associate level because so many students must balance work responsibilities and studies. Online courses and complete online programs make it possible for students to earn associate credits and degrees without disrupting daily work responsibilities.
The associate is also a far more affordable and accessible alternative to earning a bachelor’s degree. The associate degree takes about half as long to earn as a bachelor’s degree. Associate students need 60 credits to graduate, versus the 120 credits needed for a bachelor’s degree. And many state community colleges offer low tuition rates.
Can I get a job with an associate degree?
You can get an entry-level job in your field with an associate degree. Many students will use the associate degree as a way to get relevant job training before entering the job market. In fact, many associates will pursue entry level work in their field while earning a bachelor’s degree through online education.
Should I get an associate degree before pursuing a bachelor’s degree?
You may want to get an associate degree first to save money, or improve your admission chances, before getting a bachelor’s degree. The associate degree is a popular stepping stone for students who will seek a bachelor’s degree. When you earn an associate degree from an accredited state community college, you can usually transfer your credits toward your bachelor’s degree program.
Can I get an online degree at the associate level?
You can definitely get an online degree at the associate level. A growing number of online colleges offer high-quality associate-level online courses and complete online programs. Online students will typically take the same courses and curricula as on campus students.
Are associate degrees from online colleges respected?
Online degrees at the associate level are respected as long as these online degrees come from accredited community colleges or two-year schools. Regional accreditation is important when it comes to online colleges. If you plan to go into a bachelor’s degree program at a regionally accredited school, you must earn your online degree from a regionally accredited associate degree program.
If you need more answers to frequently asked questions about online degrees, we can help.
Best Online Associate Degrees in Montana 2023
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Graduate Schools in Montana 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Montana 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Montana 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Colleges in Montana 2024
- #1 Best Research Universities in Montana 2024
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Montana 2024
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Montana 2024
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Montana
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Anthropology
- #3 Best Online Associate in Liberal Arts
- #6 Best Online Bachelor’s of Digital Media for 2024
- #7 15 Most Affordable Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
- #9 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
- #14 Top 20 Most Affordable Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked 2024
- #16 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #18 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #21 Best Online Master’s in Education
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
95%
Graduation
46%
Student body
12K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Montana
Cost of Degree: $7,719Expenses: $17,640Starting Salary: $43,300Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
AA/AS in General Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Montana 2024 #3 Best Small Colleges in Montana 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in Montana 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Montana 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
29%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Montana State University Billings
Cost of Degree: $6,198Expenses: $15,188Starting Salary: $38,700Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
AAS in Accounting Technology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AS in Human Resource Management
Concentrations
- General Applied
- College of Business
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AA/AS in General Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #10 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Montana 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Montana 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$28K
Acceptance
95%
Graduation
41%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
730/19
Career Outlook for degree at University of Providence
Cost of Degree: $27,606Expenses: $15,233Starting Salary: $38,600Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
Associate of Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AA in Addiction Counseling
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #6 Best Public Colleges in Montana 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Montana 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Montana 2024 #7 Best Small Colleges in Montana 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
29%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Montana State University–Northern
Cost of Degree: $5,955Expenses: $11,070Starting Salary: $40,400Cost Recoup Time: 5 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
AS in Business Technology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AA in General Education
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
51%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Miles Community College
Cost of Degree: $6,240Expenses: $10,800Starting Salary: $43,100Cost Recoup Time: 5 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
AAS in Accounting Technology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AS in Business
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AAS in Small Business Management
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AA/AS in General Studies
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
28%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Dawson Community College
Cost of Degree: $6,075Expenses: $13,090Starting Salary: $36,800Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
AAS in Business Management
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AAS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AAS in Early Childhood Education
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AA/AS in General Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AA in Chemical Dependency Counseling
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
36%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Great Falls College Montana State University
Cost of Degree: $3,532Starting Salary: $33,800Online Associate Degrees
AA/AS in General Studies
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AAS in Health Information Technology
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
If you would like to continue your education with a bachelor’s degree in Montana, there are a number of affordable colleges in the state.
There are also a number of top-ranked online MBA programs in Montana.
Montana is just one of many states offering excellent online associate’s degrees. To check out our rankings, look into the best online associate’s degrees in New Hampshire, Minnesota, Mississippi, and more!
Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions
If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require a time of adjustment. Although you’ll typically learn the same material and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, going online will require greater independence and responsibility than going in person. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, for harnessing the online educational technology that you’ll need to use, and for completing the course requirements, such as listening to lectures, learning lessons, reading texts, and handing in assignments. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take the initiative in building relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.
No. The only part of online education that’s easier than campus-based education is ease of access: all you need is a computer and an internet connection for online education. But even this seeming advantage of online education can be misleading: what’s easier, studying online with your computer and internet connection from your home where you need to cook, clean, pay rent, and maintain a job? Or studying on campus in a dorm where all your living needs are handled by the school, and college staff are there to help you every step of the way?
If you take the commute to campus out of the equation, campus-based education is easier. All the support structures available on campus for students, especially with real people to help you in person, are not there online. The demands on you as an online student will largely be the same as for your campus-based counterpart, but without the same helps.
In general, your online courses will present the same material and test you in the same way as traditional in-person courses. In many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning with remote educational technology for the first time, online college may be considerably more challenging than campus-based college. For a few insights on how to manage this new online experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.
Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable non-profit institutions on the one end and less-than-reputable for-profit institutions on the other end. Accreditation gives you the power to identify the more reputable actors in online education. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency indicating that a college or university is meeting standards of quality and credibility. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.
Attending a college or university that is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. For students seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that they opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree. For more on this important topic, check out our What is Accreditation and Why Does It Matter? College & University Accreditation Guide.
As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited (see the previous point), you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer of credits. In many cases, you will encounter some bureaucratic haggling in which some of your credits will be transferred and others may be refused. However, provided that you have attended an online school with recognized regional accreditation, you should be in good shape in transferring your credits earned online.
In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript, or resumé differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.
Some employers may express the concern that because you did your degree online, you may need to transition from an online education experience to in-person workplace experience. But in an age of Covid, that concern seems much diminished. The fact is that much employment these days is remote. And collaboration increasingly happens online over Zoom. Many employers will therefore view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.
If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will be less than ideal for you (though depending on your circumstances, it may also be the only viable option).
While there is much in traditional campus-based education that can be substituted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing that can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual in-person classroom setting. As you transition to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face in getting the most out of your online classes is overcoming this difference between “real reality” and “virtual reality.” Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.
The advantages of online classes are many. Above all, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete at your own pace and on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.
Resources for Online College-Bound Students
Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.