Best Online Associate in Education
Find top-ranked online associate degree in education programs to help prepare students on how to manage a classroom and develop lesson plans while also exploring benchmarks of childhood psychology.
Top 10 Online Associate in Education Degree Programs
- Liberty University
- Empire State University
- Brenau University
- Point University
- Blinn College
- Campbellsville University
- College of Southern Nevada
- Community College of Denver
- University of the Cumberlands
- Monroe Community College
- Liberty University
- Blinn College
- LeTourneau University
- College of Southern Nevada
- Empire State University
- Brenau University
- Community College of Denver
- Pima Community College
- Brookdale Community College
- Campbellsville University
- Liberty University 99%
- Northwest Nazarene University 88%
- Brenau University 87%
- University of the Cumberlands 83%
- North Greenville University 76%
- Toccoa Falls College 68%
- LeTourneau University 49%
- Point University 24%
- Blinn College 35 to 1
- Coastline Community College 30 to 1
- Volunteer State Community College 24 to 1
- Campbellsville University 23 to 1
- College of Southern Idaho 22 to 1
- Front Range Community College 21 to 1
- Community College of Denver 20 to 1
- Tyler Junior College 20 to 1
- Pima Community College 19 to 1
- Bluegrass Community and Technical College 18 to 1
- Northwest Nazarene University $36,298
- LeTourneau University $34,470
- Brenau University $32,685
- Campbellsville University $26,100
- North Greenville University $23,590
- Liberty University $22,511
- Toccoa Falls College $22,350
- Point University $22,300
- University of the Cumberlands $9,875
- Brookdale Community College $7,755
- LeTourneau University $16,875
- Brenau University $14,130
- Point University $13,014
- Toccoa Falls College $12,240
- North Greenville University $12,220
- Empire State University $11,310
- Northwest Nazarene University $11,093
- Campbellsville University $8,904
- Liberty University $7,893
- University of the Cumberlands $4,282
- College of Southern Idaho
- Volunteer State Community College
- Brookdale Community College
- Coastline Community College
- Community College of Aurora
- Rowan College at Burlington County
- LeTourneau University
- Tyler Junior College
- Bluegrass Community and Technical College
- North Greenville University
- Point University
- Rowan College at Burlington County
- Volunteer State Community College
- Bluegrass Community and Technical College
- Community College of Aurora
- Washtenaw Community College
- College of Southern Idaho
- Coastline Community College
- Toccoa Falls College
- Front Range Community College
- Point University 24%
- LeTourneau University 49%
- Toccoa Falls College 68%
- North Greenville University 76%
- University of the Cumberlands 83%
- Brenau University 87%
- Northwest Nazarene University 88%
- Liberty University 99%
- Brenau University 11 to 1
- North Greenville University 13 to 1
- Community College of Aurora 13 to 1
- Northwest Nazarene University 13 to 1
- Point University 13 to 1
- LeTourneau University 13 to 1
- College of Southern Nevada 17 to 1
- Monroe Community College 17 to 1
- Empire State University 17 to 1
- Toccoa Falls College 17 to 1
- Coastline Community College $1,104
- Pima Community College $2,136
- Tyler Junior College $2,208
- College of Southern Nevada $3,383
- Blinn College $3,600
- Community College of Denver $3,754
- Community College of Aurora $3,754
- Front Range Community College $3,754
- Rowan College at Burlington County $3,816
- Washtenaw Community College $4,056
- University of the Cumberlands $4,282
- Liberty University $7,893
- Campbellsville University $8,904
- Northwest Nazarene University $11,093
- Empire State University $11,310
- North Greenville University $12,220
- Toccoa Falls College $12,240
- Point University $13,014
- Brenau University $14,130
- LeTourneau University $16,875
Key Takeaways
- The associate degree in education is an affordable way to get started on your college education. The typical associate degree will take about two years to complete.
- Many community colleges and two-year schools offer both traditional and online degree programs for students pursuing their associate degree in education.
- Earning an online associate degree in education can prepare you for a variety of entry level jobs in your field. Many students also continue into a bachelor’s degree program in education or a related area.
Featured Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Education Degrees
The online associate degree in education is an affordable way to get started on a degree in education. Students who earn online associate degrees in education will qualify for a variety of entry level education roles as teaching assistants and care providers in early childhood education settings. The online associate in education program is also a great starting point for students interested in becoming classroom teachers. Earning an online associate in education can help you save money before advancing into a bachelor’s degree program.
Back to TopAn average associate degree program takes 60 credit hours and two years to complete, but this timeline can be accelerated through summer classes or online courses.
Back to TopStudents pursuing the online associate degree program in education will balance general education courses with core courses in teaching and education like curriculum development, pedagogy, educational psychology and more. .
Back to TopEducation associate degree graduates will qualify for a variety of entry level opportunities as teaching assistants, daycare assistants, substitute teachers, and preschool teachers. Students who earn the online associate degree in education will have improved employment prospects relative to those with a high school diploma.
However, many roles in education do require the completion of at least a bachelor’s degree program. Students who pursue bachelor’s degrees in this area will often combine the education major with courses in early childhood education or a related area. And in some states, becoming a tenured public school teacher would require you to earn a master’s degree in education.
Students who plan to become public school teachers will typically advance into bachelor’s programs in specific areas like elementary education, early childhood education, or educational administration. The online associate degree program is an affordable and accessible way to get started on your path to a bachelor’s program in education as well as a great stepping stone for those planning to earn their teaching certification.
Back to TopThe online associate degree in education is respected as long as this associate’s degree has been granted by a fully accredited online program. Prospective students considering an online associate degree program should also understand the difference between online programs with national or regional accreditation. Typically, online associate degree programs with regional accreditation are considered a higher quality. Make sure your online program is accredited by the colleges and schools commission in your region, especially if you plan to continue into a a bachelor’s degree program.
Back to TopLearn more about how to major in education.
An associate degree is a great way for many to start their educational journey, but you may want to also consider an online bachelor’s in education.
25 Best Online Associate in Education Degree Programs
- #6 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #9 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #10 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #11 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2025
- #4 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2025
- #8 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2025
- #8 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2025
- #9 Best Colleges in Virginia 2024
- #22 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees 2025
- #23 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees 2025
- #1 Best Online Associate in Economics
- #1 Best Online Associate's in Physics 2025
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Christian Counseling Degree Programs 2025
- #1 Best Online Associate Degree Programs That Can Be Completed in 1 Year
- #1 Most Affordable Online Master's Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #1 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2025
- #1 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #1 Best Online Associate in Philosophy
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Virginia 2024
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Math Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #1 Best Online Associate's in History Degrees 2025
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2024
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Music Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #1 Best Online Associate in Mathematics 2025
- #1 Top 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Nursing (BSN) Programs 2025
- #2 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Psychology Degree Programs 2025
- #2 How To Get an Online Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #2 Best Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies
- #2 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Forensic Psychology Programs 2025
- #2 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of English
- #2 Best Online Master's in Theology 2025
- #2 Accelerated Online Business Administration PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2025
- #2 Best Online Bachelor’s of Graphic Arts Degree Programs for 2025
- #2 Best Online Associate in Biblical Studies
- #2 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Psychology Programs
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2025
- #2 Best Online Master’s in Biblical Studies 2025
- #2 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education
- #2 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2025
- #2 Top 3 Best Online Economics PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
- #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Information Technology 2025
- #3 Top 10 Fastest Accelerated Online PhD in Criminal Justice (Doctorates)
- #3 Top 5 Best Online Criminal Justice Doctorates (PhDs) 2025
- #3 Best Online Degrees for a Career in Teaching Ranked 2024
- #3 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs 2025
- #3 Best Online Associate in Paralegal Studies
- #3 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
- #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Healthcare Administration Masters 2025
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in the District Of Columbia
- #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
- #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2025
- #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Virginia
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Virginia 2025
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Illinois
- #4 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #4 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)
- #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2025
- #4 Best Online Associate in Psychology
- #4 Most Affordable Online PhDs in Psychology Ranked for 2025
- #4 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Information Technology PhD Programs
- #4 Best Online Associate in Accounting 2025
- #4 Best Online Doctorate of Educational Psychology (PhDs) 2025
- #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Information Technology
- #5 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024
- #5 The Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Bachelor's Degrees
- #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Virginia 2025
- #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2025
- #6 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Accounting Programs 2025
- #6 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
- #6 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice PhDs (Doctorates) 2025
- #6 Top 8 Fastest Accelerated Online Psychology Doctorates (PhDs)
- #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Strategic Communications Degree Programs
- #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs 2025
- #7 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs
- #7 Online Colleges That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education
- #7 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs) 2025
- #7 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)
- #7 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
- #7 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates 2025
- #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2025
- #8 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #8 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity 2025
- #8 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #8 Best Online Master's in Project Management 2025
- #9 Best Online Master's in Biology
- #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2025
- #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #9 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
- #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
- #10 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Network Administration Degree Programs for 2024
- #10 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs 2025
- #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #11 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs 2025
- #11 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2025
- #11 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
- #11 Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs
- #11 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024
- #12 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees 2025
- #12 Best Online Master’s in Finance 2025
- #12 Best Online Master's in Sports Management 2025
- #13 Best Online Master’s in Counseling 2025
- #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting 2025
- #14 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Economics PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2025
- #16 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs) 2025
- #16 Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice
- #18 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
- #21 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
- #25 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry
- #25 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
- #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Associate's of Counseling Degree Programs
- #2 Fastest Accelerated Online PhDs in Education Degree Programs 2024
- #5 20 Fastest Online Bachelor's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2024
- #5 How to Earn Your Master's Degree Without Your Bachelor's Degree
- #5 Top 20 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's in Counseling 2025
- #5 Best College Majors that Offer Accelerated Degree Programs 2025
- #6 10 Best Accelerated Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2025
- #8 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024
- #14 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Nursing Degree Programs 2025
Tuition + fees
$23K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
66%
Student body
131K
Online Degrees
AA in Education (Non-Licensure)
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 1.5 years
- Format: Online
AA in Early Childhood Education
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 1.5 years
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Online Associate in Economics #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Math Degree Programs Ranked for 2025 #5 Best Online Associate's in General Science 2025 #5 Best Online Associate Degrees in New York 2025
Other Rankings
- #5 Best Online Associate in Mathematics 2025
- #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Human Development Degree Programs for 2024
- #7 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
- #8 Best Online Associate in Business Management
- #12 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
- #13 Best Online Master's in Economics 2025
- #15 Best Online Colleges in New York 2025
- #16 Best Online Associate in Human Services
- #20 Best Online Master’s in Finance 2025
- #21 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #25 Best Online Master's Programs in New York 2025
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
25%
Student body
15K
Online Degrees
AA in Educational Studies
- Required Credits: 64
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Educational Studies
- Required Credits: 64
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #5 Best Online Associate Degrees in Georgia 2025 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Georgia #16 Best Online Master's Programs in Georgia 2025 #19 Best Online Bachelor’s of Digital Media for 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
46%
Student body
3K
Online Degrees
AA in Elementary Education
- Required Credits: 61
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Georgia #6 Best Online Associate in Psychology #6 Best Online Associate in Marketing #7 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry
Other Rankings
- #7 Best Online Six Sigma Certification
- #9 Best Online Certificate in Liberal Arts and Humanities Ranked for Students 2025
- #11 Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice
- #12 Best Online MBA Programs in Georgia
- #13 Best Online Associate Degrees in Georgia 2025
- #18 Best Online Bachelor's in Network Administration Degree Programs for 2024
- #23 Best Online Associate in Accounting 2025
- #24 Best Online Associate in Liberal Arts 2025
- #24 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2025
Tuition + fees
$22K
Acceptance
24%
Graduation
26%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
975/18
Online Degrees
AA in Education
Concentrations
- Child Development
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 24 months
- Format: Online
- #22 50 Best Community Colleges for Future Success in 2025 #3 Best Community Colleges in Texas 2025 #1 Best Online Associate in American Sign Language (ASL) Degree Programs #1 Best Online Associate in Graphic Design 2025
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Online Associate in Small Business Management
- #2 Best Online Associate in Business Management
- #3 Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice
- #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in Texas 2024
- #4 Best Online Associate's in History Degrees 2025
- #5 Best Online Associate in Sociology
- #6 Best Online Associate in English 2025
- #6 Best Online Associate in Business Management
- #7 Best Online Associate in Health Information Technology & Informatics
- #8 Best Online Associate in Computer Science Degree Programs 2025
- #8 Best Online Associate in Mathematics 2025
- #10 Best Online Associate in Anthropology
- #10 Best Online Associate in Philosophy
- #13 Best Online Associate in Accounting 2025
- #15 Best Online Associate in Economics
- #22 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
10%
Student body
33K
Online Degrees
AS in Education
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #4 Best Christian Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #7 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2025 #10 Best Private Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #5 Best Online Associate Degrees in Kentucky 2024
Other Rankings
- #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky
- #9 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry
- #10 Top 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Nursing (BSN) Programs 2025
- #14 Best Online Master's in Theology 2025
- #18 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2025
- #20 Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice
- #20 Best Online Associate in Communications
- #24 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
- #25 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #10 Fastest Online Associate's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2025
Tuition + fees
$26K
Graduation
41%
Student body
17K
Online Degrees
AS in Education
- Required Credits: 65
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nevada 2025 #1 Best Community Colleges in Nevada 2025 #3 Best Public Colleges in Nevada 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Nevada 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Colleges in Nevada 2024
- #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Nevada 2025
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Nevada
- #1 Best Online Associate in Hospitality and Tourism
- #3 Best Online Colleges in Nevada 2024
- #4 Best Online Associate in Web Design
- #5 Best Online Associate's in History Degrees 2025
- #6 Best Online Associate in Software Development
- #7 Best Online Associate in English 2025
- #9 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education
- #9 Best Online Associate in Communications
- #12 Best Online Associate in Business Management
- #14 Best Online Associate in Accounting 2025
- #21 Best Online Associate in Sociology
- #22 Best Online Associate in Information Technology
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
17%
Student body
40K
Online Degrees
AA in Early Childhood Education
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AA in Elementary Education
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AA in Special Education
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado 2025 #10 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2025 #1 Best Online Associate in Anthropology #1 Best Online Associate in French Degree Programs
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Online Associate's in Physics 2025
- #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Colorado 2025
- #2 Best Online Associate in Philosophy
- #2 Best Online Associate in Biology
- #4 Best Online Associate in Economics
- #6 Best Online Associate's in History Degrees 2025
- #8 Best Online Associate in Marketing
- #9 Best Online Associate in English 2025
- #10 Best Online Associate in Mathematics 2025
- #15 Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice
- #16 Best Online Associate in Psychology
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
18%
Student body
10K
Online Degrees
AA in Elementary Education
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #5 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2025 #6 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2025 #6 Best Christian Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in Kentucky 2025
Other Rankings
- #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Kentucky
- #3 Best Online Associate in Psychology
- #6 Best Online Associate Degrees in Kentucky 2024
- #6 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Business Degree Programs 2025
- #7 Top 10 Best Online PhD of Information Technology Programs (Doctorates)
- #7 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Cybersecurity
- #8 Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky
- #9 Best Online Degrees for a Career in Teaching Ranked 2024
- #9 Best Online Associate in Paralegal Studies
- #10 Best Online Associate's in General Science 2025
- #10 Best Online Master's Programs in Kentucky 2024
- #10 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry
- #10 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky 2024
- #10 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Information Technology PhD Programs
- #11 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)
- #12 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)
- #14 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs) 2025
- #14 Best Online Associate in Liberal Arts 2025
- #14 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2025
- #18 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2025
- #18 Best Online Associate in Information Technology
- #19 Best Online Associate in Human Services
- #22 Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice
- #24 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
- #12 Fastest Accelerated Online PhDs in Education Degree Programs 2024
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
44%
Student body
25K
Median SAT/ACT
1060/19
Online Degrees
AAS in General Studies
Concentrations
- Business
- Health and Fitness
- Behavioral Sciences
- Information Science and Technology
- Education
- Media Studies
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Christian Studies
- STEM
- Healthcare
- Required Credits: 24
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #9 Best Community Colleges in New York 2025 #3 Best Online Associate's in Physics 2025 #4 Best Online Associate in Gender Studies #7 Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
21%
Student body
20K
Online Degrees
AA in Adolescence Education
Concentrations
- Degree Completion
- Required Credits: 63
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Early Childhood Education
Concentrations
- Degree Completion
- Required Credits: 62
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Childhood Education
Concentrations
- Degree Completion
- Required Credits: 62
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #1 Best Community Colleges in Colorado 2025 #2 Best Online Associate in French Degree Programs #3 Best Online Associate in Anthropology #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Colorado 2025
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Online Associate in Philosophy
- #5 Best Online Associate in Economics
- #6 Best Online Associate in Political Science 2025
- #7 Best Online Associate in Sociology
- #13 Best Online Associate's in History Degrees 2025
- #15 Best Online Associate in Mathematics 2025
- #17 Best Online Associate in English 2025
- #17 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education
- #20 Best Online Associate in Accounting 2025
- #25 Best Online Associate in Psychology
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
27%
Student body
27K
Online Degrees
AA in Elementary Education
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AA in Early Childhood Education
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Small Colleges in Idaho 2025 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Idaho 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Idaho 2025 #3 Best Private Colleges in Idaho 2024
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Grad Schools in Idaho 2024
- #6 Best Colleges in Idaho 2024
- #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Idaho 2025
- #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Montana
- #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Idaho
- #4 Best Online Master's Programs in Idaho 2024
- #5 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry
- #5 Best Online Colleges in Idaho 2024
- #19 Best Online Associate in General Studies
- #20 Best Online Associate in Liberal Arts 2025
- #20 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2025
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
58%
Student body
9K
Median SAT/ACT
1120/23
Online Degrees
AA in Secondary Education
- Required Credits: 63
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #5 Best Community Colleges in Michigan 2025 #10 Best Online Associate in Communications #12 Best Online Associate Degrees in Michigan 2024
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
28%
Student body
19K
Online Degrees
AA in Secondary Education
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #9 Best Christian Colleges in Georgia 2025 #7 Best Online Associate Degrees in Georgia 2025 #7 Best Online Certificate in Liberal Arts and Humanities Ranked for Students 2025 #12 Best Online Bachelor’s of Counseling Degree Programs for 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$22K
Acceptance
68%
Graduation
46%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1115/21
Online Degrees
Pre Plan in Education
Concentrations
- Pre-Elementary Education
- Pre-Middle Grades Education
- Pre-Secondary Education - English
- Pre-Secondary Education - History
- Pre-Secondary Education - Science
- Required Credits: 37
- Completion time: 16 months
- Format: Online
- #4 Best Community Colleges in Arizona 2025 #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Arizona 2025 #3 Best Online Associate in Biology #4 Best Online Associate in Political Science 2025
Other Rankings
- #6 Best Online Associate in Gender Studies
- #7 Best Online Associate in Anthropology
- #8 Best Online Associate in Communications
- #9 Best Online Associate's in History Degrees 2025
- #9 Best Online Associate in Sociology
- #12 Best Online Associate in English 2025
- #13 Best Online Associate's in General Science 2025
- #17 Best Online Associate in Cybersecurity
- #17 Best Online Associate in Health Information Technology & Informatics
- #18 Best Online Associate in Liberal Arts 2025
- #21 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education
Tuition + fees
$2K
Graduation
18%
Student body
32K
Online Degrees
AAS in Early Childhood Education
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Associate in Arts
Concentrations
- Early Childhood Studies
- English
- History
- Elementary Education
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AA in Liberal Arts
Concentrations
- General
- Administration of Justice
- Anthropology
- Biology
- Communication
- Early Childhood Education
- Elementary Education
- English
- Ethnic
- Gender and Transborder Studies
- Fashion Design
- History
- Political Science
- Social Services
- Sociology
- Translation and Interpretation Studies
- Required Credits: 60-64
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #9 Best Grad Schools in South Carolina 2025 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in South Carolina #15 Best Online Associate in Psychology #18 Best Online Colleges in South Carolina 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$24K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
54%
Student body
3K
Online Degrees
AAS in Elementary Educational Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #1 Best Community Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #3 Best Online Associate in Health Information Technology & Informatics #5 Best Online Associate in Graphic Design 2025 #5 Best Online Associate in Hospitality and Tourism
Other Rankings
- #8 Best Online Associate in Game Development
- #9 Best Online Associate Degrees in Kentucky 2024
- #11 Best Online Associate in Human Services
- #13 Best Online Associate in Software Development
- #15 Best Online Associate in Human Resources
- #16 Best Online Associate in Finance
- #19 Best Online Associate's in General Science 2025
- #23 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education
- #25 Best Online Associate in Marketing
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
35%
Student body
13K
Online Degrees
AAS in Education: Educator Preparation
- Required Credits: 61-62
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AAS in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education
- Required Credits: 60-64
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #8 Best Online Associate in Economics #8 Best Online Associate Degrees in Texas 2024 #11 Best Online Associate's in History Degrees 2025 #15 Best Online Associate in English 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
21%
Student body
16K
Online Degrees
AA in Education
Concentrations
- EC-12 Special Education
- EC-6/4-8 Grade Levels
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Texas 2025 #7 Best Online Associate Degrees in Texas 2024 #8 Best Online Associate in Cybersecurity #10 Best Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
49%
Graduation
67%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1250/24
Online Degrees
AS in Education
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #10 Best Community Colleges in New Jersey 2025 #8 Best Online Associate Degrees in New Jersey 2024 #8 Best Online Certificate in Liberal Arts and Humanities Ranked for Students 2025 #14 Best Online Associate in Health Science Degree Programs
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
29%
Student body
11K
Online Degrees
AS in Education
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Community Colleges in Colorado 2025 #4 Best Online Associate in Anthropology #5 Best Online Associate Degrees in Colorado 2025 #6 Best Online Associate in Economics
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
25%
Student body
11K
Online Degrees
AA in Elementary Education Transfer
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #4 Best Online Associate in French Degree Programs #6 Best Online Associate in Building and Construction Degree Programs #11 Best Online Associate in Economics #11 Best Online Associate in Biology
Other Rankings
- #12 Best Online Associate in Human Services
- #12 Best Online Associate in Entrepreneurship
- #14 Best Online Associate in Human Resources
- #15 Best Online Associate's in Physics 2025
- #16 Best Online Associate in Small Business Management
- #16 Best Online Associate in Business Management
- #18 Best Online Associate in Sociology
- #20 Most Affordable Online Associate Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #20 Best Online Associate in Psychology
- #22 Best Online Associate Degrees in California 2025
- #22 Best Online Associate in Communications
- #22 Best Online Associate in Marketing
- #24 Best Online Associate in Cybersecurity
- #25 Best Online Associate in Emergency Management 2025
- #25 Best Online Associate in Information Technology
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
23%
Student body
14K
Online Degrees
AA in Educational Studies
Concentrations
- Liberal Studies (for Teaching)
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA-T in Educational Studies
Concentrations
- Child and Adolescent Development
- Elementary Teacher Education
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Liberal Arts
Concentrations
- Physical Education and Health
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #3 Best Community Colleges in New Jersey 2025 #3 Best Online Associate in Political Science 2025 #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in New Jersey 2024 #8 Best Online Associate's in History Degrees 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$9K
Graduation
29%
Student body
14K
Online Degrees
AA in Liberal Education
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #7 Best Community Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #6 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2024 #6 Best Online Associate in Sociology #7 Best Online Associate in Fire Science Degree Programs
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
23%
Student body
10K
Online Degrees
AS in Elementary Education
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AS in Secondary Education
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AS in Social Science and Education
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Community Colleges in Idaho 2025 #3 Best Online Associate in American Sign Language (ASL) Degree Programs #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Idaho 2025 #4 Best Online Associate in Biology
Other Rankings
- #5 Best Online Associate's in Physics 2025
- #6 Best Online Associate in Anthropology
- #7 Best Online Associate in Political Science 2025
- #8 Best Online Associate in Entrepreneurship
- #9 Best Online Associate in Emergency Management 2025
- #10 Best Online Associate in Economics
- #11 Best Online Associate in Small Business Management
- #11 Best Online Associate in Business Management
- #13 Best Online Associate in Health Science Degree Programs
- #14 Best Online Associate's in General Science 2025
- #14 Best Online Associate's in History Degrees 2025
- #16 Best Online Associate in Mathematics 2025
- #17 Best Online Associate in Computer Science Degree Programs 2025
- #18 Best Online Associate in English 2025
- #22 Best Online Associate in Fire Science Degree Programs
- #23 Best Online Associate in Communications
- #25 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
31%
Student body
14K
Online Degrees
AA in Education
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AA in Early Childhood Education
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AAS in Early Childhood Education
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
Career Outlook for Students with Education Degree
Go to Degree Finder toolEducational Leadership And Administration
Degree Level: Associate's
- Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
- Avg. Cost of Degree*: $2,358
- Avg. Expenses*: $14,772
- Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 6 years
- Job Growth: 0.66%
- Number of Jobs: 671,600
- * denotes ‘annually’
- ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’
Career Salaries
Career | Job Growth | Avg. Salary |
---|---|---|
Training and Development Managers | 7.41% | $125,040 |
Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary | -0.51% | $103,460 |
Education Administrators, Postsecondary | 2.91% | $102,610 |
Education Administrators, All Other | 2.43% | $88,460 |
Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare | -2.10% | $54,290 |
Top Industries
Industry | Avg. Salary |
---|---|
Training and Development Managers | $125,040 |
Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary | $103,460 |
Education Administrators, Postsecondary | $102,610 |
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.