Best Online Associate in Education

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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

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  1. Liberty University
  2. Empire State University
  3. Brenau University
  4. Point University
  5. Blinn College
  6. Campbellsville University
  7. College of Southern Nevada
  8. Community College of Denver
  9. University of the Cumberlands
  10. Monroe Community College
  1. Liberty University
  2. Blinn College
  3. LeTourneau University
  4. College of Southern Nevada
  5. Empire State University
  6. Brenau University
  7. Community College of Denver
  8. Pima Community College
  9. Brookdale Community College
  10. Campbellsville University
  1. Liberty University 99%
  2. Northwest Nazarene University 88%
  3. Brenau University 87%
  4. University of the Cumberlands 83%
  5. North Greenville University 76%
  6. Toccoa Falls College 68%
  7. LeTourneau University 49%
  8. Point University 24%
  1. Blinn College 35 to 1
  2. Coastline Community College 30 to 1
  3. Volunteer State Community College 24 to 1
  4. Campbellsville University 23 to 1
  5. College of Southern Idaho 22 to 1
  6. Front Range Community College 21 to 1
  7. Community College of Denver 20 to 1
  8. Tyler Junior College 20 to 1
  9. Pima Community College 19 to 1
  10. Bluegrass Community and Technical College 18 to 1
  1. Northwest Nazarene University $36,298
  2. LeTourneau University $34,470
  3. Brenau University $32,685
  4. Campbellsville University $26,100
  5. North Greenville University $23,590
  6. Liberty University $22,511
  7. Toccoa Falls College $22,350
  8. Point University $22,300
  9. University of the Cumberlands $9,875
  10. Brookdale Community College $7,755
  1. LeTourneau University $16,875
  2. Brenau University $14,130
  3. Point University $13,014
  4. Toccoa Falls College $12,240
  5. North Greenville University $12,220
  6. Empire State University $11,310
  7. Northwest Nazarene University $11,093
  8. Campbellsville University $8,904
  9. Liberty University $7,893
  10. University of the Cumberlands $4,282
  1. College of Southern Idaho
  2. Volunteer State Community College
  3. Brookdale Community College
  4. Coastline Community College
  5. Community College of Aurora
  6. Rowan College at Burlington County
  7. LeTourneau University
  8. Tyler Junior College
  9. Bluegrass Community and Technical College
  10. North Greenville University
  1. Point University
  2. Rowan College at Burlington County
  3. Volunteer State Community College
  4. Bluegrass Community and Technical College
  5. Community College of Aurora
  6. Washtenaw Community College
  7. College of Southern Idaho
  8. Coastline Community College
  9. Toccoa Falls College
  10. Front Range Community College
  1. Point University 24%
  2. LeTourneau University 49%
  3. Toccoa Falls College 68%
  4. North Greenville University 76%
  5. University of the Cumberlands 83%
  6. Brenau University 87%
  7. Northwest Nazarene University 88%
  8. Liberty University 99%
  1. Brenau University 11 to 1
  2. North Greenville University 13 to 1
  3. Community College of Aurora 13 to 1
  4. Northwest Nazarene University 13 to 1
  5. Point University 13 to 1
  6. LeTourneau University 13 to 1
  7. College of Southern Nevada 17 to 1
  8. Monroe Community College 17 to 1
  9. Empire State University 17 to 1
  10. Toccoa Falls College 17 to 1
  1. Coastline Community College $1,104
  2. Pima Community College $2,136
  3. Tyler Junior College $2,208
  4. College of Southern Nevada $3,383
  5. Blinn College $3,600
  6. Community College of Denver $3,754
  7. Community College of Aurora $3,754
  8. Front Range Community College $3,754
  9. Rowan College at Burlington County $3,816
  10. Washtenaw Community College $4,056
  1. University of the Cumberlands $4,282
  2. Liberty University $7,893
  3. Campbellsville University $8,904
  4. Northwest Nazarene University $11,093
  5. Empire State University $11,310
  6. North Greenville University $12,220
  7. Toccoa Falls College $12,240
  8. Point University $13,014
  9. Brenau University $14,130
  10. 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.

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An 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.

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Students 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. .

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Education 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.

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The 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.

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Learn 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

  1. #1

    Liberty University

    Lynchburg , VA
    Other Rankings

    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. Other Rankings

    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
  3. #10

    Monroe Community College

    Rochester , NY
    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
  4. Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    28%

    Student body

    19K

    Online Degrees

    AA in Secondary Education
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  5. #14

    Toccoa Falls College

    Toccoa Falls , GA
    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
  6. Other Rankings

    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
  7. 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
  8. #19

    LeTourneau University

    Longview , TX
    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
  9. 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

Career Outlook for Students with Education Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Educational 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

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Training and Development Managers7.41%$125,040
Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary-0.51%$103,460
Education Administrators, Postsecondary2.91%$102,610
Education Administrators, All Other2.43%$88,460
Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare-2.10%$54,290

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Training and Development Managers$125,040
Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary$103,460
Education Administrators, Postsecondary$102,610
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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.

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