Best Online Associate Degree Programs That Can Be Completed in 1 Year

Badge for BEST ONLINE ASSOCIATE'S IN ONE YEAR
By Dave Tomar
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Published:
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • Accelerated online associate degree programs are suitable for students who want the flexibility, convenience and cost-effectiveness of online learning.
  • Employers across diverse industries recognize accelerated associate degree programs as evidence of their holder’s professional competence and readiness.
  • Be careful to choose a fully accredited accelerated associate degree online program, as doing so (or not) can make or break your chances in the job marketplace.

Best Online Associate Degrees Completed in 1 Year in 2025

  1. Liberty University
  2. University of Massachusetts Lowell
  3. DeVry University
  4. Purdue University Global
  5. Franklin Pierce University
  6. Florida State College at Jacksonville
  7. Marian University
  8. Notre Dame College
  9. Howard College
  10. Tidewater Community College

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

There were no changes in the top 10 positions of our 2025 ranking of the best online associate degree programs that can be completed in 1 year.

Liberty University remains in the top spot again this year. The school has developed a number of accelerated 8-week courses with multiple start dates throughout the year, allowing students to complete their degree at a faster pace. Liberty also allows students to transfer up to 75% of credits from previous schooling, significantly reducing the time required to graduate.

On average, traditional online associate degree programs have a two-year completion period. But if you’re in a hurry, you will find online associate degree programs that can be completed in 1 year!

With speed comes pros and cons that you must consider before considering accelerated online associate degree programs in whatever field you’re interested in. Both traditional and accelerated online programs, however, are offered in a wide range of higher education institutions, from career schools and community colleges to four-year universities.

Whether you choose a typical associate degree program, usually a two-year or one-year degree, you can pursue a bachelor’s degree or enter the workforce after graduation. The first option is possible because the college credits earned in an associate degree from a regionally accredited institution can be transferred to a bachelor’s degree in many cases.

Better yet, you can pursue both options and become a working student in a bachelor’s degree program!

Find out what your options are with a look at our full List of Online Programs. Otherwise, read on.

  Female student taking an online class

Featured Programs

What are accelerated online associate degree programs?

How do accelerated programs make it possible for students to earn an associate degree in just one year?

There are several options:

  • If you have previously earned college credits, from an uncompleted associate degree, for example, those credits may transfer to a new online associate degree program.
  • If you have earned any college-level credits in high school, from an AP or dual-credit class, those credits can usually be transferred.
  • Many schools also grant college credit for work and life experiences, including military training.

For example, with 30 college credits from general education courses transferred to an online associate degree program, the 60-credit, two-year program of study can be shortened to one year.

Some accelerated online associate degree programs also have different program formats, including:

  • Condensed course schedules in a single term
  • More courses are taken in a single term
  • Less number of general education and elective courses are required for degree completion

Each accelerated online associate degree program has a unique format; thus, interested individuals must carefully consider each program based on its specific merits.

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Reasons to Choose Online Learning

Why choose accelerated online associate degree programs in the first place? Students in these programs cite reasons like saving money on tuition, entering the workforce with better academic credentials faster, and earning a bachelor’s degree faster.

But earning an associate degree online via an accelerated program has its demands, too. Students must be prepared for the academic challenges brought on by the intensive, fast-tracked program of study. Instead of two courses every term, for example, students must take three courses.

There’s also less time for the college experience, including on-campus networking and extracurricular activities. Balancing work and studies with personal commitments is also challenging, particularly for adult learners.

The beauty of pursuing online accelerated associate degrees lies in the benefits of online learning!

Online students can work around their class schedules, learn anywhere and anytime, and access a wide range of digital resources. Most online associate degree programs have asynchronous class schedules, too, meaning students can access learning materials 24/7.

Smiling female student with a microphone and laptop
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Online Associate Degree Programs with 1-year Completion Time

Below, you will find your best options for earning an accredited associates degree in one year or less!

  1. #1

    Liberty University

    Lynchburg , VA
    #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

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    131K

    Career Outlook for degree at Liberty University

    Cost of Degree: $15,822
    Expenses: $21,458
    Starting Salary: $41,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The impressive success of Liberty University can be seen in its record 130,000-strong student body, most of which are online students enrolled in 450+ online programs. The evangelical liberal arts university’s students are also spread across the US and globally. Indeed, its mission of Training Champions for Christ has served it well in its 50-year—and counting—history!

    Among its accelerated online programs is the AAS in Medical Office Assistant program. Students learn medical-related tasks, such as medical billing and coding, as well as the medical terminology and legal concerns of medical assisting. Courses include professional liability, HIPAA, and risk management.

    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 12 months with up to 75% transfer credits
    • Format: 100% online

    What we love about Liberty University:

    Every associate degree program and its courses have a robust Christian worldview, dedicated and credentialed faculty, and flexible schedules. Excellence in academics is always emphasized, too.

    Liberty University is great for students who:

    Thrive in a Christian university that encourages its students to expand their intellect and faith while pursuing their academic credentials

    Liberty University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a secular learning environment.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Massachusetts Lowell

    Lowell , MA
    #3 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2024 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Massachusetts 2025 #2 Best Online Associate in Information Technology
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    22K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1259/28

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Massachusetts Lowell

    Cost of Degree: $16,570
    Expenses: $17,994
    Starting Salary: $57,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Massachusetts Lowell is well-known for its academic excellence, particularly in criminal justice, engineering, science, and technology. Many of its bachelor’s degree programs are pioneering, such as music education, meteorology, plastics, and nuclear engineering. UMass Lowell is also a pioneer in online learning, and students can access lecture materials via its extensive archives.

    The AS in Information Technology program enables students to learn IT skills, including programming, computer networking, and database development. Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions with the potential for career advancement via professional certificates.

    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 12 months
    • Format: Online and blended options

    What we love about UMass Lowell

    Online students are provided with the same world-class education as their on-campus counterparts. UMass Lowell takes pride in its outstanding faculty, programs with an excellent return on investment, and exceptional student support services.

    UMass Lowell is great for students who:

    Thrive in a competitive environment where learning through experience is emphasized

    UMass Lowell might not be the best fit for students who:

    Want to attend a party school

    Compare school
  3. #3

    DeVry University

    #16 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #2 Fastest Online Associate's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2025

    Creating change together is the rallying cry of DeVry University, and it’s one that the university has been and continues to be successful at! Aside from its diverse student body, its programs are stepping stones for students to maximize their workforce opportunities, and many of these programs are intended for underrepresented groups.

    Among its standout programs is the CAHIIM-accredited Associate in Health Information Technology program, where students prepare for the AHIMA RHIT certification exam. Students learn solid health services and information systems skills, among other relevant topics.

    • Required Credits: 67
    • Completion time: 16 months or less with transfer credits
    • Format: Online

    What we love about DeVry University:

    Peer interaction, academic excellence and faculty involvement in student success are at the core of online learning at DeVry University. Students use the latest digital technologies to gain knowledge and skills for their future professions and to experience college life.

    DeVry University is great for students who:

    Thrive in a large university where students have a wide range of extracurricular activities and student support services to look forward to.

    DeVry University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer studying and working alone or like a small campus vibe

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Purdue Global

    West Lafayette , IN
    #4 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025 #12 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2024 #8 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Graduation

    20%

    Student body

    66K

    As a public-benefit corporation, Purdue University Global is unique within the Purdue University system and, thus, operates as an independent institution. Students choose from over 175 online programs with start dates throughout the year and a 3-week trial period for undecided students. This is among the reasons for its recognition as among the most innovative schools in the country.

    The AAS in Fire Science program, a FESHE-recognized program, accepts transfer credits from college credits, military service, and work experience. Students learn the knowledge and skills to become competent firefighters and fire science professionals via lectures and an optional internship.

    • Required Credits: 90
    • Completion time: 12 months
    • Format: Online

    What we love about Purdue University Global

    The open admissions policy and standardized competency-based learning allow adult learners to earn their associate’s and bachelor’s degrees more conveniently and affordably.

    Purdue University Global is great for students who:

    Like the convenience, flexibility and affordability of adult learner-centric online programs with programs of study designed for optimum workplace usability and impact.

    Purdue University Global might not be the best fit for students who:

    Want the fast and easy transferability of credits within a university system (i.e., each campus has its own policies, thus, the transfer limitations)

    Compare school
  6. #5

    Franklin Pierce University

    Rindge , NH
    #5 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #5 Best Small Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #8 Best Colleges in New Hampshire 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Franklin Pierce University

    Cost of Degree: $44,963
    Expenses: $19,222
    Starting Salary: $45,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Then and now, Franklin Pierce University is known for its strong emphasis on contemporary liberal arts education, underlining career-ready training opportunities. Proof of it is among the world’s 100% student-run fire companies, the Franklin Pierce Fire, where student fire officers and firefighters work with the Rindge Fire Department.

    There’s also the AA in Human Services program that prepares students for diverse occupations as helping professionals. Didactic coursework empowers students with the knowledge, while internships enable skills development. Students tackle courses in counseling, public policy, and education in human services.

    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 18 months
    • Format: Online

    What we love about Franklin Pierce University

    With more than 30 organizations and clubs open for online students, there are plenty of extracurricular and networking opportunities! The university also encourages its students to lead in sports, science and performing arts with famous alums like Justin Blood, Temple Grandin, and Rebekah Harkness.

    Franklin is great for students who:

    Love the one-on-one mentoring and support services, tight-knit community feel, and competitive academics

    Franklin might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer research opportunities in science and technology offered by large research universities

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Florida State College at Jacksonville

    Jacksonville , FL
    #6 Most Affordable Early Childhood Education Bachelor's (Online, On-Campus) 2025 #7 Best Online Associate Degrees in Florida 2025 #10 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education #12 Best Online Bachelor's in Network Administration Degree Programs for 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    32K

    Career Outlook for degree at Florida State College at Jacksonville

    Cost of Degree: $2,657
    Expenses: $11,711
    Starting Salary: $35,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Among the distinguished members of the Florida College System, Florida State College at Jacksonville offers a wide range of accelerated programs with affordable costs of attendance. The diverse student body consists of Americans from across the US and over 154 countries who benefit from the open admissions policy.

    The AS in Criminal Justice Technology program is popular because of its emphasis on a balance of technical and transferable skills in the field. Students prepare for practice in diverse workplaces, from the police system to the courts and corrections system. College credit can be granted to certain professional certifications.

    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 12 months with articulated credit
    • Format: Online

    What we love about FSCJ

    FSCJ is a multi-awarded institution with recognition. It is hailed as one of the country’s most promising community colleges and the recipient of the 2021 IDEAS Grant. Students choose from 22 fields offered in degree and certificate programs, such as business administration, liberal arts and science, and health sciences.

    FSCJ is great for students who:

    Love the large community college feel with its diverse student body and friendly environment

    FSCJ might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer the small community college vibe

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Marian University

    Indianapolis , IN
    #5 Best Online Associate Degrees in Indiana 2024 #10 Best Online Colleges in Indiana 2024 #14 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Marian University

    Cost of Degree: $39,100
    Expenses: $18,868
    Starting Salary: $46,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Athletes of Marian University are among the best in the nation, with eight NAIA National Championship titles in cycling, football, women’s basketball, and men’s track and field, and 45 USA Cycling National Championships. But its students aren’t just all into athletics either! Marian University offers degree programs in diverse fields, from business, education, and math to medicine and engineering.

    The AS in Paralegal Studies program is well-known for its emphasis on academic excellence and hands-on learning experiences via internships. Students thrive under the 1:1 student-mentor program, learn from attorneys and paralegals, and tackle courses in legal writing, research, and communication.

    • Required Credits: 66
    • Completion time: 14 months
    • Format: Online

    What we love about Marian University

    With its strategic location, Marian University provides its students and alums with abundant opportunities for professional networking and employment in advanced manufacturing and logistics, life sciences, and sports, among other industries.

    Marian University is great for students who:

    Benefit from close student mentoring, high-impact learning environments, and community service programs

    Marian University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer the party-centric college experience

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Notre Dame College

    Cleveland , OH
    #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Ohio #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Ohio #9 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Psychology Programs #10 Best Online Master's Programs in Ohio 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Notre Dame College

    Cost of Degree: $32,596
    Expenses: $15,998
    Starting Salary: $43,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Starting as a women’s college, Notre Dame College of Ohio has been a co-ed institution since January 2001 and has expanded its wings, too! With a student body from across the United States and over 20 countries, it’s among the most diverse colleges, not to mention a haven for students with its rich opportunities for extracurricular engagements.

    Among its notable career-driven associate degree programs is the AA in Business Management program that features 8-week courses in accounting, marketing, and economics. Students benefit from a well-rounded education with a strong liberal arts foundation and business administration courses.

    • Required Credits: 66
    • Completion time: 12 months accelerated
    • Format: Online

    What we love about Notre Dame College

    Students receive the best possible resources and support for their academic success and to develop their passions and talents, thus, contributing to education with a purpose. Notre Dame College may be a small school, but the research opportunities for students are excellent!

    Notre Dame is great for students who:

    Like the unique combination of a small school where students and faculty, and staff members are on a first-name basis and an institution of higher learning with world-class standards

    Notre Dame might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer the larger universities where students are likely to keep to themselves and their circles

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Howard College

    Big Spring , TX

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    28%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Howard College

    Cost of Degree: $4,626
    Expenses: $12,155
    Starting Salary: $35,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The nursing profession holds a special place at Howard College, which shows in the excellent nursing programs offered on-campus and online. The first was the LVN program offered in 1958, followed by the associate degree program in 1976. Starting in June 2003, the RN program’s didactic aspects during the second year were conducted online—truly, proof of Howard University’s innovation philosophy.

    Of note is the Transition Associate Degree Nursing Program that accepts students with vocational nursing credentials who want to become registered nurses. Students take a transition nursing course and then join the standard ADN program after its successful completion. Graduates may also earn their bachelor’s degree in nursing at Texas universities.

    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 12 months
    • Format: Blended (Online for lectures)

    What we love about Howard College:

    With about 1,000 students, Howard College fosters a small community environment that allows its students to thrive under the tutelage of their seniors and professors. Many famous sports personalities are alums, such as Joe Cooper and Ed Fortune, a Florida politician.

    Howard College is great for students who:

    Flourish in a tight-knit community where students receive an excellent education and one-on-one support

    Howard College might not be the best fit for students who:

    Like a large campus where blending into the crowd is possible

    Compare school
  12. #10

    Tidewater Community College

    Norfolk , VA
    #3 Best Community Colleges in Virginia 2025 #5 Best Online Associate Degrees in Virginia 2024 #10 Best Online Associate in Hospitality and Tourism #21 Best Online Associate in Entrepreneurship
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    28%

    Student body

    24K

    Career Outlook for degree at Tidewater Community College

    Cost of Degree: $5,714
    Starting Salary: $35,300

    Part of the extensive Virginia Community College System, Tidewater Community College is popular for its comprehensive range of on-campus and online associate degree and certificate programs. Students and graduates also benefit from the transfer agreements between TCC and four-year universities, such as Norfolk State University and Virginia Wesleyan University (i.e., Tidewater Promise).

    But it isn’t all serious business at TCC, either! Students can submit their literary works in time for the Annual Literary Festival.

    Students in the AS in Business Administration also have writing skills that allow them to tackle marketing, economics, and management courses successfully. With personalized attention, including regular academic advising, the students thrive and earn their associate degrees faster. Both freshmen and adult learners are welcome to apply.

    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 12 months
    • Format: Online

    What we love about TCC

    TCC is the largest—and best if we must say so—school for college education and provider of workforce services in Hampton Roads, home to major companies, including Fortune 500 corporations. Students and alums have abundant career opportunities with their TCC training, and students benefit from modern facilities, credentialed faculty, and rigorous coursework.

    TCC is great for students who:

    Want a quality college education underlined by robust career-ready training that won’t leave them mired in student debt

    TCC might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer small community colleges

    Compare school
  13. #11

    Hodges University

    Fort Myers , FL
    #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Florida 2025 #9 Best Online Associate in Graphic Design 2025 #11 Best Online Associate Degrees in Florida 2025 #17 Best Online Bachelor's in Network Administration Degree Programs for 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Graduation

    20%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Hodges University

    Cost of Degree: $15,820
    Starting Salary: $43,600

    Earning your associate degree at Hodges University in less than 24 months is possible, thanks to its generous transfer policies! Prospective students can choose from accelerated online associate degree programs aside from transferring credits. In case of credit transfers, Hodges has a CLEP, DSST Credit by Exam, Advanced Placement, and Gold Standard Career Pathways Certificates programs.

    Students enrolled in the AA in Digital Design and Graphics can also take advantage of these credit transfer programs. Their coursework prepares them for immediate employment and bachelor’s degree programs after graduation. Students learn AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Cloud, and other software skills. Adult learners can choose from monthly course start dates.

    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 12 months with transfer credits
    • Format: Online and blended options

    What we love about Hodges University

    The cornerstones of higher education at Hodges University are flexible class scheduling, rigorous coursework, and career-ready skills. Students can also look forward to outstanding student support services and access to its impressive array of volumes at the Terry P. McMahan Library.

    Hodges is great for students who:

    Flourish in small class sizes, student-centric policies and facilities (e.g., service dogs are allowed), and productive student-professor interactions as well as rigorous academic coursework

    Hodges might not be the best fit for students who:

    Want a more affordable college education

    Compare school
  14. #12

    Bryan University

    Tempe , AZ
    #12 Best Online Colleges in Arizona 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Graduation

    33%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bryan University

    Cost of Degree: $12,168
    Starting Salary: $36,100

    Students and alums agree that Bryan University is the best university for professional success via a career-focused education. With its peaceful rural campus spread over 128 acres, it’s the type of university that fosters camaraderie and academic excellence.

    Look at its Associate in Paralegal Studies and Litigation Technologies program, where students learn paralegal science, investigative research, litigation, and database management. Students thrive in the interactive virtual classrooms equipped with the ELSSA simulation lab.

    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 12 months with transfer credits
    • Format: Online

    What we love about Bryan University

    Both students and alums benefit from job search assistance, employment counseling, and career preparation workshops that enable them to put their education to practice—and earn from it, too. Students thrive under the mentorship of their professors, too, with both face-to-face and virtual communication channels available.

    Bryan University is great for students who:

    Like the fluidity of moving between multiple campuses and who prefer diverse student bodies

    Bryan University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer an everybody-knows-everybody campus vibe

    Compare school
  15. #13

    Barton Community College

    Great Bend , KS

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    10K

    Career Outlook for degree at Barton Community College

    Cost of Degree: $3,904
    Expenses: $12,275
    Starting Salary: $35,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Barton Community College is the best place for Occupational Safety and Health Education. It’s the only OSHA education center in Kansas and one of only 42 centers across the United States. Students can earn two professional occupational safety and health certificates with an industrial or construction emphasis.

    The credits earned from these professional certificates are counted toward the AAS in Occupational Safety and Health degree, too. Students must take accelerated coursework to earn the degree faster but still learn the fundamentals of occupational safety and health for career advancement.

    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 12 months
    • Format: Online

    What we love about Barton Community College:

    Barton offers more than just vocational, technical, and career training programs and fine and performing arts programs, making it one of the country’s best community colleges. Even its athletic programs bring honor to the college with more than 50 national championships!

    Barton is great for students who:

    Want equal access to quality yet affordable higher education, as well as a wide range of programs in a community college

    Barton might not be the best fit for students who:

    Want a large campus with a diverse student body from anywhere in the US

    Compare school
  16. #14

    Germanna Community College

    Locust Grove , VA
    #6 Best Community Colleges in Virginia 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    10K

    Career Outlook for degree at Germanna Community College

    Cost of Degree: $5,066
    Starting Salary: $35,100

    A member of the 23-strong  Virginia Community College System, Germanna Community College is a career-focused school that enables its students to learn a skill for career advancement. As a two-year institution, Germanna offers a comprehensive range of associate degree programs for residents across several counties and the City of Fredericksburg. The credit for life experiences and open admissions policy attract adult learners to its programs in liberal arts and sciences, among others.

    The AA in Liberal Arts program is a transfer program with credits earned transferable to a bachelor’s degree program in a four-year institution. Students choose from Humanities, Library Science, and Political Science.

    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 12 months
    • Format: Online

    What we love about Germanna Community College

    Germanna offers quality and accessible educational and training opportunities aligned with its clientele’s learning and employment demands. Germanna Educational Foundation, Inc.’s adjunct is responsible for administering private funds according to the community college’s mission.

    Germanna is great for students who:

    Love a wide range of opportunities for student enrichment from student-led organizations, events, and sports activities in addition to the exceptional education and training

    Germanna might not be the best fit for students who:

    Have a bias for the small-town atmosphere of small community colleges

    Compare school

Types of Online Associate Degrees

Online associate degree programs that are offered in an accelerated format are usually one of these three types of degrees:

  • Associate of arts degrees emphasize interdisciplinary training and liberal arts education (e.g., humanities)
  • Associate of science degrees focus on the scientific aspects of the field of study, including analytical training
  • Associate of applied science degrees prepare students for workplace environments immediately after graduation via practical and technical training

The associate of arts (AA) and associate of science (AS) degrees are foundational because their credits can be transferred into related bachelor’s degree programs. The associate of applied science (AAS) degrees are usually career preparation degrees with credits that may or may not be transferable to bachelor’s degree programs.

Female student with pink and white hair studying online

What to Expect from an Online Associate Degree That Can Be Completed in 1 Year

Admission Requirements

Online associate degree programs with accelerated formats have different admission requirements and criteria. Check these aspects, their deadlines, and financial aid availability.

Common admission requirements for online associate degree programs include:

  • High school diploma with minimum GPA and official transcripts
  • ACT/SAT scores
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Personal statements

Many programs, however, will accept students based on their high school diploma only but with a satisfactory GPA.

Bachelor’s degree programs usually have the same requirements, but the official transcripts will come from the completed associate degree rather than high school.

Curriculum and Courses

The typical online associate degree programs have respective curriculums, including general education, concentration, and elective courses.

General education courses may not be taken in accelerated online programs due to transferred credits. But concentration and elective courses should be part of the study program.

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What factors must be considered when choosing online associate degree programs?

Online associate degree programs earned in an accelerated program can be a real asset. If you want the best accelerated online associate degree on your resume, you must consider the following factors.

Accreditation

Regional accreditation is best, but national accreditation for career schools is also accepted. All the accelerated online programs offering associate degrees on our list have valid accreditation.

Location

Location is important even for online associate degree programs because there may be on-campus requirements and resources that will advance your studies.

Program Format

Fully online and blended formats and synchronous and asynchronous course schedules are available. Consider the exact format in an accelerated associate degree program before matriculating.

Cost

While online associate degree programs generally have a more affordable cost of attendance, there are exceptions to the rule. Ask about the differences between in-state and out-of-state tuition and financial aid options.

Student Support Services

Online students succeed because their colleges and universities provide them with satisfactory to excellent student support services. These include library access, writing and career services, online tutoring, and academic advising.

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What can you do with an accelerated online associate degree?

According to the country’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers with an associate degree have higher earnings and lower unemployment rates!

With an associate degree, a worker can earn a median weekly wage of $963 in comparison to $809 for a worker with a high school diploma. In terms of unemployment, workers with associate degrees are less likely to be unemployed (4.6%) than those with a high school diploma (6.2%)

And there’s no distinction between an online and on-campus or a traditional or accelerated associate degree either! As long as you have an associate degree from an accredited school and other professional qualifications, your job prospects are better than without it.

Plus, you can leverage your accelerated online associate degree by highlighting the dedication and determination it takes to earn the credential!

Now that you understand what you can do with an accelerated associate’s, we take a close look at how to make the most of your accelerated degree. Check out our in-depth Guide to Fast Degrees.

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