Best Online Associate Degrees in California 2025
Key Takeaways
- Earning an associate degree 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 in California offer both traditional and online degree programs for students pursuing their associate degree in a wide variety of disciplines.
- Students who earn their online associate degree in their state of residence are typically eligible for in-state discount rates. If you are a resident of California, finding an online associate degree here at home will typically be the most affordable way to begin your higher education.
Top 10 Online Associate Degree Programs in California in 2025
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.
In 2025, the top ten online associate degree programs in California witnessed some shuffling, Touro University California seeing the most shift as the school gained sixteen ranking positions. The university expanded its pathways for associate degree holders, offering more streamlined transfer programs into bachelor’s programs, especially in fields like healthcare administration and public health. Additionally, new academic support services have been implemented, such as personalized advising and career counseling specifically designed to help associate degree students transition smoothly into higher-level programs.
Featured Programs
Best Online Associate Degrees in California
- #10 Best Small Colleges in California 2025 #2 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2025 #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024 #4 Best Online Master's in Organizational Psychology 2025
Other Rankings
- #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #5 Best Online MBA Programs in California 2025
- #5 Best Online Associate in General Studies
- #7 Best Online MBA in Entrepreneurship Ranked for Students in 2024
- #8 Best Online MBA in Accounting Degree Programs
- #8 Best Online MBA in Business Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024
- #9 Best Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Ranked for Students in 2024
- #9 Best Online Colleges in California 2024
- #14 Best Online Master's in Project Management 2025
- #16 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting 2025
- #16 Best Online Master’s in Information Technology 2025
- #17 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2025
- #18 Best Online Master’s in Finance 2025
- #19 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs 2025
- #19 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
- #21 Best Online MBAs in Finance 2025
- #21 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources 2025
- #22 Best Online Master's Degrees in Accounting 2025
- #22 Best Online Master’s in Counseling 2025
Tuition + fees
$11K
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Golden Gate University
Cost of Degree: $11,343Starting Salary: $82,300Online Associate Degrees
AA in General Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #5 50 Best Community Colleges for Future Success in 2025 #4 Best Community Colleges in California 2025 #1 Best Online Associate in Communications #1 Best Online Associate in Sociology
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Online Associate in Gender Studies
- #2 Best Online Associate in Mathematics 2025
- #3 Best Online Associate in Economics
- #3 Best Online Associate's in General Science 2025
- #3 Best Online Associate in Computer Science Degree Programs 2025
- #6 Best Online Associate in Liberal Arts 2025
- #8 Best Online Associate in Information Technology
- #23 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
Tuition + fees
$2K
Graduation
37%
Student body
27K
Career Outlook for degree at City College of San Francisco
Cost of Degree: $1,696Starting Salary: $41,800Online Associate Degrees
AS-T in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in General Business
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Computer Networking and Information Technology
Concentrations
- Cisco Networking
- Computer Networking and Information Technology
- Computer Tech Support
- Network Security
- Wireless Networks
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Computer Science
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA-T in Art History
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA-T in Economics
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Latin American and Latino/a Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Liberal Arts and Sciences
Concentrations
- Arts and Humanities
- Communication
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Library Information Technology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA-T in Social Justice Studies
Concentrations
- Ethnic Studies
- Feminist, Queer, and Trans Studies
- Latin American and Latino/a Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA-T in Sociology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA-T in Spanish
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Health Education
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA-T in Psychology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Liberal Arts and Sciences
Concentrations
- Science and Mathematics
- Social and Behavioral Science
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #6 50 Best Community Colleges for Future Success in 2025 #5 Best Community Colleges in California 2025 #2 Best Online Associate in English 2025 #2 Best Online Associate in Anthropology
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
26%
Student body
29K
Career Outlook for degree at Sacramento City College
Cost of Degree: $1,288Starting Salary: $40,700Online Associate Degrees
AS in Business
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS-T in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA-T in Administration of Justice
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Anthropology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in English
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA-T in History
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA/AA-T in Sociology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in California 2025 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Strategic Communications Degree Programs #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Cybersecurity #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Math Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2025
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs
- #4 Most Affordable Early Childhood Education Bachelor's (Online, On-Campus) 2025
- #5 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Psychology Degree Programs 2025
- #6 Top 10 Fastest Accelerated Online PhD in Criminal Justice (Doctorates)
- #6 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs 2025
- #7 Best Online MBA Programs in California 2025
- #8 11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master’s of Computer Science 2025
- #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Electrical and Computer Engineering Degree Programs for 2024
- #10 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
- #10 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Psychology Programs
- #10 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2025
- #11 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2025
- #11 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
- #12 Best Online Bachelor’s of Digital Media for 2025
- #12 Best Online Master's in Behavior Analysis Degree Programs
- #13 Best Online Colleges in California 2024
- #14 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2025
- #14 Best Online Master's in English 2025
- #14 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity 2025
- #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2025
- #15 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs 2025
- #15 Best Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2025
- #16 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2025
- #17 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #18 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management 2025
- #20 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2025
- #21 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting 2025
- #21 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2025
- #22 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity 2025
- #22 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
- #23 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
- #23 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources 2025
- #24 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
- #9 Best College Majors that Offer Accelerated Degree Programs 2025
Tuition + fees
$13K
Graduation
22%
Student body
29K
Career Outlook for degree at National University
Cost of Degree: $13,320Starting Salary: $59,000Online Associate Degrees
Associate of Accounting
- Required Credits: 90
- Completion time: 2.5-3.5 years
- Format: Online
Associate of Business Administration
- Required Credits: 90
- Completion time: 2.5-3.5 years
- Format: Online
Associate of Information Technology
- Required Credits: 90
- Completion time: 2.5-3.5 years
- Format: Online
Associate of Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 90
- Completion time: 2.5-3.5 years
- Format: Online
- #10 50 Best Community Colleges for Future Success in 2025 #8 Best Community Colleges in California 2025 #3 Best Online Associate's in History Degrees 2025 #4 Best Online Associate's in General Science 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
40%
Student body
19K
Career Outlook for degree at Santa Barbara City College
Cost of Degree: $1,234Starting Salary: $42,800Online Associate Degrees
AA in Photography Applied
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Marketing
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Computer Information Systems
Concentrations
- System Administration
- Required Credits: 31
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Liberal Arts and Sciences
Concentrations
- Arts and Humanities
- Science and Mathematics
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Health Information Technology
- Required Credits: 49
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Natural History
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
Student body
1K
Online Associate Degrees
AA in General Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
20%
Student body
15K
Career Outlook for degree at San Bernardino Valley College
Cost of Degree: $1,185Starting Salary: $32,000Online Associate Degrees
AA in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Administration of Justice
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Liberal Arts
Concentrations
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Humanities and Fine Arts
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA-T in Philosophy
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #1 Best Online Associate in Web Design #2 Best Online Associate in Game Development #10 Best Online Associate in Computer Science Degree Programs 2025
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
31%
Student body
26K
Career Outlook for degree at Palomar College
Cost of Degree: $1,354Starting Salary: $40,300Online Associate Degrees
AS in Business Information Worker
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Computer Science
Concentrations
- Video Gaming
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Management Information Systems
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Web Design and Development
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #1 Best Online Associate in Software Development #2 Best Online Associate in American Sign Language (ASL) Degree Programs #2 Best Online Associate in Political Science 2025 #3 Best Online Associate in Health Information Technology & Informatics
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Online Associate in Health Science Degree Programs
- #5 Best Online Associate in Anthropology
- #5 Best Online Associate in Gender Studies
- #7 Best Online Associate's in History Degrees 2025
- #10 Best Online Associate in English 2025
- #12 Best Online Associate's in General Science 2025
- #14 Best Online Associate in Entrepreneurship
- #18 Best Online Associate in Small Business Management
- #18 Best Online Associate in Business Management
- #20 Best Online Associate in Sociology
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
46%
Student body
29K
Career Outlook for degree at Saddleback College
Cost of Degree: $1,432Starting Salary: $46,000Online Associate Degrees
AA in Humanities
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS-T in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Business Leadership
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Computerized Accounting Specialist
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Entrepreneurship
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Global Business
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Marketing
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Real Estate
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Real Estate Appraisal
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Retail Management
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Health Information Technology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Software Specialist
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in American Sign Language
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Anthropology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in English Literature
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Gender and Sexuality
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in History
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Italian
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Health Sciences
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #10 Best Online Associate in Sociology #15 Best Online Associate's in General Science 2025 #17 Best Online Associate in Mathematics 2025 #19 Best Online Associate in English 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
29%
Student body
15K
Career Outlook for degree at Allan Hancock College
Cost of Degree: $1,146Starting Salary: $35,500Online Associate Degrees
AS in Business
Concentrations
- Management
- Marketing
- Required Credits: 27
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Liberal Arts
Concentrations
- Arts and Humanities
- Mathematics and Science
- Social and Behavioral Science
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Sociology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #7 Best Online Associate in Philosophy #8 Best Online Associate in Political Science 2025 #16 Best Online Associate in Sociology #22 Best Online Associate in Health Information Technology & Informatics
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
22%
Student body
37K
Career Outlook for degree at Bakersfield College
Cost of Degree: $1,430Starting Salary: $36,000Online Associate Degrees
AS-T in Early Childhood Education
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA-T in History
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA-T in History and Political Science
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA-T in Philosophy
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA-T in Political Science
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA-T in Sociology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Health Information Technology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA-T in Psychology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #3 Best Online Associate in French Degree Programs #4 Best Online Associate in American Sign Language (ASL) Degree Programs #15 Best Online Associate in Small Business Management #15 Best Online Associate in Business Management
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
27%
Student body
42K
Career Outlook for degree at American River College
Cost of Degree: $1,288Starting Salary: $38,100Online Associate Degrees
AA/AST in Business
- Required Credits: 25
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in General Science
- Required Credits: 35
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Management
- Required Credits: 24
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in ASL-English Interpreting
- Required Credits: 18
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #14 Best Online Associate in Economics #18 Best Online Associate's in General Science 2025 #19 Best Online Associate in Communications
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
27%
Student body
10K
Career Outlook for degree at Monterey Peninsula College
Cost of Degree: $1,188Starting Salary: $39,500Online Associate Degrees
AA-T/AS-T in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS/AS-T in Early Childhood Education
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA/AA-T in Economics
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in General Studies
Concentrations
- Arts and Humanities
- Communication and Analytical Thinking
- Natural Science
- Social Science
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA-T in History
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA-T in Psychology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
34%
Student body
7K
Career Outlook for degree at Crafton Hills College
Cost of Degree: $1,188Starting Salary: $39,000Online Associate Degrees
AA in Fine Arts
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS-T in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 27
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Philosophy
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Social Science
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #12 Best Online Bachelor's in Human Development Degree Programs for 2024 #23 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2025
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
32%
Graduation
50%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Hope International University
Cost of Degree: $36,250Expenses: $17,509Starting Salary: $40,700Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
Associate of Arts
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Human Development Degree Programs for 2024 #21 Best Online Colleges in California 2024 #21 Best Online Associate in General Studies
Tuition + fees
$26K
Graduation
35%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at San Diego Christian College
Cost of Degree: $26,300Expenses: $17,502Starting Salary: $42,500Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
AA in Liberal Studies
- Required Credits: 64
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #17 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #11 Best Online Associate in Health Science Degree Programs #20 Best Online Colleges in California 2024
Tuition + fees
$47K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
60%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Mount Saint Mary's University, Los Angeles
Cost of Degree: $48,132Expenses: $23,558Starting Salary: $63,500Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
AS in Pre-Health Science
- Required Credits: 45
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #14 Best Online Associate in Anthropology #15 Most Affordable Online Associate Degree Programs Ranked for 2025 #24 Best Online Associate in Mathematics 2025
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
34%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at Lake Tahoe Community College
Cost of Degree: $1,131Expenses: $18,996Starting Salary: $31,400Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
AA in Business
Concentrations
- Accounting and Finance
- Management
- Marketing
- General Business Management
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Anthropology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Humanities
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Liberal Arts
Concentrations
- Arts and Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Mathematics and Science
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Social Science
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Spanish
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Psychology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #12 Best Online Associate in Anthropology #16 Most Affordable Online Associate Degree Programs Ranked for 2025 #23 Best Online Associate in Cybersecurity #25 Best Online Associate in Mathematics 2025
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
29%
Student body
8K
Career Outlook for degree at Cerro Coso Community College
Cost of Degree: $1,384Starting Salary: $34,600Online Associate Degrees
AS in Business
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS-T in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Management
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Business Office Technology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Information Technology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Web Professional
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS-T in Administration of Justice
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Cybersecurity Technology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Paralegal Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS-T in Early Childhood Education
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA-T in Anthropology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA-T in Art History
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA-T in English
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Liberal Arts
Concentrations
- Arts and Humanities
- Math and Science
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Human Services
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA-T in Psychology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS-T in Mathematics
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
31%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Mendocino College
Cost of Degree: $1,423Starting Salary: $31,800Online Associate Degrees
AS in Business Accounting
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS-T in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Business Management
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS-T in Early Childhood Education
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Liberal Arts
Concentrations
- Education
- Social Science
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Child Development/Family Relations
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA-T in English
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Ethnic Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Liberal Arts
Concentrations
- Social Science
- Education
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA-T in Sociology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
100%
Graduation
50%
Student body
<1K
Online Associate Degrees
AA in Early Childhood Education
- Required Credits: 67
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Biblical Studies
- Required Credits: 65
- Completion time: 2-3 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 in Communications
- #22 Best Online Associate in Marketing
- #22 Best Online Associate in Education
- #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
Career Outlook for degree at Coastline Community College
Cost of Degree: $1,180Starting Salary: $43,100Online Associate Degrees
AA in Art
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Accounting
Concentrations
- Bookkeeping
- General Accounting
- Advanced Accounting
- Intermediate Accounting
- Taxation
- Required Credits: 10
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Business Administration
Concentrations
- Human Resources Management
- Marketing
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Leadership, Management and Supervision
Concentrations
- Management
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Computer Information Systems
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Process Technology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Emergency Management
Concentrations
- Criminal Justice
- Homeland Security
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Paralegal Studies
- Required Credits: 27
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Educational Studies
Concentrations
- Liberal Studies (for Teaching)
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA-T in Child and Adolescent Development
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA/AA-T in Communication Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA/AA-T in Economics
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA/AA-T in English
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in French
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA/AA-T in History
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA/AA-T in Sociology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA/AA-T in Spanish
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Emergency Management
Concentrations
- Homeland Security
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Gerontology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA/AS-T in Health
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in Human Services
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA/AA-T in Psychology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Biological Sciences and Allied Health Program
Concentrations
- Biology
- Health Science
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS in Building Codes Technology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA/AS-T in Mathematics
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AS-T in Physics
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
California is just one of many states offering excellent online associate’s degrees. To check out our rankings, look into the best online associate’s degrees in Massachusetts, Georgia, Connecticut, and more!
Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions
If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require a time of adjustment. Although you’ll typically learn the same material and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, going online will require greater independence and responsibility than going in person. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, for harnessing the online educational technology that you’ll need to use, and for completing the course requirements, such as listening to lectures, learning lessons, reading texts, and handing in assignments. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take the initiative in building relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.
No. The only part of online education that’s easier than campus-based education is ease of access: all you need is a computer and an internet connection for online education. But even this seeming advantage of online education can be misleading: what’s easier, studying online with your computer and internet connection from your home where you need to cook, clean, pay rent, and maintain a job? Or studying on campus in a dorm where all your living needs are handled by the school, and college staff are there to help you every step of the way?
If you take the commute to campus out of the equation, campus-based education is easier. All the support structures available on campus for students, especially with real people to help you in person, are not there online. The demands on you as an online student will largely be the same as for your campus-based counterpart, but without the same helps.
In general, your online courses will present the same material and test you in the same way as traditional in-person courses. In many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning with remote educational technology for the first time, online college may be considerably more challenging than campus-based college. For a few insights on how to manage this new online experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.
Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable non-profit institutions on the one end and less-than-reputable for-profit institutions on the other end. Accreditation gives you the power to identify the more reputable actors in online education. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency indicating that a college or university is meeting standards of quality and credibility. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.
Attending a college or university that is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. For students seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that they opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree. For more on this important topic, check out our What is Accreditation and Why Does It Matter? College & University Accreditation Guide.
As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited (see the previous point), you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer of credits. In many cases, you will encounter some bureaucratic haggling in which some of your credits will be transferred and others may be refused. However, provided that you have attended an online school with recognized regional accreditation, you should be in good shape in transferring your credits earned online.
In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript, or resumé differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.
Some employers may express the concern that because you did your degree online, you may need to transition from an online education experience to in-person workplace experience. But in an age of Covid, that concern seems much diminished. The fact is that much employment these days is remote. And collaboration increasingly happens online over Zoom. Many employers will therefore view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.
If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will be less than ideal for you (though depending on your circumstances, it may also be the only viable option).
While there is much in traditional campus-based education that can be substituted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing that can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual in-person classroom setting. As you transition to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face in getting the most out of your online classes is overcoming this difference between “real reality” and “virtual reality.” Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.
The advantages of online classes are many. Above all, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete at your own pace and on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.
Resources for Online College-Bound Students
Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.