Best Online Associate Degrees in Connecticut 2025
Key Takeaways
- Earning an associate degree in Connecticut is an affordable way to get started on your college education and takes about two years to complete.
- Many community colleges and two-year schools in Connecticut offer both traditional and online degree programs for students pursuing their associate degree in a wide variety of disciplines.
- Students who are residents of Connecticut looking to earn their online associate degree in the state are typically eligible for in-state discount rates.
Best Online Associate Degrees in Connecticut 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 schools in our ranking of the best online associate degrees in Connecticut saw a fair amount of shuffling. Goodwin University gained the most ranking positions as the university expanded their Manufacturing and Innovation Lab, providing state-of-the-art training in advanced manufacturing technologies, automation, and sustainable production methods. The university has also launched new healthcare-focused programs, particularly in nursing and public health, with enhanced simulation labs to give students hands-on clinical experience.
Additionally, Goodwin has improved its student support services, offering expanded career development resources, mental health counseling, and flexible learning options, including more online and hybrid course formats. These updates reflect the university’s focus on practical training, healthcare, and student success.
Featured Programs
Best Online Associate Degrees in Connecticut
- #8 Best Online Colleges for Students Who Work Part-Time 2025 #22 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2025
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Connecticut
- #4 Best Online Colleges in Connecticut 2024
- #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Connecticut
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Philosophy Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #11 Best Online Master's Programs in Connecticut 2024
- #12 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #16 Best Online Associate in Business Management
- #18 Best Online Master’s in Human Services
- #25 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
- #25 Best Online Associate in General Studies
- #9 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs 2025
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
50%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Albertus Magnus College
Cost of Degree: $39,924Expenses: $23,534Starting Salary: $56,000Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryBuild your future by enrolling in a flexible associate degree program at Albertus Magnus College. They integrate Catholic teachings into their academic offerings. They have smaller classes, making learning more customized and student-focused.
What we love about Albertus Magnus College:
Albertus Magnus College welcomes students from any race, culture, and religion. They are devoted to the pursuit of truth and ensure that every associate degree student can develop their God-given talents and gifts.
Albertus Magnus College is ideal for students who:
Want to attend a private Catholic school.
Albertus Magnus College might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer a public college.
Online Associate Degrees
AS in Business Management
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AA in Liberal Studies
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #6 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #7 Best Public Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Connecticut
Other Rankings
- #6 Best Online Colleges in Connecticut 2024
- #7 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education
- #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Connecticut 2024
- #9 Most Affordable Early Childhood Education Bachelor's (Online, On-Campus) 2025
- #15 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #24 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024
- #25 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2025
- #25 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #25 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
100%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Charter Oak State College
Cost of Degree: $8,506Starting Salary: $43,700Enroll in a career-focused online associate degree when you choose to study at Charter Oak State College. Adult learners who want to shift to a different profession or who want to add more skills can choose from the numerous associate degrees offered online.
What we love about Charter Oak State College:
Charter Oak State College is focused on contributing graduates in society who can help advance the workforce in diverse industries. They offer credits for several qualifications, allowing students to finish their degrees timely.
Charter Oak State College is ideal for students who:
Want to attend an online college that makes education accessible and affordable.
Charter Oak State College might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer to have larger-sized classes.
Online Associate Degrees
AS in Paraprofessional Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
Associate of Early Childhood Education
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AA/AS in General Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #9 Best Online Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #11 Best Online Bachelor's in Philosophy Degree Programs Ranked for 2024 #13 Best Online Master's Programs in Connecticut 2024 #16 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$9K
Student body
1K
Holy Apostles College and Seminary offers Associate Degree programs in Theology and Liberal Arts. They are a private and non-profit institution geared towards producing graduates who can serve communities for the greater good. Online and on-campus programs are available.
What we love about Holy Apostles College and Seminary:
The academic programs offered by Holy Apostles College and Seminary are based on authentic Catholic principles and teachings. Associate degree students can access education affordably and timely.
Holy Apostles College and Seminary is ideal for students who:
Want to attend an authentic Catholic college.
Holy Apostles College and Seminary might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer a non-religious school.
Online Associate Degrees
AA in Liberal Arts
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AA in Theology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #8 Best Online Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #14 Best Online Master's Programs in Connecticut 2024 #25 Best Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Programs for Students #17 Fastest Online Associate's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2025
Tuition + fees
$21K
Graduation
48%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at Goodwin University
Cost of Degree: $21,188Expenses: $13,172Starting Salary: $43,000Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryEnroll in a career-focused associate degree education at Goodwin University. No matter what your professional goals are, their community will meet your educational needs. They have a diverse but vibrant campus fit for any kind of learner.
What we love about Goodwin University:
Expect to have personal support and professional guidance from professors and staff at Goodwin University. Graduates usually end up changing their lives after they finish their studies at Goodwin. They have an innovative learning community that welcomes and rewards hard-working students.
Goodwin University is ideal for students who:
Want a vibrant school.
Goodwin University might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer to enroll in a more affordable university.
Online Associate Degrees
AS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 60-61
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AS in General Studies
- Required Credits: 60-66
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
17%
Student body
5K
Associate degree students can gain access to quality but affordable education at Tunxi Community College. They have designed their programs to meet the complex demands of the modern workforce today.
What we love about Tunxis Community College:
Educational and cultural learning centers are available for all kinds of learners at Tunxis Community College. They value accountability, respect, and excellence. They take learning seriously but have room for humor and fun.
Tunxis Community College is ideal for students who:
Want to attend a school that is vibrant and fun.
Tunxis Community College might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer to attend a school with more transferable credits.
Online Associate Degrees
AS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 61-63
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 63-65
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AS in General Studies
- Required Credits: 60-64
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
16%
Student body
4K
At Three Rivers Community College, their focus is on its students and serving communities. They have invested in improving their state-of-the-art facilities to make learning experiences more profound and advanced.
What we love about Three Rivers Community College:
Each associate degree program is designed to fit students’ goals and schedules. No matter what your learning needs and demands are, or your background, they will have a solution to make education accessible for anyone.
Three Rivers Community College is ideal for students who:
Want to attend a school that offers flexibility as a top priority.
Three Rivers Community College might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer to have less rigorous classes.
Online Associate Degrees
Associate of General Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
Connecticut 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 Alabama, Kentucky, Colorado, 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.