Best Online Associate Degrees in Michigan 2024
Find the best online associate degrees in Michigan ranked by the academic success of faculty and alumni associated with the colleges and universities and their online degree programs.
Top Online Associate Degree Programs in Michigan
- Northern Michigan University
- Andrews University
- Ferris State University
- Madonna University
- Davenport University
- Cornerstone University
- Schoolcraft College
- Muskegon Community College
- Northwestern Michigan College
- Mott Community College
- Andrews University
- Ferris State University
- Northern Michigan University
- Madonna University
- Baker College
- Cornerstone University
- Lansing Community College
- Mott Community College
- Schoolcraft College
- Davenport University
- Grace Christian University 100%
- Davenport University 99%
- Andrews University 91%
- Ferris State University 88%
- Cornerstone University 82%
- Northern Michigan University 71%
- Madonna University 65%
- Baker College 37%
- Mid Michigan Community College 25 to 1
- Schoolcraft College 21 to 1
- Grand Rapids Community College 18 to 1
- Northern Michigan University 18 to 1
- Muskegon Community College 17 to 1
- Mott Community College 17 to 1
- Bay de Noc Community College 17 to 1
- Washtenaw Community College 17 to 1
- Davenport University 16 to 1
- Kirtland Community College 16 to 1
- Andrews University $32,734
- Cornerstone University $27,880
- Madonna University $26,100
- Davenport University $22,244
- Grace Christian University $14,520
- Ferris State University $13,076
- Baker College $12,710
- Northern Michigan University $12,096
- Muskegon Community College $9,360
- St. Clair County Community College $9,300
- Andrews University $26,580
- Davenport University $17,262
- Madonna University $16,830
- Cornerstone University $14,160
- Baker College $12,510
- Grace Christian University $11,040
- Northern Michigan University $10,176
- Ferris State University $8,532
- Baker College
- Bay de Noc Community College
- Southwestern Michigan College
- Grace Christian University
- St. Clair County Community College
- Kellogg Community College
- Kirtland Community College
- Mid Michigan Community College
- Gogebic Community College
- Lansing Community College
- Bay de Noc Community College
- Kirtland Community College
- St. Clair County Community College
- Mid Michigan Community College
- Gogebic Community College
- Southwestern Michigan College
- Grace Christian University
- Lake Michigan College
- Kellogg Community College
- Grand Rapids Community College
- Baker College 37%
- Madonna University 65%
- Northern Michigan University 71%
- Cornerstone University 82%
- Ferris State University 88%
- Andrews University 91%
- Davenport University 99%
- Grace Christian University 100%
- Kellogg Community College 8 to 1
- Baker College 8 to 1
- Andrews University 10 to 1
- Northwestern Michigan College 11 to 1
- Madonna University 12 to 1
- Gogebic Community College 12 to 1
- Lansing Community College 12 to 1
- Lake Michigan College 13 to 1
- Ferris State University 15 to 1
- Delta College 15 to 1
- Washtenaw Community College $4,056
- Mott Community College $4,446
- Schoolcraft College $4,888
- Southwestern Michigan College $5,410
- Kirtland Community College $5,820
- Gogebic Community College $5,921
- Delta College $6,150
- Kellogg Community College $6,203
- Lansing Community College $6,840
- Lake Michigan College $7,148
- Ferris State University $8,532
- Northern Michigan University $10,176
- Grace Christian University $11,040
- Baker College $12,510
- Cornerstone University $14,160
- Madonna University $16,830
- Davenport University $17,262
- Andrews University $26,580
Featured Programs
Colleges and Universities in Michigan
With over 80 public and private colleges to choose from, students hoping to earn their associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree can find a program that suits their educational needs and budget. Michigan State University and the University of Michigan are the two largest schools, both serving around 42,000 students and costing $16,000 in tuition. Most of the schools in The Wolverine State, however, serve smaller student populations, with tuition fees ranging from $3,000 to $49,000.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
Additionally, students pursuing their degree at a school with religious affiliations have more than 20 options to choose from, including Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Grand Rapid’s Calvin College, and Hope College in Holland. Students attending one of Michigan’s private schools, like Davenport University, can earn their degrees in fields like nursing, education, criminal justice, and history. Michigan, like many other states, also provides a special loan forgiveness program to those in medical, dental, and mental health professions who work in underserved communities. Recipients can receive up to $200,000 of tax-free funds over an eight-year period.
The great state of Michigan famously serves as the major hub of the United States auto industry - and also boasts the longest freshwater coastline in the nation. Students who love the outdoors but are also drawn to the metropolitan energy of big cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids will feel very much at home in Michigan.
To find your degree program, explore some of the top schools in Michigan.
What are Michigan’s Colleges & Universities?
- 12 Research Universities
- 30 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 16 Graduate Schools
- 21 Public Colleges & Universities
- 21 Private Colleges & Universities
- 16 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 26 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 21 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 23 Community Colleges
- 20 Online Colleges
Michigan’s Best Overall
What is an Associate Degree?
An associate degree is a two-year degree that can be earned at state community colleges, vocational schools, and most accredited colleges and universities.
What will I study with an associate degree?
The associate degree provides an introductory level college education. You will usually take an array of liberal arts or humanities courses along with introductory level courses in a specific subject area. Most associate degree programs are available to both on campus students and online students.
Why get an associate degree?
There are several good reasons to get an associate degree. An associate degree is an affordable and accessible way to get a college education while improving your earning potential. The associate degree is popular both among students looking for entry-level work in their field, and for those who are already working.
The online degree is particularly popular at the associate level because so many students must balance work responsibilities and studies. Online courses and complete online programs make it possible for students to earn associate credits and degrees without disrupting daily work responsibilities.
The associate is also a far more affordable and accessible alternative to earning a bachelor’s degree. The associate degree takes about half as long to earn as a bachelor’s degree. Associate students need 60 credits to graduate, versus the 120 credits needed for a bachelor’s degree. And many state community colleges offer low tuition rates.
Can I get a job with an associate degree?
You can get an entry-level job in your field with an associate degree. Many students will use the associate degree as a way to get relevant job training before entering the job market. In fact, many associates will pursue entry level work in their field while earning a bachelor’s degree through online education.
Should I get an associate degree before pursuing a bachelor’s degree?
You may want to get an associate degree first to save money, or improve your admission chances, before getting a bachelor’s degree. The associate degree is a popular stepping stone for students who will seek a bachelor’s degree. When you earn an associate degree from an accredited state community college, you can usually transfer your credits toward your bachelor’s degree program.
Can I get an online degree at the associate level?
You can definitely get an online degree at the associate level. A growing number of online colleges offer high-quality associate-level online courses and complete online programs. Online students will typically take the same courses and curricula as on campus students.
Are associate degrees from online colleges respected?
Online degrees at the associate level are respected as long as these online degrees come from accredited community colleges or two-year schools. Regional accreditation is important when it comes to online colleges. If you plan to go into a bachelor’s degree program at a regionally accredited school, you must earn your online degree from a regionally accredited associate degree program.
If you need more answers to frequently asked questions about online degrees, we can help.
Best Online Associate Degrees in Michigan 2023
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Michigan 2024 #8 Best Public Colleges in Michigan 2024 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs #4 Best Online Colleges in Michigan 2024
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
53%
Student body
8K
Career Outlook for degree at Northern Michigan University
Cost of Degree: $13,622Expenses: $15,620Starting Salary: $39,800Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
AS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
Associate of General Business
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AA/AS in General Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #13 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Michigan 2025 #6 Best Small Colleges in Michigan 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Michigan 2024
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
71%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1225/24
Career Outlook for degree at Andrews University
Cost of Degree: $33,710Expenses: $12,250Starting Salary: $47,800Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
AS in Business
- Required Credits: 62
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AA in Christian Discipleship
- Required Credits: 62
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AA/AS in General Studies
- Required Credits: 62
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Michigan 2025 #2 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Michigan #5 Best Online Associate in Marketing #10 Best Online Colleges in Michigan 2024
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
49%
Student body
13K
Median SAT/ACT
1030/20
Career Outlook for degree at Ferris State University
Cost of Degree: $14,246Expenses: $14,086Starting Salary: $49,600Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
Associate of Marketing
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: 17 months
- Format: Online
Associate of Integrative Studies
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #8 Best Christian Colleges in Michigan 2025 #9 Best Small Colleges in Michigan 2024 #9 Best Private Colleges in Michigan 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Michigan 2024
Tuition + fees
$26K
Acceptance
65%
Graduation
49%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Madonna University
Cost of Degree: $27,360Expenses: $16,590Starting Salary: $44,400Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
AS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Online Associate in Human Resources #3 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Michigan #3 Best Online Associate in Finance #14 Best Online Colleges in Michigan 2024
Tuition + fees
$22K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
50%
Student body
7K
Career Outlook for degree at Davenport University
Cost of Degree: $23,324Expenses: $15,918Starting Salary: $35,400Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
Associate of Business Administration in Human Resources
- Required Credits: 61
- Completion time: 2. years
- Format: Online
Associate of Business Administration in Accounting
- Required Credits: 64
- Completion time: 2. years
- Format: Online
Associate of Business Administration in Finance
- Required Credits: 65
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AAS in Computer Information Systems
- Required Credits: 63
- Completion time: 2. years
- Format: Online
AAS in Cyber Defense
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AAS in Health Information Technology
- Required Credits: 69
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #8 Best Online Colleges in Michigan 2024 #8 Best Online Associate in Biblical Studies #13 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs 2025 #21 Best Online Associate in Human Services
Tuition + fees
$28K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
62%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Cornerstone University
Cost of Degree: $29,100Expenses: $15,370Starting Salary: $40,800Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
AS in Biblical Studies
- Required Credits: 62
- Completion time: 28 months
- Format: Online
AS in Human Services
- Required Credits: 62
- Completion time: 28 months
- Format: Online
AS in Business Studies
- Required Credits: 62
- Completion time: 28 months
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Online Associate in Entrepreneurship #3 Best Online Associate in Small Business Management #3 Best Online Associate in Business Management #8 Best Online Associate in Emergency Management 2025
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
17%
Student body
13K
Career Outlook for degree at Schoolcraft College
Cost of Degree: $5,982Starting Salary: $36,200Online Associate Degrees
AAS in Fire Technology
- Required Credits: 60-78
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$11K
Graduation
26%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Muskegon Community College
Cost of Degree: $11,510Starting Salary: $32,100Online Associate Degrees
AA/AS in Early Childhood Education
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$10K
Graduation
24%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Northwestern Michigan College
Cost of Degree: $10,076Expenses: $12,655Starting Salary: $34,300Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
AAS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
Associate of General Studies
- Required Credits: 60-62
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Associate of Science and Arts
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
16%
Student body
8K
Career Outlook for degree at Mott Community College
Cost of Degree: $5,435Starting Salary: $31,300Online Associate Degrees
AAS in Accounting
- Required Credits: 64
- Completion time: 2.5 years
- Format: Online
AAS in Business Management
- Required Credits: 64
- Completion time: 2.5 years
- Format: Online
AAS in Computer Information Systems
- Required Credits: 68
- Completion time: 2.5 years
- Format: Online
AAS in Computer Occupations Technology
Concentrations
- Application Developer
- Required Credits: 69
- Completion time: 2.5 years
- Format: Online
AAS in Early Childhood Education
- Required Credits: 65
- Completion time: 2.5 years
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$7K
Graduation
15%
Student body
9K
Career Outlook for degree at Delta College
Cost of Degree: $7,250Starting Salary: $34,600Online Associate Degrees
Associate of Business Studies
Concentrations
- Business Information Technology
- Entrepreneurship/Small Business Management
- General Management
- Office Professions/Office Management
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #5 Best Community Colleges in Michigan 2025 #10 Best Online Associate in Communications #13 Best Online Associate in Education
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
28%
Student body
19K
Career Outlook for degree at Washtenaw Community College
Cost of Degree: $4,584Starting Salary: $34,600Online Associate Degrees
AAS in Accounting
- Required Credits: 64
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AAS in Management
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AA in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Associate of General Studies
Concentrations
- Employment Pathway
- Transfer Pathway
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AAS in Occupational Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AS in General Studies
Concentrations
- Math and Natural Sciences
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AAS in Business Office Administration
Concentrations
- Administrative Assistant
- Law Office Administration
- Medical Administrative Assistant
- Office Management
- Required Credits: 60-63
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AA in Secondary Education
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AAS in Retail Management
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Associate of Supply Chain Management
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AA in Liberal Arts
Concentrations
- Major Concentrations
- Communication Concentration
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AA in Technical Communication
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #8 Best Community Colleges in Michigan 2025 #7 Best Online Associate in Economics #7 Best Online Associate in Graphic Design 2025 #9 Best Online Associate in Web Design
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
19%
Student body
18K
Career Outlook for degree at Grand Rapids Community College
Cost of Degree: $8,049Starting Salary: $34,400Online Associate Degrees
AAA/AAS in Graphics/Web Development
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AA in Pre-Business
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AA in Pre-Economics
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AA in Pre-Computer Science
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AA in Pre-Cybersecurity
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AA in Pre-History
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AA in Pre-International Relations
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AA in Pre-Sociology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AA in Pre-Geography
- Required Credits: 61
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Online Associate in Software Development #18 Fastest Online Associate's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2025
Tuition + fees
$7K
Graduation
21%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Lake Michigan College
Cost of Degree: $7,500Expenses: $12,462Starting Salary: $27,200Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
AAS in Accounting
- Required Credits: 61
- Completion time: 20 months
- Format: Online
AS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AAS in Applications Development
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$7K
Graduation
19%
Student body
14K
Career Outlook for degree at Lansing Community College
Cost of Degree: $7,520Starting Salary: $36,100Online Associate Degrees
Associate of Business Administration
- Required Credits: 63-65
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AA/AAS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 62
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AA in Sociology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AA in Psychology
- Required Credits: 60-61
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #13 Best Online Associate in Entrepreneurship #17 Best Online Associate in Small Business Management #17 Best Online Associate in Business Management
Tuition + fees
$7K
Graduation
29%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Gogebic Community College
Cost of Degree: $7,419Expenses: $12,140Starting Salary: $32,400Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
AA in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 63
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AAB in Entrepreneurship
- Required Credits: 61-62
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AAB in General Business
- Required Credits: 61-62
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AAB in Accounting
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AAS in Computer Programming
- Required Credits: 62-63
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AA in General Education
- Required Credits: 63
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$9K
Graduation
12%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Mid Michigan Community College
Cost of Degree: $8,446Starting Salary: $32,800Online Associate Degrees
AAS in Administrative Assistant Professional
Concentrations
- General Business
- Legal Office
- Medical Office
- Required Credits: 62
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AA-T in Business Studies
- Required Credits: 63
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AA-T in Liberal Studies
- Required Credits: 63
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$7K
Graduation
34%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Kirtland Community College
Cost of Degree: $6,990Expenses: $14,985Starting Salary: $29,800Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
AAS in Accounting
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AAS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AAS in Information Technology
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AAS in Cybersecurity
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$7K
Graduation
8%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Kellogg Community College
Cost of Degree: $5,748Starting Salary: $34,500Online Associate Degrees
AAS in Business Management
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AAS in Accounting
- Required Credits: 61
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AAS in Administrative Assistant
- Required Credits: 63
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AAS in Early Childhood Education
- Required Credits: 63
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
Associate of Arts
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$9K
Graduation
25%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at St. Clair County Community College
Cost of Degree: $8,506Expenses: $18,908Starting Salary: $34,600Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
Associate of Accounting
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
Associate of Arts
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Associate of Computer Information Systems
Concentrations
- Computer Information Systems
- Applications for Business
- Programming
- Software Development
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Associate of Business
- Required Credits: 62
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Associate of General Education
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AAS in Management
- Required Credits: 62
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AAS in General Business
- Required Credits: 62-64
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AAS in Marketing
- Required Credits: 62
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
100%
Graduation
53%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Grace Christian University
Cost of Degree: $15,321Expenses: $12,324Starting Salary: $30,500Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
AA in Business
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AA in General Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AA in Leadership and Ministry
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AA in Social Science
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$7K
Graduation
32%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Southwestern Michigan College
Cost of Degree: $7,510Expenses: $12,810Starting Salary: $32,200Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
AAS in Business
- Required Credits: 60-66
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$9K
Graduation
32%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Bay de Noc Community College
Cost of Degree: $9,858Expenses: $16,876Starting Salary: $33,400Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
AAS in Business
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
Associate of Business Administration
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
Associate of Arts
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #9 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025 #1 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024 #3 Top 3 Best Online Economics PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025 #6 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Michigan
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
37%
Graduation
20%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at Baker College
Cost of Degree: $12,810Expenses: $13,900Starting Salary: $31,800Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
Associate of Business
Concentrations
- General Business
- Accounting
- Human Resources Management
- Management
- Marketing
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AAS in Information Technology Support Specialist
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AAS in Emergency Services Management
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AAS in Web Development
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AAS in Computer Programming
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
Michigan 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 Pennsylvania, Maine, Wisconsin, 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.