Best Online Associate Degrees in Missouri 2024
Find the best online associate degrees in Missouri 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 Missouri
- Washington University in St. Louis
- Southeast Missouri State University
- Drury University
- Park University
- Central Methodist University
- Missouri Western State University
- Southwest Baptist University
- Missouri Valley College
- Columbia College
- Missouri Baptist University
- Washington University in St. Louis
- Southeast Missouri State University
- Drury University
- Park University
- Central Methodist University
- Columbia College
- Missouri Western State University
- Southwest Baptist University
- Missouri Valley College
- Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
- Southwest Baptist University 100%
- Central Methodist University 98%
- Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary 93%
- Southeast Missouri State University 86%
- Missouri Baptist University 71%
- Drury University 63%
- Calvary University 61%
- Missouri Valley College 61%
- Washington University in St. Louis 12%
- Southeast Missouri State University 20 to 1
- Columbia College 20 to 1
- Missouri Baptist University 19 to 1
- North Central Missouri College 19 to 1
- St. Louis Community College–Forest Park 18 to 1
- State Fair Community College 17 to 1
- Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary 17 to 1
- Missouri Western State University 17 to 1
- Jefferson College 15 to 1
- Park University 14 to 1
- Washington University in St. Louis $60,590
- Drury University $33,830
- Missouri Baptist University $33,316
- Central Methodist University $27,140
- Southwest Baptist University $27,038
- Columbia College $24,326
- Missouri Valley College $22,450
- Park University $12,671
- Calvary University $12,500
- Central Christian College of the Bible $9,850
- Washington University in St. Louis $59,420
- Missouri Baptist University $11,102
- Columbia College $8,826
- Calvary University $7,598
- Drury University $7,587
- Missouri Western State University $7,110
- Park University $6,663
- Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary $6,520
- City Vision University $6,400
- Southeast Missouri State University $6,205
- City Vision University
- St. Louis Christian College
- St. Louis Community College–Forest Park
- Central Christian College of the Bible
- Missouri State University–West Plains
- East Central College
- Jefferson College
- Calvary University
- State Fair Community College
- North Central Missouri College
- City Vision University
- St. Louis Community College–Forest Park
- Central Christian College of the Bible
- St. Louis Christian College
- Missouri State University–West Plains
- East Central College
- Jefferson College
- State Fair Community College
- North Central Missouri College
- Calvary University
- Washington University in St. Louis 12%
- Missouri Valley College 61%
- Calvary University 61%
- Drury University 63%
- Missouri Baptist University 71%
- Southeast Missouri State University 86%
- Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary 93%
- Central Methodist University 98%
- Southwest Baptist University 100%
- Washington University in St. Louis 7 to 1
- City Vision University 7 to 1
- Calvary University 8 to 1
- Central Christian College of the Bible 9 to 1
- Southwest Baptist University 11 to 1
- Drury University 12 to 1
- Missouri State University–West Plains 13 to 1
- Central Methodist University 13 to 1
- Missouri Valley College 13 to 1
- Park University 14 to 1
- East Central College $3,864
- Missouri State University–West Plains $4,230
- State Fair Community College $4,392
- St. Louis Community College–Forest Park $4,440
- North Central Missouri College $4,740
- Jefferson College $5,310
- City Vision University $6,000
- Missouri Western State University $7,200
- Southeast Missouri State University $7,761
- Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary $9,480
- Missouri Valley College $3,600
- Southwest Baptist University $5,136
- Central Christian College of the Bible $5,310
- Southeast Missouri State University $6,205
- City Vision University $6,400
- Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary $6,520
- Park University $6,663
- Missouri Western State University $7,110
- Drury University $7,587
- Calvary University $7,598
Featured Programs
Colleges and Universities in Missouri
Tuition costs in Missouri fall below the national average, allowing students access to many affordable options. For example, at Missouri State University, the second largest public school, tuition fees are around $7,000. Students of actor John Goodman’s alma mater can major in fields like religious studies, history, and business, and even have the option of earning an associate degree in arts or a bachelor’s in business at the university’s sister school in China. Missouri also offers more than 40 private schools.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
Tuition and student populations vary greatly among these schools, but students who attend these higher education institutes also have the option to attend classes at other campuses. For example, Saint Louis University, a college with Jesuit roots, has campuses in both St. Louis and Madrid, Spain. Additionally, Missouri offers special loan forgiveness programs for nurses and other health professionals, including dentists, psychiatrists, and primary care physicians, who work in designated, high-need areas.
When you aren’t exploring one of its 6,000 caves, chowing down on some barbecue, or taking in a live jazz performance, Missouri can serve as the perfect place to begin a road trip. The Show Me State is bordered by eight other U.S. states, making it ideal for students love travelling and planning weekend getaways. During the week days, students can continue on their road to success by pursuing their degree at one of Missouri’s 72 higher education institutes.
See where Missouri’s many roads can take you while earning your degree at one this state’s top learning institutions.
What are Missouri’s Colleges & Universities?
- 10 Research Universities
- 28 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 13 Graduate Schools
- 13 Public Colleges & Universities
- 25 Private Colleges & Universities
- 16 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 23 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 18 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 12 Community Colleges
- 30 Online Colleges
Missouri’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 Missouri 2023
- #19 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #20 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #23 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2025
Other Rankings
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Research Universities in Missouri 2025
- #1 Best Colleges in Missouri 2024
- #1 Best Private Colleges in Missouri 2025
- #13 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees 2025
- #15 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees 2025
- #16 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees 2025
- #18 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
- #21 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
- #22 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
- #25 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #1 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2025
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Missouri 2024
- #2 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2025
- #2 Fastest Online Associate Degrees Ranked for 2024
- #8 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
Tuition + fees
$61K
Acceptance
12%
Graduation
94%
Student body
19K
Median SAT/ACT
1535/34
Career Outlook for degree at Washington University in St. Louis
Cost of Degree: $62,982Expenses: $25,506Starting Salary: $87,900Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
Associate of Arts
Concentrations
- Social Sciences
- Humanities
- Professional Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2025 #3 Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2025 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Online Colleges in Missouri 2024
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2025
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Anthropology 2025
- #6 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Missouri
- #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2025
- #8 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
- #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Missouri
- #10 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs 2025
- #10 Best Online Master's Programs in Missouri 2024
- #12 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024
- #14 Best Online Master's in Behavior Analysis Degree Programs
- #14 Best Online Master's in Sports Management 2025
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
56%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1075/20
Career Outlook for degree at Southeast Missouri State University
Cost of Degree: $9,495Expenses: $17,786Starting Salary: $41,400Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
AA in Child Care and Guidance
- Required Credits: 73
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AAS in Computer Technology
- Required Credits: 58-62
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2025 #4 Best Private Colleges in Missouri 2025 #5 Best Christian Colleges in Missouri 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in Missouri 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
63%
Graduation
64%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1255/25
Career Outlook for degree at Drury University
Cost of Degree: $35,235Expenses: $15,386Starting Salary: $36,200Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
AS in Behavioral Science
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AS in Psychology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AS in Emergency Medical Science
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AS in Health and Wellness
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #20 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in Missouri 2025 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2025 #1 Best Online Associate in Building and Construction Degree Programs
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Online Associate in Psychology
- #2 Most Affordable Online Associate Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #3 Best Online MBA in Economics Degree Programs Ranked in 2024
- #4 Best Online Associate in Computer Science Degree Programs 2025
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Music Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Math Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of Graphic Arts Degree Programs for 2025
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs
- #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Missouri
- #8 Fastest Accelerated Online Healthcare Administration Masters 2025
- #9 Best Online Master's in Organizational Psychology 2025
- #10 Best Online Associate in Accounting
- #10 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Missouri
- #11 Best Online Associate in Liberal Arts 2025
- #14 Best Online Master's in Economics 2025
- #14 Best Online Bachelor’s of Digital Media for 2025
- #16 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024
- #16 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration 2025
- #16 Best Online Bachelor's in Network Administration Degree Programs for 2024
- #17 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2025
- #17 Best Online Associate in Business Management
- #17 Best Online Colleges in Missouri 2024
- #18 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
- #19 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
- #20 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management 2025
- #24 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students 2025
Tuition + fees
$13K
Graduation
23%
Student body
12K
Career Outlook for degree at Park University
Cost of Degree: $12,808Expenses: $14,178Starting Salary: $50,800Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
AS in Accounting
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AS in Construction Management
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AS in Criminal Justice Administration
- Required Credits: 27
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AS in Logistics
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AS in Management
- Required Credits: 27
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AS in Information and Computer Science
- Required Credits: 29-30
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AA in Liberal Arts
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AS in Social Psychology
- Required Credits: 27
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #6 Best Christian Colleges in Missouri 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in Missouri 2024 #8 Best Private Colleges in Missouri 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2025
Other Rankings
- #3 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Business Degree Programs 2025
- #3 Best Online Associate in English
- #5 Most Affordable Early Childhood Education Bachelor's (Online, On-Campus) 2025
- #6 Best Online Associate in Mathematics 2025
- #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Math Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #9 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Missouri
- #11 Best Online Bachelor’s in Agribusiness and Agriculture Degree Programs
- #13 Best Online Colleges in Missouri 2024
- #16 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$27K
Acceptance
98%
Graduation
52%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1010/20
Career Outlook for degree at Central Methodist University
Cost of Degree: $27,140Expenses: $17,260Starting Salary: $39,500Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
AS in Business
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AA in English
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AA in Psychology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AA/AS in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AS in Mathematics
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #10 Best Small Colleges in Missouri 2024 #8 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2025 #12 Best Online Associate in Paralegal Studies #14 Best Online MBA Programs in Missouri
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
41%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Missouri Western State University
Cost of Degree: $8,970Expenses: $14,845Starting Salary: $38,200Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
AS in Criminal Justice
Concentrations
- Law Enforcement
- Legal Studies
- Required Credits: 63
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #8 Best Christian Colleges in Missouri 2024 #10 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2025 #2 Best Online Associate in Health Science Degree Programs #9 Best Online Colleges in Missouri 2024
Tuition + fees
$27K
Acceptance
100%
Graduation
43%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1038/22
Career Outlook for degree at Southwest Baptist University
Cost of Degree: $28,320Expenses: $12,452Starting Salary: $37,400Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
AS in Health Sciences
- Required Credits: 69-70
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #9 Best Online Associate in Small Business Management #9 Best Online Associate in Business Management #24 Best Online Colleges in Missouri 2024
Tuition + fees
$22K
Acceptance
61%
Graduation
23%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1015/18
Career Outlook for degree at Missouri Valley College
Cost of Degree: $23,000Expenses: $14,900Starting Salary: $38,100Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
AA in Liberal Arts
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AA in Small Business Management
- Required Credits: 68
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #8 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025 #12 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #6 Best Online Associate in Human Services #11 Best Online MBA Programs in Missouri
Other Rankings
- #11 Best Online Colleges in Missouri 2024
- #12 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Missouri
- #16 Best Online Associate in General Studies
- #17 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2025
- #23 Best Online Bachelor’s of Human Services Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #24 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$24K
Graduation
43%
Student body
9K
Career Outlook for degree at Columbia College
Cost of Degree: $12,268Expenses: $14,602Starting Salary: $43,000Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
AS in Computer Information Systems
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Associate of Health Services
- Required Credits: 60-62
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Associate of Business Administration
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AS in Environmental Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Associate of General Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AS in Human Services
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AS in Criminal Justice Administration
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #10 Best Online MBA Programs in Missouri #11 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Missouri #21 Best Online Colleges in Missouri 2024 #24 Best Online Associate in Marketing
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
41%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1130/23
Career Outlook for degree at Missouri Baptist University
Cost of Degree: $33,122Expenses: $18,898Starting Salary: $39,200Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
AA in Business Administration
Concentrations
- Healthcare Management
- Information Technology
- Management
- Marketing
- Required Credits: 42
- Completion time: 12 months
- Format: Online
AS in Pre-Nursing
- Required Credits: 66
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #12 Best Online Associate in Biblical Studies #20 Best Online Colleges in Missouri 2024 #22 Best Online Master’s in Biblical Studies 2025
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
41%
Student body
5K
Online Associate Degrees
AA in Biblical Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AA in Worship Ministry
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Associate of Divinity
- Required Credits: 72
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
44%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at North Central Missouri College
Cost of Degree: $7,050Expenses: $13,082Starting Salary: $32,600Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
AAS in Behavioral Health Support
- Required Credits: 61
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AAS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 46-58
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AAS in Early Childhood Development
- Required Credits: 45-58
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AAS in Business Management
- Required Credits: 46-58
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
Associate of Arts
- Required Credits: 45
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #5 Best Community Colleges in Missouri 2024 #25 Best Online Associate in Health Information Technology & Informatics
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
35%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at State Fair Community College
Cost of Degree: $5,664Expenses: $12,987Starting Salary: $33,500Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
AAS in Business Management - Management Specialty
- Required Credits: 64
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AAS in Healthcare Specialist with Emphasis in Pharmacy Technician
- Required Credits: 61.5
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AAS in Health Information Technology
- Required Credits: 63.5
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #15 Best Online Associate in Biblical Studies #18 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024 #21 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
61%
Graduation
59%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1020/19
Career Outlook for degree at Calvary University
Cost of Degree: $13,692Expenses: $8,778Starting Salary: $39,200Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
AA in Biblical Studies
- Required Credits: 66
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AA in Children’s Ministry
- Required Credits: 64
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AA in Ministry Studies
- Required Credits: 66
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AA in Information Technology (Professional Directed Studies)
- Required Credits: 77
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AA in Worship Arts
- Required Credits: 66
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
32%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Jefferson College
Cost of Degree: $6,300Expenses: $10,185Starting Salary: $34,700Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
AA in General Studies
- Required Credits: 42
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
39%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at East Central College
Cost of Degree: $5,064Starting Salary: $32,200Online Associate Degrees
AAS in Computer Information Systems
- Required Credits: 62
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AAS in Health Information Management
- Required Credits: 65
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AA in Liberal Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
33%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Missouri State University–West Plains
Cost of Degree: $5,544Expenses: $12,021Starting Salary: $31,800Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
AAS in Enology
- Required Credits: 62
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AA in General Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AAS in Viticulture
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #15 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024 #24 Best Online Associate in Biblical Studies
Tuition + fees
$10K
Graduation
27%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Central Christian College of the Bible
Cost of Degree: $11,200Expenses: $13,605Starting Salary: $30,600Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Associate Degrees
Associate of Biblical Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
22%
Student body
22K
Career Outlook for degree at St. Louis Community College–Forest Park
Cost of Degree: $5,130Starting Salary: $31,800Online Associate Degrees
AAS in Accounting
- Required Credits: 66
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AA in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 61-62
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AAS in Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement
- Required Credits: 60-61
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AA in General Transfer Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AA in General Transfer Studies Accelerated
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 18 months
- Format: Online
- #7 Top 10 Best Online Bible Colleges for Theological Studies #18 Best Online Associate in Biblical Studies
Online Associate Degrees
AAS in Ministry Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #14 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2025 #3 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2024 #18 Fastest Accelerated Online Associate's of Counseling Degree Programs
Tuition + fees
$6K
Student body
<1K
Online Associate Degrees
Associate of Business
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
Associate of Christian Ministry and Leadership
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
Missouri 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 Nevada, West Virginia, Virginia, 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.