Most Affordable Online Associate Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
We rank the most affordable online associate degrees for both in-state and out-of-state students.
Top 10 Most Affordable Online Associate Degrees
- Columbia Southern University
- American Public University System
- University of Arkansas Grantham
- Coastline Community College
- Thomas Edison State University
- Purdue Global
- Amridge University
- Granite State College
- Great Basin College
- Stanly Community College
- Park University
- Purdue Global
- Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University
- American Public University System
- Post University
- Thomas Edison State University
- Brigham Young University–Idaho
- Central Texas College
- Columbia Southern University
- Granite State College
- Columbia Southern University 39 to 1
- Coastline Community College 31 to 1
- Purdue Global 28 to 1
- Cerro Coso Community College 24 to 1
- Post University 23 to 1
- American Public University System 23 to 1
- Brigham Young University–Idaho 20 to 1
- Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University 20 to 1
- Thomas Edison State University 20 to 1
- Granite State College 20 to 1
- Post University $16,610
- Park University $12,280
- Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University $10,748
- Purdue Global $10,080
- Amridge University $9,000
- University of Arkansas Grantham $8,280
- Granite State College $7,536
- American Public University System $7,360
- Thomas Edison State University $7,182
- Columbia Southern University $5,775
- Thomas Edison State University $12,024
- Amridge University $10,800
- Granite State College $9,684
- Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University $8,916
- Purdue Global $8,730
- Post University $7,500
- American Public University System $6,660
- Park University $6,435
- University of Arkansas Grantham $4,200
- Columbia Southern University $3,900
- Wilson Community College
- Brigham Young University–Idaho
- Park University
- Central Texas College
- Albany Technical College
- Cerro Coso Community College
- Lake Tahoe Community College
- Post University
- Fayetteville Technical Community College
- Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University
- University of Arkansas Grantham
- Stanly Community College
- Cerro Coso Community College
- Wilson Community College
- Lake Tahoe Community College
- Albany Technical College
- Fayetteville Technical Community College
- Amridge University
- Great Basin College
- Coastline Community College
- Wilson Community College 11 to 1
- Stanly Community College 12 to 1
- Amridge University 13 to 1
- Central Texas College 14 to 1
- Albany Technical College 14 to 1
- Park University 15 to 1
- Fayetteville Technical Community College 16 to 1
- Great Basin College 18 to 1
- University of Arkansas Grantham 18 to 1
- Lake Tahoe Community College 19 to 1
- Coastline Community College $1,104
- Lake Tahoe Community College $1,116
- Cerro Coso Community College $1,380
- Albany Technical College $2,400
- Wilson Community College $2,432
- Fayetteville Technical Community College $2,432
- Stanly Community College $2,554
- Great Basin College $3,518
- Central Texas College $3,570
- Brigham Young University–Idaho $4,416
- Columbia Southern University $3,900
- University of Arkansas Grantham $4,200
- Park University $6,435
- American Public University System $6,660
- Post University $7,500
- Purdue Global $8,730
- Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University $8,916
- Granite State College $9,684
- Amridge University $10,800
- Thomas Edison State University $12,024
Key Takeaways
- The online associate degree is a cost-effective way to earn an undergraduate degree. Most community colleges offer highly affordable two-year degree programs online.
- Online associate degrees are available in a full spectrum of popular disciplines including business administration, early childhood education, criminal justice, and more.
- Students who earn an online associate degree can qualify for a wide range of entry level opportunities in the workforce. Many students also continue into online bachelor’s degree programs in related subject areas.
The online associate degree is among the most affordable ways to earn an undergraduate degree. Online associate degree programs are typically offered in an extremely wide range of popular subjects including the associate degree in business administration, computer science, early childhood education, and much more. But how can you be sure you’re getting the cheapest online associate degree?
We rank the most affordable online associate degree programs so you can get started on your higher education without taking on a costly tuition bill or hefty student loan debts.
Featured Programs
An Overview of the Associate Degree
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.
How we rank the most affordable online associate programs?
In most cases, the most affordable associate’s degree will be the one offered by a county community college located in your state. Online associate degree students enjoy access to in-state tuition rates just like traditional on-campus students. That’s why we’ve ranked these associate degree programs by placing the highest weight on in-state tuition rates. The tuition price listed below may not reflect the lower rate extended to in-state residents. Click on each school to learn more about in state tuition discounts. Other factors included in our ranking are Influence–the measure of a school’s excellence based on the real-world impact of its professors, students, and alumni; and the percentage of full-time students enrolled in online degree programs at each institution.
The community college and two-year programs below are all public options with an extensive range of online classes.
Are you interested in continuing your education with an affordable bachelor’s degree? Check out our Guide to Cheap Degree Programs.
Back to TopMost Affordable Online Associate Degrees for In-State Students
- #1 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #7 Best Research Universities in Alabama 2024 #8 Best Private Colleges in Alabama 2024 #1 Most Affordable Online Master's Degree Programs Ranked for Students
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
33%
Student body
34K
- #2 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in West Virginia 2024
Other Rankings
- #4 Most Affordable Colleges in West Virginia 2024
- #4 Best Colleges in West Virginia 2024
- #4 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #7 Most Affordable Online Master's Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #11 Best Online Bachelor's in Human Development Degree Programs for 2024
- #11 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
Tuition + fees
$7K
Graduation
49%
Student body
95K
Career Outlook for degree at American Public University System
Cost of Degree: $7,360Starting Salary: $67,000 - #3 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #3 Most Affordable Online Master's Degree Programs Ranked for Students #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Strategic Communications Degree Programs #5 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
28%
Student body
9K
- #4 Best Online Associate in French Degree Programs #4 Best Online Associate's in Physics #6 Best Online Associate in Building and Construction Degree Programs #7 Best Online Associate in Biology
Other Rankings
- #11 Best Online Associate in Emergency Management
- #11 Best Online Associate in Economics
- #12 Best Online Associate in Entrepreneurship
- #12 Best Online Associate in Human Services
- #14 Best Online Associate in Human Resources
- #16 Best Online Associate in Small Business Management
- #16 Best Online Associate in Business Management
- #18 Best Online Associate Degrees in California 2024
- #18 Best Online Associate in Sociology
- #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 Information Technology
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
25%
Student body
16K
Career Outlook for degree at Coastline Community College
Cost of Degree: $1,174Starting Salary: $43,100 - #4 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #7 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #9 Best Schools for Becoming an Air Traffic Controller in 2024 #14 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2024
Other Rankings
- #6 Best Small Colleges in New Jersey 2024
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in New Jersey
- #1 Best Online Associate in Human Services
- #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in New Jersey 2024
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Delaware
- #6 Best Online Colleges in New Jersey 2024
- #6 Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs
- #7 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #7 Best Online Bachelor’s of Electrical and Computer Engineering Degree Programs for 2024
- #7 Best Online MBA Programs in New Jersey
- #8 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Nursing Programs (PhDs)
- #9 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of English
- #13 Best Online Master's Programs in New Jersey 2024
- #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Math Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #16 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #17 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #19 Best Online Associate in Computer Science Degree Programs
- #22 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN
- #24 Best Online Associate in Mathematics
- #25 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$7K
Student body
14K
Career Outlook for degree at Thomas Edison State University
Cost of Degree: $7,372Starting Salary: $57,300 - #10 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2024 #12 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2024
Other Rankings
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2024
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Indiana
- #3 Best Online MBA in Human Resources Ranked for Students in 2024
- #3 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #4 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education
- #4 Best Online Colleges in Indiana 2024
- #4 Best Online Master's Programs in Indiana 2024
- #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in Indiana 2024
- #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Indiana
- #4 Best Online Associate in Human Services
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Illinois
- #5 Best Online Associate in Paralegal Studies
- #6 Best Online Master’s in Human Services
- #7 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Information Technology
- #8 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Forensic Psychology Programs
- #8 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #8 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
- #9 Best Online Associate in Information Technology
- #9 Best Online Associate in Business Management
- #9 Best Online Associate in Health Science Degree Programs
- #10 Best Online Associate in Accounting
- #13 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2024
- #14 Most Affordable Online Master's Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #15 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #16 Best Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2024
- #21 Best Online Bachelor’s of Human Services Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #21 Best Online Master's in Project Management
- #22 Best Online Master’s in Finance
- #25 Best Online Bachelor’s of Health Science Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
Tuition + fees
$10K
Graduation
29%
Student body
66K
- #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Alabama 2024 #3 Best Online Associate in Web Design #4 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024 #9 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
Other Rankings
- #10 Best Online Associate in Liberal Arts
- #14 Best Online MBA Programs in Alabama
- #15 Best Online Bachelor's in Human Development Degree Programs for 2024
- #18 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024
- #18 Best Online Master's Programs in Alabama 2024
- #21 Best Online Associate in Human Resources
- #25 Best Online Associate in Biblical Studies
Tuition + fees
$10K
Graduation
44%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Amridge University
Cost of Degree: $9,950Starting Salary: $47,600 - #11 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in New Hampshire 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in New Hampshire 2024
Other Rankings
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2024
- #4 Best Online Colleges in New Hampshire 2024
- #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in New Hampshire 2024
- #5 Best Online Associate in Entrepreneurship
- #6 Best Online Associate in Small Business Management
- #6 Best Online Associate in Business Management
- #7 Best Online Associate in Business Management
- #8 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education
- #9 Best Online Master's Programs in New Hampshire 2024
- #11 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #14 Best Online Associate in Marketing
- #15 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2024
- #19 Best Online Associate in Emergency Management
- #22 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
22%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Granite State College
Cost of Degree: $7,806Starting Salary: $39,300 - #4 Best Small Colleges in Nevada 2024 #5 Best Community Colleges in Nevada 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nevada 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Nevada 2024
Other Rankings
- #6 Best Public Colleges in Nevada 2024
- #7 Best Colleges in Nevada 2024
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Nevada
- #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in Nevada 2024
- #5 Best Online Colleges in Nevada 2024
- #10 Best Online Associate in Graphic Design
- #12 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #14 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education
- #19 Best Online Associate in Entrepreneurship
- #24 Best Online Associate in Small Business Management
- #24 Best Online Associate in Business Management
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
44%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Great Basin College
Cost of Degree: $3,772Expenses: $11,570Starting Salary: $37,300Cost Recoup Time: 5 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary Tuition + fees
$3K
Graduation
56%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Stanly Community College
Cost of Degree: $2,794Starting Salary: $32,300- #14 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Florida 2024 #8 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024 #8 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024
Other Rankings
- #11 Best Online MBA Programs in Florida
- #13 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #14 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies
- #14 Best Online Master's Programs in Florida 2024
- #24 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
70%
Graduation
19%
Student body
20K
Career Outlook for degree at Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University
Cost of Degree: $11,185Starting Salary: $70,300 - #9 Best Accredited Online Trade Schools for Vocational Skills #5 Best Online Associate in Fire Science Degree Programs #6 Best Online Associate in Hospitality and Tourism #9 Best Online Associate in Emergency Management
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$3K
Graduation
19%
Student body
15K
Career Outlook for degree at Fayetteville Technical Community College
Cost of Degree: $2,564Starting Salary: $30,700 - #18 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Connecticut
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$17K
Graduation
20%
Student body
29K
Career Outlook for degree at Post University
Cost of Degree: $15,529Expenses: $17,050Starting Salary: $46,500Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #14 Best Online Associate in Anthropology #17 Best Online Associate Degrees in California 2024 #22 Best Online Associate in Mathematics
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
38%
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 salary - #12 Best Online Associate in Anthropology #14 Best Online Associate in Mathematics #19 Best Online Associate Degrees in California 2024 #23 Best Online Associate in Cybersecurity
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
27%
Student body
8K
Career Outlook for degree at Cerro Coso Community College
Cost of Degree: $1,384Starting Salary: $34,600 - #14 Best Online Associate Degrees in Georgia 2024 #25 Best Online Associate in Fire Science Degree Programs
Tuition + fees
$3K
Graduation
40%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Albany Technical College
Cost of Degree: $2,996Starting Salary: $25,200 - #4 Best Online Associate in Cybersecurity #5 Best Online Associate in Emergency Management #7 Best Online Associate in Hospitality and Tourism #9 Best Online Associate Degrees in Texas 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
18%
Student body
18K
Career Outlook for degree at Central Texas College
Cost of Degree: $3,720Expenses: $11,511Starting Salary: $34,900Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #20 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #1 Best Online Associate in Building and Construction Degree Programs #1 Best Online Associate in Psychology #3 Top 10 Best Online MBA in Economics Degree Programs Ranked in 2024
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Music Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in Missouri 2024
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs
- #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Healthcare Administration Masters
- #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Missouri
- #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Math Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #9 Best Online Associate in Liberal Arts
- #10 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration
- #10 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Missouri
- #10 Best Online Bachelor’s of Graphic Arts Degree Programs for 2024
- #14 Best Online Master's in Organizational Psychology
- #15 Best Online Associate in Computer Science Degree Programs
- #16 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024
- #16 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2024
- #16 Best Online Bachelor's in Network Administration Degree Programs for 2024
- #17 Best Online Associate in Accounting
- #17 Best Online Associate in Business Management
- #17 Best Online Master's in Economics
- #17 Best Online Colleges in Missouri 2024
- #18 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management
- #18 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
- #19 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
- #19 Best Online Bachelor’s of Digital Media for 2024
- #23 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students
Tuition + fees
$12K
Graduation
24%
Student body
13K
Career Outlook for degree at Park University
Cost of Degree: $9,702Expenses: $13,335Starting Salary: $50,800Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Idaho 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Idaho 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Idaho 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2024
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Colleges in Idaho 2024
- #2 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024
- #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Idaho 2024
- #6 Best Online Colleges in Idaho 2024
- #7 Best Online Associate in Communications
- #9 Top 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Web Design Degree Programs 2024
- #20 Best Online Associate in Business Management
Tuition + fees
$4K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
50%
Student body
60K
Median SAT/ACT
1100/23
Career Outlook for degree at Brigham Young University–Idaho
Cost of Degree: $4,536Expenses: $8,882Starting Salary: $49,400Cost Recoup Time: 4 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary Tuition + fees
$3K
Graduation
35%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Wilson Community College
Cost of Degree: $2,920Starting Salary: $26,800
More on the Cost of College
How much does 4 years of college cost on average?
In 2020, the average yearly cost of tuition and fees for in-state public colleges was just over $10,000 while the average cost of tuition for a year in private school was $36,801. But costs can go up significant from there, with more than 120 ranked private colleges charing an annual tuition and fees of at least $50,000.
What’s the difference between the sticker price and net price of college?
The “sticker price” for a year in college may be different than the actual cost of a year in college. The cost of college includes incidentals including housing, college fees, text books, meal plans, and general living expenses. The cost may also be offset by federal financial aid, grants or scholarships. You’ll need to factor these expenses and credits to the sticker price to determine your net price for college.
How can I cut my college costs?
Financial aid, scholarships, and geographical considerations all offer ways to offset the sticker price. Financial aid and scholarships are both central considerations as you look for ways to cut your costs. There also ways to save on the peripheral expenses that can really add up. Text books, for instance, can be quite expensive. Try shopping for used books online instead of going straight your campus bookstore for the newest copy.
How can I make college more affordable?
Whether you start at a community college or jump right into a bachelor’s degree program, attending a public college or university in your state will be your most affordable option. State schools typically offer deep tuition discounts for in state students, whether you take online courses or earn your degree on campus. You may also be able to offset some expenses by earning your degree online. While tuition for online college is generally in line with tuition for the traditional college experience, you may be able to saving on college fees, housing, and transportation.
For more tips on getting an affordable online education, check out our Guide to Financial Aid in Higher Education