Most Affordable Online Associate Degree Programs Ranked for 2025

Badge for CHEAPEST ONLINE ASSOCIATE PROGRAMS
By Dave Tomar
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Published:
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • The online associate degree is a cost-effective way to earn an undergraduate degree.
  • Online associate degrees are available in a full spectrum of popular disciplines including business administration, early childhood education, criminal justice, and more.
  • Many students who earn an online associate degree continue into online bachelor’s degree programs in related subject areas.

Top 10 Most Affordable Online Associate Degrees in 2025

  1. Purdue University Global
    +5
  2. Park University
    +16
  3. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University
    +8
  4. American Public University System
    –2
  5. Post University
    +8
  6. Thomas Edison State University
    –1
  7. Brigham Young University–Idaho
    +12
  8. Central Texas College
    +9
  9. Columbia Southern University
    –8
  10. Granite State College
    –2

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

For 2025, Academic Influence made several significant improvements to our ranking methodologies for associate degrees. Because of our changes, there were some big movers in our 2025 ranking of the most affordable online associate degree programs.

Purdue University Global has introduced a 3-week introductory period, allowing students to experience courses without financial obligation, ensuring alignment with their educational goals. Additionally, the ExcelTrack® program enables students to leverage prior experience to accelerate degree completion, potentially reducing tuition costs.

Park University has introduced a standardized tuition rate of $575 per credit hour for online and campus center undergraduate courses, with a reduced rate of $250 per credit hour for military-affiliated students. Additionally, Park University offers various financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, and loans, to support students in managing their educational expenses.

While Embry-Riddle hasn’t made any specifics improvements for 2025, undergraduate online courses are priced at $425 per credit hour, with a reduced rate of $250 per credit hour for active-duty military members and their spouses. These rates are designed to provide accessible education options for students seeking online associate degrees.

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.

Most Affordable Online Associate Degrees for In-State Students

  1. #1

    Purdue Global

    West Lafayette , IN
    #4 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025 #12 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2024 #8 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Graduation

    20%

    Student body

    66K

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Park University

    Parkville , MO
    #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

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Graduation

    23%

    Student body

    12K

    Career Outlook for degree at Park University

    Cost of Degree: $12,808
    Expenses: $14,178
    Starting Salary: $50,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  6. #5

    Post University

    Waterbury , CT
    #18 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Connecticut
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Graduation

    32%

    Student body

    32K

    Career Outlook for degree at Post University

    Cost of Degree: $16,034
    Expenses: $16,460
    Starting Salary: $46,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Thomas Edison State University

    Trenton , NJ
    #4 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #9 Best Schools for Becoming an Air Traffic Controller in 2024 #11 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #15 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Student body

    13K

    Career Outlook for degree at Thomas Edison State University

    Cost of Degree: $6,638
    Starting Salary: $57,300
    Compare school
  16. #14

    Albany Technical College

    Albany , GA
    #21 Best Online Associate Degrees in Georgia 2025 #25 Best Online Associate in Fire Science Degree Programs

    Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Albany Technical College

    Cost of Degree: $2,996
    Starting Salary: $25,200
    Compare school
  18. #15

    Lake Tahoe Community College

    South Lake Tahoe , CA
    #14 Best Online Associate in Anthropology #18 Best Online Associate Degrees in California 2025 #24 Best Online Associate in Mathematics 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $1K

    Graduation

    34%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at Lake Tahoe Community College

    Cost of Degree: $1,131
    Expenses: $18,996
    Starting Salary: $31,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  19. #16

    Cerro Coso Community College

    Ridgecrest , CA
    #12 Best Online Associate in Anthropology #19 Best Online Associate Degrees in California 2025 #23 Best Online Associate in Cybersecurity #25 Best Online Associate in Mathematics 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $1K

    Graduation

    29%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Cerro Coso Community College

    Cost of Degree: $1,384
    Starting Salary: $34,600
    Compare school
  20. #17

    Wilson Community College

    Wilson , NC
    #24 Best Online Associate in Finance

    Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    23%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Wilson Community College

    Cost of Degree: $2,572
    Starting Salary: $26,800
    Compare school
  21. #18

    Stanly Community College

    Albemarle , NC
    #25 Best Online Associate Degrees in North Carolina 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Stanly Community College

    Cost of Degree: $2,672
    Starting Salary: $32,300
    Compare school

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

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here