Best Online Associate Degrees in New York 2025

Badge for BEST ONLINE ASSOCIATE'S IN NEW YORK

Find the best online associate degrees in New York ranked by the academic success of faculty and alumni associated with the colleges and universities and their online degree programs.

Key Takeaways

  • The best online associate degree programs in New York offer strong support services, including virtual tutoring, career counseling, and academic advising, ensuring that students have access to the resources they need to succeed in an online learning environment.
  • Many top programs in New York provide flexible online formats with asynchronous classes, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedule while balancing work or personal commitments.
  • The programs in this ranking emphasize practical, career-oriented courses in fields like healthcare, business, and IT. They also have seamless transfer agreements with four-year institutions, allowing students to easily continue their education toward a bachelor’s degree.

2025 Ranking Update

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

In 2025, the top schools in our ranking of the best online associate degrees in New York saw a considerable amount of change. Jamestown Community College gained the most ranking positions as the college updated the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Program, offering state-of-the-art labs and hands-on training in areas like robotics, automation, and 3D printing to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in the manufacturing sector.

The college has also upgraded its online learning platforms, providing more flexible course offerings and enhanced virtual resources for remote learners. Additionally, JCC has strengthened its career services, offering expanded internship opportunities, job placement assistance, and career workshops to better prepare students for the workforce. These updates reflect the college’s focus on practical skills development, flexibility, and career readiness.

Bottom Line: Holders of associate’s degrees will also be more employable than those who don’t, with more job opportunities and a higher expected earning potential. For those who want to advance in their career, an associate’s degree can also increase the chances of a person receiving a raise or a promotion. Additionally, if a person wanted to go back for more schooling, the time to earn that degree will be lessened.

Featured Programs

If you are looking for information on a great, versatile associate’s degree program, check out our look at the Best Online Associate Degrees in General Studies.

Best Online Associate Degrees in New York

  1. #1

    Syracuse University

    Syracuse , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1345/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Syracuse University

    Cost of Degree: $63,061
    Expenses: $22,086
    Starting Salary: $69,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Associate Degrees

    AA in Liberal Arts
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  2. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $55K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1360/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Rochester Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $56,664
    Expenses: $18,316
    Starting Salary: $67,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Associate Degrees

    AAS in Applied Arts and Sciences
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  3. #3

    Adelphi University

    Garden City , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1210/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Adelphi University

    Cost of Degree: $47,290
    Expenses: $24,544
    Starting Salary: $63,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Associate Degrees

    AS in Emergency Services Administration
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  4. #4

    Pace University

    New York , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1210/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Pace University

    Cost of Degree: $51,424
    Expenses: $24,642
    Starting Salary: $66,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Associate Degrees

    AA in General Arts and Sciences
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  5. #5

    Empire State University

    Saratoga Springs , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    25%

    Student body

    15K

    Career Outlook for degree at Empire State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,630
    Starting Salary: $46,800

    Online Associate Degrees

    AS in Business, Management and Economics
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AA/AS in Educational Studies
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AA/AS in Community and Human Services
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AA/AS in Cultural Studies
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AA/AS in Historical Studies
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AA/AS in Human Development
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AA/AS in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AA/AS in Labor Studies
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AA/AS in Social Science
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AA/AS in Science, Mathematics and Technology
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  6. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    27%

    Student body

    19K

    Career Outlook for degree at Kingsborough Community College

    Cost of Degree: $5,252
    Starting Salary: $41,300

    Online Associate Degrees

    AS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Liberal Arts

    Concentrations

    • Children’s Studies Concentration
    • English
    • Global and Environmental Studies Concentration
    • Philosophy
    • Political Science
    • Secondary Education
    • Spanish
    • Women’s and Gender Studies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Community Health

    Concentrations

    • Health Education and Promotion
    • Health Services Administration
    • Gerontology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  7. Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    24%

    Student body

    26K

    Career Outlook for degree at Borough of Manhattan Community College

    Cost of Degree: $5,170
    Starting Salary: $40,300

    Online Associate Degrees

    AAS in Small Business/Entrepreneurship
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  8. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Jamestown Community College

    Cost of Degree: $6,600
    Expenses: $14,840
    Starting Salary: $35,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Associate Degrees

    AAS in Administrative Professional
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS/AAS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS/AAS in Individual Studies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Health Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  9. #9

    Houghton University

    Houghton , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Houghton University

    Cost of Degree: $17,290
    Expenses: $14,310
    Starting Salary: $42,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Associate Degrees

    Associate of Arts

    Concentrations

    • Management
    • Leadership Development
    • Human Resources Management
    • Integrated Marketing and Communication
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  10. #10

    Monroe Community College

    Rochester , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    21%

    Student body

    20K

    Career Outlook for degree at Monroe Community College

    Cost of Degree: $5,856
    Expenses: $12,880
    Starting Salary: $35,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Associate Degrees

    AS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 60-62
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Sport Management
    • Required Credits: 62
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Adolescence Education

    Concentrations

    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 63
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Early Childhood Education

    Concentrations

    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 62
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Childhood Education

    Concentrations

    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 62
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 60-64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Mathematics
    • Required Credits: 60-64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor
    • Required Credits: 28
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  11. #11

    Alfred State College

    Alfred , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1070/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Alfred State College

    Cost of Degree: $8,862
    Expenses: $17,726
    Starting Salary: $45,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Associate Degrees

    AAS in Court and Realtime Reporting
    • Required Credits: 70
    • Completion time: 2.5-3.5 years
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Health Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  12. #12

    Alliance University

    New York , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    2K

    Online Associate Degrees

    AA in Biblical Studies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Liberal Arts and Sciences
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  13. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    29%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Finger Lakes Community College

    Cost of Degree: $6,138
    Expenses: $19,045
    Starting Salary: $34,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Associate Degrees

    AAS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 63
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS/AAS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Hospitality and Tourism Management
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 63
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Networking and Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Health Care Studies
    • Required Credits: 63
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Kinesiology and Human Performance
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  14. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    30%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Rockland Community College

    Cost of Degree: $6,401
    Starting Salary: $42,900

    Online Associate Degrees

    AAS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS/AAS in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Finance
    • General
    • Honors
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS/AAS in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in International Business
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Corporate and Homeland Security
    • Required Credits: 62
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 63
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  15. Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Graduation

    23%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Tompkins Cortland Community College

    Cost of Degree: $6,946
    Expenses: $16,467
    Starting Salary: $34,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Associate Degrees

    AAS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 62
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Hotel and Restaurant Management
    • Required Credits: 62
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Computer Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 62
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Computer Support Specialist
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS/AAS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Paralegal
    • Required Credits: 63
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Creative Writing/Screenwriting
    • Required Credits: 62
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  16. Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Corning Community College

    Cost of Degree: $5,966
    Expenses: $13,060
    Starting Salary: $35,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Associate Degrees

    AS/AAS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 63
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AA/AS in Liberal Arts and Sciences

    Concentrations

    • Humanities and Social Sciences
    • Required Credits: 62
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  17. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at State University of New York at Canton

    Cost of Degree: $8,689
    Expenses: $20,278
    Starting Salary: $39,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Associate Degrees

    AS/AAS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 62
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Criminal Justice

    Concentrations

    • Law Enforcement
    • Corrections
    • Generalist
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Early Childhood
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AA/AS in Liberal Arts and Sciences General Studies
    • Required Credits: 62
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  18. Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    34%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at Genesee Community College

    Cost of Degree: $5,800
    Expenses: $13,130
    Starting Salary: $33,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Associate Degrees

    AAS in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Marketing and Social Media
    • Supply Chain Management
    • Required Credits: 62
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Computer Systems and Network Technologies
    • Required Credits: 62
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS/AAS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 62
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Individualized Studies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  19. Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Graduation

    27%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at North Country Community College

    Cost of Degree: $6,562
    Expenses: $13,796
    Starting Salary: $33,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Associate Degrees

    AS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Humanities and Social Science

    Concentrations

    • Psychology
    • English
    • Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 62
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  20. #20

    Medaille University

    Buffalo , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1035/19

    Online Associate Degrees

    AS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Veterinary Technology
    • Required Credits: 70
    • Completion time: 2.5-3.5 years
    • Format: Online
  21. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    30%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Herkimer County Community College

    Cost of Degree: $5,776
    Expenses: $17,796
    Starting Salary: $34,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Associate Degrees

    AS/AAS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS/AAS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 63
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Small Business Management
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Supply Chain Management
    • Required Credits: 63
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Business: Quality Assurance
    • Required Credits: 63
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS/AAS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Humanities
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Social Science
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Legal Studies
    • Required Credits: 62
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Health Services Management Technology
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Business: Quality Assurance
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  22. #22

    SUNY Adirondack

    Queensbury , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    26%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at SUNY Adirondack

    Cost of Degree: $6,528
    Expenses: $17,714
    Starting Salary: $36,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Associate Degrees

    AAS in Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
    • Required Credits: 62
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 61
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Humanities and Social Sciences

    Concentrations

    • Psychology
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  23. Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    32%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Niagara County Community College

    Cost of Degree: $6,726
    Expenses: $15,654
    Starting Salary: $36,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Associate Degrees

    AS/AAS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 62
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 63
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Sport Management
    • Required Credits: 62
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Computer Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 64-65
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Health Studies
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 63
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  24. Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    27%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Jefferson Community College

    Cost of Degree: $6,048
    Expenses: $17,324
    Starting Salary: $35,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Associate Degrees

    AAS in Office Technologies: Administrative Assistant
    • Required Credits: 62
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 62
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 63
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Humanities and Social Sciences
    • Required Credits: 63
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AA/AS/AAS in Individual Studies
    • Required Credits: 60-63
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  25. #25

    Excelsior University

    Albany , NY
    Other Rankings

    Student body

    23K

    Online Associate Degrees

    AAS in Administrative and Management Studies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Technical Studies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Liberal Arts
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS/AAS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Health Sciences
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Technical Studies

    Concentrations

    • Electromechanical Technologies
    • Electronic/Instrumentation Technologies
    • Nuclear Technologies/Power Plant Technologies
    • Computer Technologies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  26. #26

    Davis College

    Pottersville , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    50%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Davis College

    Cost of Degree: $17,500
    Expenses: $10,000
    Starting Salary: $33,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Associate Degrees

    AAS in Christian Ministries
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Bible and Theology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  27. #27

    SUNY Erie

    Buffalo , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    24%

    Student body

    13K

    Career Outlook for degree at SUNY Erie

    Cost of Degree: $11,300
    Starting Salary: $36,700

    Online Associate Degrees

    AS/AAS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 62
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 61
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Humanities
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Social Science
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  28. #28

    Clinton Community College

    Plattsburgh , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Graduation

    24%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Clinton Community College

    Cost of Degree: $6,831
    Starting Salary: $35,500

    Online Associate Degrees

    AS/AAS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Computer Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 62-63
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Humanities and Social Science
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Health Services Management
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  29. #29

    SUNY Ulster

    Stone Ridge , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    29%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at SUNY Ulster

    Cost of Degree: $6,376
    Starting Salary: $35,600

    Online Associate Degrees

    AS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 62-63
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 62-64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 61-64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Humanities and Social Science
    • Required Credits: 61-64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Individual Studies
    • Required Credits: 60-64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  30. Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Graduation

    22%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at SUNY Broome Community College

    Cost of Degree: $7,470
    Expenses: $18,400
    Starting Salary: $35,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Associate Degrees

    AS in Visual Communication Arts
    • Required Credits: 62
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Business Information Management
    • Required Credits: 63
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Computer Security and Forensics
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Liberal Arts and Sciences
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS/AAS in Individual Studies
    • Required Credits: 63
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Clinical Laboratory Technician
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  31. #31

    SUNY Sullivan

    Loch Sheldrake , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    24%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at SUNY Sullivan

    Cost of Degree: $6,289
    Expenses: $15,000
    Starting Salary: $33,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Associate Degrees

    AAS in Green Building Technology
    • Required Credits: 61-63
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS/AAS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 60-62
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Business Accounting
    • Required Credits: 60-62
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Hospitality and Tourism Management
    • Required Credits: 62-64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 60-65
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in English
    • Required Credits: 60-62
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in History
    • Required Credits: 60-62
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Humanities
    • Required Credits: 60-65
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Liberal Arts and Sciences
    • Required Credits: 61-63
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 61-63
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online

Students’ Submitted Questions on the Best Online Associate Degrees in New York

Klasske asks, “Are there any New York state-specific financial aid programs or scholarships available for students pursuing online associate degrees?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: Yes, New York offers many scholarships for those pursuing online associate degrees. A few examples include the Tuition Assistance Program, Excelsior Scholarship, Enhanced Tuition Awards, New York State Aid for Part-Time Study, New York State Educational Opportunity Program, and New York State Dream Act. Keep in mind, however, that the institution and program must meet certain state criteria, so make sure to ask the admissions office about this.

Samuel asks, “How are transfer credits handled for online associate degrees in New York, especially if I want to continue my education at a four-year institution in the state?”

Dr. Jed Macosko’s answer: This will be largely dependent on the schools you are transferring credits to and from. However, making sure that your online associate’s degree has been an awarded by an accredited institution is the first step to ensuring credits are transferable. Also look into articulation agreements between schools, statewide transfer policies (New York has a few initiatives that help with the transfer process within the state), and course equivalency. Your best bet is to talk with the registrar’s office at the school you are wanting to transfer to so as to ensure your credits will be accepted.

Carson asks, “What online learning resources or support systems are available for students?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: This will depend on the school, but online programs have become increasingly supportive in the past few years. Students will have access to a learning management system and digital libraries and e-resources. Schools will most likely also offer virtual tutoring, technical support services, and career services. Students should make sure to contact their academic advisor to ensure they are taking advantage of the resources available.

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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.

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