Best Online Associate Degrees in New York 2024

Badge for BEST ONLINE ASSOCIATE'S IN NEW YORK

Published: Jul 22, 2022
Updated: Jan 23, 2024

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.

Top Online Associate Degree Programs in New York

Syracuse University
Pace University
Rochester Institute of Technology
Adelphi University
Niagara County Community College
Excelsior University
Houghton University
Alfred State College
Empire State University
Alliance University

Syracuse University
Rochester Institute of Technology
Adelphi University
Pace University
Kingsborough Community College
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Jamestown Community College
Empire State University
Houghton University
Alfred State College

Alliance University 100%
State University of New York at Canton 95%
Pace University 83%
Alfred State College 82%
Houghton University 77%
Adelphi University 73%
Medaille University 69%
Rochester Institute of Technology 67%
Syracuse University 52%
Davis College 50%

Corning Community College 27 to 1
Excelsior University 23 to 1
SUNY Ulster 21 to 1
Jamestown Community College 21 to 1
SUNY Erie 20 to 1
Kingsborough Community College 19 to 1
Rockland Community College 19 to 1
SUNY Broome Community College 19 to 1
SUNY Sullivan 19 to 1
Borough of Manhattan Community College 18 to 1

Syracuse University $60,135
Rochester Institute of Technology $54,518
Pace University $50,026
Adelphi University $43,800
Medaille University $34,000
Alliance University $27,500
Davis College $17,200
Houghton University $16,446
Empire State University $7,070
Alfred State College $7,070

Rochester Institute of Technology $54,176
Adelphi University $44,425
Syracuse University $43,428
Pace University $25,560
Medaille University $23,031
Houghton University $20,905
Alliance University $14,400
Empire State University $11,310

SUNY Sullivan
SUNY Broome Community College
SUNY Ulster
Davis College
North Country Community College
Clinton Community College
Jefferson Community College
Herkimer County Community College
Genesee Community College
SUNY Erie

SUNY Sullivan
SUNY Broome Community College
SUNY Ulster
Davis College
Medaille University
Excelsior University
Clinton Community College
Jefferson Community College
SUNY Erie
Niagara County Community College

Davis College 50%
Syracuse University 52%
Rochester Institute of Technology 67%
Medaille University 69%
Adelphi University 73%
Houghton University 77%
Alfred State College 82%
Pace University 83%
State University of New York at Canton 95%
Alliance University 100%

Davis College 9 to 1
Houghton University 10 to 1
Tompkins Cortland Community College 11 to 1
North Country Community College 12 to 1
Adelphi University 12 to 1
Rochester Institute of Technology 13 to 1
Pace University 14 to 1
Clinton Community College 14 to 1
Finger Lakes Community College 14 to 1
Genesee Community College 14 to 1

Monroe Community College $4,756
Kingsborough Community College $4,800
Borough of Manhattan Community College $4,800
Genesee Community College $4,950
Niagara County Community College $5,040
SUNY Ulster $5,080
SUNY Adirondack $5,088
Finger Lakes Community College $5,112
Corning Community College $5,170
SUNY Erie $5,200

Empire State University $11,310
Alliance University $14,400
Houghton University $20,905
Medaille University $23,031
Pace University $25,560
Syracuse University $43,428
Adelphi University $44,425
Rochester Institute of Technology $54,176

Table of Contents

Featured Programs

Colleges and Universities in New York

On average, tuition at New York’s higher education institutes comes in well-below the national average at about $7,900. Students have nearly 80 public school options to choose from, ranging in fees from $1,000 at the United States Merchant Marine Academy up to $10,000 at the University at Buffalo, the largest public university. However, some of the state’s private schools, such as New York University (NYU), charge tuition fees at a much higher cost.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

Although tuition fees at NYU average $52,000, students who attend this school have access to some of the best programs in fields like literature, business, medicine, communications, and law. The school also boasts famous alumni like Whoopi Goldberg and Jonas Salk. New York also offers close to 40 religiously affiliated schools. Students can expect to pay a wide range of tuition costs at these schools, but have the option to major in fields like social work, law, religious studies, business, and nursing.

They say New York is a place where dreams come true. Here, fashion, culture, food, business, art, and many languages comfortably coexist. While The Empire State’s metropolitan landmarks, like the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, are noteworthy, many forget New York also offers access to the Great Lakes, the Atlantic Ocean, and countless cozy cabins tucked away in the verdant Catskills Mountains. Additionally, New York is home to over 200 colleges and universities, making it easy for students to dream big while earning their degrees.

Explore some of the top programs New York higher education institutes have to offer, and make your educational and personal dreams come true.

What are New York’s Colleges & Universities?

New York’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.

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.

If you need more answers to frequently asked questions about online degrees, we can help.

How do we determine New York's best online colleges for associate degrees?

Methodology

Pursuing your degree online doesn’t mean you need to settle for an inferior school. Today, most universities and colleges offer online degrees, and many respected schools are seeing significant growth in their numbers of online students.

The people affiliated with a school are ultimately what make it great. This is why influence — i.e., the academic impact of faculty and alumni associated with a school — gets at the heart of what is truly best in education. The combined influence score of a college or university’s top academic influencers is the best indicator of academic excellence. For our online degree rankings, we focus on the academic influence of faculty and alumni in the specific disciplines we’re ranking.

If you are serious about finding the best online colleges, you should be asking where the most influential professors are teaching, and whether their graduates themselves are advancing the school’s reputation for academic excellence. Most ranking sites rely on an opaque combination of reputation surveys and arbitrary performance metrics. Influence, as measured by our InfluenceRanking engine, provides a ranking that is free from bias, insulated from manipulation, and reflective of real-world educational outcomes.

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 2023

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.

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.

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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Best Online Associate Degrees in New York 2024

Top Online Associate Degree Programs in New York

Featured Programs

Colleges and Universities in New York

What are New York’s Colleges & Universities?

What is an Associate Degree?

What will I study with an associate degree?

Why get an associate degree?

Can I get a job with an associate degree?

Should I get an associate degree before pursuing a bachelor’s degree?

Can I get an online degree at the associate level?

Are associate degrees from online colleges respected?

Best Online Associate Degrees in New York 2023

Career Outlook for degree at Syracuse University

Online Associate Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Pace University

Online Associate Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Rochester Institute of Technology

Online Associate Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Adelphi University

Online Associate Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Niagara County Community College

Online Associate Degrees

Online Associate Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for degree at Houghton University

Online Associate Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for degree at Alfred State College

Online Associate Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Empire State University

Online Associate Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Alliance University

Online Associate Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Corning Community College

Online Associate Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for degree at Monroe Community College

Online Associate Degrees

Concentrations

Concentrations

Concentrations

Career Outlook for degree at Kingsborough Community College

Online Associate Degrees

Concentrations

Concentrations

Career Outlook for degree at Medaille University

Online Associate Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Borough of Manhattan Community College

Online Associate Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Tompkins Cortland Community College

Online Associate Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Finger Lakes Community College

Online Associate Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at SUNY Adirondack

Online Associate Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for degree at Jamestown Community College

Online Associate Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Rockland Community College

Online Associate Degrees

Concentrations

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

Online Associate Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for degree at SUNY Erie

Online Associate Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Genesee Community College

Online Associate Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for degree at Herkimer County Community College

Online Associate Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Jefferson Community College

Online Associate Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Clinton Community College

Online Associate Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at North Country Community College

Online Associate Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for degree at Davis College