What is an Online Associate Degree Program?
An online associate degree is a two year post high school degree. Some associates degree online programs may offer fast tracked schedules. These schedules may have you taking class through the summer so you can complete the program in one year. Generally, an associate’s level program is 60 semester credits of study. This is equal to about 20 courses. Many use the credits from an associate degree to equal the first two years of a bachelor’s degree. Others may enter into an associate program to prepare for a specific job.
Associate degrees fall into one of three buckets:
- (AA) Associate of Arts – this is a transfer degree
- (AS) Associate of Science – this is a transfer degree
- (AAS) Associate of Applied Science – this is an occupational degree
Admission requirements vary. Though most programs need applicants to have a high school diploma or the equal (GED). Some programs may have extra requirements too. This might include things like an essay, resume or SAT scores.
Types of Associate Degrees
Students often work to gain both skills and knowledge in a targeted field.
| Online AA Degree | Online AS Degree | Online AAS Degree |
| If you major in something such as humanities, the Associate of Arts degree program may be the right fit for you. This type of degree covers general courses. | AS or, Associate of Science degree programs usually cover STEM majors. Also included are general education courses. | STEM majors are also covered by the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree programs. But unlike an AS degree, there is a practical (“applied”) focus. Some colleges also offer Associate of Applied Business (AAB) degrees. These programs are not usually degrees that transfer credits. |
| This may include fine arts, performing arts, literature, and languages. | Courses are more focused on areas like computer science or even health care. | Students often work to gain both skills and knowledge in a targeted field. |
| When earning your online AA degree, the goal is to ready you to transfer credits to a 4 year program. As such they may equal the first two years of a Bachelor of Arts (BA). | The aim of an AS is to ready students to transfer credits to a 4 year program. So, it may equal the first two years of a Bachelor of Science (BS). | These programs intend to ready students for employment. |
Examples:
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| Examples:
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Top Associate Degree Subjects
According the NCES, 1,008,285 students earned an associate degree in the 2023 school year. The most popular majors are:
#1 Liberal Arts Associate Degrees
Students looking for a general education that covers many different topics may be interested in a Liberal Arts Associate Degree. Subjects taken may include natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, arts, religion and more.
This degree may allow students to fine tune skills that are important to employers. Skills would include, critical thinking skills, communication abilities and creativity.
#2 Nursing
An associate degree in nursing (ADN) may take from 2 to 3 years to complete. ADNs cover areas like anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition and psychology.
Earning an ADN is one of the education paths to become a registered nurse. Such programs often ready grads to pursue jobs as staff nurses. Many students go on to study in an RN to BSN program or one like it.
#3 Health Science
Online health science degree programs teach students how to help patients receive the health care needed. Associates degree courses are usually focused on key concepts in the health field. Some programs may tailor your course of study to focus on one area, such as Pharmacy Tech or Medical Assisting.
#4 Business Administration
An associate degree in business often covers many basic topics. Some relate to running the day to day of a company. Others may be more general and relate to the economy or sales.
Earning an associate degree in business may give you a handle on how to manage people and projects. Many careers do need a bachelor’s degree at least. So, getting a head start may be worth considering.
#5 Criminal Justice
A 2 year degree in criminal justice aim to lay out the basics of law enforcement. Often taking a broad view of the U.S. justice system, criminal law, and social sciences.
Pursing this degree in criminal justice may serve two types of students. Those whose goal is to pursue entry level positions in the industry. Or criminal justice professionals who want to upgrade skills.
Featured Online Schools
1
Grantham University
- Low tuition rates – choose from over 50 undergraduate and graduate programs designed to fit your life
- 8 week courses to fit your busy schedule. Log on any time to complete your class work.
- Monthly start dates throughout the year
Associate Programs:
Business, Medical Coding and Billing, Criminal Justice, Computer Science…
2
Ashford University
- Accredited University offering Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees
- Affordable tuition, 5-6 week courses, and various payment options
- 24 / 7 library & writing center assistance to help you get closer to your goal of earning a degree
Available Programs:
AA or BA in Early Childhood Education, BA in Health Care Administration, BA or MA in Psychology…
3
Purdue University Global
- Experience world class education online: Purdue Global offers 180 programs at associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels
- Courses taught by highly respected faculty members who are experts in their fields
- Competency based ExcelTrack™ Programs may allow you to earn your degree faster and for less money
Popular Programs:
Human Services, Business, Medical Assisting, Early Childhood Education…
Sponsored Schools
Are Online Associate Degrees Cheaper?
What would make an online degree cheaper or better than attending an actual campus would be the other aspects related to earning a degree.
For one, many online students hold a job while pursuing their degree. Campus programs often feature daytime classes which may be hard for busy adults.
Costs that online students would not need to worry about would include room and board. At a private not for profit college this may save students on average $10,926! At a for profit school that number drops to $14,169. Other cost savings would include travel costs back and forth. And of course, your time is worth something. Not having to spend the time to travel also has value!
It is also important to check the cost per credit. Some schools have a fixed cost per credit for both online and campus students. But, others may charge a lower rate for online programs.
You also need to check if where you live in relation to your school matters. Is there a different tuition if you live in state?
As an online student you may not be a resident and may pay out of state tuition.
Tuition & Fees
When choosing an online college, the biggest cost concern will be tuition and fees. The 2022 costs of a 2 year school as reported by NCES are:
| Public In State College | Private Not For Profit College | Private For Profit College | |
| Tuition & Fees | $3,642 (out of state $8,256) | $17,752 | $14,169 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,442 | $1,139 | $1,280 |
Top Online Associate Degree Schools
| School | # of Degrees Awarded in 2021 | 2023 Top Majors | 2023 Tuition | |
| #1 | American Public University System | 2,235 | General Studies | $8,400 |
| #2 | Columbia Southern University | 2,067 | Fire Science | $5,808 |
| #3 | Excelsior University | 1,679 | RN | NA |
| #4 | Grantham University | 663 | Business | $6,540 |
| #5 | Bryant & Stratton College-Online | 629 | Medical Insurance Coding | $15,891 |
| #6 | American InterContinental University | 520 | Business | $12,310 |
| #7 | Ashford University | 291 | Early Childhood Education and Teaching | $13,160 |
| #8 | South University’s Online Programs | 214 | Medical Assistant and Medical Secretary | $16,546 |
| #9 | Pennsylvania State University-World Campus | 202 | Business | $15,204 |
| #10 | Florida Institute of Technology-Online | 128 | Business | $12,240 |
NCES, Distance Learning Only Colleges.
How to Transfer into A Bachelor’s Degree Program
Many online colleges accept transfer credits. In fact, some accept up to 90 transfer credits which is about 75% of all bachelor’s degree credits. The good news here is an associate degree is typically only 60 credits. So, there is a chance you could get all your credits transferred. There are five things to keep in mind that may smooth the transition.
1. Earn the Appropriate Associate Degree
To recap, if you earned an AA or AS degree from a accredited school, you may be able to transfer all credits. But this usually applies when you stay with the same major.
Some schools offer what is called a “bachelor’s degree completion program”. These pick up where your associate degree left off. Thus, shaving time (and tuition) off your totals.
2. Understand Which Credits Transfer
If you pursue an associate degree in one major then switch for your bachelor’s degree, things may change. In this case, you should understand which credits transfer and which do not.
Often the general education courses do transfer. But your new program is likely to have a slew of required courses that you won’t have completed.
3. Check out Your College’s Articulation Agreement
Many four year colleges also offer two year associate degrees. If you plan to stay at the same school, speak with an admission adviser. This person may help you craft a course plan to help you transfer from one program to another.
If you plan to switch schools, find out about articulation agreements. These are agreements between 2 and 4 year schools that set easy paths for transfer.
4. Find out About PLAs
Many colleges offer prior learning assessments (PLAs). These test your knowledge and skills. If you have on the job or other work experience you should ask about PLAs. You may be able to earn credit which applies to your bachelor’s degree.
5. Research Application Requirements
Applying for a bachelor’s degree may cause distress. Especially if you don’t have the highest grades. Don’t fret. Prepare. Check out colleges that accept low GPA scores , low SAT scores or no GPA requirements at all. Then learn how to navigate and nail the online college admission process!
What Are The Highest Paying Jobs With An Associate Degree?
With an associate degree under your belt, there are a wide range of high paying jobs you may qualify for. There are about 99 jobs that call for post high school education. Of these, most need an associate degree or certificate for entry level roles.
Apart from pay, an associate degree may also result in significant career advancement. Entering such fields may help you gain valuable skills and work experience. Both might be very useful when it comes to moving up the ladder.
Lifetime Earnings With An Associate Degree
Having an associate degree may translate into higher lifetime earnings. On average, people with an associate degree earn $1,005 per week. This is $132 more than the average weekly earnings of someone with a high school diploma. Over the course of a lifetime, that would be a difference of $308,880.
| Median Values | High School Diploma | Some College No Degree | Associates Degree |
| Weekly Earnings | $899 | $992 | $1,058 |
| Annual Earnings | $37,960 | $41,704 | $44,824 |
| Lifetime Earnings (based on 45 years worked) | $1,708,200 | $1,876,680 | $2,017,080 |
Here are some of the top jobs that typically require an associates degree.
- OT Assistants
- Physical Therapy Assistants
- Respiratory Therapists
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
- Vet Techs
- Web Developers
- Paralegals & Legal Assistants
- Dental Hygienist
- Environmental Technicians
- Preschool Teachers