Are you looking to begin your higher education journey without having to commit to a four-year program? Online associate degree programs typically only take two years to complete. And they can help prepare you for various roles in the workforce or further education in a bachelor's program.
With online delivery, you can often make your own schedule and complete assignments at your convenience. Distance learning also extends your reach to schools that would otherwise require relocation or significant travel. Explore our ranking of the best online associate degrees in this in-depth guide.
Why Earn Your Associate Degree Online?
- Save money on tuition compared to campus-based programs.
- Complete schoolwork anytime and anywhere with asynchronous classes.
- Prepare for entry-level jobs and professional certifications.
- Earn a higher wage than you would with just a high school diploma.
- Meet the general education requirements for a bachelor's degree.
Top 10 Accredited Schools for Online Associate Degrees
Why Accreditation Matters for Associate Programs
Independent accrediting agencies evaluate colleges based on their student learning outcomes, faculty qualifications, and academic missions.
This means a degree from an accredited school is worth more than a degree from an unaccredited school. Plus, you must attend an accredited school in order to be eligible for federal financial aid.
If you are pursuing a field that requires licensure or certification, then programmatic accreditation is another important factor. Prospective registered nurses, for instance, typically need associate degrees to be accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing to qualify for licensure.
Types of Online Associate Degrees
Schools confer several types of associate degrees, which typically align with subject material for your chosen major. For example, you'll typically encounter associate of arts and applied arts programs for the humanities. Online associate degree programs typically operate under these four distinctions:
- Associate of Science: AS degrees generally focus on science- and math-related subjects, which are reflected in their curriculums. These programs are a bit more rigid than arts degrees and may have fewer opportunities for elective studies.
- Associate of Applied Science: AAS degrees typically prepare you for specific roles and intend for you to make direct entry to the workforce rather than continue your education in a bachelor's program.
- Associate of Arts: AA programs usually cover liberal arts subjects like English, history, and psychology, though you are still likely to encounter some math and science programs as AA degrees.
- Associate of Applied Arts: Like AAS degrees, AAA programs prepare you for specific professional roles. However, these degrees focus more on humanities and liberal arts subjects than AAS programs.
Explore Popular Online Associate Degrees
Is an Online Associate Degree Worth It?
$42,852
Average starting salary for associate graduates
2.8%
Unemployment rate for associate degree-holders
It depends on your personal and professional goals, but an online associate degree can be a worthwhile pursuit for many. For example, associate degrees are typically more affordable than bachelor's programs and allow you to more quickly pursue employment to begin paying down any loans.
Online associate degree programs also allow you to continue working while enrolled, offering the opportunity to maintain an income.
You can also receive a strong return on your investment, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting a median weekly income of $1,099 for workers with associate degrees — this amounts to a median annual income of $57,148.
An associate degree offers a great jumping off point, as well. If you want to continue your education and pursue a wider job market with higher salaries, you can also transfer your associate credits into a bachelor's program to qualify for more roles.