Top ten Online Colleges for Associate's Degree

Best Online Colleges for an Associate Degree

When someone makes the decision to further their education but they are not sure if a bachelor’s degree program is the answer, a top online school for a best online associates degree may be a good choice. An associate degree program leads to a two-year post-secondary degree. There are many careers that only require a two-year associate’s degree in order to apply. Many community colleges offer associate degree programs. You can choose the online associate degree program that works to further your own career goals.

Research indicates that people who hold associate’s degrees earn more than $693,000 more over their lifetime than those with only a high school diploma. Annually, an associate’s degree can raise someone’s salary as much as $7,200 on average. In addition, when employers see a resume with a degree from a best online associate’s degree programs, they realize that the candidate set a goal and met it. They also see someone with credible, job-ready skills. A best online associate’s degree also allows individuals to transfer into four-year colleges as a junior. This eliminates the need to take foundation courses at the higher costs that most four-year colleges charge in tuition.

When it comes to identifying best associate degrees online, there are many factors to consider. Many on the list appear frequently on lists of top ten schools in publications like:

U.S. News & World Report
Forbes
Kiplinger

It is important to be sure that the school is regionally accredited as well. Although the cost may be a factor, it should not be the only factor when choosing best associates degrees online. Flexibility is also critical. The best online colleges for associates degree often offer multiple start dates throughout the year. Most traditional classes have one start date in each semester. Courses offered online may also be in an accelerated format. That way they can be completed in less time than traditional classes. This allows students to take more classes per year and graduate more quickly. This can be done even while attending part-time. These schools also offer a wide range of best online associate degrees.

10. Colorado Technical University

Colorado Technical University understands that a traditional education may be right for some. However, there are many people who have work, family, or social obligations that make it difficult for them to attend traditional classes. The school allows students to work toward a best associates degree online without upsetting the work-life balance. Online tuition is $340 per credit hour and $210 per credit hour for active duty, reserve, and National Guard members. The admissions process varies depending on the program selected. All students must:

submit to an interview with an admissions counselor, either in person or by phone
complete an application
provide proof of high school graduation or equivalency

Best online associate degree programs available include:

Business Administration
Management

9. Purdue University Global

Purdue University Global, formerly Kaplan University, allows students to study on their own schedule with new terms that start every two weeks. Best online associates degree programs can be personalized and all classes are taught by experienced faculty. Over 90 percent of PUG graduates feel their education was relevant to their career goals and there are over 43,000 students enrolled. Purdue University Global is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Their focus is on helping students build their career in order to succeed. They provide support when students need it. That support is at the forefront of all they do at Purdue University Global. In addition, Purdue University Global allows students to experience an undergraduate program for an introductory three-week period with no financial obligation other than the application fee to see if the program is right for them. Purdue University Global also assists students in identifying financial aid to lower the cost of tuition. Many students qualify for a PUG scholarship which can lower tuition by as much as $500 per term. Online associate degree programs include:

Associate of Applied Science in Accounting
Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration
Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology
Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science
Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology
Associate of Applied Science in Legal Support and Services
Associate of Applied Science in Public Safety and Security
Associate of Science in Health Science
Associate of Science in Nursing

8. Great Basin College

Great Basin College offers online classes that:

give students the same credits
follow the same course outline
have the same outcomes as traditional classes

Great Basin is a pioneer in long-distance education. They offer a wide range of online associate degree programs that are completely online. Students are able to learn at their own pace and at their convenience. The online associate of arts degrees is designed for those who plan to transfer to a four-year program to earn a bachelor’s degree or whose career goals include an industry that requires a two-year degree. Great Basin is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Online associate degree programs available completely online include:

Associate of Applied Sciences Accounting Emphasis
Associate of Applied Sciences Computer Programming
Associate of Applied Sciences Infant/Toddler Education
Associate of Applied Sciences Early Childhood Education
Associate of Applied Sciences Entrepreneurship Emphasis
Associate of Applied Sciences General Business Emphasis
Associate of Applied Sciences Graphic Communication Emphasis
Associate of Applied Sciences Human Services
Associate of Applied Sciences Network Specialist Emphasis
Associate of Applied Sciences Office Technology Emphasis
Associate of Arts in Pattern of Study in Early Childhood Education
Associate of Arts in Graphic Communications
Associate of Arts in Pattern of Study in Business
Associate of Science in Land Surveying/Geomatics

7. Florida Institute of Technology

Florida Institute of Technology provides working professionals with a method to achieve their higher education goals. Online learning also allows people to develop additional skills and professional development necessary to move into a new career or advance in a current career. All classes are taught by the same world-class faculty as courses taught in traditional classrooms. The college is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. It has been ranked as a top online college for associates degrees by:

U.S. News & World Report
Forbes
Princeton Review

Associates degrees available completely online include:

Accounting
Applied Psychology
Aviation Management
Business Administration
Computer Information Systems
Criminal Justice
Healthcare Management
Liberal Arts
Management
Marketing

6. Goodwin College

Goodwin College is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Regional accreditation indicates that the school meets or exceeds criteria set forth by the agency that indicate excellence in education. Goodwin has been committed to preparing students to be leaders in their field for more than ten years and the online programs bring the tradition of excellence to the world of education. Their online programs make it possible for students to earn college credits while meeting work, family, and social obligations that may make it difficult for them to attend traditional classes. The programs offered online are the same rigorous programs offered in the classroom. They are taught by the same highly qualified faculty members. Online associate degree programs may include:

Business Administration
CNC Machining
Criminal Justice
Dental Hygiene
Early Childhood Education
Environmental Studies
General Studies
Health Sciences
Histology
Homeland Security
Human Services
Manufacturing
Medical Assisting
Nursing
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Ophthalmic Science
Quality Management Systems
Respiratory Care
Supply Chain and Logistics Management

Some programs may be offered in a hybrid format where students may need to take some classes on campus. Others are delivered online. Some programs may also require an internship or practicum.

5. Southern New Hampshire University

Since 1932, Southern New Hampshire University has been offering programs that exemplify excellence in education. They have consistently reinvented higher education and have gained national recognition for their dedication in helping students succeed. The university has one of the lowest tuition rates in the country. Admissions counselors are available to guarantee students choose the right programs. A dedicated academic advisor guides each student through their academic career at the university. Instructors have real-world experience in their field. There is an online bookstore, library, and tutoring. There is also 24/7 technical support. Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. This top online college for associates degrees offers the following programs in a completely online format:

Accounting
Business Administration
Criminal Justice
Digital Photography
Fashion Merchandising
Information Technology
Liberal Arts
Marketing

4. Pennsylvania State University World Campus

Pennsylvania State University was one of the first universities to provide online learning. They have over 125 career-focused programs that are taught by renowned faculty. All online programs contain the same rigorous curriculum that traditional classroom students receive. Corporate recruiters rank Penn State highly because they recognize that the school’s graduates are prepared to be successful. The college is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. As such, an online diploma is the same diploma a traditional student receives. As a top online college for associate degrees, Penn State offers the following programs that are available completely online through their World Campus:

Business Administration
Human Development and Family Studies
Information Sciences and Technology
Labor and Employment Relations
Letters, Arts and Sciences
Turfgrass Science and Management

3. Bismarck State College

Bismarck State College offers online courses in almost every discipline. Some programs are available only in an online format. Almost two-thirds of the students at Bismarck are enrolled in at least one online course. At least 44 percent are enrolled only in online classes. The online classes at Bismarck are not easier than traditional classes with on campus students. They use the same rigorous curriculum. Students must complete weekly assignments, quizzes, and tests. There are deadlines that must be met. Students must participate in discussions using a schedule created by their instructor. The school offers 58 online start dates throughout the year. This provides additional flexibility. Bismarck State College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. The online programs available include:

Administrative Assistant
Business Administration
Computer Support Specialist
Criminal Justice
Geographic Information Systems
Human Services/Eligibility Worker
Information Processing Specialist
Management
Web Page Development and Design
Electric Power Technology
Electrical Transmission Systems Technology
Nuclear Power Technology
Petroleum Production Technology
Power Plant Technology
Process Plant Technology
Energy Services and Renewable Technician
Instrumentation and Control Technology

2. Liberty University

Liberty University is the largest Christian university in the world. It offers 250 online programs. Students at Liberty University achieve their career goals and reach new heights. They can also do so while building a stronger relationship with God. Liberty has been pioneering online programs since 1985. They created a community of learners from around the world. The same courses taught online are taught to on campus students. All programs are taught from a Christian worldview with professors who look at teaching as their ministry. Liberty offers some of the lowest tuition rates among other top online colleges for associate’s degree. Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Associates degrees available online include:

Associate of Applied Science in Office Assistant
Associate of Arts in Accounting
Associate of Arts in Business
Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education
Associate of Arts in Education
Associate of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies
Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies
Associate of Arts in Psychology
Associate of Arts in Psychology – Christian Counseling
Associate of Arts in Religion

1. University of Alaska Fairbanks

The University of Alaska Fairbanks is ranked the top online college for associates degrees due to its:

flexibility
rigorous curriculum
innovation

All courses are designed by instructors who are experts in their field. Students attend classes with a wide range of other students, from Native Alaskans to military members and more. Students report that they learn as much from their fellow students as they do the instructor in the online format. There is also a strong team of support professionals who are ready to guide students through online programs. The University of Alaska Fairbanks has been accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities since 1934. This attests to their long commitment to excellence in education. The University of Alaska Fairbanks is ranked among the top national universities as a top public school. It is also ranked as one of the best undergraduate engineering programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report. In addition, high school counselors rank the school among the top 200 in the country. Forbes ranks the college in the top ten0 in the west and the top 200 in public colleges as well as research universities. The online associates degrees offered at the university include:

Applied Accounting, A.A.S.
Applied Business, A.A.S.
Associate of Arts
Early Childhood Education, A.A.S.
Information Technology Specialist, A.A.S.

Many working adults struggle to achieve their higher education goals as they must manage work, family, and social obligations that make it difficult to attend traditional classes. Online programs provide individuals with the ability to move into a new career or advance in a current career. These top online colleges for associates degree offer the best options for individuals who want to earn their two-year college degree but may have difficulty doing so in a traditional setting.

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