Top Online Associates Degree Colleges

Below you’ll find the top 10 online colleges for associates degrees. Use the "Click Here" buttons below to request a free information and financial aid package from the schools that interest you.

	University of Phoenix - Associate's Degrees. As one of the largest online universities in the country, University of Phoenix has a track record of placing students in the jobs they want after graduation. Multiple Associate's Degrees are available and can be taken online or at a campus location.
	Ashford University - Associate's Degrees. At Ashford University, students seeking an Associate's degree will find a large variety of courses available. An accredited university, Ashford graduates have gone on to well paying jobs and great careers.
	American InterContinental University Online - Associate's Degrees. Educating students at campus locations for over 35 years, American InterContinental University has progessed to offering students Associate's degrees online. AIU's classes provide students the skills needed to be successful after college.
	Liberty University - Associate's Degrees. Liberty University is a Christian based online university offering Associate's degrees in a variety of specializations. Liberty University provides students with courses available in high growing industries.
	Everest University - Associate's Degrees. Offering flexible and affordable degree programs, Everest University allows students to go to college conveniently. Everest University prepares students with an outstanding curriculum that prepares students for their new career.
	LA College - Associate's Degrees. LA College offers students the opportunity to obtain a respectable online degree that is recognized by employers today. Students could obtain their degree quickly and effectively, allowing them to pursue their careers in no time.
	Colorado Technical University - Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's & Doctoral Degrees. For those interested in advancing in their careers, Colorado Technical University offers flexible and affordable programs that can be taken in the comfort of your own home. Their courses are career-oriented and focused on providing you with the knowledge and skills necessary to compete in the workplace.
	Post University - Associate's Degrees. Post University offers students a large number of Associate's Degrees that are offered entirely online via the web or can attend campus locations. At Post University, students will be surrounded in a superb academic enviornment where students can come together and reach their goals quickly and affordably.
	Saint Leo University - Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. Saint Leo University offers students state-of-the-art study materials to keep them up-to-date with today's learning methods and techniques. Their online courses make it possible for working individuals to earn a quality degree in their own time.
	Virginia College - Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. Virginia College is an accredited online university offering numerous programs for today's career-focused individuals. Their convenient and flexible programs make it possible for students to commit to other responsibilities at home or work without having to sacrifice a great education.
	DeVry University - Associate's Degrees. Students interested in attending college for the first time will find the perfect place to start in DeVry University. At DeVry, students are given the tools necessary to start a new exciting career upon completion.
	Keiser University - Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's & Doctoral Degrees. Keiser University offers a wide array of programs that are both affordable and convenient for any individual. They strive to meet the educational needs of their students and regularly update their curriculum to reflect this mission.
	Penn Foster Career School - Certificates. Individuals with little to no college credits will find Penn Foster Career School their ideal online college. The school offers a broad range of associate's degrees for those seeking to pursue a better education and greater pay.

What is an associate degree?

An associate degree is a college degree awarded after the completion of about 20 courses or 60 credit hours. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete and may prepare students for a specific career and/or enable them to apply earned credits toward a four-year bachelor’s degree program.

More than a half million associate degrees are awarded every year in the United States, and distance learning is becoming an increasingly popular way for people to earn associate degrees.

What types of associate degrees are available?

Associate degrees are either occupational degrees or transfer degrees.

Occupational degrees prepare students to work in a particular field upon graduation and include the Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Applied Arts, Associate of Applied Technology, and Associate of Occupational Studies.

Occupational degree programs are generally more hands-on than transfer degree programs or traditional four-year bachelor’s degree programs, but still require general education classes such as mathematics, writing, and communications. Although students will be ready to join the workforce immediately upon graduation, occupational degree credits may also be transferred and applied toward bachelor’s degree programs.

Transfer degrees allow students to enter a bachelor’s degree program with about half of the credits already earned. Students usually take a general course of study that includes mathematics, writing, science, and literature; specific majors may also be pursued.

Here is a list of common abbreviations of popular associate degrees:

• AA: Associate of Arts
• AE: Associate of Engineering or Associate in Electronics Engineering Technology
• AN: Associate of Nursing
• AS: Associate of Science
• AF: Associate of Forestry
• AT: Associate of Technology
• AAA: Associate of Applied Arts
• AAB: Associate of Applied Business
• AAS: Associate of Applied Science or Associate of Arts and Sciences
• AAT: Associate of Arts in Teaching
• ABA: Associate of Business Administration
• ABS: Associate of Baccalaureate Studies
• ADN: Associate Degree in Nursing
• AES: Associate of Engineering Science
• AET: Associate in Engineering Technology
• AFA: Associate of Fine Arts
• AGS: Associate of General Studies
• AIT: Associate of Industrial Technology
• AOS: Associate of Occupational Studies
• APE: Associate of Pre-Engineering
• APS: Associate of Political Science or Associate of Public Service
• ASPT-APT: Associate in Physical Therapy

In what subjects are associate degrees available?

Associate degrees are available in many areas including business, marketing, education, health care, and technology.

Some associate degree programs available include:

• Accounting
• Administrative Assistant
• Automotive and Mechanics
• Applied Management
• Applied Science
• Bookkeeping
• Business Administration
• Business Management
• Carpentry and Construction
• Computer Science
• Computer Technology
• Cosmetology
• Criminal Justice
• Culinary Arts
• Early Childhood Education
• Electronics
• Electrician
• Elementary Education
• Engineering
• Fashion Design
• Financial Planning
• General Studies
• Hotel and Restaurant Management
• Human Resources
• Information Systems
• Justice Administration
• Liberal Arts
• Marketing
• Medical Administration
• Medical Billing
• Medical Transcription
• Nuclear Technology
• Nursing
• Office Management
• Paralegal
• Physical Therapy
• Plumbing
• Real Estate
• Social Psychology
• Social Work
• Technology
• Web Design
• Web Programming
• Welding

Why should I pursue an associate degree?

Some of the benefits of earning an associate degree include:

• Increased Earning Potential

Associate degree holders earn an average of $400,000 more over a lifetime than high school graduates, and often have higher starting salaries than those without a degree.

• Increased Employment Possibilities

Unemployment rates are generally much lower for those with associate degrees compared to those with high school diplomas. Moreover, employment fields in which associate degrees are beneficial, especially health care, are continually growing; therefore job prospects are increasingly better for those with associate degrees as well.

• Cost of Associate Degree Programs

Tuition of associate degree programs is usually considerably less than those of bachelor’s degree programs, credit for credit. Moreover, since most students either live close to campus or take courses online, commuting, room, and board expenses of an associate degree program are also comparatively low.

• Convenience of Associate Degree Programs

Associate degree programs are traditionally the most flexible college degree programs, with many classes offered during evening hours-great for those who continue to work full- or part-time while studying.

• Internships and Cooperative Programs

Many associate degree programs offer incredible opportunities for students to work in co-ops or internships while studying and receiving credit at the same time.

• Certificate Programs

Some associate degree programs offer certificates after one year or less of study, which allow them to work with additional credentials (and perhaps higher pay) while pursuing an associate degree.

Where can I find associate degree programs of study?

Various institutions offer associate degree programs including community colleges, two-year colleges, technical institutes, and four-year colleges and universities.

Many of these also offer online associate degree programs as well; online associate degrees are some of the most common pursued through distance learning.

How do I choose a school to pursue an associate degree?

Some of the most important factors to consider when choosing an institution at which to purse an associate degree include:

• School’s accreditation
• Curriculum, including available degree programs and courses
• Faculty qualifications
• Academic facilities and support
• Career services and job placement rates
• Transfer rate

How can I prepare for an associate degree program?

Preparation for an associate degree program, especially for a transfer degree, can begin in high school with students taking a college preparatory curriculum including mathematics, English, science, history, and social studies.

For those intending to pursue an occupational degree program, vocational courses and/or work experience in the chosen subject are advised.

Some schools require specific courses or work experience for entry into their programs, so be sure to check with each individual school for more details.

What is the application process for an associate degree program like?

All associate degree programs require an application and high school transcripts from applicants. Some ask for a personal statement explaining why the applicant would like to pursue an associate degree at their institution, and some request scores from the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or other college achievement tests as well.

Once accepted but before beginning classes, students often must take standard assessment tests in basic subject areas like English and mathematics in order to place them in the appropriate classes for their skill levels.