Obtaining an online associates degree from the comfort of your own home is now easier than ever. If you’re thinking about taking the plunge, you might be wondering how much does it cost to get an associates degree online.
Tuition is an important consideration for those considering an online program whether it’s online MBA Programs, online certificates or bachelor’s degrees, just as they are for prospective on-campus students.
The cost of obtaining an associate’s degree online varies from school to school as well as program to program. As a result, it is critical to conduct some research to learn how to obtain your associate degree.
This is to say that if you’re looking for how much an associate degree costs, you should be able to determine which online schools and programs you’re interested in.
In this article, we will answer the question, “how much does it cost to get an associate’s degree online?” from a general standpoint.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Associate degree definition
An associate degree, like other degrees, is an academic award given to students upon completion of an undergraduate program; it could be a six-month associate degree or a two-year associate degree. The education level is somewhere between a high school diploma and a bachelor’s degree.
An associate degree, on the other hand, is an efficient way of entering the job market quickly and with adequate skills. An associate program aims to provide students with the fundamental academic and technical knowledge required to advance in their careers.
These programs frequently emphasize transferable skills so that students can more easily find their way in the workforce or if they choose to further their education.
An associate degree is often used as a stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree by many students. This could happen for a variety of reasons, the majority of which are personal.
However, a significant factor in this leap is the fact that associate degree credits are transferable if in case you want to get a bachelor’s degree fast perhaps a 1-year bachelor’s degree, and you may not have to retake classes.
Is an associates degree online worth it?
When assessing this educational path, you will most likely consider whether associate degrees are worthwhile. While there is no clear-cut answer because it depends on your desired career and the time you are willing to put in, an associate degree is unquestionably a powerful tool for advancing in the workplace.
There are numerous advantages to pursuing an associate degree program, whether as a first step toward a more long-term academic plan or because it is the program most compatible with your financial situation.
What are the best online associate degrees?
The sort of free online associate’s degree that is best for you is determined by your needs, interests, and skills. Examine the career opportunities in the field you’re interested in.
Consider the accreditations the school has received for its degree programs, the quality of the faculty and courses offered, and the tuition costs compared to other similar institutions when selecting a college.
How much does it cost to get an associates degree online?
Associate degrees online are significantly less expensive than bachelor’s degrees due to different factors including shorter curricula, shorter completion times, and fewer resources in general. In many cases, online associate degrees are less than half the cost of their four-year counterparts. As a result, they are a low-cost option.
An online associate degree from a public institution costs around $10,000, including study materials; whereas private institutions charge around $30,000. When living expenses such as internet connectivity are factored in, the costs skyrocket, but public institutions remain significantly less expensive.
Public colleges are primarily supported by the state government, whereas private colleges are supported by private organizations and donations. Community colleges or two-year colleges, like public colleges, are typically funded by the government.
Subjects such as the arts, education, and humanities are less expensive than automotive engineering, medicine, dentistry, and other related fields. The cost of an online associate degree also varies depending on the college or course that you wish to pursue.
How to Determine the actual cost of an online associate degree Program
Most prospective students consider direct costs such as tuition and fees charged to distance learners when calculating the overall cost of an online associate bachelor’s degree. However, indirect costs can add substantially to degree expenses as well.
Remember to factor in the cost of room and board, books and other course materials, and the possibility of a decrease in income.
Where can I get a cheap online associates degree cost per credit hour
You can get a cheap online associates degree per credit hour in the following schools:
- Baker College Online
- Ivy Bridge College
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Liberty University Online
- Rasmussen College.
Baker College Online
Baker College offers a variety of accredited online associate’s degrees in Business and Applied Sciences, including Accounting, Management, and IT Support Services. The institution has some of the most affordable accredited associate’s degree programs available, with tuition as low as $210 per credit hour.
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University offers accredited online associate’s degrees in Accounting, Business Administration, Computer Information Technology, Fashion Merchandising, Justice Studies, Liberal Arts, and Marketing for only $320 per credit hour.
Liberty University Online
At only $325 per credit hour, Liberty University offers several accredited online associate’s degrees, including highly sought-after programs like Business Administration, Criminal Justice, and Paralegal.
Rasmussen College
Rasmussen College has over 20 accredited online associate’s programs, many of which have multiple concentrations. This college is one of the most affordable colleges for online associate’s degrees, charging only $350 per credit hour.
How to choose an online associate degree program
To choose an online associate degree, consider the following factors:
- Cost
- Program Format
- Location
- Accreditation
- Student Support
- Transfer Credits.
Cost
Consider the total cost of attending college, which includes more than just tuition. In general, public schools are less expensive than private schools, and in-state tuition is less expensive than out-of-state tuition.
Tuition rates for online and campus programs are frequently comparable, but online programs can help you save money on extraneous expenses such as travel.
Program Format
The format of a program can have a significant impact on your college experience. Asynchronous programs allow you to complete coursework at any time, whereas synchronous programs require you to attend live class sessions with required login times.
Many colleges provide full-time and part-time enrollment options, which influence how long you stay in school and how many classes you take each semester.
Location
Always inquire whether an online program includes any required in-person components when selecting a college. Some online degrees, such as nursing, may include required lab sessions or other on-campus activities. If you’re enrolling in a program that requires you to attend a campus, consider a school close to your home.
Accreditation
Whatever type of associate program you choose, make sure your school is regionally or nationally accredited. Accrediting bodies examine colleges and academic programs to ensure that students receive a high-quality education.
Student Support
Always look into a school’s student support services when choosing a program. Many colleges provide resources such as mentorship programs and internship connections.
If you intend to enroll entirely or primarily online, inquire about a school’s online student services, which may differ from those available on campus.
Transfer Credits
If you intend to pursue a bachelor’s degree, make certain that your associate degree is transferable to a four-year college. To learn more about a school’s credit transfer policies, consult with academic and transfer advisors.
Many community colleges have transfer agreements with four-year colleges that allow students to transfer most or all of their associate degree credits.
How much money can I make with an associate degree?
According to the BLS, associate degree holders earned a median annual salary of $48,780. Salaries, however, vary greatly depending on the industry, type of degree, location, and level of experience. In most industries, associate degree holders earn less than their bachelor’s or master’s degree counterparts.
In general, degrees with a professional focus in high-demand fields pay more. Many healthcare careers, for example, pay significantly more than the national average. Other fields, such as engineering or information technology, pay well for associate degree holders.
How long does it take to get an associate degree online?
The duration of your program can affect the cost of your study. The longer the program the more the expenses. Most online associate degree programs require two years of full-time study. However, depending on the enrollment format, the total completion time may vary. Many colleges and universities provide both part-time and accelerated enrollment options.
Students who enroll part-time can take fewer courses each semester. This results in a lighter workload, but students take longer to graduate as a result.
Part-time students may need three or more years to complete their degree, depending on their course load. Accelerated programs have a heavier course load each semester, allowing students to graduate more quickly.
Some accelerated programs may allow students to graduate in as little as a year.
Frequently Asked Questions about how much it cost to get an associates degree online
What is the function of an online associate?
Online associate degree programs allow students to take college courses without having to travel to a campus. Working students who want to keep their jobs while attending classes will appreciate the degree’s flexibility.
How much does an online associate’s degree cost?
An online associate degree from a public institution or community college costs around $10,000, including study materials, whereas private institutions charge around $30,000. When living expenses such as internet connectivity are factored in, the costs skyrocket, but public institutions remain significantly less expensive.
Are online associate degrees cheaper?
Online degrees can cost up to $10,000 or less than, some institutions offer programs free.
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Conclusion
If you’re debating whether or not to pursue a bachelor’s degree, an associate program is a great place to start.
Also, some students use their associate degree as a springboard to earning general education credits that can then be applied to a bachelor’s degree program of their choice.
So get started today!