Affordability is an important consideration for students looking to earn their associates degree online. While an online associates degree is generally a good long-term investment, an increasingly competitive job market and rising tuition costs make finding affordable online schools with respected accreditation and a solid reputation more important, and more difficult, than ever before. To help make the process simpler and easier, we created a ranking of the best accredited online colleges with the most affordable associate’s degrees online.
This is not simply a ranking of the cheapest online associates degree programs. Online schools with the cheapest tuition are not always the most affordable options in the long run. The cheapest online associates degree may not be worth anything at all if its not from an accredited online school that employers recognize and trust. That’s why for this ranking of the cheapest online colleges for online associates degree we only considered accredited online colleges with a broad selection of online associates degrees and a good reputation in the marketplace.
#1. Baker College Online
Baker College is a private, non-profit college in Flint, Michigan. A career-oriented college, Baker College was originally founded in 1911 to prepare students for work in the booming automotive industry. Since then the school has expanded considerably, founding several new campuses and developing a strong online presence. Baker College is our selection for the best college with the most affordable online associates degree programs.
Associate’s Degrees
Baker College offers several accredited online associate’s degrees in Business and Applied Sciences, including programs in Accounting, Management, and IT Support Services. At only $210 per credit hour, Baker College offers some of the cheapest accredited associate’s degree programs out there.
Accreditation
Baker College is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#2. Ivy Bridge College
Ivy Bridge College is a part of Tiffin University, a private university in Tiffin, Ohio. While the online college has its own name, a degree from Ivy Bridge is a degree from Tiffin, an accredited comprehensive university with an outstanding reputation.
Associate’s Degrees
Ivy Bridge offers accredited online associate’s degrees in General Studies, Criminal Justice, and Business Administration, with a number of specializations. Courses run from $265-$354 per credit hour, depending on number of credit hours completed, making Ivy Bridge one of the most affordable online schools.
Accreditation
Ivy Bridge College is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#6. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University is a private university located in Manchester and Hooksett, New Hampshire. SNHU has a well-respected business program that is accredited by both the ACBSP and the European Council for Business Education. SNHU’s distance associate’s degree programs are a great value for its reputation.
Associate’s Degrees
Southern New Hampshire University offers accredited online associate’s degrees at only $320 per credit hour in Accounting, Business Administration, Computer Information Technology, Fashion Merchandising, Justice Studies, Liberal Arts, and Marketing.
Accreditation
Southern New Hampshire University is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
#7. Liberty University Online
Liberty University has grown tremendously in its short existence into the largest private university in the nation, with the vast majority of its students completing degrees online. Founded in 1971 by Rev. Jerry Falwell, Liberty is committed to conservative Evangelical values and providing high quality, affordable education.
Online Associate’s Degree Programs
Liberty University offers several accredited online associate’s degrees, including highly-desired programs such as Business Administration, Criminal Justice, and Paralegal at only $325 per credit hour.
Accreditation
Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
#8. Rasmussen College
Founded in 1900, Rasmussen College is one of the oldest private, for-profit colleges, with campuses in Minnesota, Illinois, North Dakota, Florida, and Wisconsin. Rasmussen’s online campus was founded in 2002, since growing into one of the most respected and affordable online schools.
Associate’s Degrees
Rasmussen College offers more than 20 accredited online associate’s programs, many with multiple concentrations. At only $350 per credit hour, Rasmussen is one of the most affordable colleges for online associate’s degrees.
Accreditation
Rasmussen College is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.