Why This Matters
-
EARN $950+ PER WEEK
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, associate degree holders earn an average of $963 per week, while workers who only have a high school diploma earn $809 per week.
-
REDUCE YOUR UNEMPLOYMENT RISK
Workers with an associate degree have an unemployment rate of 4.6%, while workers with a high school diploma have an unemployment rate of 6.2%.
-
CHOOSE FROM MORE THAN 500 COMMUNITY COLLEGES
The U.S. is home to over 500 two-year community colleges. This should make it easy for you to earn your associate degree no matter where you live.
Our Research
This list features some of the best associate degree programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation as well as the student resources provided for on-campus students. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of associate degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report among others to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
The Top 50 Best Associate Degree Programs
intelligent score 98.71
Award
Intelligent Pick
Rankings
#1 College Factual
#22 Course Advisor
School Information
New York, NY
Graduation Rate: 93%
Admission Rate: 7%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
New York University (NYU) offers associate degree programs for four subject areas: liberal arts, business, health administration, and information systems management. NYU's location in one of the world's most prominent cities allows the school to attract truly high-end talent for its faculty. While the tuition at NYU is relatively high, the school offers several scholarships for students pursuing an associate degree.
Award
Intelligent Pick
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$969
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
212-998-4500
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 98.58
Award
Best Fashion Program
Rankings
#7 College Factual
#19 Course Advisor
School Information
Angwin, CA
Graduation Rate: 60%
Admission Rate: 59%
Urbanicity: Rural
School Size: Small
This school's alumni include some of the biggest names in the fashion industry, including Calvin Klein and Michael Kors. It's worth noting that the campus is located just a few blocks away from New York City's Garment District, providing students with exciting opportunities for internships and other hands-on learning experiences. The Fashion Institute of Technology's degree programs include an Associate in Fashion Business Management, an Associate in Fashion Design, an Associate in Menswear, and an Associate in Jewelry Design.
Award
Best Fashion Program
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
63
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $220
Out-of-State: $661
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected].
Phone:
212-217-3760
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
63
intelligent score 98.02
Award
Best Interior Design Program
Rankings
#14 College Factual
#26 Course Advisor
School Information
New York, NY
Graduation Rate: 71%
Admission Rate: 69%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
In 1906, Parsons School of Design (now a division of The New School) became the first college in the country to offer an academic program for interior design. Parsons remains one of the best options for interior design students today, as they provide world-class instructors and experiential learning opportunities at industry-leading firms in New York City. In addition to the technical aspects of interior design, The New School's Associate in Interior Design program also covers how students can address sustainability and social justice.
Award
Best Interior Design Program
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,810
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
212-229-5150
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 97.62
Award
Best Trade School
Rankings
#15 Course Advisor
#16 College Factual
School Information
Saint Louis, MO
Graduation Rate: 58%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Small
Ranken Technical College provides associate degree programs for trades such as precision machining, auto repair, and HVAC repair. These programs only take a couple of years to complete, and they'll allow you to learn practical skills and become qualified for jobs in high demand. This school also stands out as an excellent option for veterans, as Ranken Technical College participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program and accepts all forms of the GI Bill.
Award
Best Trade School
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
72
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$655
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
314-286-3382
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
72
intelligent score 96.81
Award
Best for Online Students
Rankings
#2 College Factual
School Information
Saint Louis, MO
Graduation Rate: 94%
Admission Rate: 16%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
At Washington University in St. Louis - University College, you can acquire an Associate of Arts degree with a concentration in social sciences, humanities, or professional studies entirely through online classes. If you select their natural sciences and mathematics concentration option, you'll need to take some of your classes in person. You can also access academic advising over the phone to get help with any questions you may have during your degree program.
Award
Best for Online Students
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$695 - $895
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-638-0700
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 96.42
Award
Best Occupational Therapy Program
Rankings
#3 College Factual
School Information
Philadelphia, PA
Graduation Rate: 75%
Admission Rate: 70%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Thomas Jefferson University's Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy program prepares students for careers as occupational therapy assistants. Delivered in-person at the school's campus in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, this program focuses on experiential learning, with five clinical fieldwork experiences. Classes are offered in an accelerated format, and the full program takes less than two years to complete. Graduates from the program are eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational (NBCOT) exam to earn initial professional certification.
Award
Best Occupational Therapy Program
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36 - 69
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,355
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
215-951-2800
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36 - 69
intelligent score 96.25
Award
Best Agricultural Technology Program
Rankings
#4 College Factual
School Information
Blacksburg, VA
Graduation Rate: 86%
Admission Rate: 66%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Virginia Tech offers a two-year Agriculture Technology program that allows students to focus on areas like Landscape/Turf Management and Agricultural Management. The curriculum focuses on hands-on learning with labs, experiential learning projects, and a required internship. While students can obtain quality jobs with their associate degree in this area, Virginia Tech also offers students the option to continue directly into a four-year degree program in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Award
Best Agricultural Technology Program
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
28
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $504
Out-of-State: $1,323
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
540-231-7649
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
28
intelligent score 96.07
Award
Best General Studies Program
Rankings
#5 College Factual
School Information
Adelphi, MD
Graduation Rate: 28%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Students often use an associate degree to earn general education credits that can later be applied to a bachelor's degree. The University of Maryland Global Campus offers a high-quality Associate of Arts in General Studies degree that includes coursework in a number of common subjects, including mathematics, psychology, and foreign languages. This online degree is open to students outside of Maryland, and can prepare students for entry-level jobs as well as further study in bachelor's degree programs.
Award
Best General Studies Program
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$312 - $499
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
855-655-8682
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 96.05
Award
Best Sustainability Programs
Rankings
#8 College Factual
School Information
Amherst, MA
Graduation Rate: 78%
Admission Rate: 65%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
The University of Massachusetts-Amherst offers several associate degrees related to sustainability, including programs in sustainable food and farming, sustainable horticulture, turfgrass science and management, and more. Students can complete these two-year programs online at the UMass Amherst campus. Most programs include a hands-on learning component that gives students the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge in real world settings in landscaping, farming, forest management, and more. New England residents are eligible for reduced-rate tuition through the New England Regional Student Program.
Award
Best Sustainability Programs
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $539
Out-of-State: $1,246
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
413-545-0222
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 95.28
Award
Best for Transfer Students
Rankings
#9 College Factual
School Information
Santa Clarita, CA
Graduation Rate: 26%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Students who are earning their associate degree with the intention of transferring to another school to complete their bachelor's degree may want to consider College of the Canyons. This California-based school has specifically-designed transferable associate degree programs in a variety of subjects including education, business, public health, performing arts, and more. Graduates of this program have 60 transferable credit units, and are automatically eligible for junior status at any school in the California State University system.
Award
Best for Transfer Students
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
18 - 33
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$332
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
661-362-3281
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
18 - 33
intelligent score 94.23
Award
Rankings
School Information
Pasadena, CA
Graduation Rate: 35%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
18 - 19
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$307
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
626-585-7123
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
18 - 19
intelligent score 93.13
Award
Rankings
School Information
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Graduation Rate: 33%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
24-Sep
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $117
Out-of-State: $373
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
954-201-7350
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
24-Sep
intelligent score 93.07
Award
Rankings
School Information
Lake Worth, FL
Graduation Rate: 39%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60 - 88
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $122
Out-of-State: $558
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
561-868-3036
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60 - 88
intelligent score 92.97
Award
Rankings
School Information
Raleigh, NC
Graduation Rate: 80%
Admission Rate: 46%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $272
Out-of-State: $1,178
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
919-515-6777
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 92.14
Award
Rankings
School Information
Valencia College
Graduation Rate: 42%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $103
Out-of-State: $390
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
407-582-1507
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 91.18
Award
Rankings
School Information
Tampa, FL
Graduation Rate: 31%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
18 - 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $126
Out-of-State: $476
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
813-253-7000
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
18 - 60
intelligent score 90.51
Award
Rankings
School Information
Skyline College
Graduation Rate: 25%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$338
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
650-738-4236
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 89.25
Award
Rankings
School Information
Los Altos Hills, CA
Graduation Rate: 25%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
18 - 90
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$236
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
408-745-8000
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
18 - 90
intelligent score 88.96
Award
Rankings
School Information
Marion, IN
Graduation Rate: 58%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Rural
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,062
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
765-677-8985
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 88.91
Award
Rankings
School Information
Daytona Beach, FL
Graduation Rate: 62%
Admission Rate: 61%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60 - 65
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,624
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
386-226-6100
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60 - 65
intelligent score 88.9
Award
Rankings
School Information
Bristol, RI
Graduation Rate: 61%
Admission Rate: 86%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60 - 61
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,636
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
401-254-3500
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60 - 61
intelligent score 88.87
Award
Rankings
School Information
Santa Clara, CA
Graduation Rate: 23%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$265
accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
408-855-5065
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 88.22
Award
Rankings
School Information
Los Angeles, CA
Graduation Rate: 67%
Admission Rate: 89%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,891
accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
310-954-4250
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 87.79
Award
Rankings
School Information
Monterey Park, CA
Graduation Rate: 24%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $231
Out-of-State: $1,782
accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
323-792-1221
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 87.37
Award
Rankings
School Information
Providence, RI
Graduation Rate: 84%
Admission Rate: 84%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
33
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$404
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
401-865-2535
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
33
intelligent score 86.69
Award
Rankings
School Information
Woodland Hills, CA
Graduation Rate: 31%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$299
accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
818-464-4410
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 86.2
Award
Rankings
School Information
Bellevue, WA
Graduation Rate: 41%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
90
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$475
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
425-564-2274
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
90
intelligent score 85.72
Award
Rankings
School Information
Dallas, TX
Graduation Rate: 16%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $592
Out-of-State: $1,012
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
914-948-6206
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 84.2
Award
Rankings
School Information
Saratoga Springs, NY
Graduation Rate: 47%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
64
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $295
Out-of-State: $708
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
914-948-6206
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
64
intelligent score 84.17
Award
Rankings
School Information
Fort Worth, TX
Graduation Rate: 19%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60 - 85
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $465
Out-of-State: $697
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
817-515-8223
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60 - 85
intelligent score 83.85
Award
Rankings
School Information
Irvine, CA
Graduation Rate: 57%
Admission Rate: 95%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $539
Out-of-State: $1,246
accreditation
WASC Senior College and University Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-746-0082
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 83.21
Award
Rankings
School Information
Redwood City, CA
Graduation Rate: 25%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$307
accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
604-620-8088
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 82.62
Award
Rankings
School Information
Fort Myers, FL
Graduation Rate: 32%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$81
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
239-489-9054
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 82.58
Award
Rankings
School Information
Paramus, NJ
Graduation Rate: 31%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60 - 70
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $149
Out-of-State: $323
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
201-447-7200
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60 - 70
intelligent score 82.57
Award
Rankings
School Information
Lancaster, PA
Graduation Rate: 62%
Admission Rate: 97%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
61
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$775 - $810
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
717-560-8271
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
61
intelligent score 82.26
Award
Rankings
School Information
Rockville, MD
Graduation Rate: 21%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60 - 70
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$132
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
240-567-5000
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60 - 70
intelligent score 81.75
Award
Rankings
School Information
Annandale, VA
Graduation Rate: 25%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60 - 64
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$180
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
703-323-3000
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60 - 64
intelligent score 81.56
Award
Rankings
School Information
The Woodlands, TX
Graduation Rate: 17%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60 - 95
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $184
Out-of-State: $504
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
832-813-6500
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60 - 95
intelligent score 80.95
Award
Rankings
School Information
East Greenwich, RI
Graduation Rate: 74%
Admission Rate: 74%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$578
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-736-7744
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 79.6
Award
Rankings
School Information
Rockville Centre, NY
Graduation Rate: 72%
Admission Rate: 72%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$720
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
516-323-3433
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 78.98
Award
Rankings
School Information
Newark, DE
Graduation Rate: 81%
Admission Rate: 66%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $111
Out-of-State: $299
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
302-831-8123
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 78.07
Award
Rankings
School Information
Watertown, SD
Graduation Rate: 71%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$124
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
605-882-5284
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 77.57
Award
Rankings
School Information
Pacific Union College
Graduation Rate: 60%
Admission Rate: 59%
Urbanicity: Rural
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42 - 51
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$735
accreditation
Accrediting Association of Seventh-day Adventist Schools, Colleges, and Universities
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-862-7080
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42 - 51
intelligent score 77.31
Award
Rankings
School Information
McKinney, TX
Graduation Rate: 16%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $60 - $115
Out-of-State: $185
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
972-548-6710
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 75.83
Award
Rankings
School Information
Bismarck, ND
Graduation Rate: 49%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$260
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-445-5073
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 75.39
Award
Rankings
School Information
Killeen, TX
Graduation Rate: 12%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60 - 85
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $447
Out-of-State: $604
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-223-4760
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60 - 85
Discover More Options
What You Should Know About This Degree
If you’re not sure which associate degree program you want to pursue, it may help to consider the earning potential that is associated with each field. For example, some of the highest-earning associate-level occupations include air traffic controllers (median annual wage of $129,750) and funeral home directors ($74,000).
Conversely, you should also consider avoiding the occupations with the lowest wages. These include dietetic technicians ($29,520) and human resources assistants ($45,630).
Another factor to consider is how many job openings are available for each occupation. You should have no problem finding a job as a preschool teacher (72,900 job openings projected over the next decade) or paralegal (49,900 job openings).
There are also associate degree-level occupations that are in rather low demand, such as embalmers (100 job openings), and broadcast technicians (net loss of 600 job openings).
What’s Next?
Once you’re ready to begin researching associate degree programs, ask yourself the following questions:
- Am I eligible for this program? Most community college programs will only require you to have a high school diploma or GED to be eligible for admission.
- How long does it take to complete this degree? This will depend on several factors, such as your major and the number of courses you take per semester. Generally, full-time students can expect to complete an associate degree program in two years.
If you’re interested in a particular program, keep track of any application deadlines and materials that you’ll need to submit during the admissions process. This information can be found by reviewing the school’s website or consulting with a campus official.
You’ll also need to figure out how you will finance your degree. Scholarships, grants, federal loans, work-study programs, and other options may be available to help you pay for tuition and other education-related expenses.