If you’re a student seeking to enter the workforce sooner with the accessibility and flexibility of online learning, an accelerated online associate degree may be needed for higher earnings and increased job security. This degree can provide various career opportunities, such as computer support specialists, with a median salary of $59,240, or radiologic technologists, earning a median salary of $76,020. Other promising careers include preschool teachers, with a median salary of $37,130, and social services assistants, with a median salary of $41,140.
These programs typically have 12- to 18-month completion timelines, allowing you to kickstart your career much faster than traditional programs.
How to Choose an Accelerated Online Associate Program
Choose your area of study
You can make choosing an area of study for your accelerated online associate degree easy by asking yourself:
- What subjects am I most enthusiastic about?
- What are my career goals?
- Which skills do I want to develop?
Depending on your answers, you may be drawn to majors like healthcare administration, ideal for students interested in managing and improving medical facilities; business administration, perfect for those aiming for careers in management, marketing, or entrepreneurship; information technology, best for students who enjoy working with computers and want to entire the tech industry; or psychology, suitable for those interested in understanding human behavior and pursuing careers in social services or counseling.
Research schools and programs
Once you’ve chosen a major, you can focus on researching schools and programs that’ll suit your educational needs. Consider using the following questions to help guide your research:
- Does a recognized accrediting body accredit the program?
- How does the curriculum align with my career goals?
- What is the program’s graduation and job placement rate?
- Are there any in-person requirements?
Most of this information is available on school websites, but many students also benefit from speaking to an admissions counselor or attending a virtual open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
With your shortlist of schools in hand, you can begin preparing for tests and applications. While some requirements vary, many associate programs share similar criteria. Standard application requirements include:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
If your top schools require SAT or ACT scores, consider enrolling in a test prep program to boost your performance.
Select your program
The arrival of acceptance letters is often an exciting time, but it can quickly become overwhelming if you receive more than one. Revisit your initial research criteria, focusing on what matters most to you — such as curriculum relevance, the faculty you’ll learn from, or support services for online learners. Then, assess the total cost of attendance, including fees and materials, and compare this to any financial aid offers.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Paying for your degree can feel intimidating, but many financial aid resources are available to help. Prioritize financial aid resources, like scholarships and grants, as they don’t need to be repaid. Consider a work-study program to offset costs if you’re seeking part-time work. For those already employed in the field, ask if your employer offers tuition reimbursement.
While widely available, federal loans should be used sparingly to avoid accumulating debt. Remember that every dollar taken out on a loan must eventually be repaid with interest.
Best 50 Accredited Online Accelerated Associate Programs
How we rank schools
This list features some of the best accelerated online associate degree programs in 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. 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 the best accelerated online associate degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications, such as U.S. News & World Report, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What Can You Expect From an Accelerated Online Associate Program
You can earn your degree quickly from anywhere by pursuing an accelerated online associate program. These programs are designed for those who need to balance their education with other commitments — like a full-time job or caretaking responsibilities — allowing coursework to be completed at your own pace. You’ll gain a well-rounded education in various subjects, making this degree versatile and applicable to many career paths.
Coursework is often entirely online; however, some programs may include in-person components like labs or residencies for hands-on learning experiences that provide practical, real-world skills.
Potential courses you’ll take in an accelerated online associate program
- Healthcare Administration Fundamentals: In this foundational course, students will explore the fundamentals of healthcare systems – including management principles, healthcare policies, and the organization of healthcare facilities. This class provides an understanding of administrative responsibilities within healthcare settings, preparing students for careers in health services management.
- Principles of Marketing: This course covers critical marketing concepts like market research, consumer behavior, and strategic planning. Students will learn how to develop marketing strategies and campaigns, analyze market trends, and understand the impact of digital marketing, providing them with skills essential for different business roles.
- Introduction to Information Technology: Students will gain a foundational understanding of IT concepts, including computer hardware, software, networking, and cybersecurity. This class prepares students for tech-related careers by teaching them to manage and troubleshoot IT systems and understand the role of technology in business operations.
- Introduction to Psychology: This course overviews psychological principles, including human behavior, cognition, and emotion. Students will learn about different psychological theories and research methods, which can be applied to social work, counseling, and human resources.
What Can I Do With an Accelerated Online Associate Degree?
With an associate degree, you’ll be eligible for various career opportunities and enjoy a higher earning potential, with an average weekly income of $1,058 compared to $899 for high school graduates. This degree also provides better job security, as the unemployment rate for associate degree holders is 2.7%, significantly lower than the 3.9% rate for those with only a high school diploma.
Career outlook
- Radiologic Technologist — These healthcare professionals perform diagnostic imaging exams, such as X-rays, and provide patient care.
- Median annual salary: $73,410
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New jobs projected: 15,700
- Computer Support Specialist — Individuals in this role provide technical support and troubleshoot issues for computer users and organizations.
- Median annual salary: $59,240
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 5%
- New jobs projected: 66,500
- Social Services Assistant — Graduates in this field support social workers and counselors in helping clients access community services and resources.
- Median annual salary: $41,410
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 9%
- New jobs projected: 47,400
Accelerated Online Associate Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do accelerated degree programs work?
Accelerated degree programs condense traditional curriculums into shorter timeframes, offering the same quality of education at a faster pace. These programs are ideal for highly motivated students with excellent time management skills who want to complete their studies quickly. However, they may only be suitable for some due to the intense workload. To learn more about the pros and cons of accelerated programs and determine if they’re the right fit for you, visit our page, which explores this in further detail.
How long does it take to earn an accelerated online associate degree?
The time to earn an accelerated online associate degree varies by program, but most can be completed in 12 to 18 months, compared to the traditional two years. This faster timeline allows students to enter the workforce sooner, making it an attractive pathway for many. Be sure to double-check credit requirements for each program, as these can affect the timeline to graduation.
How much does an accelerated online associate degree cost?
According to the most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of an associate degree was $11,976 for the 2020-2021 academic year. You’ll also want to budget for additional expenses, such as technology fees, library fees, textbooks, and course materials, to get a clearer financial picture of the total investment required.