Why This Matters
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AN ASSOCIATE DEGREE IS THE TYPICAL LEVEL OF EDUCATION FOR 49 DIFFERENT OCCUPATIONS
From aerospace engineering technologist to veterinary technician, there are nearly 50 occupations that typically require an associate degree for entry-level positions.
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THOSE WITH ASSOCIATE DEGREES HAVE A 2.7% UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
Among people with an associate degree in the United States, the unemployment rate is 2.7%. Unemployment for those with only a high school education is 4.0%.
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MAKE $1,005 PER WEEK ON AVERAGE
Compare that to $853, which is the average weekly pay for those with a high school diploma, and you can see the value in getting a two-year degree.
Our Research
This list features some of the best online associate in general studies degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary education.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, reputation, and the resources provided for online 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 online associate in general studies degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like 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.
- 50 hours to write this article
- 148 universities and colleges we assessed
- 213 education programs we compared
The Top 50 Online Associate in General Studies Programs
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What You Should Know About This Degree
Associate degrees are typically two-year programs when you attend full-time. Some concentrate on a specific niche such as healthcare administration or IT. A general studies program typically covers more varied knowledge and includes courses in topics such as communications, math, history, and science. While specific associate degrees prepare you for certification or licensing, general studies can help you get a job that requires a two-year degree or move into a four-year program.
Only apply to schools approved by a DOE-recognized accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). These organizations evaluate the faculty and curriculum of postsecondary education institutions to ensure they offer students a high-quality academic experience.
While a general studies two-year degree doesn’t automatically land you a job, more education often opens doors to positions you might otherwise not be able to get. This degree doesn’t come with any type of certification or licensing requirement.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching online associate in general studies programs:
- Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? Synchronous classes mean you have to log in at a certain time, often via video conferencing, to interact with instructors and other classmates. The benefits of this model can include better communication and immediate assistance with learning or assignments. Asynchronous classes can be completed in your own time, which provides more flexibility. Consider your schedule and personal learning needs and choose the program that offers a structure that works best for you.
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? Most of the programs in our lineup require around 60 credits. Going full time, that’s a total of 2 years. If you attend part-time, which is usually considered less than 12 credits a semester, it could take you five or more years to complete the degree.
As you’re researching online associate degree programs, take note of the deadlines for applications, number of required credits, cost per credit, and requirements for admission.
You should also consider how you’re going to pay for the degree. Contact the financial aid office at the schools you’re interested in to find out what options are available to you.