Why This Matters
-
ASSOCIATE DEGREES ARE REQUIRED FOR NEARLY 50 OCCUPATIONS
From air traffic controller to veterinary technician, there are 49 occupations that typically require an associate degree for entry-level positions.
-
AN ASSOCIATE DEGREE IMPROVES YOUR EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
Among those with an associate degree in the United States, the unemployment rate is only 2.7%. That’s compared to 4.0% for those with only a high school diploma and 5.5% for those with less than a high school diploma.
-
EARN $1,005 PER WEEK ON AVERAGE WITH AN ASSOCIATE DEGREE
Across all occupations, people with an associate degree earn $1,005 per week on average. Compare that to the average of $853 per week for those with only a high school education.
Our Research
This list features some of the best online associate in liberal arts 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 liberal arts 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.
Why Trust Us
The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.
- Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
- 800+ rankings pages are reviewed and updated yearly
- Content is informed by reputable sources, surveys, and interviews with academic advisors and other experts
- Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources
How we rank schools
Our list features the best online Liberal Arts 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 institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
- 57 hours to write this article
- 40 universities and colleges we assessed
- 70 education programs we compared
The Top 50 Online Associate in Liberal Arts Programs
intelligent score 98.77
Award
Rankings
#1 Best Colleges
#4 Best Value Schools
#5 Premium Schools
School Information
Athens, TX
Graduation Rate: 19%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $39
Non-Resident: $150
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
903-675-6200
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 97.65
Award
Rankings
#2 Best Colleges
#2 Best Value Schools
School Information
Grantsboro, NC
Graduation Rate: 58%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Rural
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60-61
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $76
Non-Resident: $268
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
252-249-1851
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60-61
intelligent score 96.32
Award
Rankings
#3 Best Value Schools
#5 Best Colleges
School Information
Colby, KS
Graduation Rate: 47.6% within two years, 50% within three years
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
62
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Thomas County: $127
Kansas: $132
Regional (CO, MO, NE, OK, TX): $152
Out-of-State: $186
International: $212
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
785-460-4690
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
62
intelligent score 95.85
Award
Rankings
#4 Best Colleges
#11 Best Value Schools
School Information
Orlando, FL
Graduation Rate: 44%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $103
Non-Resident: $390
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
407-582-1507
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 95.31
Award
Rankings
#2 Premium Schools
#6 Best Colleges
#13 Best Value Schools
#24 Academic Influence
School Information
Saint Leo, FL
Graduation Rate: 42%
Admission Rate: 71%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$410
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
855-272-0122
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 95.02
Award
Rankings
#1 Academic Influence
School Information
Syracuse, NY
Graduation Rate: 82%
Admission Rate: 59%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$722
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
315-443-2422
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 94.93
Award
Rankings
#1 Premium Schools
#11 Academic Influence
School Information
Manchester, NH
Graduation Rate: 36%
Admission Rate: 92%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$330
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
603-645-9611
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 93.75
Award
Rankings
#2 Academic Influence
School Information
Newark, DE
Graduation Rate: 80%
Admission Rate: 72%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $660
Non-Resident: $693
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
302-831-7600
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 89.99
Award
Rankings
#4 Academic Influence
School Information
Providence, RI
Graduation Rate: 85%
Admission Rate: 58%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$404
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
401-865-2535
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 89.75
Award
Rankings
#6 Academic Influence
#9 Premium Schools
School Information
Montgomery, AL
Graduation Rate: 51%
Admission Rate: 65%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
62
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$325
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
334-386-7200
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
62
intelligent score 88.44
Award
Rankings
School Information
Livermore, CA
Graduation Rate: 29%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $338
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
925-424-1500
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 87.71
Award
Rankings
School Information
San Francisco, CA
Graduation Rate: 28%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
74
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $406
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
415-239-3285
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
74
intelligent score 86.14
Award
Rankings
School Information
Nampa, ID
Graduation Rate: 63%
Admission Rate: 88%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
63
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$425
accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
208-467-8395
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
63
intelligent score 85.19
Award
Rankings
School Information
Parkville, MO
Graduation Rate: 30%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$550
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
816-741-2000
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 84.33
Award
Rankings
School Information
Montgomery, AL
Graduation Rate: 28%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
64
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$335-$365
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
888-790-8080
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
64
intelligent score 83.95
Award
Rankings
School Information
Charles Town, WV
Graduation Rate: 58%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$345
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
304-724-5000
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 83.52
Award
Rankings
School Information
Henniker, NH
Graduation Rate: 30%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Rural
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$375
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
603-428-2223
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 82.92
Award
Rankings
School Information
Cromwell, CT
Graduation Rate: 72%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$390
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
860-632-3026
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 82.14
Award
Rankings
School Information
Tucson, AZ
Graduation Rate: 17%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60-64
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $220
Non-Resident: $351
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
520-206-4500
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60-64
intelligent score 80.49
Award
Rankings
School Information
Honolulu, HI
Graduation Rate: 49%
Admission Rate: 90%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$585
accreditation
WASC Senior College and University Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
808-739-8340
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 80.47
Award
Rankings
School Information
West Point, GA
Graduation Rate: 44%
Admission Rate: 47%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$410
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
844-671-583
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 80.09
Award
Rankings
School Information
Fayette, IA
Graduation Rate: 50%
Admission Rate: 65%
Urbanicity: Rural
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$498
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-553-4150
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 79.62
Award
Rankings
School Information
Williamsburg, KY
Graduation Rate: 57%
Admission Rate: 85%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$335
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
606-539-4372
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 79.48
Award
Rankings
School Information
Albany, NY
Graduation Rate: 33%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$510
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
888-647-2388
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 79.37
Award
Rankings
School Information
Fall River, MA
Graduation Rate: 33%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $24
Non-Resident: $230
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
774-357-2081
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 78.3
Award
Rankings
School Information
Santa Barbara, CA
Graduation Rate: 33%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $419
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
805-730-4086
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 75.37
Award
Rankings
School Information
California, PA
Graduation Rate: 56%
Admission Rate: 97%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $322
Non-Resident: $482
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
724-938-4404
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 74.31
Award
Rankings
School Information
Clarksville, TN
Graduation Rate: 43%
Admission Rate: 93%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $292
Non-Resident: $523
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
931-221-7661
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 74.04
Award
Rankings
School Information
Jenkintown, PA
Graduation Rate: 38%
Admission Rate: 95%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60-61
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$769
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
215-885-2360
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60-61
intelligent score 73.07
Award
Rankings
School Information
San Dimas, CA
Graduation Rate: 32%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$475
accreditation
WASC Senior College and University Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
855-527-2768
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 72.83
Award
Rankings
School Information
Rockville, MD
Graduation Rate: 21%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $134
Non-Resident: $380
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
240-567-5000
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 70.62
Award
Rankings
School Information
Fulton, MO
Graduation Rate: 62%
Admission Rate: 68%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
61
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$900
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
573-642-2251
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
61
intelligent score 70.53
Award
Rankings
School Information
Claremore, OK
Graduation Rate: 24%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
64
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $167
Non-Resident: $445
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
918-343-7546
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
64
intelligent score 70.44
Award
Rankings
School Information
Owensboro, KY
Graduation Rate: 36%
Admission Rate: 53%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$450
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
270-685-3131
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
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What You Should Know About This Degree
Degrees that are somewhat similar include associate degrees in history, English, and communications. These degrees are all typically considered liberal arts degrees, but they concentrate on a specific topic or niche. A general associate in liberal arts may allow you to spread your classes over more topics.
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.
Those who hold an associate degree may be able to get jobs that require more than a high school education. That opens the door to more positions and can potentially improve your job outlook.
No certifications or licensing is linked specifically to this degree. However, you may want to get a certification to demonstrate your skills or knowledge if you’re moving into a specific field.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching online associate in liberal arts programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? Most associate degree programs require you to have a high school diploma or GED. They don’t tend to require a certain score on standardized tests or GPA, though in some cases you may need to take a placement test with the school. This helps determine where you should be placed with regard to math and language classes.
- Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? Synchronous programs require you to log in during specific class times. You’ll be able to get a more classroom-like experience, interact with others, and ask the teacher questions in a live environment. Asynchronous programs offer more flexibility as you learn at your own pace, but they do typically require self-motivation.
As you’re researching online associate in liberal arts programs, keep track of the information you find. Facts to write down include number of credits required, cost per credit, deadlines for applications, and what you have to do for admissions. You might also want to contact the school’s financial aid office to learn more about your options for paying for your degree.
Compare School Options
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