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.
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 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 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.
- 50 hours to write this article
- 148 universities and colleges we assessed
- 213 education programs we compared
Best 39 Online Associate in General Studies Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
Lincoln Trail College
Intelligent Score: 99.16In-state: $28,706
Out-of-state: $30,732
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
In-State: $100
Out-of-State: $135
Online
Higher Learning Commission
64
Ashland University
Intelligent Score: 99.15In-state: $22,000
Out-of-state: $22,000
In-state: $6,444
Out-of-state: $6,444
SAT: 1000-1208
ACT: 19-24
$550
Online
Higher Learning Commission
60
Peirce College
Intelligent Score: 98.71In-state: $25,034
Out-of-state: $25,034
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
$600
Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Educatio
61
Southern New Hampshire University
Intelligent Score: 98.34In-state: $9,600
Out-of-state: $9,600
In-state: $18,810
Out-of-state: $18,810
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$330
Online
New England Commission of Higher Education
60
Regent University
Intelligent Score: 98.11In-state: $17,220
Out-of-state: $17,220
In-state: $15,552
Out-of-state: $15,552
SAT: 940-1220
ACT: 21-29
$395
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
63
Pace University
Intelligent Score: 98.05In-state: $45,832
Out-of-state: $45,832
In-state: $32,256
Out-of-state: $32,256
SAT: 1060-1240
ACT: 22-28
$600
Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
60
University of Toledo
Intelligent Score: 96.73In-state: $8,736
Out-of-state: $18,096
In-state: $14,398
Out-of-state: $14,398
SAT: 985-1210
ACT: 20-26
$335
Online
Higher Learning Commission
61
University of La Verne
Intelligent Score: 96.33In-state: $44,700
Out-of-state: $44,700
In-state: $14,346
Out-of-state: $14,346
SAT: 960-1150
ACT: 17-23
$665
Online
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
60
Northern Michigan University
Intelligent Score: 93.32In-state: $11,882
Out-of-state: $17,504
In-state: $9,408
Out-of-state: $9,408
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
In-State: $517
Out-of-State: $746
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
60
Utah State University
Intelligent Score: 93.09In-state: $6,732
Out-of-state: $21,677
In-state: $6,164
Out-of-state: $6,164
SAT: 1080-1320
ACT: 21-29
In-State: $344
Out-of-State: $382
Online
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
60
Golden Gate University
Intelligent Score: 92.92In-state: $12,456
Out-of-state: $12,456
In-state: $19,620
Out-of-state: $19,620
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$462
Online
WASC Senior College and University Commission
60
Andrews University
Intelligent Score: 92.64In-state: $29,808
Out-of-state: $29,808
In-state: $27,936
Out-of-state: $27,936
SAT: 1030-1380
ACT: 21-28
$450
Online
Higher Learning Commission
62
Arkansas State University
Intelligent Score: 91.62In-state: $5,232
Out-of-state: $10,800
In-state: $4,986
Out-of-state: $4,986
SAT: 1000-1220
ACT: 20-26
$276
Online
Higher Learning Commission
60
Hampton University
Intelligent Score: 91.04In-state: $26,198
Out-of-state: $26,198
In-state: $13,099
Out-of-state: $13,099
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$300
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
Keiser University
Intelligent Score: 90.5In-state: $19,808
Out-of-state: $19,808
In-state: $27,162
Out-of-state: $27,162
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$440
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
Eastern Kentucky University
Intelligent Score: 90.41In-state: $9,266
Out-of-state: $19,338
In-state: $9,900
Out-of-state: $9,900
SAT: 950-1170
ACT: 19-25
$434
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
Louisiana State University
Intelligent Score: 89.33In-state: $8,038
Out-of-state: $8,038
In-state: $9,132
Out-of-state: $9,132
SAT: 1090-1300
ACT: 23-28
$260
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
Franklin Pierce University
Intelligent Score: 88.52In-state: $36,980
Out-of-state: $36,980
In-state: $35,100
Out-of-state: $35,100
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$400
Online
New England Commission of Higher Education
60
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.
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