Why This Matters
-
18% OF JOBS REQUIRE AN ASSOCIATE DEGREE
18% of social and human service assistant jobs require an associate degree, while 39% require a bachelor’s degree and 16% only require a postsecondary nondegree award.
-
35,600 MORE SOCIAL AND HUMAN SERVICE ASSISTANTS NEEDED BY 2032
This profession is growing much faster than average, with a 9% increase in the need for social and human service assistants anticipated by 2032.
-
POTENTIAL TO EARN OVER $55,000
While the median pay for social and human service assistants throughout the country is $38,520, the top 10% of workers in this field make more than $58,770.
Our Research
This list features some of the best online associate in human services 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. Many of the programs on our list have been accredited by the Council for Standards in Human Services Education (CSHSE), which assesses the objectives, quality, and overall effectiveness of social and human service-related programs.
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 human services 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.
- 80 hours to write this article
- 150 universities and colleges we assessed
- 168 education programs we compared
The Top 50 Online Associate in Human Services Programs
intelligent score 99.77
Award
Rankings
#2 Best Colleges
#17 Best MSW Programs
#19 University HQ
School Information
Madisonville, KY
Graduation Rate: 44%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Rural
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $182
Out-of-State: $364 - $637
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
270-821-2250
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 99.64
Award
Rankings
#1 Best Colleges
#13 University HQ
#33 Best MSW Programs
School Information
Elko, NV
Graduation Rate: 31%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
61
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $123 - $197
Out-of-State: $180 - $405
accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
775-327-2317
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
61
intelligent score 99.34
Award
Rankings
#4 Best Colleges
#5 University HQ
#37 Best MSW Programs
School Information
Minot, ND
Graduation Rate: 45%
Admission Rate: 88%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
68
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$597
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-777-0750
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
68
intelligent score 99.09
Award
Rankings
#6 Best MSW Programs
#17 University HQ
School Information
Fort Dodge, IA
Graduation Rate: 33%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $192
Out-of-State: $284
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
712-732-2991
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 98.04
Award
Rankings
#3 Best MSW Programs
#20 University HQ
School Information
Fountain Valley, CA
Graduation Rate: 20%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $46
Out-of-State: $381
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
714-546-7600
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 96.54
Award
Rankings
#4 Best MSW Programs
#22 University HQ
School Information
Raleigh, NC
Graduation Rate: 26%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
67-70
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $76
Out-of-State: $268
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
919-866-5000
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
67-70
intelligent score 96.53
Award
Rankings
#14 Best MSW Programs
#14 University HQ
School Information
Blue Bell, PA
Graduation Rate: 18%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
64
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $156
Out-of-State: $312 - $468
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
215-641-6300
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
64
intelligent score 96.2
Award
Rankings
#2 Best MSW Programs
#26 University HQ
School Information
Blackwood, NJ
Graduation Rate: 23%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-County: $115
Out-of-County: $119
Out-of-State: $199
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
856-338-1817
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 95.98
Award
Rankings
#7 Best Colleges
#7 University HQ
#43 Best MSW Programs
School Information
Grand Rapids, MI
Graduation Rate: 65%
Admission Rate: 91%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
61
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$395
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
616-949-5300
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
61
intelligent score 95.01
Award
Rankings
#6 Best Colleges
#9 University HQ
#47 Best MSW Programs
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 - $675
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
intelligent score 95
Award
Rankings
School Information
Sanborn, NY
Graduation Rate: 37%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Rural
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
64
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$420
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
716-614-6222
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
64
intelligent score 94.58
Award
Rankings
School Information
Herkimer, NY
Graduation Rate: 36%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Rural
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
64
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $189
Non-Resident: $325
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
315-866-0300
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
64
intelligent score 91.65
Award
Rankings
School Information
Bismarck, ND
Graduation Rate: 50%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$260 - $303
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-445-5073
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 91.35
Award
Rankings
School Information
Wausau, WI
Graduation Rate: 56%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
66
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$153
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
715-675-3331
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
66
intelligent score 91.08
Award
Rankings
School Information
Rochester, NY
Graduation Rate: 29%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60-62
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $198
Non-Resident: $396
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
585-292-2200
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60-62
intelligent score 90.35
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 90.22
Award
Rankings
School Information
Alexandria, MN
Graduation Rate: 66%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
64
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$211
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
320-762-4600
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
64
intelligent score 88.58
Award
Rankings
School Information
Cypress, CA
Graduation Rate: 33%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$331
accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
714-484-7000
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 88.52
Award
Rankings
School Information
Elyria, OH
Graduation Rate: 22%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
63
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-County: $149
Out-of-County: $174
Out-of-State: $325
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
440-365-5222
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
63
intelligent score 87.79
Award
Rankings
School Information
Garden City, NY
Graduation Rate: 35%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $242
Non-Resident: $484
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
516-572-7501
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 87.59
Award
Rankings
School Information
Hagerstown, MD
Graduation Rate: 28%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $123
Non-Resident: $192
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
240-500-2000
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 87.27
Award
Rankings
School Information
Indianapolis, IN
Graduation Rate: 20%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $149
Non-Resident: $292
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
888-489-5463
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 86.79
Award
Rankings
School Information
Madison, WI
Graduation Rate: 42%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
63
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$155
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
608-243-5400
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
63
intelligent score 85.57
Award
Rankings
School Information
Toms River, NJ
Graduation Rate: 36%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $175
Non-Resident: $193
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
732-255-0400
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 84.03
Award
Rankings
School Information
West Lafayette, IN
Graduation Rate: 77%
Admission Rate: 69%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
90
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$155 - $230
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
765-494-1776
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
90
intelligent score 82.58
Award
Rankings
School Information
Bedford, MA
Graduation Rate: 25%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
61-62
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $24 - $36
Non-Resident: $230
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-818-3434
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
61-62
intelligent score 80.39
Award
Rankings
School Information
Marion, IN
Graduation Rate: 54%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Rural
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$305
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
765-677-6507
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 79.75
Award
Rankings
School Information
Elizabethtown, PA
Graduation Rate: 69%
Admission Rate: 79%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
64
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$565
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
717-361-1411
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
64
intelligent score 79.18
Award
Rankings
School Information
Hampton, VA
Graduation Rate: 18%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
66
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $156
Out-of-State: $332
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
757-825-2808
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
66
intelligent score 78.55
Award
Rankings
School Information
Columbia, MO
Graduation Rate: 32%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$375
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
573-875-8700
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 77.86
Award
Rankings
School Information
Rindge, NH
Graduation Rate: 53%
Admission Rate: 89%
Urbanicity: Rural
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$400
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
603-298-5549
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 76.53
Award
Rankings
School Information
Troy, NY
Graduation Rate: 34%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $200
Non-Resident: $400
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
518-629-7309
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 76.44
Award
Rankings
School Information
Pewaukee, WI
Graduation Rate: 38%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $188
Non-Resident: $198
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
262-691-5566
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 75.13
Award
Rankings
School Information
Cranford, NJ
Graduation Rate: 26%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$220
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
908-709-7000
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 74.79
Award
Rankings
School Information
Dryden, NY
Graduation Rate: 33%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
61
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Part-time: $208
Full-time: $186
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
607-844-8211
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
61
intelligent score 73.68
Award
Rankings
School Information
Flat Rock, NC
Graduation Rate: 29%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $76
Non-Resident: $268
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
828-694-1700
Delivery Format
Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 72.97
Award
Rankings
School Information
Waxahachie, TX
Graduation Rate: 43%
Admission Rate: 85%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$415
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
888-937-7248
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 72.73
Award
Rankings
School Information
Melbourne, FL
Graduation Rate: 42%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $104
Non-Resident: $405
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
321-632-1111
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 72.2
Award
Rankings
School Information
Holyoke, MA
Graduation Rate: 26%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $24 - $36
Non-Resident: $230
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
413-538-7000
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 71.39
Award
Rankings
School Information
Silver City, NM
Graduation Rate: 35%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
64
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $159
Out-of-State: $201
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
575-538-6000
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
64
intelligent score 71.06
Award
Rankings
School Information
Albemarle, NC
Graduation Rate: 28%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
70-71
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $76
Out-of-State: $268
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
704-991-0123
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
70-71
Discover More Options
What You Should Know About This Degree
Human services degrees are focused on teaching students how to provide advocacy and intervention help to families and individuals. While this degree has a relatively broad focus when it comes to crises, there are similar degrees that prepare students to provide more specialized services. This includes degrees in addiction studies or substance abuse counseling, as well as degrees in child development and psychology.
When selecting your degree program, it’s important to consider your career goals, as well as your learning style. Use the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs to ensure that your chosen program is properly accredited and that credits are transferable to other institutions should you move or decide to upgrade your education.
After graduation, you may have several rewarding job opportunities to choose from. Those who complete this degree may work as probation and parole agents, social workers, benefits managers, adult daycare workers, or youth workers.
If you choose a career that involves working with private information or vulnerable individuals, it’s worth noting that background checks are usually required by employers. Additionally, some professions in this field, including social worker, may require you to obtain licensing from your state.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching online associate in human services programs:
- What licensing and certifications are required? If you choose to work with at-risk youth or individuals, you may need to become a licensed social worker. This involves passing an examination with your state board and keeping your licensing up to date as per state regulations. Additionally, many careers in human services require workers to pass regular background checks.
- Am I eligible for this program? Online associate degree programs all differ, as do their prerequisites. While some colleges offer open enrollment for human services programs, meaning there are no prerequisites, others may require students to have minimum scores on SAT or ACT tests.
While researching available programs, be sure to keep track of important details about each program that appeals to you. That includes taking note of deadlines and application requirements, as well as costs. If you require financial aid or decide to apply for scholarships or grants, be sure to submit applications on time.