Posted by Most people consider getting a degree to be a significant life achievement. But don’t get us wrong; it is. But for many, pursuing higher education has become difficult due to the high cost of tuition.
Thankfully, some colleges provide free online associate degrees, allowing students to complete their education without accruing significant debt from student loans.
In this article, we will look at 15 colleges that provide free online associate degrees, as well as what an associate degree is, various associate degree options, and the financial aid application process.
If you’re currently at a stage in your educational journey where you are looking to get some tertiary institution knowledge up your belt, but cannot quite afford a bachelor’s degree, why not pursue an associate degree? Fortunately, we have these free online associate degrees that we recommend for you.
But before we dive right in, let us answer some questions and popular misconceptions that people have about associate degrees.
What is an Associate Degree?
Community colleges, technical schools, and some universities frequently offer associate degrees, which are two-year undergraduate degrees. These types of degrees fall between a high school diploma and a bachelor’s degree.
It is intended to give students the fundamental expertise and abilities needed for entry-level positions in a variety of industries or to transfer to a four-year university to finish their bachelor’s degrees. Students pursuing an associate’s degree must take both general education courses—such as English, math, and science—as well as major-specific classes.
Associate Degree vs Master’s Degree vs Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree requires four years to complete, whereas an associate’s degree is only two years long. However, after earning a bachelor’s degree, it takes two to three years to finish a master’s degree.
A master’s degree is a graduate degree, whereas associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees are undergraduate.
Different professions have different educational requirements. For example, some call for a bachelor’s degree, while others might call for a master’s or doctoral degree.
Are Associate Degree Holders Paid More?
A widespread misconception is that obtaining a higher degree inevitably results in a higher salary. That said, it’s not always the case. While some occupations demand a higher education, others do not. For some jobs, having an associate’s degree may be sufficient. For instance, well-paying careers that only need an associate degree include dental hygienists, computer support specialists, and physical therapy assistants.
Seven Types of Associate Degrees
Associate degrees come in seven different varieties:
- Associate of Arts (AA),
- Associate of Science (AS),
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS),
- Associate of Applied Arts (AAA),
- Associate of Law (LLA),
- Associate of Arts in Business Administration (ABA), and
- Associate of Arts in Education (AED).
The AA and AS degrees are intended for students who want to transfer to a four-year university and finish their bachelor’s degrees there.
The AAS degree is made to prepare students for entry-level work in a variety of industries, while the AAA degree is made for those who want to work in the arts as a profession.
Students who want to work in business should pursue an ABA degree, while those who want to work in education should pursue an AED degree.
List of 15 Colleges for Free Online Associate Degree
In truth, the IICSE University and the University of the People are the only two online colleges that offer free associate degree programs. Albeit, there are still more online colleges that offer free associate degrees through financial aid, scholarships, and fee waivers.
The following are the top 15 colleges for a free online associate degree that you can enroll in:
- IICSE University
- University of the People
- School of Business and Trade
- Bucks County Community College
- College of the Cumberlands
- Carl Albert State College
- Amarillo College
- University of North Carolina
- Williamson College of the Trades
- Atlanta Technical College
- Eastern Wyoming College
- Rio Salado College
- Lake Superior College
- Rowan-Cabarrus College
- Broward College
Overview of Our Top 15 Colleges for Free Online Associate Degrees
Below is an overview of each school that offers these free online associate degrees, as well as courses available for selection.
1. IICSE University
IICSE University offers free online degree programs as part of its mission to empower students from all over the world to access quality educational materials for their continuous education. These programs are designed to help students develop the skills required to succeed in the areas in that they choose to specialize in.
We counted about 22 online associate degrees currently being offered by IICSE University. These include:
Associate of Arts Degrees
- Associate of Arts in International Relations
- Associate of Arts in Sociology
- Associate of Arts in Theology
Associate of Science Degrees
- Associate of Science in Accounting
- Associate of Science in Applied Statistics
- Associate of Science in Banking & Finance
- Associate of Science in Business Administration
- Associate of Science in Computer Engineering
- Associate of Science in Computer Science
- Associate of Science in Economics
- Associate of Science in Electronic Physics
- Associate of Science in Engineering Management
- Associate of Science in Fire Protection & Safety
- Associate of Science in Information Technology
- Associate of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain
- Associate of Science in Marketing
- Associate of Science in Mass Communication
- Associate of Science in Nursing
- Associate of Science in Psychology
- Associate of Science in Public Administration
Associate of Education Degrees
- Associate of Education
Associate of Law Degrees
- Associate of Law
These Associate degree programs take 18 months to complete. To apply, you must fill out an application form and pay an initial fee of $45. Afterward, you will be awarded an admission letter by the school as well as your Student Portal Login ID.
2. University of the People
Numerous associate degree programs in subjects like computer science, health sciences, and business administration are available online through the University of the People. Although there is no tuition for the programs, there are small fees that students must pay to cover the cost of textbooks and exams.
View Associate Degree Programs
3. School of Business and Trade
You can obtain an online Associate of Science in Business Studies degree from the School of Business and Trade. Students who complete the program will have the knowledge and abilities needed to work in the fields of accounting, finance, or related industries. Financial accounting, managerial accounting, tax accounting, and auditing are all subjects that students study.
4. Bucks County Community College
In fields like business, criminal justice, and psychology, Bucks County Community College offers several associate degree programs online, as well as certificate courses. The popular areas that these Associate degrees are offered include:
- Business
- Business Administration
- Communication Studies
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
- Emergency Management
- English
- Fire Science
- General Studies
- History
- Technical Entrepreneurship
- Social Science
- Social Work
- Global Studies/World Languages
- Information Science
- Liberal Arts
- Mathematics
- Pre-K 4 Early Education
- Psychology Interpersonal Emphasis
- Public Health
- Secondary Education: Mathematics
- Secondary Education: History
5. College of the Ozarks
An online Associate of Arts in General Studies degree is available from the College of the Ozarks. The curriculum is created to give students a well-rounded education that equips them for entry-level work in a variety of industries or transfer to a four-year college. Courses in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics are offered to students.
6. Carl Albert State College
Numerous online associate degree programs are available from Carl Albert State College in subjects like sociology psychology, history and political science, general studies, enterprise development, child development, business administration, applied science, and criminal justice. Students can use the programs to get ready for entry-level jobs across a range of industries or for transfer to a four-year college.
7. Amarillo College
Amarillo College offers several online associate degree programs, including an Associate of Arts in General Studies degree, an Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology degree, and an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems degree.
8. University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina offers several online associate degree programs in areas such as accounting, business administration, and criminal justice. The programs are designed to prepare students for transfer to a four-year college or for entry-level jobs in various industries.
9. Williamson College of the Trades
Williamson College of the Trades offers an online Associate of Specialized Technology in Horticulture Landscaping degree. The program is designed to provide students with the skills required to work in the landscaping industry. Students take courses in plant identification, soil science, landscape design, and turf management.
10. Atlanta Technical College
Atlanta Technical College offers several online associate degree programs in areas such as accounting, criminal justice, and business management. The programs are designed to prepare students for entry-level jobs in various industries.
11. Eastern Wyoming College
Eastern Wyoming College offers several online associate degree programs in areas such as business administration, education, and criminal justice. The programs are designed to prepare students for transfer to a four-year college or entry-level jobs in various industries.
12. Rio Salado College
Rio Salado College offers several online associate degree programs in areas such as business, culture and society, applied technology, and psychology. The programs are designed to prepare students for transfer to a four-year college or entry-level jobs in various industries.
13. Lake Superior College
Lake Superior College offers several online associate degree programs in areas such as business administration, healthcare management, and criminal justice.
14. Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College offers several online associate degree programs in areas such as business administration, accounting and finance, human resources, criminal justice technology, computer and IT programs, and early childhood education.
15. Broward College
Broward College offers several online associate degree programs in areas such as business administration, computer science, and early childhood education. The school makes a decent choice for online studies due to its generally positive reviews from students who have previously studied there.
How to Apply for Financial Aid for Associate Degrees
Even though the colleges listed above offer free online associate degrees, students may still need financial assistance with other expenses such as textbooks, equipment, and technology. One of the most popular student financial elevation schemes in the United States is the FASFA program.
Applying for FASFA
The FASFA provides tuition subsidies for students who plan to apply to colleges for tertiary education. To be able to apply for this program and receive the aid, you must first be eligible for it. And to check for your eligibility, the first step is to create an account on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) website.
However, before applying for the FASFA ad, you must check that you have the following information:
- Your Social Security Number
- Your Family Size and Income
- Your Income (if applicable)
- The list of colleges you’re applying to
After gathering your information, then create an account on the FASFA website, fill in the form and the required details.
The form determines your eligibility for federal student aid, including grants, loans, and work-study programs.
Scholarships and Grants
Students may also be eligible for scholarships or grants from private organizations, foundations, or government agencies. Some of these scholarships are also need-based scholarships provided by the school. Here are some common ones:
- Pell Grants
- The Gates Scholarship
- McKay Scholarship
- Dell Scholarship
- Rhodes Scholarship
- Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship
- The Harry S. Truman Scholarship, and many more.
Here is a list of 175 college scholarship schemes you can apply for as a student. You can check for your eligibility and apply to the scholarships you qualify for.
FAQs About Free Online Associate Degree
Are free online associate degrees legitimate?
Yes, the colleges on the aforementioned list provide accredited online degrees that are legitimate.
Can I transfer my free online associate degree to a four-year college?
Yes, a lot of colleges provide transfer options that let students apply their credits toward a four-year degree.
Do I need to pay anything for a free online associate degree?
Although there is no charge for tuition, there may be a small fee for books, supplies, and technology.
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Wrapping It Up
Getting a college degree can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. The above-listed colleges offer free online associate degrees that can help students achieve their career goals without incurring massive student loan debt.
Whether students want to transfer to a four-year college or begin working in their chosen field, these degrees can help them get started. Remember, it’s never too late to pursue higher education, and the freedom of learning online makes it easier than ever before.