🎓 Explore Affordable Online Associate’s Degrees from Accredited Universities in 2025

Looking forward to starting your career or want to switch your existing field to explore new horizons? If yes, then most affordable and fastest way to achieve your target is to enroll and earn a fast and cheap online associate’s degree from a reputed and recognized university.

Here are Muft.com we guide you to the most accredited and most affordable online associate degree programs in the field of your interest including the high-demand fields like Business, Criminal Justice, Information Technology (IT) and Health care Management and many more. We offer you the list of FAFSA-Approved online colleges offering fast, easily accessible and accredited Online Associates Degree Programs. — Best for the those working professionals who wants to switch their careers and recent graduates looking for affordable and fast option to start their career.

Either you are looking for a promotion, or want to solid foundation and credit transfers towards your bachelor's degree or just want to start your career quick and fast and join the workforce quickly, we will guide you step by step from the start to the end in finding the best online associate degree programs to achieve your goals without going into any financial strain.

Why Choose an Online Associate Degree via Muft.com?

Affordability First
We will help you in finding the most affordable online associate degrees including the degree programs offered by FAFSA Approved Online Colleges to reduce

Fully Accredited Programs
We will make sure that we offer you only regionally or nationally accredited online associate degree programs that are accepted worldwide. To for more assurance and your peace of mind we also provide detailed information about recognized accrediting bodies to make sure your degree is respected and transferable.

Flexibility & Speed
We will also make sure to offer you the fast-track associate degrees online that are easily accessible for the students worldwide providing you the facility to study anytime, anywhere.

Global Access to Top Universities
Our list of colleges and universities includes only those institutions that easily accessible for the students world-wide. No matter where you are, you can earn an online associate’s degree from top accredited universities around the world—without ever stepping into a physical classroom.

🎯 Its time you should take your first steps towards a prospective career- Just choose from the best online associate degree programs 2025-2026, listed here for you

Top Online Associate Degree Specializations to Choose in 2025-2026

In search of specialized Online Associate Degree Program that match your career goals and interest? Below we list some of the most in demand and popular online associate degree programs offered by most accredited online universities and colleges world-wide. No matter you are interested to grow your career in the field of business, healthcare, criminal justice or Information Technology, we covered it all...

Healthcare & Medical
Want to make your career in the field of Health Administration. Here are some of Popular and In-demand Online Associate Degree Programs in the field of Health Care and Medical Administration:
- Medical Assistant
- Healthcare Administration
- Nursing Assistant
- Dental Hygiene

Technology & IT

For those who wants to start career in the most evolving and high-paying field of Information Technology, below is the list of some of the most popular Online Associate Degree in Information Technology (IT) to choose from:

- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Network Administration
- Cybersecurity

Business & Management
An Evergreen field of Business and Management, to start your career in the field of Business Administration the most affordable and fastest option is to earn online associate’s degree in business administration. Below you can find some of the most in-demand business associates degree online in 2025:
- Business Administration
- Marketing
- Accounting
- Human Resources Management

Engineering & Technical
Accredited and Cheap Online associate’s degree programs in engineering offers hands-on training and technical skills required for the entry level jobs in the field of engineering. Some popular specialization in this field are:

- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Electrical Engineering Technology
- Civil Engineering Technology

Paralegal & Legal Studies

Looking to join the Law Enforcement force or build your career in the field of Legal and paralegal studies. Following online associate’s degree in criminal justice can be beneficial for your career growth:

- Paralegal Studies
- Criminal Law

Psychology & Social Services

Start your career in the field of psychology and social services by earning online associated degree online with specialization:

- Social Work
- Psychology
- Human Services

Arts & Design

Pursue your career in the fields of design, digital media and arts by earning associate degree in the field of:

- Graphic Design
- Fashion Design
- Web Design
- Photography

Education & Teaching

Want to be the part of education and teaching professionals and inspire the next generation then option to acquire associate degree in following specialization fields can be a real good career start for you:

- Early Childhood Education
- Education Assistant
- Special Education

Sustainability & Environmental Studies

Can be the part of most needed professional by enrolling and earning Associate Degree in the field of Sustainability and Environmental studies:

- Environmental Science
- Sustainability Management

Skilled Trades & Vocational Training

For a fast and quick career start can choose the get job-ready online associate degrees in vocational fields like:

- HVAC Technology
- Welding
- Electrical Technology

Criminal Justice

To join the work force quick and fast and pursue rewarding career in public services can choose the option of Affordable and Cheap Criminal Justice Associates Programs Online:

- Criminal Justice
- Law Enforcement
- Forensic Science

Real Estate

Another rewarding career waits for you in the shape of Real Estate and Property Management. Associate degree programs like following can be beneficial:

- Real Estate Management
- Property Management
- Real Estate Sales

Online Colleges for Affordable, Cheap and Fast Online Associate Degree Programs

For your convenience and review we mentioned some of the most affordable, cheap Universities offering fast Online Associate Degree Programs

U.S. Universities

Here are some of the top universities offering Online Associate Degree with affordable and cheap tuition fees as well fastest degree programs online:

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) – USA

Programs: Business Administration, Accounting, Criminal Justice, IT, Liberal Arts.

Tuition: $330 per credit (approx. $19,800 total).

Scholarships: Financial aid available for international students.

Purdue University Global – USA

Programs: Business Administration, Criminal Justice, IT, Medical Assisting.

Tuition: $371 per credit hour.

Scholarships: Tuition reductions and scholarships for international students.

University of the People (UoPeople) – USA

Programs: Business Administration, Computer Science, Health Science.

Tuition: Tuition-free, but $120 per course assessment fee (~$2,460 total).

Scholarships: Multiple scholarships available for those who cannot afford assessment fees.

Ashworth College – USA

Programs: Business, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, Healthcare Management, Paralegal Studies.

Tuition: Very affordable, flexible payment plans.

Scholarships: Limited information, but financial assistance options available.

European Universities

If you are interested to enroll in associate degree program online from European Universities which is cost-effective, affordable, quick to complete than for review below are some of the best reputed Universities from Europe:

International Open University (IOU) – Global (Based in Europe)

Programs: Islamic Studies, Education, Psychology.
Tuition: Minimal fees, very affordable.
Scholarships: Offers financial aid for underprivileged students.

Open University (UK) – United Kingdom

Programs: Business, IT, Engineering, Healthcare.

Tuition: Approx. £3,462 per year for part-time study.

Scholarships: Discounts and financial aid for international students.

IU International University of Applied Sciences – Germany

Programs: Business Administration, IT, Engineering.

Tuition: €117 per month (€3,510 total for an associate degree).

Scholarships: Discounts of up to 75% for international students.

FOM University of Applied Sciences – Germany

Programs: Business Administration, Finance, Management.

Tuition: Around €2,000 per semester.

Scholarships: Limited scholarships for non-EU students.

Australian Universities

For you research and comparison, below are some of the top Australian Universities offering affordable, fast and cheapest online associate degrees.

Open Universities Australia (OUA) – Australia

Programs: Business, Arts, IT, Engineering, Healthcare.

Tuition: Starting from AUD 1,500 per unit (~AUD 12,000 total).

Scholarships: Government financial aid and scholarships for international students.

TAFE Digital (Technical and Further Education) – Australia

Programs: Business Administration, IT, Hospitality, Health Services.

Tuition: Varies by state, approx. AUD 5,000 to AUD 10,000 for an associate-level qualification.

Scholarships: Some financial aid available for international students.

Brazilian Universities

Here are some of the most affordable and cheap Online Associates Degree programs offered by renowned Brazilian Universities

Universidade de São Paulo (USP) – Brazil

Programs: Distance learning programs in Business, IT, and Social Sciences.

Tuition: Free public university.

Scholarships: Various scholarships and financial aid available.

Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) – Brazil

Programs: Biosciences, Physics, Chemistry (teacher training).

Tuition: Free of charge.

Scholarships: Limited international scholarships; direct inquiry recommended.

Japanese Universities

For review here are some of the top Japanese colleges offering online associate degrees online with affordability, flexibility and easy accessibility, providing opportunity to earn your associate degree fast and quick

University of Tokyo – Japan

Programs: Business, Economics, IT, Environmental Studies (offered via online learning).

Tuition: ¥535,800 per year (~$3,700 USD).

Scholarships: MEXT scholarships and private funding for international students.

Kyoto University – Japan

Programs: Social Sciences, Engineering, Data Science (some online options).

Tuition: ¥267,900 per semester (~$1,850 USD).

Scholarships: Japanese Government (MEXT) scholarships and other private funding.

🌍 Other Regions

You can also check best colleges offering online associates program in different in demand fields to earn your associate degree online fast and quick with affordability.

UNISA (University of South Africa) – South Africa

Programs: Business, Accounting, Information Science.

Tuition: One of the most affordable universities worldwide (~$2,000 total).

Scholarships: Financial aid available for African students.

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) – India

Programs: Business, IT, Social Sciences, Languages.

Tuition: As low as $500 per year for international students.

Scholarships:

Discounts for students from developing nations.

Find Tuition Free, Most Affordable & Cheapest and Fastest Online Associate Degree Programs:

To make your search easier we divided the online colleges offering Most affordable associate degree online or if you want something cheapest than but best online associates degree than you check online colleges offering Tuition free Online Associate Degree programs, in addition if you want cheap online associates degree programs with fast-track options.

Colleges offering Tuition Free Associate Degree Online Programs:

To make education more affordable and cheaper online some of the best online colleges are offering Tuition Free Online Assocaites Degree Programs:

University of the People (USA)
USP (Brazil)
UFRJ (Brazil)

Colleges Offering Cheap Online Associate’s Degree Programs with Fast Track Option

Best colleges offering affordable and cheap online associate degree programs with fast-track option

Southern New Hampshire University -SNHU (USA)
Purdue University Global (USA)
IU International (Germany)

Low-Cost and Cheapest Associate Degree Online Programs

Searching for Accredited Colleges offering low-cost Associate degrees online:

Ashworth College (USA)
UNISA (South Africa)
IGNOU (India)
TAFE Digital (Australia)

Best for Scholarships

International Universities offering best Scholarship Programs for Online Associate Degrees.

IU International (Germany)
University of Tokyo (Japan)
Open Universities Australia

General Requirements for Enrolling in Online Associates Degree Program:

High School Diploma or GED: Usually to enroll you may need high school diploma/certificate or its equivalent (GED)
Application Form: You may have to fill all the information in the application form.
Application Fee: Not all but some colleges may charge an application fee
Official Transcripts: In case you attended college previously you might have to attach official transcript of that.
Proof of Identity: This may include a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.
Additional Requirements: There may be some additional requirements depending in which Institution you are applying or which program you are interested in.

Disclaimer: Please note above mentioned information are general requirements and can vary between Institutions and Programs, for more up to date information you can check our page related to your desired degree or can contact the college or university directly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Associate Degrees

The option to earn a cheap and affordable online associate’s degree is most flexible and in-expensive way to begin your education journey.

You must have some reservations and questions about earning associate degree with online option to clear these reservations and answer your questions about affordable and cheapest online associate degrees below, you can check some of the most common questions and answers to review and take best and informed decision.

1. Why Earn an Associate Degree Online?

The most salient feature and reason to earn cheap online associate's degree as it offers the facilities of affordability, flexibility and easy accessibility which are not only accredited but also widely accepted by the employers worldwide. In addition, the students who want to start their career fast and quick or move to their bachelor's program can avail the opportunity of Fast-Track Associate Degree Online Program.

2. Are Cheap and Affordable Online Associate Degree Programs Accredited and Accepted by Employers?

Yes, most of the accredited and affordable online colleges are offering several cheap and fast online associate’s degrees which are accredited and recognized by accrediting bodies such as: • Higher Learning Commission (HLC) – https://www.hlcommission.org • Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) – https://www.deac.org • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) – https://sacscoc.org

3. Can I Transfer My Associate Degree Online Credit Hours for Further Education or for Enrolling in a Bachelor’s Program?

Yes, most of the reputed universities also provides the facility of transfer of credit hours of online associate degrees programs. Providing opportunity and facility to students to continue their education and earn their bachelor’s degree with ease and convenience.

5. Are There Any Options to Earn an Associate Degree Online Fast and Quick?

Yes, most of the universities are also offering fast-track and cheapest associate degree online which are not only quick but also inexpensive too. This option of fast and quick Associate degrees online allow students to complete their education in a shorter timeframe compared to traditional programs.

6. Are There Any Accredited and Cheap Online Colleges Offering Associate Degrees?

Yes, as mentioned earlier many times there are many accredited universities offering the best online associate’s degrees which are not only accredited but inexpensive too. If you are searching for cheapest online associate’s degree than you can check our program and universities sections.

7. Are There Any Scholarship Programs Available if I Enroll in an Associate Degree Online?

Yes, almost all universities are offering different scholarship programs, in addition with different government programs are also offering different scholarships and financial programs to reduce the financial burden of students to make earning their associate degree online more affordable and cheaper.

8. What are the most affordable accredited online associate degree programs?

Cost is the biggest factor but there are many universities who are offering affordable and cheapest accredited online associate degree programs, some of these programs cost as low as $100 to $300 per credit hour. For your convenience we mentioned some of the cheapest options below: Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) – $330 per credit hour University of the People – Tuition-free (students pay only assessment fees) Clovis Community College – $139 per credit hour Broward College – $122 per credit hour Georgia Military College – $171 per credit hour

9. How long does it take to complete an online associate degree?

Normally the completion time of Online Associate degree is around two years if studying full time, but there are some factors involved which results in completion time variations. Below are the factors: Fast-Track Programs – Some universities offer accelerated programs that can be completed in 12 to 18 months. Part-Time Study – If you study part-time, it may take 3 to 5 years to finish. Credit Transfers – If you have previous college credits, you can reduce the completion time.

10. What are the highest-paying jobs with an online associate degree?

Though there are many careers which offer highest-paying jobs after completion of associate degree including online option too. Some of the highest paying jobs after earning online associates degree are: Radiation Therapist – $85,560 per year Dental Hygienist – $77,810 per year Web Developer – $78,300 per year Diagnostic Medical Sonographer – $75,380 per year Respiratory Therapist – $62,810 per year

11. What is the quickest associate's degree to get?

Do you want to get your associate degree Online fast and quick? If yes, then you can look for the online colleges and universities offering accelerated or fast track online associate degree programs. As many accredited and affordable online universities are offering fast-track programs almost in every field like Business, Administration, Criminal Justice, Health Care and General Studies. These fast and cheap online associate’s degree programs can be completed in just 12 to 18 months or even more quicker if you have transfer credits or select self-paced or 8-week term format. Some of the most reputed schools offering fastest and cheapest Online Associate Degree programs listed below for your review and convenience. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) University of People Penn Foster College For more options you can visit our affordable universities section or Online Degree Program Section for options regarding any specific field.

Can I Access or Enroll in Any University Offering an Accredited and Cheapest Associate Degree Worldwide?

Yes, again accessibility is another main feature of online education which also applies on Associate’s Degrees Online. There are plenty of accredited and affordable online universities who are offering cheapest associate’s degree programs online for international students without any limitation of nationality.