Best Online Associate in Entrepreneurship Programs

Learn where an online associate in entrepreneurship can take you. Explore career options for an online associate degree in entrepreneurship.
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Christina Payne has covered bootcamps, careers, and higher education for BestColleges since 2019. An experienced writer, Christina also works for a nonprofit organization in Seattle. She graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a BA in histor...
Updated on July 24, 2023
Edited by Laurie Dupnock
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An online associate in entrepreneurship teaches essential business skills, helping future entrepreneurs launch their own company or build on the success of a current endeavor. Students in this online business program learn essential leadership, financial, and marketing skills. As of Oct. 2021, the average annual salary for professionals with an associate in entrepreneurship is $49,000.

The average cost of in-state tuition at a public two-year university is $3,501. Private institutions charged an average of $16,420 at nonprofit colleges and $15,080 at for-profit colleges. Full-time students can complete an associate degree in two years. Part-time students may need 2-3 years depending on their course schedule.

An associate degree in entrepreneurship prepares students for a bachelor's in entrepreneurship or a related field. Graduates can also find careers in finance and accounting, management, and human resources. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 8% growth for business and financial occupations from 2020-2030.

What Can I Expect From an Online Associate in Entrepreneurship Program?

Students interested in an online associate in entrepreneurship need excellent communication and leadership skills. Entrepreneurship requires problem-solving and a thorough understanding of finance and accounting. Aspiring entrepreneurs should work well as part of a team and as an individual when needed.

An associate degree requires about 60 credits and two years to complete. Colleges often offer entrepreneurship as a concentration for a degree in business administration or a similar subject.

Some schools may require students to complete internships as part of their required coursework. Out-of-state, online students may choose local internships, as long as they meet all program requirements.

When enrolling in an online program, students should check for any on-campus requirements. Applicants should also consider whether the school offers synchronous or asynchronous courses. Synchronous courses happen at a specific time. Asynchronous courses allow students to take classes at their own time.

Colleges may offer this degree as an associate of arts or an associate of science. Both degree tracks generally cover the same topics. However, an associate in arts may require more classes in the humanities, such as history, language, and the arts. An associate in science may require more STEM courses, including extra math classes.

Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Degree Programs.

Popular Online Associate in Entrepreneurship Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

What Courses Will I Take in an Online Associate in Entrepreneurship Program?

Financial Accounting

Students learn how to recognize, value, and grow assets. Through real-world examples, students explore generally accepted accounting principles and how to report and record all business transactions.

Business Law

This course covers the American legal system and the legal framework within which corporations must operate. Professors use real case studies to illustrate how the law applies to large and small companies alike.

Economics

This course explores how the economy impacts corporations. Students learn about the effects of inflation, unemployment, and consumer demand. The course also covers how government policies change economic forecasts.

Management Principles

This class explains how effective management impacts all levels of a company. Students learn skills in planning, organization, leadership, and teamwork. Teachers use hands-on projects and group projects to reinforce these skills.

Marketing Principles

Marketing allows professionals to determine and meet consumer needs. Students explore topics such as marketing research, supply chain management, and pricing strategies through real-world examples and hands-on projects.

What Are Admission Requirements for an Online Associate in Entrepreneurship Program?

Many associate in entrepreneurship degrees require a high school or GED diploma for admission. Schools may also ask applicants to submit standardized test scores, such as SAT or ACT scores.

College applications may also ask for a personal essay and letters of recommendation. Students typically submit two recommendation letters from trusted sources, such as former teachers and school counselors. Applicants can also submit letters from employers and coaches.

Applicants should also check if colleges provide credit for relevant work and life experience. Students can ask the admissions office about transfer credit policies and how to submit work experience for credit if accepted.

What Can I Do With an Online Associate in Entrepreneurship Degree?

Career Outlook

The average annual salary for someone with an associate degree in entrepreneurship is $49,000. Associate degree graduates across all fields earn an average base salary of $56,000, as of Dec. 2021.

Associate in entrepreneurship degree-holders often work in a business setting. While some graduates may start their own businesses, others can find potential careers as:

  • Office administrator
  • Procurement officer
  • Market researcher
  • Fundraiser
  • Business consultant

Students with an online associate in entrepreneurship can also use their degree as a stepping stone to a bachelor's in entrepreneurship or a related field. Earning a bachelor's degree provides more career options and raises a professional's salary potential. Many postsecondary institutions allow students to transfer all or most associate degree credits into their new degree program.

See where an associate in entrepreneurship degree can take you. Learn more about business careers here.

Career Paths

Administrative Assistant

Administrative assistants arrange files, prepare documents, and schedule appointments. These professionals handle day-to-day operations within an organization, ensuring that staff members have the resources they need to do their jobs. Administrative assistants may also prepare invoices and reports for management and other staff members.

Median Annual Salary: $40,990

Financial Clerks

Financial clerks calculate bills and charges for an organization. Types of financial clerks include billing and posting clerks, insurance claims and policy processing clerks, and credit authorizers and checkers. These professionals need excellent organizational skills and a keen eye for detail to keep financial records straight.

Median Annual Salary: $41,520

Information Clerks

Information clerks collect data, maintain records, and provide information to customers. Examples of information clerks include court clerks, human resources assistants, municipal clerks, and eligibility clerks. Information clerks need excellent organization and communication skills. These professionals may also prepare and give reports to their employers.

Median Annual Salary: $36,920

Accounting Clerks

Accounting clerks — also known as bookkeepers and auditing clerks — record financial transactions for organizations in all fields, including business and healthcare. These professionals ensure the accuracy of all expenditures. They also produce reports about all financial transactions to keep the organization on budget.

Bookkeepers can earn certification through the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB).

Median Annual Salary: $42,410

Claims Adjuster

Claims adjusters evaluate insurance claims and decide whether the insurance company will pay or not. Claims adjusters also determine how much insurance companies must pay. These professionals work closely with claimants and the insurance company, working to negotiate settlements and ensure any claims made are not fraudulent.

Median Annual Salary: $68,130

Entrepreneurship Not For You? Check Out These Related Careers.

Continuing Education

Many students who receive an associate degree in entrepreneurship go on to earn a bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree can help professionals advance their current careers and earn higher salaries. Students typically choose a bachelor's degree in business, such as business administration, finance, human resources, and marketing.

Students may also continue with an online bachelor's in entrepreneurship, especially if they want to start their own business or act as an independent consultant. After earning a bachelor's degree, some students may seek a master's or doctorate.

Professionals can also earn certification to improve their resumes and learn new skills. Graduates can earn certification through professional organizations in each field. For example, readers interested in business consulting can earn certification in that field from the Institute of Certified Business Consultants (ICBC).

How Do I Choose an Online Associate in Entrepreneurship Program?

Cost

The cost of college is an important factor. Prospective students should investigate the cost of online versus in-person programs, in-state versus out-of-state tuition, and public versus private schools.

The annual cost of two-year, in-state tuition at a public institution averages $3,370 compared to a two-year private institution, which costs $17,290.

Program Format

Program format can impact how long it takes students to earn their degree. Synchronous learning keeps all students attending class on the same schedule. Asynchronous learning allows students to set their own learning schedule each term.

Readers can also find accelerated programs, which allow students to earn their degree faster.

Location

Choosing an online program allows students to attend an institution anywhere nationwide without moving. However, students should consider the benefits of attending an online school in their state of residence. Benefits may include paying in-state tuition and avoiding travel fees if the school sets any in-person requirements.

Accreditation

Accreditation proves that a college and/or program meets the educational standards set by federal, state, and nongovernmental organizations. Regional accreditation is considered the most prestigious, followed by national accreditation. Programmatic accreditation typically comes from professional organizations within individual fields.

Readers can typically find accreditation information on a college's website.

Student Support

Most online programs provide student services. Schools design these programs, such as tutoring and career counseling, to aid each student in their college experience. Student services may also include college mentoring programs for career and academic advice. Learners should always look for internship programs to gain real-world experience before graduation.

Best Accredited Online Associate in Entrepreneurship Programs

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Best Online Associate in Entrepreneurship Programs

  1. Catawba Valley Community College
    Location

    Hickory, NC

    Tuition

    $8067

    Based in Hickory, North Carolina, CVCC offers an online associate in entrepreneurship program that includes coursework in funding for entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship issues, leadership and management skills, and law for entrepreneurs.

    The college operates Startup Catawba, which offers free help for entrepreneurs in Alexander and Catawba Counties. CVCC also runs the Everyday Entrepreneur Venture Fund, which awards startup grants of up to $5,000.

    Prospective students need only complete an online application, determine their residency status, and submit the FAFSA.

    Program Snapshot

    • Program URL: Visit Program
    • Cost-per-Credit: $76/credit in-state; $268/credit out-of-state
    • Program Length: 2 years
    • Total Credits Required to Graduate: 65 semester credits
    • Instruction Style: N/A
    • Format: Online
    • School Status: Public
    • School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  2. Great Basin College
    Location

    Elko, NV

    Tuition

    $9848

    Located in Elko, Nevada, GBC offers an online associate in entrepreneurship program that includes required coursework in current economic issues, marketing principles, and current economic issues. The program uses case studies and mentorships to provide students with access to real-world business scenarios.

    Applicants must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school or GED diploma. Program graduates can transition seamlessly into GBC's bachelor of applied science program in management and supervision.

    Program Snapshot

    • Program URL: Visit Program
    • Cost-per-Credit: $117/credit in-state; $172/credit out-of-state
    • Program Length: 2 years
    • Total Credits Required to Graduate: 60 semester credits
    • Instruction Style: N/A
    • Format: Online
    • School Status: Public
    • School Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
  3. Craven Community College
    Location

    New Bern, NC

    Tuition

    $7809

    Based in New Bern, North Carolina, Craven offers three online entrepreneurship programs: a certificate, a diploma, and an associate of applied science degree. Relevant courses in the 70-credit, five-semester curriculum include public speaking, entrepreneurship issues, funding for entrepreneurs, and customer service. Online students can enroll part time or full time based on their schedules and commitments.

    Prospective students must complete an application and participate in an advising session.

    Program Snapshot

    • Program URL: Visit Program
    • Cost-per-Credit: $76/credit in-state; $268/credit out-of-state
    • Program Length: 5 semesters
    • Total Credits Required to Graduate: 70 semester credits
    • Instruction Style: N/A
    • Format: Online
    • School Status: Public
    • School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  4. Shoreline Community College
    Location

    Shoreline, WA

    Tuition

    $6733

    Located in Shoreline, Washington, SCC offers an associate of applied arts and science in entrepreneurship informed by a local advisory committee of business professionals. The program runs on the quarter system and includes courses like starting a new business, fundamentals of sustainable business, introduction to e-business, and relationship marketing.

    Prospective students must submit proof of a high school or GED diploma. Incoming students can begin the program in the fall, winter, or spring quarter.

    Program Snapshot

    • Program URL: Visit Program
    • Cost-per-Credit: $147/credit in-state; $170/credit out-of-state
    • Program Length: 2 years
    • Total Credits Required to Graduate: 93 quarter credits
    • Instruction Style: N/A
    • Format: Online, on campus, hybrid
    • School Status: Public
    • School Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
  5. Northcentral Technical College
    Location

    Wausau, WI

    Tuition

    $9073

    Based in Wausau, Wisconsin, NTC offers an online associate degree in small business entrepreneurship designed for small business owners. The program blends foundational business coursework with focused courses like social media campaigns, QuickBooks, customer service, and promotions.

    Prospective students must complete an application and submit proof of a high school or GED diploma. The program maintains transfer agreements with four-year schools like Colorado State University's Global Campus, Lakeland University, Siena Heights University, and Purdue University.

    Program Snapshot

    • Program URL: Visit Program
    • Cost-per-Credit: $141/credit in-state; $212/credit out-of-state
    • Program Length: 2 years
    • Total Credits Required to Graduate: 63 semester credits
    • Instruction Style: N/A
    • Format: Online
    • School Status: Public
    • School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
  6. North Hennepin Community College
    Location

    Brooklyn Park, MN

    Tuition

    $10189

    Located in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, NHCC offers an online associate in entrepreneurship program for students who want to buy a small business or open their own business. The 60-credit curriculum blends core business coursework with studies in consumer behavior, business finance, managerial accounting, and entrepreneurship.

    Applicants must submit proof of a high school or GED diploma. Once admitted, students must complete placement testing and attend an online orientation.

    Program Snapshot

    • Program URL: Visit Program
    • Cost-per-Credit: $203/credit in-state; $213/credit out-of-state
    • Program Length: 2 years
    • Total Credits Required to Graduate: 60 credits
    • Instruction Style: N/A
    • Format: Online, on-campus, hybrid
    • School Status: Public
    • School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
  7. Forsyth Technical Community College
    Location

    Winston-Salem, NC

    Tuition

    $4629

    Based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Forsyth Tech offers an online associate in applied science program in entrepreneurship that prepares graduates to make decisions as future business owners. Relevant courses for future entrepreneurs include entrepreneur marketing, funding for entrepreneurs, and public speaking.

    All applicants must submit proof of a high school diploma or its equivalent. Forsyth Tech's incoming students no longer need to complete placement testing.

    Program Snapshot

    • Program URL: Visit Program
    • Cost-per-Credit: $76/credit in-state; $268/credit out-of-state
    • Program Length: 2 years
    • Total Credits Required to Graduate: 66 semester credits
    • Instruction Style: N/A
    • Format: Online
    • School Status: Public
    • School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  8. Stark State College
    Location

    North Canton, OH

    Tuition

    $5373

    Located in North Canton, Ohio, SSC's online associate in entrepreneurship allows students to enroll full time or part time. Noteworthy courses in the curriculum include global entrepreneurship, principles of management, managerial accounting, and business law and ethics. All students also complete an entrepreneurship practicum in the field during their final semester.

    Applicants must submit high school transcripts and ACT or ACCUPLACER scores. SSC also offers 12-credit and 31-credit certificates in entrepreneurship. Graduates of these programs can continue on to the associate program.

    Program Snapshot

    • Program URL: Visit Program
    • Cost-per-Credit: $180/credit in-state; $309/credit out-of-state
    • Program Length: 2 years
    • Total Credits Required to Graduate: 63-64 semester credits
    • Instruction Style: N/A
    • Format: Online
    • School Status: Public
    • School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Frequently Asked Questions About Associate in Entrepreneurship Programs

Is an associate degree in entrepreneurship worth it?

Yes. An associate in entrepreneurship creates opportunities for graduates to find careers in business or continue on to a bachelor's degree. This degree teaches practical business skills for professionals eager to start their own companies or join the workforce.

To determine whether it is worth it to earn a degree, students should weigh the costs and benefits. By researching tuition costs, salary outlook, and career potential, readers can better decide if they should earn a degree.

How fast can I get an associate in entrepreneurship degree online?

On average, it takes a full-time student two years to earn an online associate degree in entrepreneurship. Students who choose part-time study may need longer to complete their degree.

Students seeking to earn their degree quickly should enroll in a program that offers accelerated study. Accelerated programs allow students to earn a degree in 1-1.5 years. However, most accelerated programs require full-time study from all participants. Course loads for accelerated study programs are more intensive than regular associate programs.

Is an online associate degree in entrepreneurship credible?

Yes. Many postsecondary institutions, including the nation's most prestigious universities, offer online programs. Earning an online degree in entrepreneurship qualifies students for a career in the field. Students can also use an online associate degree to enroll in a bachelor's program.

However, like in-person programs, not all online programs offer equal rigor. Prospective students should always seek colleges with regional or national accreditation. If possible, students should enroll in a program with programmatic accreditation as well. Accreditation proves that the school and the program meets accepted educational standards.

How much money can I make with an associate in entrepreneurship?

On average, the annual salary for an associate degree in entrepreneurship is $49,000. However, salary differs depending on a job's location, a job's title, and the employee's level of experience. For example, an employee with five years of experience may earn more than an entry-level employee.

Salary outlook may also change depending on the field. For example, according to the BLS, the median annual wage for all business and financial occupations is $72,250. By comparison, the median annual wage for all computer and information technology careers is $91,250.

Is an associate degree in entrepreneurship in demand?

Yes. The BLS projects that employment in all financial and business occupations will grow 8% from 2020-2030, about as fast as the national average for all occupations. Graduates seeking to enter the business field with an associate in entrepreneurship may find job opportunities nationwide.

However, job outlook differs depending on the specific career and the location of the career. When mapping their career path, readers should research career outlook for different jobs in various locations. Readers may not want to pursue a career path with a projected decline in job prospects.

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BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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