Best Accelerated Online Associate Degree Programs

Want to spend less time in school? Check out the best accelerated online associate degree programs and possible careers after graduation.
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Updated on October 18, 2023
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  • Many schools offer accelerated associate degrees that take about 18 months.
  • Learn accounting, business administration, criminal justice, or medical coding in fewer than two years.
  • In 1969-1970, schools awarded 206,023 associate degrees, compared to 1.013 million in 2022-2023.
  • Online accelerated associate degrees can cost less than traditional two-year programs.

Roughly 1.013 million graduates earned an associate degree in the 2022-2023 school year. That's a jump of 806,877 since the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) first recorded the number of associate degrees awarded in the 1969-1970 school year.

The average associate degree takes two years to complete. However, schools offer online accelerated associate degrees that you can complete in 12-18 months without ever stepping foot on campus.

When looking for online accelerated associate degree programs, make sure the school is accredited; that way, you can transfer your credits to a four-year program if you choose to continue your studies.

Continue reading to explore 10 online accelerated associate degrees and the job prospects available to graduates.

10 Online Accelerated Associate Degree Programs

Schools offer online accelerated associate degrees in a variety of majors. Here, we explore the common courses and career outcomes — including salaries — for popular online accelerated associate degrees.

Accounting

An online associate in accounting degree offers courses in accounting principles, financial and managerial accounting, federal taxation, and business law. The coursework prepares you to pursue careers as a bill and account collector or bookkeeper. In 2022, bookkeepers earned a median annual salary of $45,860, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Featured Online Associate in Accounting Programs

Business Administration

With an associate in business administration degree, you can launch a career as a marketing associate or business management associate. In addition to general education courses, you learn the fundamentals of business law, marketing principles, organizational behavior, and micro and macroeconomics.

Featured Online Associate in Business Administration Programs

Computer Science

After completing an associate in computer science, you can pursue a career as a computer support specialist or a web developer. You'll often learn C++, Python, and Java. The coursework teaches you about data structures and algorithms, the software development life cycle, and system analysis and design.

Featured Online Associate in Computer Science Programs

Criminal Justice

Pursue an associate in criminal justice degree, and you can gain a foundation in criminal law, criminal procedures, criminal investigation, justice systems, and ethical issues in justice systems. Graduates have found careers as correctional officers, paralegals, and police officers. Correction officers earned a median annual salary of $49,610 in 2022, according to the BLS.

Featured Online Associate in Criminal Justice Programs

Education

If you want to pursue a profession as a childcare worker or tutor, you can earn an associate degree in education. This degree offers courses in child development, curriculum and instruction, educational philosophy, and a field experience to gain classroom training. Childcare workers earned a median annual salary of $28,520 in 2022, according to the BLS.

Featured Online Associate in Education Programs

Healthcare Administration

After earning an associate in healthcare administration degree, you can pursue a career as a medical bill and coding associate or financial authorization associate at a healthcare facility. Generally, you'll complete about 60 credits in subjects such as principles of accounting, foundations in healthcare management, healthcare law, quality and patient safety.

Featured Online Associate in Healthcare Administration Programs

Information Technology

Earning an associate in information technology offers a foundational degree that supports your technical skills. The lessons and lab in this program focus on building the analytical and critical thinking skills to solve issues in computer hardware and operating systems. You can pursue an entry-level career as a computer support specialist. These professionals earned a median annual salary of $59,660 in 2022, according to the BLS.

Featured Online Associate in Information Technology Programs

Medical Assisting

In fewer than two years, you can earn an accelerated medical assisting degree. According to the BLS, medical assistants earn a median annual salary of $38,270. You'll gain the training to work on teams performing administrative and clinical tasks. Common courses include medical terminology, patient care coordination, and medical coding and billing.

Medical Coding

An associate in medical coding degree requires about 60 credits and prepares you for a career as a medical billing specialist. The coursework explores patient privacy, medical terminology, insurance claims and processing, and international classification of diseases.

Featured Online Associate in Medical Coding Programs

Paralegal Studies

It takes an associate in paralegal studies to become a paralegal, a career that fetches a median annual wage of $59,200. The coursework delves into business law, legal research and writing, law office management, and litigation.

Featured Online Associate in Paralegal Studies Programs

Best Accelerated Online Associate Degrees

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#1 Best Accelerated Online Associate Degree Programs

West Kentucky Community and Technical College

  • Paducah, KY
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Hybrid | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $179
Out of State | $627

Credits to Graduate
60-68

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

WKCTC's hybrid fast track business program combines in-person bi-weekly and online courses. The two-year program embeds five certificates in subjects like advanced business administration, supervisory management, and public leadership, and culminates in an AAS in business. 

Students complete the fast track AAS as a cohort. Classes meet in person on Tuesdays and Thursdays and online for required summer sessions. The hybrid program includes both a traditional and online internship during the final summer semester.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,176
Out-of-state
$14,616
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
69%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
6,327
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
39% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Accelerated Online Associate Degree Programs

Washtenaw Community College

  • Ann Arbor, MI
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $108-$119
Out of State | $127-$127

Credits to Graduate
60

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

WCC's accelerated associate degree program in business prepares graduates to boost their management careers or transfer to four-year institutions. WCC boasts articulation agreements with more than 25 prestigious colleges and universities. The program suits students with at least some work experience.

Students can graduate from this accelerated associate degree program in just 17 months. The curriculum is dispersed over six-week terms instead of traditional 15-week semesters. Course topics include business communications, principles of accounting, and business law.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,936
Out-of-state
$5,448
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
63%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
11,978
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
35% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Accelerated Online Associate Degree Programs

Georgia Piedmont Technical College

  • Clarkston, GA
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $100
Out of State | $200

Credits to Graduate
64

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

Georgia Piedmont Tech offers an accelerated online associate degree in business management. The program comprises four semesters, beginning and ending in the summer. Students can also pursue an accelerated interdisciplinary studies degree with a management specialization.

The online AAS program includes the same curriculum as Georgia Piedmont Tech's standard business management degree, but in a cohort-led, accelerated format. Students explore topics like leadership, financial accounting, and HR management, culminating in a team project. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,400
Out-of-state
$4,800
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
51%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
3,406
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
58% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Accelerated Online Associate Degree Programs

Cleveland Community College

  • Shelby, NC
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Hybrid | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $171
Out of State | $705

Credits to Graduate
60-63

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

CCC offers an accelerated online associate degree program in a business concentration. Students complete courses as part of a cohort group. The accelerated AAS follows a year-round course schedule, enabling students to graduate in 16 months. 

CCC offers a fall or summer start for the hybrid business program. The curriculum includes a service-learning component through cooperative education and independent study projects. The AAS program also embeds a business and management technical certificate.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,432
Out-of-state
$8,576
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
61%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,536
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
59% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Best Accelerated Online Associate Degree Programs

Saint Louis Community College

  • Bridgeton, MO
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $171
Out of State | $233

Credits to Graduate
37

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

STLCC offers an accelerated online general transfer studies program, providing a pathway to completing an AA degree. Students can choose from a variety of majors and subjects, completing three eight-week classes per semester in their preferred interest area.

Students can graduate from STLCC's accelerated online program in just 18 months, ready to seek entry-level employment or transfer to a four-year university. Learners enjoy support through a dedicated online advisor, online orientation, and virtual tutoring options.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,320
Out-of-state
$6,120
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
63%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
17,294
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
30% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#6 Best Accelerated Online Associate Degree Programs

Western Piedmont Community College

  • Morganton, NC
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Hybrid | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $76
Out of State | $268

Credits to Graduate
60

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

WPCC's acceleration academy offers pathway programs leading to an AA degree. Students can complete two classes at a time during each eight-week term, graduating in 21 months. WPCC offers in-person and online classes in introductory college subjects like computers, government, and literature. 

WPCC holds classes year-round in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Students enjoy comprehensive support services including personal counseling, disability assistance, and career services.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,432
Out-of-state
$8,576
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
69%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
1,820
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
49% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Best Accelerated Online Associate Degree Programs

Milwaukee Area Technical College

  • Milwaukee, WI
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Hybrid | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | Varies by course load
Out of State | Varies by course load

Credits to Graduate
60

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

MATC offers multiple online accelerated associate degrees, a general AA, and majors in IT network specialist, marketing, and liberal arts and sciences. Accelerated programs include online, in-person, and hybrid enrollment options. Full-time students can graduate in just one year.

MATC's IT network specialist and marketing programs feature internship requirements. Courses in the online pathway programs last for seven or eight weeks. Graduates of an accelerated AA at MATC qualify for transfer to a partnering four-year university.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,095
Out-of-state
$6,143
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
58%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
14,482
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
30% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#8 Best Accelerated Online Associate Degree Programs

SUNY Corning Community College

  • Corning, NY
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Hybrid | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $211
Out of State | $346

Credits to Graduate
N/A

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

SUNY Corning Community College offers accelerated online associate degrees in business administration, human services, and criminal justice. Students must attend one weekly in-person class and online courses to complete the degree. Learners can graduate in 16 months. 

SUNY belongs to the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements and maintains articulation agreements with four-year institutions including Upstate Medical University, Binghamton University, and Bellevue University.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,872
Out-of-state
$7,968
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
61%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
4,238
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
24% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#9 Best Accelerated Online Associate Degree Programs

Ogeechee Technical College

  • Statesboro, GA
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $100
Out of State | $200

Credits to Graduate
60

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

OTC offers accelerated AAS degrees in logistics, criminal justice, and hotel/restaurant/tourism management. Students can choose from online, hybrid, and in-person enrollment options to graduate in four semesters or less.

OTC does not charge additional tuition for courses exceeding 15 credits in a semester. Learners may qualify to earn placement credits for previous work and/or college experience. OTC provides comprehensive support through resources including counseling, tutoring, and career services.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,400
Out-of-state
$4,800
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
67%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,079
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
58% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Best Accelerated Online Associate Degree Programs

Moberly Area Community College

  • Moberly, MO
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Hybrid | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $93
Out of State | $233

Credits to Graduate
75

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Missouri State Board of Nursing

MACC offers an accelerated associate degree in nursing, combining online classes with in-person clinical practicum requirements. Graduates qualify to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. The accelerated program spans 12 months.

The annual application deadline is Sept. 1. Applicants must possess a cumulative GPA of at least 2.7 and satisfy general education and nursing prerequisites. Graduates of the accelerated ADN who also pass the licensing exam may matriculate to a BSN program at a partnering four-year institution. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,590
Out-of-state
$6,270
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
64%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
4,849
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
63% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

What Can You Do With an Accelerated Online Associate Degree?

With an accelerated online associate degree, you can launch a new career fast. But what you do after graduating with an associate degree often depends on the type of degree.

Community colleges and four-year schools award associate of arts degrees (AA), associate of science degrees (AS), and associate of applied science degrees (AAS). An AA degree emphasizes liberal arts courses, while an AS program provides a foundation in science and math.

AA and AS offer an easy pathway to transfer to a four-year program. However, transferring from an AAS program to a bachelor's program may have additional requirements because AAS degrees are more specific.

All associate degrees can prepare you for entry-level careers in a variety of fields. For instance, you can work as a childcare worker, radiation technologist, or web developer. And associate degree holders can also land high-paying careers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Accelerated Associate Degrees

What is an accelerated associate degree?

An accelerated online degree provides the same credentials as a traditional online associate degree in a shorter period of time. These degrees reduce study times by accommodating heavier course loads, self-paced studies, more transfer credits, and fewer general education credits or electives.

Similar to traditional degrees, accelerated associate degrees lead to entry-level careers in many fields. They also provide an excellent educational foundation for students to build on with more advanced degrees.

Is an accelerated associate degree worth it?

You'll graduate with an associate degree faster if you enroll in an accelerated program. Earning any college education almost always pays off. The BLS reports that graduates of high school make about $850 a week, while associate degree holders earn about $1,000 a week.

Can I get an accelerated associate degree online?

Yes. Many schools offer traditional associate degree and accelerated associate degree programs online. In fact, online learning tends to be more flexible when it comes to accelerated associate degree programs. For example, you have access to asynchronous and self-paced training.

Can I get an associate degree in one year?

Yes. Most associate degrees take two years, and most accelerated associate degrees take approximately 18 months to complete. However, some schools offer one-year or six-month accelerated associate degree programs.

These courses of study condense training to one year in various ways, such as by allowing learners to take more courses in a semester or fast-track their studies with self-paced training.

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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