Best Online Associate in Education
An online associate degree in education provides learners with a flexible, accessible route to the teaching profession — often at a lower cost than traditional alternatives.
The teaching field welcomes professionals from many pathways. An associate degree in education online offers one of the more flexible and accessible options available. While most states require teachers in public kindergarten classrooms and above to have bachelor’s teaching degrees, associate degree graduates can still pursue those careers and more by making the right educational choices.
As the system evolves to meet modern demands and challenges from forces like COVID-19, teachers need to remain adaptable, accommodating, communicative, and technologically competent. In addition to ranking of the best programs in this field, this page outlines how associate degrees from online colleges can equip students with the necessary skills for an array of careers.
The Best Online Associate in Education Programs
Allen County Community College
Iola, KS- 2 year
- Online
Looking for a flexible associate degree program in education? Consider Allen County Community College's online associate in early childhood education. Education students prepare for a career in the field through relevant coursework and experiential learning opportunities. Enrollees seeking to advance in their studies can apply their course credits toward a bachelor's degree.
Students can access numerous college resources such as career services and academic advising. Distance learners can further benefit from virtual services such as library access, writing workshops, and academic tutoring.
The average financial aid award, the college reports, is $4,378. Typically, 86% of all degree-seekers receive financial aid, with 12% receiving loans.
Allen County Community College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, two-year
Location: Iola, Kansas
Student-Faculty Ratio: 21-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $1,800
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $1,800
- In-State$1,800
- Out-of-state$1,800
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,407
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment73%
- AccreditationYes
Volunteer State Community College
- Gallatin, TN
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Located in Gallatin, Tennessee, Volunteer State Community College provides online education across seven associate degree programs, including its associate in elementary education. Enrollees gain foundational knowledge and skills relevant to the education field through coursework and experiential learning opportunities. After graduation, students can apply their college credits toward a bachelor's degree or other educational endeavors.
During their studies, enrollees can access career services, academic advising, and other resources. Distance learners can connect with virtual library services and receive academic tutoring.
The average student is awarded $5,356 in financial aid, to offset the cost of an education. The institution reports that 94% of all enrollees receive financial aid and 9% receive student loans.
Volunteer State Community College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, two-year
Location: Gallatin, Tennessee
Student-Faculty Ratio: 23-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $4,032
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $16,608
- In-State$4,032
- Out-of-state$16,608
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate49%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled9,144
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology
- Okmulgee, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology hosts six online associate's programs, including an associate of science in pre-education. Enrollees benefit from a robust course curriculum, preparing them for the demands of the education field. Enrollees seeking to advance their education can apply their course credits toward a bachelor's degree.
During their program, students can access career services, academic advising, and other resources. Other resources available for distance learners include academic tutoring and virtual library services.
The average financial aid award, the college reports, is $5,025. Students can explore numerous funding opportunities, with 98% of enrollees receiving some form of financial aid and 45% opting for student loans.
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Location: Okmulgee, Oklahoma
Student-Faculty Ratio: 16-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $4,350
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $9,960
- In-State$4,350
- Out-of-state$9,960
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,305
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
University of Cincinnati
- Cincinnati, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
A leader in online education, the University of Cincinnati supports an online associate degree program in early childhood care and education. Students in the education program gain knowledge and industry-relevant skills through coursework and experiential learning opportunities. Enrollees seeking to advance in their studies can apply their course credits toward a bachelor's degree.
During their studies, learners can access career services, academic advising, and other resources. The college supports its online learning community through online-specific resources, such as virtual library services and academic tutoring.
The average financial aid award, the college reports, is $6,981. Students can expect to receive financial aid or loans, as 75% of enrollees are awarded aid and 45% take out loans.
University of Cincinnati at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Admission Rate: 77%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $9,476
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $24,810
- In-State$9,476
- Out-of-state$24,810
- In-State$12,790
- Out-of-state$24,532
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled39,263
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment49%
- AccreditationYes
Casper College
- Casper, WY
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Distance learners seeking flexible study in the education field should consider Casper College's online associate in early childhood education. Enrollees gain foundational knowledge and skills relevant to the field through coursework and experiential learning opportunities. Upon graduating, students can apply their course credits toward a bachelor's degree.
While enrolled, students can benefit from career services, academic advising, and other success-centered resources. Distance learners can further benefit from virtual services such as library access, writing workshops, and academic tutoring.
Distance learners can access scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities, with the average award package being $4,444. Students can expect to receive financial aid or loans, as 92% of enrollees are awarded aid and 15% receive loans.
Casper College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, two-year
Location: Casper, Wyoming
Student-Faculty Ratio: 13-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $2,970
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $8,910
- In-State$2,970
- Out-of-state$8,910
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,619
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
Campbell University
- Buies Creek, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
A leader in online education, Campbell University supports eight online associate degree programs, including its AA in general education. The program builds foundational knowledge in education, preparing graduates for entry-level careers in the field. Students can also transfer their credits toward a bachelor's degree.
Students can access career services, academic advising, and other support resources. Online students can receive further guidance through virtual library services and academic tutoring.
The college notes that 99% of all students receive financial aid awards, with 49% receiving loans.
Campbell University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Location: Buies Creek, North Carolina
Admission Rate: 78%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 16-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $32,380
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $32,380
- In-State$32,380
- Out-of-state$32,380
- In-State$13,330
- Out-of-state$13,330
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled6,185
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment15%
- AccreditationYes
Eastern Gateway Community College
- Steubenville, OH
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Looking for a flexible associate degree program in education? Consider Eastern Gateway Community College's online AA in teacher education. Students in the program gain industry-relevant knowledge and skills, preparing them for the demands of an education career. After graduation, students can apply their college credits toward a bachelor's degree or other educational endeavors.
Enrollees benefit from career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources throughout their studies. The online learning community connects students with virtual library resources and academic tutoring.
Online students can expect to receive an average of $4,732 in financial aid awards. The college reports that 96% of students are awarded financial aid, with 4% receiving student loans.
Eastern Gateway Community College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, two-year
Location: Steubenville, Ohio
Student-Faculty Ratio: 33-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $3,960
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $7,200
- In-State$3,960
- Out-of-state$7,200
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate53%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled25,648
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
Hagerstown Community College
- Hagerstown, MD
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Hagerstown Community College boasts a highly ranked online associate degree in education, one of nine online associate programs. Students in the education program complete courses relevant to the education field, preparing them for their future careers. After graduation, students can apply their college credits toward a bachelor's degree or other educational endeavors.
The college provides students with resources such as academic advising and career services. The online learning community connects students with virtual library resources and academic tutoring.
The college reports that the average student's financial aid award package is $4,494. Approximately 77% of all incoming students receive financial aid, with 26% receiving student loans.
Hagerstown Community College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, two-year
Location: Hagerstown, Maryland
Student-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $5,835
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $7,665
- In-State$5,835
- Out-of-state$7,665
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,848
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment38%
- AccreditationYes
Pima Community College
- Tucson, AZ
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Students looking for a flexible online associate in early childhood studies should consider Pima Community College. Enrollees benefit from a robust course curriculum, preparing them for the demands of the education field. Typically, students can apply their associate degree credits towards future educational endeavors, like a bachelor's degree.
A leader in student success, the college connects students with career services, academic advising, and other resources. As part of an online learning community, distance learners can benefit from virtual library services, academic tutoring, and other resources.
Online learners benefit from significant financial support, receiving an average of $5,233 in financial aid awards. The college reports that 68% of students are awarded financial aid, with 12% receiving student loans.
Pima Community College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, two-year
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Student-Faculty Ratio: 19-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $2,028
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $7,344
- In-State$2,028
- Out-of-state$7,344
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled19,512
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment36%
- AccreditationYes
Miami University
- Middletown, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Located in Middletown, Ohio, Miami University provides online education across two associate degree programs, including its associate in prekindergarten education program. Students can build their knowledge of the education field through coursework and experiential learning opportunities. Upon completion, students can apply their credits toward a bachelor's degree or other educational endeavors.
A leader in student success, the college connects students with career services, academic advising, and other resources. Further resources available to online students including virtual library services and academic tutoring.
Distance learners can access scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities, with the average award package being $4,340. Approximately 74% of all incoming students receive financial aid, with 36% receiving student loans.
Miami University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Location: Middletown, Ohio
Student-Faculty Ratio: 14-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $6,297
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $16,181
- In-State$6,297
- Out-of-state$16,181
- In-State$6,838
- Out-of-state$15,707
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,842
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
Best Online Associate
Education
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Online Associate in Education Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Rankings MethodologyWhat Is an Online Associate in Education Degree?
An associate degree in education equips students with a basic understanding of the educational system, teaching responsibilities, and related challenges. While there are various types of teaching degrees and specializations, programs generally provide skills — such as classroom management, communication, and psychology — that degree-holders can apply to all types of classrooms.
State teaching requirements vary, but each teacher typically needs a bachelor’s degree. While associate degrees do not directly lead to licensure, students of these two-year programs can transfer into online bachelor’s in education degree programs, even reducing their overall cost of college in some cases. These programs tend to attract students who may not have a clear destination in mind and seek the added career flexibility.
Types of Online Associate Degrees in Education
Prospective students may find it difficult to know which teaching degree to get when there are so many majors and specialization options. The following list offers a few available degrees.
Associate Degree in Elementary Education
This degree focuses on child development, along with assessment and classroom management strategies for young children. Graduates can pursue careers as preschool teachers, childcare workers, and teacher aides. They can also transfer into a bachelor’s degree program and earn elementary teaching licensure.Associate Degree in Paraprofessional Education
This degree provides teacher support training, often emphasizing in-demand roles such as tutoring, behavior management, and special needs support. These degrees can lead to careers as general paraprofessionals or special education paraprofessionals in classrooms of all age groups. It can also lead to a bachelor’s degree or certification in the field.Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education
A degree in this discipline teaches students how children develop and how educators can create positive learning environments for young learners. The degree can lead to childcare positions or paraprofessional roles in classrooms. Graduates can also pursue bachelor’s degrees for teaching licensure or management positions in childcare centers.Associate Degree in Secondary Education
A degree in secondary education emphasizes the development and learning behaviors of teenagers and young adults. This training can help graduates acquire careers as teaching assistants or teachers in some private schools. Graduates can also transfer into bachelor’s degree programs to qualify for licensure and public school teaching positionsWhy Get an Online Associate Degree in Education?
The biggest advantage to an associate degree in education online program is the flexibility. These programs introduce learners to the field and provide them with various postgraduate options without requiring a four-year commitment.
Prepares Learners for Entry-Level Jobs in Education
Though graduates with an associate degree in education may not qualify for licensure, they can work in entry-level education roles as teacher assistants, preschool teachers, or childcare workers.
Explore Education as a Career Path
A bachelor’s in education requires a four-year commitment, which can seem daunting — particularly for individuals looking to change careers. The associate degree in education offers a more accommodating pathway, consisting of two years of training with a heavy emphasis on general education.
Earn Credits to Transfer to a Bachelor’s in Education Degree
Many students choose an associate degree in education as a stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree. Associate degrees can offer more accessible admission requirements and more affordable tuition. After graduation, associate degree credits often transfer seamlessly into bachelor’s programs. Many schools even offer direct pathways and 2+2 program options to make the process easier.
What to Expect in an Online Associate Degree in Education Program
Earning an associate degree in education online delivers the same content as traditional programs through different delivery methods. Online learners often choose between synchronous and asynchronous courses, though associate degree programs tend to offer more asynchronous options. While some programs may feature practicums and field experience classes, these are much more common at the bachelor’s level.
Generally, associate degrees emphasize general education courses. Teaching-specific classes vary by program, but may include the following options:
- Principles of education
- Classroom management
- Assessment strategies
- Child development
- Classroom technology
Choosing an Online Degree Program in Education
During their school and program research, prospective students need to make a list of their needs and interests. Tuition cost, admission requirements, location, and curriculum typically rank among the highest priorities. Choosing an online college requires learners to think about residency requirements, access to in-state tuition rates, and delivery formats.
Most importantly, applicants need to ensure their school has regional accreditation. Prospective learners should also make sure that their online associate degree in education holds accreditation with the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Students can find other recognized accrediting bodies through the U.S. Department of Education.
What Can You Do With an Associate Degree in Education?
Graduates with associate degrees in education can qualify for many careers. The following table looks at some popular options, along with their median annual wages.
| Career | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Teaching Assistants | $35,550 |
| Teacher Assistants at Private Elementary and Secondary Schools | $35,480 |
| Teacher Assistants at Child Day Care Services | $31,060 |
| Childcare Workers | $30,370 |
Common Questions About Associate Degrees in Education
Doug Wintemute is a Toronto-based freelance writer with professional writing interests in higher learning and entertainment. He completed his BA and MA in English at York University, graduating summa cum laude and earning academic merit, research, and writing awards at both levels. Since 2014, he has contributed content and editorial work for award-winning digital trade publications, global SEO copywriting projects, and hugely popular online brands. He can be contacted through LinkedIn.
