Associate Degree Online Programs Foundation for the Future: Building Skills and Knowledge for Your Career

We think so – an associate degree can be worth it if you want a shorter, more flexible way to begin college, explore a field, or prepare for your next academic step. Compared with a bachelor’s degree, an associate degree often requires less time and may involve a lower overall financial investment.

An associate degree can also help you build a strong academic foundation before moving into a bachelor’s program. It can also be a practical starting point because it allows you to study core subjects, develop college-level skills, and decide whether a longer degree path fits your goals.

It can support career exploration. Depending on your program, you can study subjects connected to business, healthcare, education, technology, criminal justice, or the humanities. While no degree can guarantee a specific job or salary, an associate degree can help you prepare to pursue entry-level opportunities or continue your education with more clarity.

Many of our associate degrees require as few as 60 credit hours. At Liberty, we want to recognize your hard work. That is why you can potentially transfer in up to 75% of the credits required for one of our online associate degrees. In addition, depending on your existing knowledge and experience, you may be able to transfer in coursework based on exams, certifications, or other qualifying documentation through Experience Plus.

Additionally, as long as you meet assignment deadlines and course end dates, you can complete your coursework on your schedule. With no set login times and courses that are 100% online, you can study when it’s convenient for you.

Not only that, but almost all of our courses are offered in an 8-week format so that you can earn your degree quickly. After completing your associate degree with Liberty, you can transfer many of your credits into one of our corresponding bachelor’s degrees.

Earning an associate degree online doesn’t have to be overwhelming! At Liberty, we seek to make the process as smooth as possible.

Step 1: Apply

After reviewing our available associate degrees, you can choose to apply online or call and speak to one of our admissions counselors, who can guide you through the admission process. If you aren’t sure which associate degree is right for you, our admissions counselors are standing by, ready to assist you in exploring your goals and which degree is best for you. You can call our admissions counselors at (800) 424-9595 or chat online to begin the application process!

Step 2: Enroll

After you apply for your online associate degree, one of our new enrollment specialists can walk you through what the enrollment process looks like and help you schedule your first set of classes.

Step 3: Complete Courses

From day 1 through graduation, our academic advising team is dedicated to partnering with you to answer any questions you may have, schedule courses, review course guides, complete your degree completion application, or assist with anything else you need help with. Our advisors are trained professionals who are ready to partner with you throughout your academic journey.

Step 4: Commencement

Once you enter your final semester, you will complete an application for graduation. After you are approved to participate in Commencement, you are welcome to join us on campus to celebrate all that you have achieved! Additionally, once you’ve completed your online associate degree, you can contact our admissions counselors to walk through the admission process for one of our online bachelor’s degrees if you desire to continue your education.

The cost of an online associate degree depends on how many credit hours you complete and your tuition rate per credit hour. For full-time students, our tuition rate is only $390 per credit hour!

At Liberty, we understand that affordability is important. That is why online undergraduate tuition rates have been frozen for the last 10 years. For full-time students, our tuition rate is only $390 per credit hour!

In addition, you may be eligible for our first responder discount, military benefits, or scholarships. These opportunities can help reduce your overall cost depending on your eligibility and enrollment status.

These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.

As you’re considering pursuing a college education online, you may be wondering about the credibility of online college courses and degrees. If you choose to pursue your associate degree online with us, rest assured! Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

So what does that mean for you?

• You’re earning your degree from a school that has met rigorous academic standards.
• Credits from another accredited school can often be transferred into Liberty University’s associate degree programs.
• Your professors are professionals with advanced degrees in related areas of study as well as real-life experience in their respective fields.
• The courses you’re completing online meet the same rigor and academic excellence as our residential courses.

You can choose from a wide range of fields when pursuing an AA degree online, depending on your interests and goals. Popular areas include:

• Business
• Criminal justice
• Education
• Paralgel studies
• Psychology

These programs are designed to help you explore foundational topics while giving you the flexibility to decide what direction you may want to pursue next.

An online AA degree can offer you flexibility, affordability, and a practical way to begin your college education.

One of the main benefits is flexibility, since you can study from anywhere with an internet connection and build a schedule that fits your daily responsibilities. This can be helpful if you are balancing work, family, or other commitments while continuing your education.

Another advantage is cost and time efficiency. Associate degrees typically take about 2 years to complete and may require a lower overall financial investment than longer programs. This can make it easier for you to start your academic journey without committing to a 4-year degree right away.

You can also build foundational skills that apply across many fields. As you study, you may develop communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities that can support your next steps. These skills can help you pursue entry-level roles or continue into a bachelor’s program with a clearer sense of direction.

An AA degree is typically structured around a combination of general education courses and introductory classes in your chosen field. You can expect to study subjects like writing, math, science, and social sciences alongside major-related coursework. This structure is designed to give you a broad academic foundation while allowing you to begin focusing on your interests.

Yes, in most cases, you will be able to transfer your associate degree credits into a bachelor’s program. Transfer policies can vary depending on the institution and program you choose. Academic advisors can help you review your credits and determine how they may apply toward your next degree.

Yes, financial aid is available for online associate degree students who qualify.

If you are pursuing an online associate degree, you may have access to several types of financial support, including federal aid, grants, scholarships, and payment plans. To determine what you may qualify for, you will typically need to complete the FAFSA, which is a key step in the financial aid process.

Liberty University also provides resources to help you understand your options and plan for tuition and related expenses. You can explore available aid opportunities and next steps by visiting our Financing Options page.