Do you have an interest in science, physics, or chemistry? Are you the type of person who binge-watches science documentaries? Do you think a trip to the nearest natural history museum is the best way to spend a day off? Then you may be perfect for one of these cheapest associate of science degree online programs.
These two-year programs are ideal for anyone with an interest in science and a desire to transfer to a four-year institution. Essentially, you can complete half of your bachelor’s degree while enjoying some of the lowest tuition prices on the market. All the while, you’ll be enhancing your knowledge of science, creating the foundation for future academic and professional success.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$13,300
Least Expensive In-State: Cerro Coso Community College ~$2,768
Least Expensive Out-of-state: Allen County Community College ~$9,280
You deserve the best possible education at a price that fits your budget. With this list, you can find the perfect associate’s degree to build your career in science!
23 Cheapest Associate of Science Degree Online Programs
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Cerro Coso Community College | (CA) | $2,768.00 $23,288.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | Santa Barbara City College | (CA) | $2,880.00 $25,260.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
3 | Coastline College | (CA) | $2,912.00 $24,872.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
4 | Rio Salado College | (AZ) | $5,880.00 $15,240.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
5 | Polk State College | (FL) | $6,733.00 $24,544.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
6 | Great Basin College | (NV) | $7,503.00 $11,026.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
7 | Northeast Community College | (NE) | $7,680.00 $10,260.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
8 |  East Mississippi Community College | (MS) | $8,520.00 $14,520.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
9 | Allen County Community College | (KS) | $8,640.00 $9,280.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
10 | Allen County Community College | (KS) | $8,775.00 $9,425.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
11 | Allen County Community College | (KS) | $8,910.00 $9,570.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
12 | Allen County Community College | (KS) | $9,045.00 $9,715.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
13 | Colby Community College | (KS) | $9,161.00 $12,509.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
14 | Barton Community College | (KS) | $9,300.00 | All Students |
15 | Northern Wyoming Community College District | (WY) | $9,660.00 $22,260.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
16 | Baton Rouge Community College | (LA) | $10,365.00 | All Students |
17 | NorthWest Arkansas Community College | (AR) | $11,340.00 $12,480.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
17 | Casper College | (WY) | $11,340.00 $23,940.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
19 | Northern Virginia Community College | (VA) | $11,407.00 $23,572.00 $12,817.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
20 | Ocean County College | (NJ) | $11,880.00 $16,200.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
21 | Casper College | (WY) | $12,096.00 $25,536.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
22 | Florida Institute of Technology | (FL) | $12,390.00 | All Students |
23 | Utah Valley University | (UT) | $12,958.00 $16,120.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Central Lakes College | (MN) | $14,066.00 | All Students | |
Utah State University | (UT) | $15,076.00 $18,636.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Georgia Military College | (GA) | $16,055.00 | All Students | |
Austin Community College District | (TX) | $18,184.00 $22,204.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
New River Community College | (VA) | $19,248.00 $42,952.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
South Dakota State University | (SD) | $21,285.00 $15,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Dickinson State University | (ND) | $21,602.00 $26,362.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Columbia College - MO | (MO) | $22,500.00 $15,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Front Range Community College | (CO) | $23,210.00 $24,743.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
LeTourneau University | (TX) | $24,040.00 | All Students | |
Liberty University | (VA) | $24,696.00 $16,296.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
LeTourneau University | (TX) | $25,560.00 | All Students | |
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University | (FL) | $29,250.00 $15,150.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Warner University | (FL) | $29,675.00 | All Students | |
Pennsylvania State University | (PA) | $30,408.00 | All Students | |
University of Massachusetts-Amherst | (MA) | $31,935.00 | All Students |
Methodology Section
These rankings of online science programs are based on our fall 2023 review of degrees. In order to calculate the total cost, we use a variety of factors including minimum required credit hours, tuition rates, and general fees. At the time of collection, the information was valid and specific to the individual program. Profiles for the same degrees found in the directory on our site may, on occasion, reflect a different cost based on editorial update schedules.
The published cost is an estimated total price for the entire degree, but actual costs will vary by student. For example, if you have transfer credits, your cost may be lower. Prerequisite courses, textbook fees, licensing requirements, financial aid, and numerous other factors can impact the price of an associate’s in science online.
We strive to create the most honest, accurate ranking system possible. Therefore, we do not accept payments from schools to be included or removed from our rankings. The rankings are open to any regionally-accredited public or nonprofit college or university that offers an associate of science degree online. We do not include degrees from non-accredited, nationally-accredited, or for-profit schools in our rankings. We also exclude from our rankings degrees that are available less than 80% online and those that are only available to students in five states or fewer.
Program Note: In order to qualify for a ranking, the online science program must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
Why Enroll in an Online Science Program?
Thinking about pursuing an affordable associate of science degree online? Here are some of the top reasons to enroll in these convenient, budget-friendly programs:
- Dip your toes in science: If you think science is an interesting subject, but aren’t 100% certain that it’s right for you, start with an associate’s degree. This allows you to try science as an academic field without committing to a larger four-year program. If you discover that science is right, you can move forward. If not, you can still pivot to a different major or concentration.
- Affordable start to your education: The cost of education is a well-documented issue these days. Costs vary by program and school, but most associate’s degrees come from community colleges, which are generally more affordable.
- Start the path to an excellent career: The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that the careers of physical scientists will grow by 5% between 2022 and 2032. Although more education is likely needed and salaries vary by occupation, these two-year programs are the trailhead to a stable, secure career for many science-based professionals.
Program Cost: How Much Will You Pay for an Associate’s Degree in Science?
These degrees provide excellent educations, but cost, quite frankly, is often the main motivation for enrolling in an online associate’s of science degree. (Don’t mistake affordable for low-quality.) As we’ll show you, these programs have some of the lowest costs in all of higher education.
The cheapest associate of science degree online comes from Cerro Coso Community College in California. State residents pay an estimated $2,768 for the entire program, meaning the per-year cost is less than $1,400. Most colleges require payment by the semester, which means students pay about $700 for each tuition bill.
The four most affordable programs in this database come from two-year colleges in California. (Two from Santa Barbara City College.) These degrees are all below $3,000 in total cost for California residents. However, out-of-state students pay estimated rates of more than $24,000 for the programs.
Overall, this database includes 46 programs with a total estimated cost below $13,000. This includes 36 programs below $10,000 and ten below $8,000.
The most expensive program in this database is the Associate of Science in Sustainable Food & Farming from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. This program has a total estimated cost of $31,935. The database includes five programs with prices over $30,000, so students must research total costs before enrolling.
Who Offers the Most Affordable Associate Degrees in Science?
While 46 programs have estimated prices below $15,000, three schools in particular have extremely low costs for in-state residents. All of these schools are based in California; for state residents the price is below $3,000. However, all the schools have out-of-state prices above $25,000. You will most often find the lowest tuition rates come from schools in your own state, even if you plan to take all of your courses remotely.
#1. Cerro Coso Community College
Degree: Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts / Mathematics & Science
Cost: $2,768 (In-state, California)
Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
The #1 cheapest associate of science degree online, which is designed to satisfy general education requirements for students transferring to a four-year program, emphasizes natural science and the physical universe. Students learn to describe the nature of science while applying scientific methods to a variety of subjects. The program also includes elements of mathematics, natural science, and computer graphics.
Cerro Coso Community College gives students the convenience to take a full assortment of online classes. They provide an overall learning experience that rivals large four-year schools by offering academic services and online support.
#2. Santa Barbara City College
Degree: Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences / Science & Mathematics
Cost: $2,880 (In-state, California)
Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
If want a broad, sweeping education in science, instead of an in-depth review of a specific topic, this degree is a good option. Students interested in science who want to explore various aspects before enrolling in a four-year program should consider this program. While students are encouraged to check transfer requirements for all desired schools before enrolling, this program provides a strong foundation for a bachelor’s degree in science.
This affordable school allows students to pursue a variety of academic goals with a flexible, convenient schedule. It offers numerous courses online, and many degree programs require no campus attendance whatsoever.
#3. Coastline College
Degree: Associate in Science in Physics
Cost: $2,912 (In-state, California)
Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and College
A professional physicist requires a master’s degree or even a doctorate. However, students can start their journey to this fascinating career by enrolling in an affordable online associate’s degree in science. This program focuses on physics and includes coursework in mathematics, chemistry, and other important subjects.
Coastline College offers an extensive list of degree programs that help various students start their post-secondary education. The school has a support-driven online platform with lectures, coursework, and exams offered completely online.
Important Note: Difference Between In-State and Out-of-State Tuition Rates
All of the above degrees have prices below $3,000, but this rate is only available to California residents. Out-of-state students pay over $23,000 for the same programs, making it far more expensive for people who don’t live in California.
But there are options. Allen County Community College in Kansas is a notable example. This school has five degrees listed in our database, all of which are priced below $10,000 for all students. Another example is Barton Community College, also in Kansas. This school has four online degrees that are estimated at $9,300 for both resident and non-resident students.
Associate Degree in Science: The Program Types
Within this database, you will find a wide range of scientific topics. From biology to chemistry to agribusiness, you can select an associate’s degree that fits your unique interests. However, you first need to decide whether an associate of science or an associate of arts is the right choice.
Most of the programs in this database are associate of science (AS), but there is also a handful of associate of arts (AA) degrees. The differences can be minimal, but most AA degrees have a stronger emphasis on liberal arts, while an AS degree focuses on math and science. Both will have requirements in math, English, social sciences, and other broad-based subjects.
The specialization or concentration will have a more obvious impact on your education. This database, which consists of over 60 degrees, includes a huge variety of science-based topics. Students can select options that include:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Natural history
- Aerospace administration
- Poultry science
- Geosciences
- Geology
- Geography
- Meteorology
- Natural resources
- Wildlife sciences
- Physical sciences
- Agriculture
- Agribusiness
- Aviation management
- Environmental studies
- Sustainability
- Physics
With such a wide variety of options, students can find an area of study that fits their unique interests and talents. From management in the sciences to general biology degrees, there is an option among these cheapest associate of science degree online programs for everyone.
Accreditation for These Programs
Accreditation is an important part of your education. Before choosing an online associate of science degree, you must understand who accredits the school.
Accreditation is a review and approval process for post-secondary schools. Accredited schools have met a specific standard set by regional accrediting bodies, which are approved by the U.S. Department of Education. For an associate’s degree, accreditation is critical because most schools won’t accept transfer credits from unaccredited schools.
A number of groups review and accredit schools that provide associate degrees. The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges is an important group because it accredits many community colleges in the western United States.
Typical Admission Requirements
While each school sets its own standards, the admission process for an associate degree is generally the most accessible of all academic levels. These programs are often good choices for people who don’t have a stellar school record but want to launch their post-secondary education.
The main requirement is a high school diploma. Nothing is guaranteed, but if you graduated from high school or an equivalency program, you can likely find an online associate of science degree that accepts your application.
Some schools will require an academic skills test. This testing generally helps with course placement, not admission decisions. In other words, it won’t be used to decide whether you can attend the school, but will influence what classes you need to take. For example, if you test strongly in math, you may be eligible for higher-level math classes.
Each school has its own admission process. Contact your desired college’s admissions office for further details.
Licensing, Training, or Experience Requirements for Scientists
Some careers will require a government-issued license or certification. To work as a doctor, lawyer, civil engineer, or public teacher, for example, you need to meet certain requirements and renew your license on a regular basis.
Science careers are a mixed bag. While most graduates of these programs will not need a license, some who move on to specific careers may need government-mandated licensing.
Here are a few examples:
- Soil scientists: Some soil scientists working in a handful of states will need certification, which requires working under a licensed scientist for a certain number of years and passing an exam.
- Hydrologic technician: Professionals in this career may need Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER) certification.
- Environmental protection technicians: Some states have licensing requirements for experts who monitor and investigate sources of pollution.
These are just a few examples of science careers that may require certification or licensing. In most cases, you’ll need a specific education, field experience, and a passing score on official licensing exams.
Careers in Science: Salary and Career Information
These degrees are designed for transfer into a bachelor’s program. However, they set the stage for a career in the sciences, and even the cheapest associate of science degree online can lead to some of the best salaries in the entire job market.
Here are the median salaries for common science-based careers:
Occupation | Minimum Education | Median Salary (BLS – May 2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural technician | Associate’s degree | $46,140 |
| Environmental technician | Associate’s degree | $48,380 |
| Biological technican | Bachelor’s degree | $49,650 |
| Chemical technician | Associate’s degree | $50,840 |
| Forester | Bachelor’s degree | $64,420 |
| Wildlife biologist | Bachelor’s degree | $67,430 |
| Food scientist | Bachelor’s degree | $74,940 |
| Chemist | Bachelor’s degree | $81,810 |
| Microbiologist | Bachelor’s degree | $81,990 |
| Hydrologist | Bachelor’s degree | $85,990 |
| Sociologist | Master’s degree | $98,590 |
| Physicist | Doctorate | $139,220 |
This is not a complete list, but you can see the general trend of higher incomes for higher educations. Most science occupations that require an associate degree have median incomes around $45,000 to $50,000, while some occupations that require a bachelor’s degree have median salaries over $80,000. As such, this is why many choose to complete a bachelor’s degree in science and even move into a master’s or doctorate program.
A career in science can be stable as well as lucrative. While job options may be limited to certain areas, the Bureau of Labor Statistics says that “life, physical, and social science occupations is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032.”
Growth will depend on the specific career. For example, the hydrologist occupation will only grow by 1%, while epidemiologists, who study patterns of disease and injury, are expected to grow by 27%. Overall, science presents a stable career with the potential for high salaries.
How Do I Choose a Good Online Science Program?
If you are interested in an associate of science degree online, start by thinking about your interests and desired careers. If you are not sure about specializations but know that science is the right field, an associate’s degree in general mathematics and science may be the right choice.
Research the school’s accreditation status and review the total costs. Also, review the program’s schedule and delivery method to ensure you can attend the classes. With this basic strategy, you can find the perfect associate of science degree online for your unique needs.
Whether you need the cheapest associate of science degree online or want a specific focus for your education, GetEducated can be your companion as you search for the right degree.