Do you think math is absolutely fascinating? For others, it may seem complex, dull, or overly detailed. But for you, it’s a fascinating way to organize information and predict outcomes. If you think a career in math would be right for you, perhaps the cheapest associate’s degree in mathematics online can help you get started.
These degrees can serve many purposes. Math, after all, can be used in virtually any industry and any sector. It can predict the results of government policy, estimate profits after a product release, and calculate the amount of propulsion needed in order to escape Earth’s gravity. There’s little that can’t be analyzed with math.
While an online math associate degree can, in its own right, lead to a career working with mathematics, it can also create a foundation for future learning, ultimately resulting in a bachelor’s, master’s, and even a doctorate in mathematics.
By enrolling in an affordable associate’s degree in mathematics online, you can complete the first step in your collegiate journey at an affordable price.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$11,000
Least Expensive In-state: Cerro Coso Community College ~$2,768
Least Expensive Out-of-state: Barton Community College ~$9,300
With this ranking database, you can select an affordable math degree that meets your specific needs!
11 Cheapest Associate’s Degree in Mathematics 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 | Central Texas College | (TX) | $7,800.00 $15,000.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
6 |  East Mississippi Community College | (MS) | $8,520.00 $14,520.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
7 | Tulsa Community College | (OK) | $8,588.00 $22,088.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
8 | Allen County Community College | (KS) | $8,775.00 $9,425.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
9 | Barton Community College | (KS) | $9,300.00 | All Students |
10 | Northern Wyoming Community College District | (WY) | $9,660.00 $22,260.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
11 | South Texas College | (TX) | $10,440.00 $15,000.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Northern Virginia Community College | (VA) | $11,407.00 $23,572.00 $12,817.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military | |
Blinn College District | (TX) | $11,940.00 $21,300.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Monroe Community College | (NY) | $12,716.00 $23,116.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Thomas Edison State University | (NJ) | $13,574.00 $17,494.00 $15,298.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military | |
Central Methodist University | (MO) | $17,725.00 | All Students | |
Front Range Community College | (CO) | $23,210.00 $24,743.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Bucks County Community College | (PA) | $23,394.00 $34,069.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Liberty University | (VA) | $24,696.00 $16,296.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
Methodology for These Rankings
These rankings of affordable online math associate degree 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 affordable online math associate degree.
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 online math associate degree. 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 associate’s degree in mathematics online 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 Choose an Associate’s Degree in Mathematics Online?
These are some key reasons to select an affordable online math associate degree:
- Low prices for two years: Cost is one of the main drivers for these degrees. With low prices, especially for in-state students, an online math associate degree helps you start a college career with an affordable price.
- Give math a try: Maybe you’re just starting to consider math for your career. It may not be wise to jump into a four-year program. Instead, you can start your college education with a two-year degree, allowing you to try math with a lower commitment of time, money, and energy. You will also complete many gen ed classes required for a four-year degree, no matter what major you choose.
- Start the path to a lucrative career: If you complete an associate’s degree in mathematics online, you’ll position yourself for a high-paying, high-demand career. Many professionals with degrees in mathematics earn over $100,000 annually.
Program Cost: Expected Prices for an Associate’s Degree in Math Online
Although further education (a bachelor’s or even a master’s) is often needed, these programs start the path to high-paying, high-demand careers. They often start with a surprisingly affordable price, especially if you choose a community college within your state.
The lowest-cost program in this database is from Cerro Coso Community College in California. This program has an estimated cost of $2,768, although out-of-state students pay roughly $23,288 for the degree.
For students from any location, the cheapest associate’s degree in mathematics online is the Associate of Science in Mathematics from Barton Community College. This degree costs $9,300 for students from all across the country. There is no difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition for this degree.
The average cost for these degrees is about $11,300. However, there are currently 12 programs listed below this price. Students in California can enjoy especially low prices; our database includes three California schools (four total programs) with estimated costs below $3,000.
Not all associate’s degrees are so affordable. The most expensive estimated in-state tuition comes from Front Range Community College in Colorado. The school’s Associate of Science in Mathematics has an estimated cost of $30,105.
If you are looking for the cheapest associate’s degree in mathematics online, the best strategy is to look for online programs from schools within your state. Using this database you can find an affordable online math associate degree no matter where you live.
Who Offers the Most Affordable Associate Degrees in Math?
This database includes a dozen programs priced below $11,000, including two associate of science programs below $10,000 for all students regardless of residency. The four cheapest online math associate degree programs, however, come from three schools in the state of California, where in-state students can attend a program for less than $3,000.
#1. Cerro Coso Community College
Degree: Associate in Science in Mathematics
Cost: $2,768 (In-state, California)
Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
This cheapest associate’s degree in mathematics online offers seamless transfer into a four-year program in California. Many of the credits and coursework from this accredited school will be accepted by programs in other states as well. Junior-level admission at California State University schools is guaranteed to graduates of the program. CSU has numerous campuses across the state, from San Diego to Cal Poly Humboldt. Graduates can enter a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics, statistics, engineering, economics, mathematics education, and more.
Cerro Coso Community College operates CC Online, a virtual campus that creates convenience and flexibility without sacrificing academic quality. In order to enhance learning access, the online program offers courses with no scheduled meeting times.
#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
Provided by the college’s school of liberal arts and sciences, this AA degree places a unique emphasis on science and mathematics. In addition to science and math topics, students are exposed to philosophy, history, literature, and culture. Graduates will be able to demonstrate and use the scientific method and use mathematical approaches like tabulation, graphing, and statistics. Students can also use math in order to predict scientific phenomena.
Santa Barbara City College offers online courses that allow students to pursue their academic goals at a flexible, personalized pace. While requiring a clear commitment, motivation, and organization, these degrees create greater access for a variety of students. The school offers numerous programs that are available completely online.
#3. Coastline College
Degree: Associate of Arts / Associate of Science in Mathematics
Cost: $2,912 (In-state, California)
Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
If you want a foundation of scientific and mathematical principles, this is a top-quality option. Students will prepare for a wide range of careers that span math, engineering, education, business, research, and government. They can also transfer into a variety of academic majors, including astronomy, statistics, biology, chemistry, pharmaceuticals, physics, education, and healthcare.
These degrees are designed to create a foundational knowledge of science and math. Graduates will be able to apply the process of science to address common issues, as well as find, select, and evaluate scientific experiments and research papers. They can also explain mathematical thinking and justify mathematical solutions to complex problems.
Degree Program Types
Some degree rankings include a vast assortment of specializations that provide a diverse range of education. This ranking is more specific. While the exact classwork can change based on the school and the program, most of these degrees are titled either “bachelor of arts in mathematics” or “bachelor of science in mathematics.”
There are fewer specializations. In a way, this is by design. These degrees are designed for transfer into a four-year bachelor’s program. They provide a foundational knowledge of mathematics, which you can apply to a more specialized bachelor’s degree, such as statistics, physics, math education, or data science.
There are a few different titles for these programs. For example, Liberty University offers an Associate of Science in STEM Mathematics, while Thomas Edison State University has the Associate in Science in Natural Sciences & Mathematics / Mathematics.
Again, these degrees may not be specialized, but they set the table for more specific majors once you reach a four-year degree.
Accreditation for these Programs
Accreditation is a review of academic programs by independent groups. It’s an important part of gauging schools and universities for quality and consistency, helping students, families, and government officials make decisions on funding, attendance, and college aid.
Most of all, accreditation matters to students. Accredited schools reviewed by regional organizations are more likely to deliver a top-quality education. They have been vetted for student performance, post-graduate success, instructor quality, and more. Accreditation is particularly important if you are transferring, as major universites are less likely to accept credits from unaccredited schools.
All the programs in this database have approval from an accrediting body. For example, the cheapest associate’s degree in mathematics online, the Associate in Science in Mathematics from Cerro Coso Community College has accreditation from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Typical Admission Requirements for an Associate’s Degree in Mathematics Online
In order to enroll in an online math associate degree, you must meet a few specific requirements. Frankly, most applicants with a high school degree and decent grades will find a program that grants them admission.
The most basic requirement, as we mentioned above, is a high school diploma. You’ll need either a diploma or a GED to join an associate’s program. Some programs have GPA requirements, but this is rare for associate degrees. Schools typically try to reduce barriers to these two-year programs, giving even the most struggling students the chance to earn a college degree.
Applicants may need to provide various documents. This will include a high school transcript and may include a letter of recommendation or a statement of purpose.
It’s also common for schools to require placement testing. Schools rarely use these tests for admission decisions; instead they are for class placement. For example, if you test well in science, you may be able to join higher-level science classes.
Licensing, Training, or Experience Requirements
If you complete an associate’s degree in mathematics online, you likely won’t need to worry about licensing. First, these degrees are meant for transfer into a higher degree, so licensing will depend on your final education level and career choice. Even if you directly enter the workforce, most mathematics careers at the associate level won’t require a license or certificate.
There are a few notable exceptions. If you move from an associate’s degree in mathematics online to an education and career in actuarial science or financial analysis, you may need a license.
Actuaries are math experts who specialize in the financial cost of risk. Using statistical methods and other techniques, they help companies make decisions on pricing, purchases, and whether to offer a specific product. The Casualty Actuarial Society offers certification at two levels: associate and fellow. This is not a requirement by law, but it is mandated by virtually all employers.
Financial analysts guide money decisions for groups and individuals. They assess the performance of stocks and bonds while recommending investment decisions, among many other duties. If these professionals sell financial products, they must have licensing through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).
While some careers in math require certification or licensing, most do not. Mathematicians, statisticians, and data scientists do not need a license. Because licensing is rare and requires additional education after an associate’s degree in math, licensing is rarely a concern for graduates of affordable online math associate degrees.
Salary and Career Information
With relatively high requirements for education, math careers can be difficult to achieve. But once you have the right background and experience, you can expect excellent salaries.
Occupation | Minimum Education | Median Salary (BLS – May 2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Actuary | Bachelor’s degree | $113,990 |
| Economist | Master’s degree | $113,940 |
| Mathematician | Master’s degree | $112,110 |
| Data scientists | Bachelor’s degree | $103,500 |
| Mathematical science occupations | Varied | $99,590 |
| Statistician | Master’s degree | $98,920 |
| Financial analyst | Bachelor’s degree | $96,220 |
As you can see from the table above, many careers in math have incomes well above $95,000. Most notable is an actuary, a career that generally requires a bachelor’s degree while bringing a median income of nearly $114,000. Lumped together, all mathematical science careers have a median income of $99,590, making this one of the most lucrative career fields in the market.
Although the total job pool is low, this field brings a stable job market. The BLS says that employment in math careers will grow “much faster than the average for all occupations” through 2032. Most notable is the occupation of statistician, with an expected growth rate of 32% in the same ten-year period.
Additional schooling will likely be needed (which is why these transfer programs are so useful), but once you complete your education you’ll have access to a high-paying, high-demand career.
How Do I Choose a Good Online Math Associate Program?
With so many options, choosing the right associate’s degree in mathematics online can be difficult. But with research and due diligence, you’ll find the perfect program for your needs.
No matter the program, make sure it comes from an accredited institution so your credits can transfer to most four-year colleges. Research the cost using this database, and review the coursework to ensure it fits your skills and career goals.
Finally, make sure the program has a structure that fits your schedule and lifestyle. Review class delivery (all online or hybrid?) and make sure the classes fit your busy schedule.
With information and resources from GetEducated.com, you can find the perfect program for your career!