When choosing a degree most suited to academic and professional expectations, the aspiring online student must consider the layout of their future. By opting into an online liberal arts associate’s degree, students are considering a pliable and lucrative financial and personal plan. Associate of Liberal Arts programs offer broad based knowledge and transferable credits which are to be built upon by advanced degrees. For those unable to choose between varying interests in business, education, healthcare, communications, politics, law, and other occupations, this is the perfect place to start. Liberal arts jobs will see a varying rate of growth and decline throughout 2028, according to the BLS, with an outlook of negative 10 to positive 8 percent. By entering the workforce with an accredited degree, students are likely to find professions best suited to their goals. By using this degree as a transferable academic starting point, students are preparing themselves for success in the competitive fields of political science, English, history, graphic design, and more.
GetEducated has surveyed 171 online liberal arts associate’s degree programs from 156 regionally accredited four-year colleges to make your search easier. This “Best Buy” list is comprised of the most affordable options in the US. With tuition differences of up to $72,700, it is imperative to become an informed consumer before making one of the most substantial financial decisions of a lifetime.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$22,900
Least Expensive: Broward College ~ $5,660.00
Most Expensive: Fairleigh Dickinson University ~ $78,372.00
Our data-driven research creates a truly reliable system of scientific rankings. There are no fancy formulas here. We meticulously calculate total full-time tuition—including any fees—for the most accurate total cost. Our rankings cannot be bought, and therefore factually showcase the cheapest online liberal arts associate’s degree options. The online liberal arts degrees listed above the gray dividing line are official 2020 “Best Buys” and cost less than the national average.
81 Most Affordable Online Liberal Arts Associate’s Degree
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Broward College | (FL) | $5,660.00 $17,904.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | Eastern Florida State College | (FL) | $6,260.00 $24,365.60 | In-State Out-of-State |
3 | Great Basin College | (NV) | $6,495.00 $9,570.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
4 | Florida SouthWestern State College | (FL) | $6,681.60 $25,837.20 | In-State Out-of-State |
5 | Polk State College | (FL) | $6,733.20 $24,543.60 | In-State Out-of-State |
6 | College of Southern Nevada | (NV) | $6,775.00 $9,850.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
7 | Seminole State College of Florida | (FL) | $6,793.80 $23,443.20 | In-State Out-of-State |
8 | Western Nevada College | (NV) | $6,880.00 $9,955.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
9 | Daytona State College | (FL) | $7,062.80 $24,839.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
10 | Florida State College at Jacksonville | (FL) | $7,192.80 $14,013.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
11 | Pasco-Hernando State College | (FL) | $7,225.80 $24,978.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
12 | College of Central Florida | (FL) | $7,375.20 $26,892.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
13 | Georgia State University | (GA) | $7,620.00 | All Students |
14 | Atlanta Metropolitan State College | (GA) | $7,625.00 | All Students |
15 | Albany State University | (GA) | $7,670.00 | All Students |
16 | Georgia Highlands College | (GA) | $7,828.00 $23,708.20 | In-State Out-of-State |
17 | Miami Dade College | (FL) | $7,993.20 $25,050.60 | In-State Out-of-State |
18 | Brazosport College | (TX) | $8,270.00 $11,510.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
19 | University of North Georgia | (GA) | $8,760.00 | All Students |
20 | Bellevue College | (WA) | $9,078.00 $15,271.50 | In-State Out-of-State |
21 | South Texas College | (TX) | $9,180.00 $15,960.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
22 | Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology | (OK) | $11,100.00 | All Students |
23 | Montana State University-Billings | (MT) | $11,112.56 $20,343.92 | In-State Out-of-State |
24 | Pierce College | (WA) | $11,138.40 $27,146.70 | In-State Out-of-State |
25 | Utah Valley University | (UT) | $11,640.00 $33,140.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
26 | Weber State University | (UT) | $11,972.52 $18,672.52 | In-State Out-of-State |
27 | God's Bible School and College | (OH) | $12,900.00 | All Students |
28 | Fort Hays State University | (KS) | $13,120.20 | All Students |
29 | Cameron University | (OK) | $14,190.00 $34,914.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
30 | Georgia Military College | (GA) | $14,220.00 | All Students |
31 | Ohio University | (OH) | $14,400.00 $14,580.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
32 | Lewis-Clark State College | (ID) | $14,684.00 $22,664.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
33 | Louisiana State University-Alexandria | (LA) | $15,040.00 | All Students |
34 | MidAmerica Nazarene University | (KS) | $15,052.00 | All Students |
35 | Arkansas State University | (AR) | $15,480.00 | All Students |
36 | Mount Vernon Nazarene University | (OH) | $15,900.00 | All Students |
37 | Thomas Edison State University | (NJ) | $16,150.00 $20,010.00 $15,298.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
38 | University of Alaska Fairbanks | (AK) | $16,430.00 | All Students |
39 | Central Methodist University | (MO) | $16,575.00 | All Students |
40 | University of Maine at Fort Kent | (ME) | $17,010.00 $25,410.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
41 |  American Public University System | (WV) | $17,300.00 $15,100.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
42 | McNeese State University | (LA) | $17,320.92 | All Students |
43 | University of Maine at Augusta | (ME) | $17,705.25 $21,365.25 | In-State Out-of-State |
44 | SUNY College of Technology at Canton | (NY) | $17,775.00 $20,595.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
45 | Amridge University | (AL) | $17,900.00 | All Students |
46 | Indiana Wesleyan University | (IN) | $17,940.00 | All Students |
47 | Waldorf University | (IA) | $18,120.00 $15,120.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
48 | Western New Mexico University | (NM) | $18,165.00 $21,788.40 | In-State Out-of-State |
49 | Ball State University | (IN) | $18,200.00 $30,740.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
50 | Hampton University | (VA) | $18,600.00 | All Students |
51 | Granite State College (part of University of New Hampshire) Associate of Arts in General Studies 14 | (NH) | $19,180.00 $22,240.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
52 |  Southern New Hampshire University | (NH) | $19,350.00 $13,650.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
53 | Clarion University of Pennsylvania (part of Pennsylvania Western University) Associate of Arts in Arts & Sciences 14 | (PA) | $19,658.80 $22,216.40 | In-State Out-of-State |
54 | Arkansas Tech University | (AR) | $19,747.00 $34,131.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
55 | Jackson College | (MI) | $19,822.80 $24,630.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
56 | Austin Peay State University | (TN) | $19,954.00 $26,014.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
57 | Oklahoma Wesleyan University | (OK) | $19,970.00 $17,030.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
58 | Troy University | (AL) | $20,280.00 $15,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
59 | University of Toledo | (OH) | $20,329.52 $39,049.52 | In-State Out-of-State |
60 | King University | (TN) | $20,425.00 $17,125.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
61 | Rogers State University | (OK) | $20,438.00 $37,674.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
62 | Drury University | (MO) | $20,498.00 $16,158.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
63 | Charter Oak State College | (CT) | $20,561.00 $26,845.00 $15,525.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
64 | Grace Christian University | (MI) | $20,700.00 $15,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
65 | Toccoa Falls College | (GA) | $20,720.00 | All Students |
66 | University of Wisconsin-Platteville | (WI) | $20,820.00 | All Students |
67 | Northern State University | (SD) | $21,075.00 | All Students |
67 | South Dakota State University | (SD) | $21,075.00 | All Students |
67 | University of South Dakota | (SD) | $21,075.00 $15,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
67 | Dakota State University | (SD) | $21,075.00 $15,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
71 | Tusculum University | (TN) | $21,100.00 | All Students |
72 | Dickinson State University Associate of Arts in General Education 14 | (ND) | $21,145.80 | All Students |
73 | Wichita State University | (KS) | $21,360.30 | All Students |
74 | Holy Apostles College and Seminary | (CT) | $21,910.00 | All Students |
75 | LeTourneau University | (TX) | $22,465.00 | All Students |
76 | Northwestern State University of Louisiana | (LA) | $22,500.00 $11,520.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
76 | Columbia College - MO | (MO) | $22,500.00 $15,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
78 | Pennsylvania Western University | (PA) | $22,572.00 $23,532.00 $18,252.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
79 | Notre Dame College (School Closing) Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies 14 | (OH) | $22,650.00 | All Students |
80 | Saint Leo University | (FL) | $22,765.00 $15,565.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
81 | Murray State University | (KY) | $22,836.00 $32,340.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Wilmington University | (DE) | $23,060.00 $15,200.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Bryan College | (TN) | $23,210.00 | All Students | |
Shorter University | (GA) | $23,330.00 | All Students | |
Baptist University of Florida | (FL) | $23,500.00 | All Students | |
Indiana University of Pennsylvania | (PA) | $23,600.00 $30,218.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Ohio Christian University | (OH) | $23,800.00 $16,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Faulkner University | (AL) | $23,870.00 | All Students | |
Trine University | (IN) | $23,940.00 $15,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Bay Path University | (MA) | $24,000.00 $21,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Columbia International University | (SC) | $24,120.00 | All Students | |
Asbury University | (KY) | $24,132.00 | All Students | |
Franklin Pierce University | (NH) | $24,200.00 | All Students | |
Touro University Worldwide | (CA) | $24,200.00 | All Students | |
Indiana Institute of Technology | (IN) | $24,290.00 | All Students | |
Liberty University | (VA) | $24,296.00 $15,100.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
New England College | (NH) | $24,300.00 $11,250.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Baker College | (MI) | $24,700.00 $15,400.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Andrews University | (MI) | $25,010.00 | All Students | |
 Concordia University-Saint Paul | (MN) | $25,200.00 $15,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
University of Louisiana at Monroe | (LA) | $25,200.00 | All Students | |
Southeastern University | (FL) | $25,380.00 | All Students | |
Endicott College | (MA) | $25,446.00 | All Students | |
Central Christian College of Kansas | (KS) | $25,500.00 | All Students | |
 Fisher College | (MA) | $25,600.00 | All Students | |
Point University | (GA) | $25,600.00 | All Students | |
Medaille College (School Closed) Associate of Science in General Studies 14 | (NY) | $25,650.00 $15,150.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
 Campbellsville University | (KY) | $25,836.00 | All Students | |
Southern Wesleyan University | (SC) | $25,925.00 | All Students | |
Bethel University - MN | (MN) | $25,984.00 | All Students | |
Colorado Mesa University | (CO) | $26,052.00 | All Students | |
Belhaven University | (MS) | $26,090.00 $17,100.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Eastern Kentucky University | (KY) | $26,176.00 $16,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
University of Northwestern St. Paul | (MN) | $26,400.00 | All Students | |
Roger Williams University | (RI) | $26,447.00 | All Students | |
Geneva College | (PA) | $26,460.00 | All Students | |
Northwest Nazarene University | (ID) | $26,695.00 | All Students | |
Central Baptist College | (AR) | $26,700.00 | All Students | |
Barclay College | (KS) | $27,300.00 | All Students | |
Limestone University | (SC) | $27,467.00 $15,191.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Regent University | (VA) | $27,480.00 $18,200.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Pennsylvania State University | (PA) | $27,976.00 | All Students | |
Campbell University | (NC) | $28,140.00 $15,740.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Crown College | (MN) | $28,140.00 | All Students | |
Upper Iowa University | (IA) | $28,330.00 $15,070.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Maranatha Baptist University | (WI) | $28,445.00 | All Students | |
Eastern University | (PA) | $28,652.00 | All Students | |
Hope International University | (CA) | $28,800.00 $16,800.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Bushnell University | (OR) | $29,100.00 | All Students | |
University of Massachusetts Global | (CA) | $30,000.00 $15,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Brescia University | (KY) | $30,165.00 | All Students | |
San Diego Christian College | (CA) | $30,528.00 | All Students | |
Florida Institute of Technology | (FL) | $31,110.00 $15,250.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Colorado Christian University | (CO) | $31,800.00 $18,660.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
University of the Incarnate Word | (TX) | $31,890.00 $15,090.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Western Kentucky University | (KY) | $32,400.00 $15,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Southwestern Assemblies of God University | (TX) | $32,654.00 | All Students | |
Ashland University | (OH) | $32,775.00 | All Students | |
Excelsior University | (NY) | $32,790.00 $15,260.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
National University (School Merged) Associate of Arts/Associate of Science in General Education 14 | (CA) | $33,400.00 | All Students | |
Pace University | (NY) | $33,710.00 | All Students | |
Chaminade University of Honolulu | (HI) | $35,070.00 $17,070.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Manor College | (PA) | $36,044.00 | All Students | |
Peirce College | (PA) | $37,335.00 | All Students | |
City University of Seattle | (WA) | $38,070.00 $14,940.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Mercy College | (NY) | $39,188.00 | All Students | |
Villanova University | (PA) | $39,600.00 | All Students | |
Golden Gate University | (CA) | $40,040.00 | All Students | |
 Brenau University | (GA) | $40,551.00 $16,090.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Centenary University | (NJ) | $41,540.00 | All Students | |
Syracuse University | (NY) | $41,700.00 | All Students | |
Southwestern Adventist University | (TX) | $44,400.00 | All Students | |
Alliance University Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences 14 | (NY) | $51,000.00 | All Students | |
Hawaii Pacific University | (HI) | $54,750.00 $15,750.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Dallas Baptist University Associate of Arts 14 Associate of Interdisciplinary Studies 14 | (TX) | $58,840.00 | All Students | |
Fairleigh Dickinson University | (NJ) | $78,372.00 | All Students |
14 Options for this program have changed since publication.
Accreditation Note: To qualify for a ranking, a program must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table.
Rankings Note: These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Winter/Spring 2020 review of regionally accredited online liberal arts associate’s degree options. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. School profiles for the online associate degree programs in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules. The published cost is an estimated sticker price for the entire online degree including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.
Editorial Note: Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers an associate’s degree that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
These rankings of the cheapest online schools for liberal arts may NOT be re-posted online or reprinted in any format without a license from GetEducated ®. Consumer finance bloggers and writers can contact our editors for a free custom article on the best online liberal arts associate’s degrees for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Why Get an Online Liberal Arts Associate Degree?
An affordable online liberal arts associate’s degree prepares students for a wide range of careers, as well as future degrees like a bachelor’s or (eventually) a master’s.
The top online liberal arts associate’s degree programs are useful for students with wide-ranging goals. Students who want a quick education that covers numerous subjects, including history, literature, mathematics, and science, will benefit from these degrees.
However, the best online liberal arts associate’s degree programs are often designed and marketed specifically for transfer into a larger bachelor’s program. They provide a clear, well-established pathway, a pipeline even, to a bachelor’s program, which is usually more focused on a specific academic disciple.
Students enrolled in these programs will gain a variety of skills that apply to virtually all sectors of the economy. Writing, communication, critical thinking, and research skills can all be enhanced during an associate’s degree in liberal arts.
The benefit of a liberal arts degree is that it can apply to so many careers. Students don’t gain technical skills that apply to a specific trade, but instead learn “soft skills” that apply to all sorts of professions. Graduates of affordable online liberal arts associate’s degree programs can work in sales, education, administrative roles, customer service, writing, management, and more.
Types of Online Associate Degrees in Liberal Arts
An associate’s degree in liberal arts can take many forms. Because the subject matter is so broad, students have the chance to select from an assortment of diverse courses, crafting their degrees in a manner that fits their goals both professionally and academically.
Regardless of the classes, the best online liberal arts associate’s degree requires at least 60 credit hours to complete. Most people will need two years to complete their degree, while students taking part-time courses may need three years or more.
Most of these programs are “associate of arts” degrees, as opposed to “associate of science.” There is overlap, but an associate of arts is generally broad in nature and scope, and doesn’t focus on a specific skill set. An associate of science may focus on a specific skill or academic concentration.
Aspiring students searching through affordable online liberal arts associate’s degree programs can select through various concentrations, although the subject matter will largely be the same. There are programs in liberal arts, general studies, and interdisciplinary studies, but the subject matter remains similar.
Online Courses During a Liberal Arts Associate Program
The top online (major) degree programs provide a broad education that covers many of the classic academic subjects, such as literature, mathematics, and science. For most programs, students can select from a variety of courses within a certain category, giving more freedom to their class selection.
College of Southern Nevada – Associate of General Studies
This top online liberal arts associate’s degree is a perfect example of a liberal arts degree. It requires students to complete courses in mathematics, English, communication, and the humanities. Students can select from a variety of classes but must complete courses from each of the major categories. For example, students need to complete either “Historical Issues and Contemporary Society” or “Introduction to American Politics” to complete the “U.S. and Nevada Constitution” requirement.
Brazosport College – Associate of Arts (General)
Like the previous degree, this program includes various categories; students can then select specific classes to meet that category’s requirements. In this program, there is a Communications requirement that students complete “Composition and Rhetoric I,” as well as one of four different classes that cover public speaking and professional communication.
Bryan College – Associate of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies
Students with broad interests who have not yet chosen a degree path can utilize this program. This top online liberal arts associate’s degree program encompasses subjects like philosophy, natural science, oral communication, and history to meet the General Education requirements. Students will also complete a host of courses in the Interdisciplinary Studies section; these include “Introduction to Fine Arts” and “Introduction to Literature.”
Asbury University – Associate of Science in Liberal Arts
This associate of science degree includes classes that focus on college writing, communication, humanities, and more. There is the Foundations Requirement, which is more or less fixed, as well as electives that cover 12 credit hours.
Accreditation
Accreditation is the review, verification, and approval of colleges and universities, as well as their specific programs, by independent organizations. Essentially acting as a form of quality control, it is an important part of the academic process.
Accreditation is granted to entire institutions through regional bodies. Known as “institutional accreditation,” it covers the entire college or university and is granted by groups that include the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Specific degree programs can receive “programmatic accreditation.” For example, pharmacy degrees are often accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). Because the best online liberal arts associate’s degree program covers such a broad range of topics, there is no accrediting body for these degrees. The lack of programmatic accreditation, however, does not mean these degrees are any less valuable. All the programs in our database come from institutionally-accredited colleges and universities, so they maintain a high level of academic standards.
Admission Requirements for an Online Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts
As a student progresses through the academic ladder, entry requirements become higher. An associate’s degree acts as a starting point and often has the lightest admission requirements among all academic levels. In fact, students who fail to meet the requirements of a bachelor’s program can often enroll in an associate degree. In the smaller program, they can improve their grades and academic performance, all while building towards a four-year degree.
To enroll in an associate’s degree, you first need a high school diploma or equivalent. Students who have not met this requirement can enroll in online diploma programs that are often designed for adult learners.
The GPA requirements for the best online (major) programs will depend on the specific program. Most will require high school transcripts, and some will have a GPA requirement, but, if there is a requirement at all, it will be light. Some may have a requirement of 2.0 or 2.25, which comes out to roughly a “C” average.
Most programs do not require SAT scores and accept anyone with a high school diploma, regardless of past academic performance. Many community colleges use placement tests in English, math, and other subjects to determine college readiness, not to accept or reject applicants. These placement tests will impact what classes are available, but rarely eliminate students from eligibility.
Cost for an Online Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts
Except for short certificates and diplomas, an associate program is usually to be the most affordable college option. Because they often come from community colleges and small universities, and because they take less time to complete (two years compared to four for a bachelor’s), they require fewer total credit hours, which inevitably means a smaller cost.
The average price for the best online liberal arts associate’s degree programs was $22,900. Assuming two years of study, the typical per-year price is $11,450. This comes out to an average of $5,725 for each semester.
However, the price can be even more affordable. The cheapest online liberal arts associate’s degree program is the Associate of Arts in General Education from Broward College, which has a total price of $5,660 for in-state students. This comes out to $2,830 per year and, assuming four semesters to complete the program, only $1,415 for each semester.
Overall, there are 22 programs in our list of the top online liberal arts associate’s degree programs that are priced below $10,000, demonstrating the affordability and accessibility of these educations.
But the cost can become more expensive. The least-affordable online liberal arts associate’s degree program is the online Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey. This degree has a total price tag of $78,372, which means students on a two-year graduation plan need $39,186 for each year of attendance. Although there are other high-priced online degrees, this is by far the most expensive; the second-most-expensive degree comes from Dallas Baptist University, which charges $58,840 in total. This is, essentially, a $20,000 gap between the most- and second-most-expensive.
Many factors impact the cost of a degree, but one of the most common is the difference between public and private institutions. The most affordable degrees come from public institutions like Eastern Florida State and College of Southern Nevada, while the most expensive come from private schools like Hawaii Pacific University and Syracuse University. Students interested in the cheapest online liberal arts associate’s degree should consider a public school within their home state.
Licensing & Certification for Liberal Arts Graduates
Many professionals need a license. Doctors, lawyers, commercial truck drivers, and engineers, to name a few, need a license through the state or federal government. As we have established, the top online liberal arts associate’s degree program can lead to so many careers that it’s impossible to say what license a graduate might need. The same goes for voluntary certification, which is available in almost any profession.
Certification can help bolster a career even if it is not officially required. For example, an insurance sales agent (a career that only requires a high school diploma but could be enhanced with a larger liberal arts degree) may want to complete certification through the American College of Financial Services. This certification can improve sales skills, industry knowledge, and career opportunities.
Salary & Career Information
Many students will use an associate’s degree in liberal arts as a stepping stone toward a larger bachelor’s degree. Their education won’t end with these degree programs, but will instead move forward into a bachelor’s degree, which could be in any number of potential majors.
Putting a specific number on potential earnings after affordable online (major) degrees, therefore, is nearly impossible.
We can, however, look at potential earnings for people with an associate degree and compare this to earnings for people with only a high school diploma, which will demonstrate the benefits of enrolling in one of the best online liberal arts associate’s degree programs.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the “median usual weekly earnings” for someone with a high school diploma (no college experience) is $809. Assuming 52 weeks of work a year, this comes out to $42,068 annually.
Someone with an associate’s degree, however, can expect even stronger earnings. The median salary for someone with an associate’s degree is $963, roughly $150 more a week than a high school graduate with no college education. With 52 weeks of work, this again translates to $50,076. For only two years of education, the median income jumps by roughly $8,000.
Next Step in Your Education
The next step in the education process is a bachelor’s degree, a step that can bring excellent pay. As we see from the BLS’s numbers, the median income for a holder of a bachelor’s degree is $1,334, which translates to $69,368 annually. There are numerous factors involved, but by completing a bachelor’s after an associate’s the annual income jumps by more than $19,000.
Students who plan on taking the next step in their academic journey should talk with the admissions office at their desired school. Make sure the associate’s degree will transfer to the bachelor’s program of your choice before enrolling.