In 2025, more students are turning to accelerated and online associate degree programs as a faster and more affordable path into the job market. These two-year or shorter programs can reduce tuition costs and help learners qualify for in-demand roles without committing to the time and cost of a full bachelor’s degree.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the fastest associate degrees to earn, the easiest associate degrees to complete online, and the colleges and universities that offer them. We’ll also cover these programs’ costs, timelines, and career outcomes so that you can make an informed decision about your next step. To give you the clearest picture, we will also include average salary data for associate degree jobs that are based on the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and employer-reported figures available as of 2025.
What Is the Easiest Associate Degree to Get?
The easiest associate degrees to get in 2025 are typically general studies, liberal arts, and education-focused degrees because they offer both flexible requirements and online learning options. These programs will often allow students to choose their own electives, transfer credits between schools, and complete the coursework online at their own pace. Additionally, many schools now offer fully online options, which provide added flexibility but still require discipline and time management skills.
Schools That Offer Easy Accelerated Associate Degrees
The schools that offer easy and accelerated associate degrees include online colleges, community colleges, junior colleges, and universities. At these institutions, students can find flexible virtual and in-person classes and complete their programs at a faster pace. Below are some accredited institutions with these accelerated associate degree options.
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Florida State College at Jacksonville offers affordable online associate degree programs with strong transfer pathways to the University of North Florida and other Florida public institutions.
- Location: Jacksonville, Florida
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $104.88/credit (in state); $401.27/credit (out of state).1
University of Arkansas Grantham
Formerly known as Grantham University, UA Grantham specializes in flexible online programs specifically for working adults. It evaluates prior coursework and military training for credit, which helps students to accelerate their degrees.
- Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
- Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
- Tuition: $305/credit2
Liberty University Online
Liberty University Online offers more than 450 degree programs, which includes accelerated associate options that are delivered in eight-week course blocks and have multiple start dates each year.
- Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $390/credit (full-time online); $455/credit (part-time online) as of 20243
Howard College
Howard College offers affordable tuition and maintains transfer agreements with Texas public universities, giving students a pathway to bachelor’s programs.
- Location: Big Spring, Texas
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $30,584 per year4
Sinclair Community College
With more than 18,000 enrolled students, Sinclair Community College is one of the largest community colleges in Ohio. It has transfer agreements with over 100 universities and offers a wide range of associate degree programs.
- Location: Dayton, Ohio
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $146.03/credit hour5
The Fastest and Easiest Associate Degrees
While most associate degrees take about two years to complete, some schools will offer accelerated options that let students finish in closer to 12–18 months through intensive or year-round study. Below are 10 of the fastest and easiest associate degrees that you can earn in 2025.
| Degree | School | Required Time |
| Associate of Arts in General Studies | American Public University | 18–24 months (accelerated) |
| Associate of Science in Software Development | Champlain College | 18–24 months |
| Associate of Business Administration | Ashworth College | ~18 months (accelerated track) |
| Associate in Applied Science in Financial Technologies | Bismarck State College | 2 years |
| Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science | Purdue University Global | 2 years |
| Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice | University of Phoenix | 2 years |
| Associate in Science in Business Administration | Pensacola State College | 2 years |
| Associate of Applied Science in Cardiac Sonography | Baker College | 2 years |
While most associate degrees traditionally take two years to complete, some schools offer accelerated tracks that allow motivated students to graduate in 12–18 months by taking intensive course loads or classes year round.
Easiest Associate Degree Programs and Their Jobs
Associate of Arts in General Studies | American Public University
- Location: Charlestown, West Virginia
- Online Option: Yes
- Tuition: $350 per credit hour6
- Required Time: 18–24 months (accelerated available)
This flexible online program is designed for students who want a broad foundation in general education before transferring into a bachelor’s program or entering the workforce. Coursework spans English, math, history, and social sciences, with electives that are available in areas like business and health.
Jobs:
- Administrative Assistant | Med Salary: $47,4607
- Customer Service Representative | Med Salary: $42,8308
Associate of Science in Software Development | Champlain College
- Location: Burlington, Vermont
- Online Option: Yes
- Tuition: $335/credit10
- Required Time: 18–24 months
Champlain College’s Software Development associate degree program helps to build a strong foundation in Python, Java, databases, and web development. Students can transfer their credits into Champlain’s bachelor’s programs or move them directly into entry-level tech roles.
Jobs:
- Computer Support Specialist | Med Salary: $61,55011
Associate of Business Administration | Ashworth College
- Location: Norcross, Georgia
- Online Option: Yes
- Tuition: $1,349 per semester
- Required Time: ~18 months (accelerated track)
Ashworth College’s Business Administration associate program covers accounting, marketing, management, and business ethics. The self-paced structure makes it a popular option for working adults that are balancing education with other responsibilities.
Jobs:
- Office Clerk | Med Salary: $43,6309
Associate in Applied Science in Financial Technologies | Bismarck State College
- Location: Bismarck, North Dakota
- Online Option: Yes
- Tuition: ~$280/credit14
- Required Time: 2 years
This applied associate degree prepares students to work with digital finance platforms, banking systems, and regulatory frameworks. The program emphasizes hands-on skills and offers internship opportunities for students.
Jobs:
- Financial Clerk | Med Salary: $48,65013
Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science | Purdue University Global
- Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
- Online Option: Yes
- Tuition: $371/credit17
- Required Time: 2 years
Purdue Global’s Fire Science associate program combines fire prevention, safety codes, and firefighting tactics with optional field internships. Students will graduate ready for fire service and emergency management roles in the field.
Jobs:
- Firefighter | Med Salary: $59,53014
- Fire Inspector | Med Salary: $75,48015
Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice | University of Phoenix
- Location: Phoenix, Arizona
- Online Option: Yes
- Tuition: $398/credit21
- Required Time: 2 years
The University of Phoenix’s criminal justice associate degree program explores corrections, legal systems, and public safety. Transfer-friendly pathways allow students to continue toward a bachelor’s degree while simultaneously pursuing entry-level roles.
Jobs:
- Paralegal | Med Salary: $61,01018
- Correctional Officer | Med Salary: $57,95019
- Police Officer | Med Salary: $77,27020
Associate in Science in Business Administration | Pensacola State College
- Location: Pensacola, Florida
- Online Option: Yes
- Tuition: $104.58/credit22
- Required Time: 2 years
This 60-credit associate degree program provides a solid foundation in management, finance, and marketing. Graduates will often move into bachelor’s degree programs in business or directly into supervisory roles.
Jobs:
- Bookkeeping Clerk | Med Salary: $49,21012
Associate of Applied Science in Cardiac Sonography | Baker College
- Location: Owosso, Michigan
- Online Option: No
- Tuition: $450/credit25
- Required Time: 2 years
Baker College’s associate degree program combines classroom learning with extensive clinical practice in diagnostic imaging. Students will complete 73 credits in anatomy, physiology, and ultrasound technology.
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Jobs:
- Medical Sonographer | Med Salary: $82,57023
- Radiation Therapist | Med Salary: $101,99024
What Are the Fastest Degrees to Get?
The fastest degrees to get in 2025 are accelerated associate degrees, which typically enable students to graduate in 12 to 18 months instead of the standard two years of traditional associate degrees. These programs have a heavier course load or year-round classes, which makes them more intensive but also more time-efficient. Additionally, online associate degree programs can also shorten this timeline because many of them are self-paced or offer multiple start dates throughout the year.
Fastest and Easiest Associate Degrees FAQ
An associate degree is an undergraduate credential that typically requires about 60 credits total and takes about two years to complete at community colleges, online schools, or some four-year institutions. These degrees typically provide training beyond just high school and can qualify graduates for many entry-level jobs or to transfer into a bachelor’s degree program.
With an associate degree, you can pursue entry-level jobs that are in your field or you can transfer your credits into a bachelor’s degree program. Associate degrees are especially valuable in fields like healthcare, technology, and business, where employers will often hire graduates with two-year credentials.
Most associate degrees will take about two years of full-time study to complete. Accelerated programs can be finished in 12 to 18 months, while part-time students may need three years or more years to graduate depending on their own schedule.
Most associate degree programs include about 60 credits, and many colleges will allow students to transfer most or all of these credits into a bachelor’s degree program. Transfers will depend on the receiving institution, but articulation agreements between community colleges and universities often guarantee full credit transfer for associate graduates.
References
- https://www.fscj.edu/student-financial-services/tuition-and-fees
- https://www.uagrantham.edu/online-college-tuition/
- https://www.liberty.edu/online/tuition-and-fees/
- https://financialservices.howard.edu/tuition-fees/tuition-faqs/cost-attendance/2022-2023-estimated-cost-attendance
- https://sinclair.edu/services/welcome-center/bursar/tuition-fee-schedule/
- https://catalog.apus.edu/undergraduate/tuition-fees-financing/tuition-fees/
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/secretaries-and-administrative-assistants.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/customer-service-representatives.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/general-office-clerks.htm
- https://online.champlain.edu/paying-school/undergraduate-tuition
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm
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- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/financial-clerks.htm
- https://bismarckstate.edu/uploads/274/2025-2026%20_tuition_and_fees.pdf
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/firefighters.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/fire-inspectors-and-investigators.htm
- https://www.purdueglobal.edu/tuition-financial-aid/undergraduate-graduate-tuition-and-fees/
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/correctional-officers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/police-and-detectives.htm
- https://www.phoenix.edu/tuition-financial-aid-73137a.html?alloy_redirect=eyJ2IjoxLCJhZCI6IjU5OTEyOToxOjB8Miw2MDk4OTk6MDowfDIsNjExMjQxOjM6MHwyLDU4NTAzNzowOjB8Miw1NDgzMzU6MDowfDIifQ%3D%3D
- https://financialaid.pensacolastate.edu/in-state-resident-rates/
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiation-therapists.htm
- https://www.baker.edu/admissions-and-aid/tuition-and-aid/tuition/
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/retail-sales-workers.htm
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