Associate Degrees

Prepare for the career you want by enrolling in an associate degree program online or on campus. You'll learn from industry experts and gain the knowledge and skills you need to advance in your career. You'll have the support of academic and career advisors who are dedicated to your success, and can take advantage of some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.

The benefits of earning your associate degree from SNHU include:

• Transfer-friendly programs. Transfer credits toward your bachelor's degree. Once you've earned your associate degree, you can seamlessly transfer up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's.
• Convenience. Whether you're looking for 24/7 access to coursework online or the traditional classroom experience on campus, you can choose the program that best fits your learning style.
• Affordability. SNHU is committed to making education accessible and affordable. We keep our tuition low and offer financial aid to those who qualify. Plus, our business associate degree has one of the highest ROIs in the country!³
• Expert instruction. Learn from instructors with relevant, real-world experience.

Earning your associate degree at SNHU will help prepare you for entry-level positions or promotion opportunities. Or, you can choose to continue your education seamlessly with one of our bachelor's programs.

Explore our associate degrees today.

Why Earn Your Associate Degree?

Whether you’re looking to get ahead in your current job or break into a new field, earning an associate degree is a great step in taking your career to the next level. Designed to be completed in as little as 2 years – or even faster if you have transfer credits – the associate degree is an attractive option for learners looking to further their education.

Standing Out in a Competitive Job Market

With the job market becoming increasingly difficult to maneuver, earning an associate degree can open doors to new opportunities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs requiring at least an associate degree are expected to rise 6% through 2032.¹

After taking time off school and struggling to find her niche in healthcare, Emma Gilbert ’14 decided to branch out and enroll in an associate degree program at SNHU. “My supportive husband suggested I should take some courses in business administration to broaden my scope of practice,” she said. Shortly after beginning her schooling, Gilbert received a job offer.

Her story isn’t a coincidence, either. On average, people who have earned an associate degree are less likely to be unemployed than those who didn’t pursue a degree beyond high school.²

Climbing the Career Ladder

It isn’t just entry-level job seekers who are affected by the demand for candidates with college degrees. Increasingly, adults with workforce experience are enrolling in associate degree programs to help advance their careers.

Beyond opening doors to more job opportunities, earning your associate degree is a good way to invest in yourself. On average, associate degree holders earn 18% more than those with only a high school degree 2020.2

Stepping into Your Bachelor’s Degree

An associate program is also a great option if you’re on the fence about pursuing your bachelor’s degree. Some students choose to use their associate degree as a stepping-stone to earn general education credits that can later be put toward a bachelor’s program of choice.

After bringing in credits from his time in the military, Ryan Earheart '21 got his AS in Digital Photography in less time than he thought he would.

"I started my associate degree in July 2018 and finished it November 2019 – which for me seemed fast," he said. "So I decided to go for my bachelor’s (in digital photography) from that November 2019 to August of 2021. It was very quick."

The good news is when you earn your associate degree at SNHU, choosing to continue your education isn’t a chore – you can seamlessly transfer your credits to one of our bachelor’s programs down the road.

Want to learn how SNHU can help you see yourself succeed? Request information today.

How long does it take to earn an associate degree?

An associate degree is considered a 2-year program, but attending online allows you the convenience to earn your degree at your own pace.

Southern New Hampshire University’s associate degree programs are 60 credits, typically broken down into 20 3-credit courses. As a full-time student, you’d be able to take 2 classes per term – giving you the opportunity to earn your degree in less than 2 years. If you attend SNHU part time, you’ll take one class over each 8-week term.

One common way to reduce the time it takes to get your online associate degree is by transferring credits you’ve previously earned. At SNHU, we accept up to 45 credits toward your associate degree. That means you could take as few as 5 classes at SNHU and earn your degree here.

You’ll also want to consider other factors when you decide how quickly you can realistically finish your program. If you’re working full time, are busy with a family or have a packed schedule, you’ll want to speak with your academic advisor, who can help you create a timeline so you can successfully meet your career goals.

How much is tuition for an online associate degree at SNHU?

The cost of online tuition at Southern New Hampshire University is $320 per credit hour – one of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.

An associate degree typically requires 60 credits to complete, making the total cost of the program $19,200. There are usually other fees for books or other materials, as well.

But there are a few ways to reduce the already-low cost of an online degree at SNHU.

Because SNHU has such a large population of students who’ve transferred in from other institutions, it’s common that they’ve also brought in a number of previously earned credits. SNHU accepts up to 45 credits (75% of your degree) toward your associate program. That means with each class you’re able to transfer in, that’s $960 less you need to pay.

Another way you can save money on your educational investment is through financial aid. By completing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – and any student can apply, no matter your circumstances – you can learn more about how much money you’re eligible for. Plus, when you work with our Student Financial Services team, a counselor can walk you through the process to create a financial plan and even ensure that you aren’t borrowing more than you need to.

You’ll also want to see if your employer offers tuition reimbursement. Many organizations across the country do so, wanting to see their own employees succeed and move up the ranks. Talk with an HR representative at your company to learn more.