Find Schools

Study Area & Zipcode

Best Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region

Find Schools Near

2023 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region

47 Schools Ranked
$7,656 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$20,852 Avg Student Debt

When it comes to higher education, there are a lot of options for students. You can choose a traditional brick and mortar school, or with the growth of online education, you can attend a school half-way across the country without even leaving your house. Alternatively, you may choose a trade school or bootcamp that prepares you to enter the workforce with knowledge in a specific field.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Course Advisor has created its Best Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. This report analyzed 47 schools in the Rocky Mountains Region to see which ones offered the best associate degree programs for students. To come up with a school's ranking, we analyzed numerous factors related to post-graduation wages, the quality of education offered by the school, average accumulated student debt, and more.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region of the U.S.

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

$6,010 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,381 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Utah Valley University to be the best school for students who want to pursue a associate degree in the Rocky Mountains Region .

In-state students pay an average of $6,010 in tuition and fees if they attend UVU full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $17,092. Associate Degree recipients from UVU accumulate an average of $14,381 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at UVU. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 70% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Utah Valley University Report

#2

Weber State University

Ogden, Utah
$6,228 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,128 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Weber State University. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list.

Students from Utah who attend WSU full time pay an average of $6,228 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $16,644. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,128 in student loans.

Online courses are available at WSU, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 59% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

$12,581 Average Tuition & Fees
$29,574 Avg Student Debt

The excellent associate degree programs at Colorado Technical University - Colorado Springs helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the best schools in the Rocky Mountains Region .

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $12,581 to cover tuition and fees at Colorado Technical University - Colorado Springs. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Associate Degree recipients from Colorado Technical University - Colorado Springs accumulate an average of $29,574 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Online courses are available at Colorado Technical University - Colorado Springs, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2019-2020 about 100% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#4

Salt Lake Community College

Salt Lake City, Utah
$4,086 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,550 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Salt Lake Community College. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list.

In-state students pay an average of $4,086 in tuition and fees if they attend Salt Lake Community College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $12,734. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,550 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Salt Lake Community College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 48% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Salt Lake Community College

#5

Arapahoe Community College

Littleton, Colorado
$4,080 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,064 Avg Student Debt

The excellent associate degree programs at Arapahoe Community College helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the best schools in the Rocky Mountains Region .

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Arapahoe Community College is $4,080. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $15,502. On average, associate degree students take out $22,064 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Arapahoe Community College. In 2019-2020 about 33% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

$4,590 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,163 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #6, Northern Wyoming Community College District did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working on their associate degree.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Northern Wyoming Community College District is $4,590. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $10,890. Associate Degree recipients from Northern Wyoming Community College District accumulate an average of $13,163 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Northern Wyoming Community College District does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 37% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

$10,200 Avg Student Debt

Brigham Young University - Idaho landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree programs.

By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,200 in student loans.

BYU - I does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. During the 2019-2020 year, about 82% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Brigham Young University - Idaho Report

#8

Front Range Community College

Westminster, Colorado
$4,032 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,281 Avg Student Debt

Front Range Community College landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree programs.

Students from Colorado who attend FRCC full time pay an average of $4,032 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $15,454. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,281 in student loans.

FRCC does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 38% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Front Range Community College

#9

Colorado Christian University

Lakewood, Colorado
$25,473 Average Tuition & Fees
$31,951 Avg Student Debt

Colorado Christian University ranked #9 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $25,473 to cover tuition and fees at CCU. The school does not offer an in-state discount. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $31,951 in student loans.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since CCU does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 51% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

$5,955 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,034 Avg Student Debt

Montana State University - Northern ranked #10 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Montana State University - Northern is $5,955. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $18,665. On average, associate degree students take out $20,034 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Montana State University - Northern does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2019-2020 year, about 72% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

$5,726 Average Tuition & Fees

The University of Montana - Western came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking.

In-state students pay an average of $5,726 in tuition and fees if they attend Montana Western full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $17,190.

Montana Western does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 74% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on The University of Montana - Western

#12

Laramie County Community College

Cheyenne, Wyoming
$4,613 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,970 Avg Student Debt

Laramie County Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students to get an associate degree. It came in at #12 on the list.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at LCCC is $4,613. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $10,913. On average, associate degree students take out $16,970 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at LCCC. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 45% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Laramie County Community College

#13

Boise State University

Boise, Idaho
$8,060 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,134 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #13, Boise State University did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working on their associate degree.

In-state students pay an average of $8,060 in tuition and fees if they attend Boise State full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $24,980. Associate Degree recipients from Boise State accumulate an average of $24,134 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Boise State does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 82% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Boise State University

#14

Montana State University

Bozeman, Montana
$7,528 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,579 Avg Student Debt

Montana State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students to get an associate degree. It came in at #14 on the list.

In-state students pay an average of $7,528 in tuition and fees if they attend MSU Bozeman full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $28,264. Associate Degree recipients from MSU Bozeman accumulate an average of $17,579 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at MSU Bozeman. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 96% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Montana State University

#15

College of Western Idaho

Nampa, Idaho
$4,336 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,617 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #15, College of Western Idaho did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working on their associate degree.

On average, associate degree students take out $16,617 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at CWI. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 51% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#16

Aims Community College

Greeley, Colorado
$2,762 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,360 Avg Student Debt

Aims Community College came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking.

In-state students pay an average of $2,762 in tuition and fees if they attend Aims Community College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $10,418. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,360 in student loans.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Aims Community College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 83% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#17

Community College of Aurora

Aurora, Colorado
$3,947 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,698 Avg Student Debt

Community College of Aurora did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students to get an associate degree. It came in at #17 on the list.

Students from Colorado who attend CCA full time pay an average of $3,947 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $15,369. On average, associate degree students take out $17,698 in loans while pursuing their degree.

CCA does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 25% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Community College of Aurora

#18

Red Rocks Community College

Lakewood, Colorado
$4,389 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,755 Avg Student Debt

Red Rocks Community College ranked #18 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list.

In-state students pay an average of $4,389 in tuition and fees if they attend Red Rocks Community College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $15,811. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,755 in student loans.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Red Rocks Community College. In 2019-2020 about 75% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Red Rocks Community College Report

#19

Pikes Peak Community College

Colorado Springs, Colorado
$3,981 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,176 Avg Student Debt

Pikes Peak Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students to get an associate degree. It came in at #19 on the list.

Students from Colorado who attend PPCC full time pay an average of $3,981 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $15,403. On average, associate degree students take out $15,176 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at PPCC. During the 2019-2020 year, about 47% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

$34,390 Average Tuition & Fees

Northwest Nazarene University came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking.

NNU does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $34,390. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at NNU. In 2019-2020 about 55% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Northwest Nazarene University Report

#21

Dixie State University

Saint George, Utah
$5,862 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,245 Avg Student Debt

Dixie State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students to get an associate degree. It came in at #21 on the list.

In-state students pay an average of $5,862 in tuition and fees if they attend Dixie State College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $16,986. On average, associate degree students take out $18,245 in loans while pursuing their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Dixie State College does offer online classes in some areas. In 2019-2020 about 47% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Dixie State University Report

#22

Colorado Mesa University

Grand Junction, Colorado
$9,000 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,242 Avg Student Debt

Colorado Mesa University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students to get an associate degree. It came in at #22 on the list.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Colorado Mesa is $9,000. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $22,322. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,242 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Colorado Mesa. During the 2019-2020 year, about 62% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#23

Western Wyoming Community College

Rock Springs, Wyoming
$3,600 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,238 Avg Student Debt

Western Wyoming Community College landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree programs.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at WWCC is $3,600. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,640. On average, associate degree students take out $12,238 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at WWCC. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 55% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Western Wyoming Community College

#24

Colorado Mountain College

Glenwood Springs, Colorado
$4,860 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,827 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #24, Colorado Mountain College did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working on their associate degree.

Students from Colorado who attend Colorado Mountain College full time pay an average of $4,860 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $11,484. On average, associate degree students take out $16,827 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Colorado Mountain College. In fact, around 33% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Colorado Mountain College

#25

College of Southern Idaho

Twin Falls, Idaho
$12,921 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #25, College of Southern Idaho did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working on their associate degree.

Associate Degree recipients from College of Southern Idaho accumulate an average of $12,921 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at College of Southern Idaho. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 41% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full College of Southern Idaho Report

View Best Associate Degree Associate Degree Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Featured Schools

Find Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited colleges across the U.S.