2023 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Southeast Region
There are so many programs in today's world that it can tough to figure out which one is the right one for you. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country. Or you may find the programs at a trade school or bootcamp to be a better alternative for you.
Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Course Advisor has created the Best Associate Degree Schools in the Southeast Region to help you in your search for the best school for you. This report analyzed 354 schools in the Southeast 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.
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Top Associate Degree Schools in the Southeast Region of the U.S.
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
Our 2023 rankings named Southeastern University the best school in the Southeast Region for students working on their associate degree.
If you want to attend SEU, expect to pay an average of $28,320 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, associate degree students take out $14,888 in loans while pursuing their degree.
SEU does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 49% took at least some of their classes online.
Out of the 354 schools in the Southeast Region that were part of this year’s ranking, American Public University System landed the # 2 spot on the list.
If you want to attend American Military University, expect to pay an average of $7,360 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, associate degree students take out $23,232 in loans while pursuing their degree.
American Military University is primarily an online school, so it is a great choice for returning adults and students who work full time.
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Columbia Southern University. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Southeast Region list.
The average tuition and fees at Columbia Southern University is $5,775. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,725 in student loans.
Interested in an online degree? Then you definitely want to check out Columbia Southern University. Every undergraduate student at the school took at least one class online.
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Reinhardt University. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Southeast Region list.
If you want to attend Reinhardt University, expect to pay an average of $26,180 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid.
You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Reinhardt University. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 64% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Stanly Community College. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in the Southeast Region list.
Students from North Carolina who attend Stanly Technical College full time pay an average of $2,794 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $9,245. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,203 in student loans.
Some students may be able to take online classes at Stanly Technical College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 92% took at least some of their classes online.
With a ranking of #6, Rasmussen University - Florida did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working on their associate degree.
If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $13,635 to cover tuition and fees at Rasmussen University - Florida. 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 $27,566 in student loans.
Some students may be able to take online classes at Rasmussen University - Florida. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 100% took at least some of their classes online.
Florida SouthWestern State College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students to get an associate degree. It came in at #7 on the list.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at FSW is $3,401. Out-of-state students pay an average of $12,979. On average, associate degree students take out $16,085 in loans while pursuing their degree.
One thing to take note of is that FSW does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 73% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.
With a ranking of #8, North Carolina State University did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working on their associate degree.
Students from North Carolina who attend NC State full time pay an average of $9,131 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $29,916. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,849 in student loans.
Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at NC State. In fact, around 95% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.
Trident Technical College came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Schools in the Southeast Region ranking.
Full-time students from South Carolina pay an average of $5,143 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Trident Technical College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,690. Associate Degree recipients from Trident Technical College accumulate an average of $26,670 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
Online courses are available at Trident Technical College, 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, 89% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.
Herzing University - Kenner did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students to get an associate degree. It came in at #10 on the list.
The average tuition and fees at Herzing University - Kenner is $14,200. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from Herzing University - Kenner accumulate an average of $32,724 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
Online courses are available at Herzing University - Kenner, 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, 92% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.
With a ranking of #11, Herzing University - Atlanta did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working on their associate degree.
The average tuition and fees at Herzing University - Atlanta is $14,200. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from Herzing University - Atlanta accumulate an average of $33,233 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
Herzing University - Atlanta 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. In 2019-2020 about 81% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
Hillsborough Community College landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree programs.
Students from Florida who attend HCC full time pay an average of $2,506 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $9,111. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,707 in student loans.
Some students may be able to take online classes at HCC. During the 2019-2020 year, about 88% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
Bluegrass Community and Technical College came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Schools in the Southeast Region ranking.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Bluegrass Community and Technical College is $4,568. Out-of-state students pay an average of $15,320. Associate Degree recipients from Bluegrass Community and Technical College accumulate an average of $20,015 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Bluegrass Community and Technical College. In fact, around 65% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.
Herzing University - Birmingham landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree programs.
The average tuition and fees at Herzing University - Birmingham is $14,200. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from Herzing University - Birmingham accumulate an average of $33,029 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Herzing University - Birmingham. In fact, around 58% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.
With a ranking of #15, Northern Virginia Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working on their associate degree.
Full-time students from Virginia pay an average of $5,565 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Northern Virginia Community College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $11,648. On average, associate degree students take out $17,116 in loans while pursuing their degree.
Northern Virginia Community College 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.
St Petersburg College ranked #16 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in the Southeast Region list.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at SPC is $2,682. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,286. Associate Degree recipients from SPC accumulate an average of $22,838 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
Online courses are available at SPC, 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, 87% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.
Campbell University ranked #17 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in the Southeast Region list.
Campbell does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $38,160. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,557 in student loans.
Online courses are available at Campbell, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2019-2020 about 25% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
Polk State College landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree programs.
Full-time students from Florida pay an average of $3,366 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Polk State. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $12,271. On average, associate degree students take out $15,235 in loans while pursuing their degree.
If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Polk State does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2019-2020 about 90% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
University of Mount Olive came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Schools in the Southeast Region ranking.
The average tuition and fees at UMO is $22,618. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $31,309 in student loans.
Online courses are available at UMO, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2019-2020 year, about 86% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
Indian River State College ranked #20 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in the Southeast Region list.
Full-time students from Florida pay an average of $2,764 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Indian River State College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,201. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,642 in student loans.
If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Indian River State College does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 79% took at least some of their classes online.
With a ranking of #21, South Piedmont Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working on their associate degree.
In-state students pay an average of $2,015 in tuition and fees if they attend South Piedmont Community College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $6,623. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,967 in student loans.
One thing to take note of is that South Piedmont Community College does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 83% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.
South University, Montgomery came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Schools in the Southeast Region ranking.
The average tuition and fees at South University, Montgomery is $18,000. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from South University, Montgomery accumulate an average of $31,872 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
South University, Montgomery does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 49% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.
With a ranking of #23, Troy University did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working on their associate degree.
By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,934 in student loans.
You may have the opportunity to take online classes at TROY. In fact, around 58% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.
Saint Leo University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students to get an associate degree. It came in at #24 on the list.
The average tuition and fees at St. Leo University is $26,050. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. On average, associate degree students take out $32,875 in loans while pursuing their degree.
Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at St. Leo University. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 93% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.
Daytona State College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students to get an associate degree. It came in at #25 on the list.
Full-time students from Florida pay an average of $3,106 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Daytona State College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $11,994. On average, associate degree students take out $15,832 in loans while pursuing their degree.
One thing to take note of is that Daytona State College does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2019-2020 year, about 77% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Southeast Region of the U.S.
Not only did these schools make the top 50 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:
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Rest of the Top 15% Best Associate Degree Schools in the Southeast Region of the U.S.
To learn more about the schools below, just click on their names:
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 51 | Chipola College | Marianna, FL |
| 52 | Tallahassee Community College | Tallahassee, FL |
| 53 | Hodges University | Naples, FL |
| 54 | Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute | Hudson, NC |
Honorable Mentions
These schools also performed well in our best schools ranking:
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 55 | Radford University | Radford, VA |
| 56 | Western Kentucky University | Bowling Green, KY |
| 57 | Santa Fe College | Gainesville, FL |
| 58 | Georgia Highlands College | Rome, GA |
| 59 | Motlow State Community College | Tullahoma, TN |
| 60 | Lord Fairfax Community College | Middletown, VA |
| 61 | Strayer University - Florida | Tampa, FL |
| 62 | Southern Regional Technical College | Thomasville, GA |
| 63 | Trevecca Nazarene University | Nashville, TN |
| 64 | Louisiana Tech University | Ruston, LA |
| 65 | Jackson State Community College | Jackson, TN |
| 66 | Coastal Alabama Community College | Bay Minette, AL |
| 67 | College of Business and Technology-Hialeah | Hialeah, FL |
| 68 | Tennessee State University | Nashville, TN |
| 69 | Albany State University | Albany, GA |
| 70 | Johnson & Wales University - Charlotte | Charlotte, NC |
| 71 | DeVry University - Florida | Miramar, FL |
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.
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