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Best Associate Degree Schools in Missouri

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2023 Best Associate Degree Schools in Missouri

26 Schools Ranked
$10,837 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$23,309 Avg Student Debt

Today's students have lots of options to pick from when considering higher education opportunities. You're no longer limited to schools in your local area, either, since online programs are becoming more prevalent. Also there are many trade schools and bpptcamp that offer short-term programs that open up more career options.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Course Advisor has developed this Best Associate Degree Schools in Missouri ranking. This report analyzed 26 schools in Missouri to see which ones offered the best associate degree programs for students. Factors related to overall quality of the school, post-graduation earnings, average student debt, and more accumulated were considered when coming up with this list.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Associate Degree Schools in Missouri

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Ranken Technical College

Saint Louis, Missouri
$16,164 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,083 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Ranken Technical College to be the best school for students who want to pursue a associate degree in Missouri.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $16,164 to cover tuition and fees at Ranken Technical College. 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 $15,083 in student loans.

Ranken Technical College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2019-2020 year, about 66% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#2

Columbia College

Columbia, Missouri
$29,271 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #2 on this year’s list means Columbia College is a great place for students working on their associate degree.

Associate Degree recipients from Columbia College Missouri accumulate an average of $29,271 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 Columbia College Missouri does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 78% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Columbia College Report

#3

Rockhurst University

Kansas City, Missouri
$40,480 Average Tuition & Fees

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Rockhurst University is a great place for students working on their associate degree.

The average tuition and fees at Rockhurst is $40,480. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Rockhurst. During the 2019-2020 year, about 75% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Rockhurst University Report

#4

Park University

Parkville, Missouri
$8,853 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,208 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Park University. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Best Associate Degree Schools in Missouri list.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $8,853 to cover tuition and fees at Park University. 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 $16,208 in student loans.

Park University does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 91% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Park University

#5

Moberly Area Community College

Moberly, Missouri
$6,150 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,707 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Moberly Area Community College is a great place for students working on their associate degree.

Full-time students from Missouri pay an average of $6,150 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend MACC. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $7,860. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,707 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at MACC. During the 2019-2020 year, about 86% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Moberly Area Community College

$6,720 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #6, Central Methodist University - College of Graduate & Extended Studies did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working on their associate degree.

If you want to attend CMU CGES, expect to pay an average of $6,720 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid.

Online courses are available at CMU CGES, 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 57% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

$16,587 Avg Student Debt

Metropolitan Community College - Kansas City ranked #7 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in Missouri list.

On average, associate degree students take out $16,587 in loans while pursuing their degree.

MCC does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2019-2020 year, about 92% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

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$7,095 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,443 Avg Student Debt

State Technical College of Missouri did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students to get an associate degree. It came in at #8 on the list.

In-state students pay an average of $7,095 in tuition and fees if they attend STC full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $12,780. On average, associate degree students take out $13,443 in loans while pursuing their degree.

STC does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2019-2020 year, about 21% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#9

State Fair Community College

Sedalia, Missouri
$4,680 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,832 Avg Student Debt

State Fair 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 #9 on the list.

Full-time students from Missouri pay an average of $4,680 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend State Fair Community College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $6,168. Associate Degree recipients from State Fair Community College accumulate an average of $17,832 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at State Fair Community College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 72% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full State Fair Community College Report

#10

Saint Louis Community College

Saint Louis, Missouri
$5,295 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,964 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #10, Saint Louis Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working on their associate degree.

Students from Missouri who attend Saint Louis Community College full time pay an average of $5,295 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $7,155. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,964 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Saint Louis Community College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 80% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Saint Louis Community College Report

$26,470 Average Tuition & Fees

Central Methodist University - College of Liberal Arts & Sciences landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree programs.

If you want to attend CMU CLAS, expect to pay an average of $26,470 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid.

Read More…

#12

St Charles Community College

Cottleville, Missouri
$5,190 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,948 Avg Student Debt

St Charles 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.

Full-time students from Missouri pay an average of $5,190 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend SCC. Out-of-state students pay an average of $6,900. Associate Degree recipients from SCC accumulate an average of $15,948 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Online courses are available at SCC, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2019-2020 about 47% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on St Charles Community College

#13

Jefferson College

Hillsboro, Missouri
$6,030 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,466 Avg Student Debt

Jefferson College ranked #13 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in Missouri list.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at JeffCo is $6,030. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $7,740. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,466 in student loans.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since JeffCo does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 57% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Jefferson College Report

#14

Ozarks Technical Community College

Springfield, Missouri
$4,924 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,198 Avg Student Debt

Ozarks Technical Community College came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Schools in Missouri ranking.

Students from Missouri who attend OTC full time pay an average of $4,924 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,028. On average, associate degree students take out $19,198 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Online courses are available at OTC, 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, 43% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Ozarks Technical Community College

#15

Crowder College

Neosho, Missouri
$5,088 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,664 Avg Student Debt

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

If you want to attend Crowder College, expect to pay an average of $5,088 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from Crowder College accumulate an average of $12,664 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Crowder College. During the 2019-2020 year, about 60% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Crowder College Report

#16

Southeast Missouri State University

Cape Girardeau, Missouri
$8,715 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,182 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #16, Southeast Missouri 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 $8,715 in tuition and fees if they attend Southeast Missouri State University full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $15,285. On average, associate degree students take out $21,182 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Southeast Missouri State University 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 58% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

$26,243 Avg Student Debt

Missouri Southern State University came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Schools in Missouri ranking.

Associate Degree recipients from Missouri Southern accumulate an average of $26,243 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Missouri Southern 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 56% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Missouri Southern State University

#18

Mineral Area College

Park Hills, Missouri
$5,200 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,081 Avg Student Debt

Mineral Area College ranked #18 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in Missouri list.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at MAC is $5,200. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,760. On average, associate degree students take out $15,081 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at MAC. In 2019-2020 about 58% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Mineral Area College Report

#19

Southwest Baptist University

Bolivar, Missouri
$26,060 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,722 Avg Student Debt

Southwest Baptist University landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree programs.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $26,060 to cover tuition and fees at Southwest Baptist University. 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 $25,722 in student loans.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Southwest Baptist University does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 38% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#20

Missouri State University - West Plains

West Plains, Missouri
$4,800 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,491 Avg Student Debt

Missouri State University - West Plains came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Schools in Missouri ranking.

Students from Missouri who attend Missouri State West Plains full time pay an average of $4,800 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,880. Associate Degree recipients from Missouri State West Plains accumulate an average of $16,491 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 Missouri State West Plains does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 59% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Missouri State University - West Plains Report

#21

Missouri Western State University

Saint Joseph, Missouri
$7,930 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,206 Avg Student Debt

Missouri Western State University landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree programs.

Students from Missouri who attend Missouri Western full time pay an average of $7,930 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $15,550. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,206 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Missouri Western. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 67% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#22

East Central College

Union, Missouri
$4,392 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,037 Avg Student Debt

East Central College came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Schools in Missouri ranking.

In-state students pay an average of $4,392 in tuition and fees if they attend East Central College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $6,168. Associate Degree recipients from East Central College accumulate an average of $19,037 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

East Central College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 49% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on East Central College

#23

Evangel University

Springfield, Missouri
$25,748 Average Tuition & Fees

Evangel University ranked #23 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in Missouri list.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $25,748 to cover tuition and fees at Evangel. The school does not offer an in-state discount.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Evangel. In fact, around 33% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#24

North Central Missouri College

Trenton, Missouri
$5,910 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,303 Avg Student Debt

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

Full-time students from Missouri pay an average of $5,910 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend NCMC. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,020. Associate Degree recipients from NCMC accumulate an average of $17,303 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

NCMC 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 65% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on North Central Missouri College

#25

Three Rivers College

Poplar Bluff, Missouri
$6,510 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,201 Avg Student Debt

Three Rivers College ranked #25 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in Missouri list.

If you want to attend Three Rivers College, expect to pay an average of $6,510 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, associate degree students take out $17,201 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Three Rivers College. In 2019-2020 about 87% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

Best Associate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region

View Best 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.

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