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Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region

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2023 Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region

86 Schools Ranked
$4,369 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$17,495 Avg Student Debt

There are lots of options to pick from today when trying to decide which program is right for you. 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. On top of that, there are a considerable number of trade schools and bootcamps that offer fast-track entry to many fields.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Course Advisor has created its Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. This report analyzed 86 schools in the Far Western US Region to see which ones had the most popular online associate degree programs for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from schools with online programs.

Learn more about these popular schools with online programs:

#1

Santa Monica College

Santa Monica, California
3,921 Total Awards
$1,146 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,428 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Santa Monica College to be the most popular school for students who want to pursue a associate degree in the Far Western US Region . Santa Monica College is a large public school located in Santa Monica, California that handed out 3,921 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at SMC is $1,146. Out-of-state students pay an average of $9,090. Associate Degree recipients from SMC accumulate an average of $13,428 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

During the 2019-2020 year, about 45% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Santa Monica College

#2

Rio Hondo College

Whittier, California
2,207 Total Awards
$1,360 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,088 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #2 on this year’s list means Rio Hondo College is a great place for students working on their associate degree. Whittier, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 2,207 students in 2020-2021.

Students from California who attend RHCCD full time pay an average of $1,360 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,780. On average, associate degree students take out $18,088 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

During the 2019-2020 year, about 30% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#3

Lane Community College

Eugene, Oregon
1,635 Total Awards
$5,333 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,053 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 86 schools in the Far Western US Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Lane Community College landed the # 3 spot on the list. Lane Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Eugene, Oregon that handed out 1,635 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Lane Community College is $5,333. Out-of-state students pay an average of $11,345. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,053 in student loans. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

During the 2019-2020 year, about 50% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

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1,440 Total Awards
$5,850 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,208 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Chemeketa Community College. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Chemeketa Community College is a public institution located in Salem, Oregon. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,440 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Chemeketa Community College is $5,850. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $13,275. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,208 in student loans. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

In 2019-2020 about 93% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#5

Merced College

Merced, California
1,667 Total Awards
$1,180 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,503 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 86 schools in the Far Western US Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Merced College landed the # 5 spot on the list. Merced College is a medium-sized public school located in Merced, California that handed out 1,667 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Merced Community College District is $1,180. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $7,444. Associate Degree recipients from Merced Community College District accumulate an average of $10,503 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 70% of those degree recipients were women.

To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 97% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Merced College

#6

College of San Mateo

San Mateo, California
1,000 Total Awards
$1,440 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,091 Avg Student Debt

College of San Mateo came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. Located in San Mateo, California, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,000 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

Students from California who attend CSM full time pay an average of $1,440 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $10,114. Associate Degree recipients from CSM accumulate an average of $16,091 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 53% of those degree recipients were women.

Full College of San Mateo Report

#7

Compton College

Compton, California
638 Total Awards
$1,142 Average Tuition & Fees

Compton College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get an associate degree. It came in at #7 on the list. Compton, California is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 638 students in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Compton College is $1,142. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,990. Around 77% of those degree recipients were women.

Around 34% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Compton College

#8

Saddleback College

Mission Viejo, California
3,190 Total Awards
$1,332 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #8, Saddleback College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their associate degree. Saddleback College is a fairly large public school situated in Mission Viejo, California. It awarded 3,190 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from California pay an average of $1,332 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Saddleback College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,292. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Around 89% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Saddleback College Report

#9

Santa Barbara City College

Santa Barbara, California
3,238 Total Awards
$1,232 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,459 Avg Student Debt

Santa Barbara City College came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. Located in Santa Barbara, California, the fairly large public school awarded 3,238 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $1,232 in tuition and fees if they attend SBCC full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,912. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,459 in student loans. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

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.

Full Santa Barbara City College Report

#10

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts

San Mateo, California
475 Total Awards
$21,393 Avg Student Debt

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree programs. San Mateo, California is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out associate degrees to 475 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,393 in student loans. Around 78% of those degree recipients were women.

In 2019-2020 about 24% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts Report

#11

San Bernardino Valley College

San Bernardino, California
1,160 Total Awards
$1,362 Average Tuition & Fees
$9,396 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #11, San Bernardino Valley College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their associate degree. Located in San Bernardino, California, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,160 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at San Bernardino Valley College is $1,362. Out-of-state students pay an average of $9,146. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $9,396 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 70% were women.

In 2019-2020 about 95% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#12

Clackamas Community College

Oregon City, Oregon
648 Total Awards
$5,625 Average Tuition & Fees

Clackamas Community College came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. Located in Oregon City, Oregon, the medium-sized public school awarded 648 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $5,625 in tuition and fees if they attend Clackamas Community College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $13,050. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

In 2019-2020 about 99% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Clackamas Community College Report

#13

Los Angeles Harbor College

Wilmington, California
2,134 Total Awards
$1,238 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,073 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #13, Los Angeles Harbor College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their associate degree. Located in Wilmington, California, the medium-sized public school handed out 2,134 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $1,238 in tuition and fees if they attend LAHC full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,012. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,073 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 68% were women.

In 2019-2020 about 57% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Los Angeles Harbor College

#14

Western Nevada College

Carson City, Nevada
630 Total Awards
$3,748 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,788 Avg Student Debt

Western Nevada College landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree programs. Western Nevada College is a small public school located in Carson City, Nevada that handed out 630 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at WNC is $3,748. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $11,434. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,788 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 73% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Western Nevada College Report

#15

University of Alaska Anchorage

Anchorage, Alaska
670 Total Awards
$8,750 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,255 Avg Student Debt

University of Alaska Anchorage came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. UAA is a public institution located in Anchorage, Alaska. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 670 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $8,750 in tuition and fees if they attend UAA full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $25,228. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,255 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

In 2019-2020 about 95% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on University of Alaska Anchorage

#16

Rogue Community College

Grants Pass, Oregon
469 Total Awards
$5,184 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,659 Avg Student Debt

Rogue Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get an associate degree. It came in at #16 on the list. Grants Pass, Oregon is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 469 students in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $5,184 in tuition and fees if they attend Rogue Community College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $6,192. Associate Degree recipients from Rogue Community College accumulate an average of $21,659 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

During the 2019-2020 year, about 57% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#17

Walla Walla Community College

Walla Walla, Washington
637 Total Awards
$19,336 Avg Student Debt

Walla Walla Community College ranked #17 on this year’s Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Walla Walla Community College is located in Walla Walla, Washington and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 637 associate degrees to qualified students.

Associate Degree recipients from Walla Walla Community College accumulate an average of $19,336 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

Around 53% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Walla Walla Community College Report

#19

Unitek College

Fremont, California
258 Total Awards
$23,323 Avg Student Debt

Unitek College landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree programs. Located in Fremont, California, the small private for-profit school handed out 258 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

On average, associate degree students take out $23,323 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 82% of those degree recipients were women.

Interested in an online degree? Then you definitely want to check out Unitek College. Every undergraduate student at the school took at least one class online.

Read full report on Unitek College

342 Total Awards
$6,483 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,134 Avg Student Debt

Southwestern Oregon Community College ranked #20 on this year’s Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Coos Bay, Oregon is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 342 students in 2020-2021.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $6,483 to cover tuition and fees at SWOCC. 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 $17,134 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.

In 2019-2020 about 76% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Southwestern Oregon Community College Report

#21

Portland Community College

Portland, Oregon
3,703 Total Awards
$4,810 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,561 Avg Student Debt

Portland Community College ranked #21 on this year’s Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Portland Community College is a public institution located in Portland, Oregon. The school has a large population, and it awarded 3,703 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $4,810 in tuition and fees if they attend Portland Community College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $9,670. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,561 in student loans. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

During the 2019-2020 year, about 94% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#22

National University

La Jolla, California
229 Total Awards
$16,212 Avg Student Debt

National University ranked #22 on this year’s Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region list. This fairly large private not-for-profit school is located in La Jolla, California, and it awarded 229 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Associate Degree recipients from National University accumulate an average of $16,212 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 54% were women.

To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 39% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

407 Total Awards
$3,278 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,825 Avg Student Debt

University of Hawaii Maui College landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree programs. University of Hawaii Maui College is a small public school located in Kahului, Hawaii that handed out 407 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at UH Maui College is $3,278. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,414. Associate Degree recipients from UH Maui College accumulate an average of $19,825 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 73% were women.

Around 88% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#24

Klamath Community College

Klamath Falls, Oregon
270 Total Awards
$4,497 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,946 Avg Student Debt

Klamath Community College came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. This small public school is located in Klamath Falls, Oregon, and it awarded 270 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Oregon pay an average of $4,497 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Klamath Community College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,125. On average, associate degree students take out $18,946 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

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.

Full Klamath Community College Report

#25

Brandman University

Irvine, California
181 Total Awards
$12,480 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,359 Avg Student Debt

Brandman University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get an associate degree. It came in at #25 on the list. This medium-sized private not-for-profit school is located in Irvine, California, and it awarded 181 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $12,480 to cover tuition and fees at Brandman. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Associate Degree recipients from Brandman accumulate an average of $18,359 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, Brandman is an excellent choice, since the school is online.

Read More…

View Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • 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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