Find Schools

Study Area & Zipcode

Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region

Find Schools Near

2023 Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region

135 Schools Ranked
$6,927 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$20,119 Avg Student Debt

A student has lots of options to pick from when considering higher education opportunities. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country. Alternatively, you may choose a trade school or bootcamp that prepares you to enter the workforce with knowledge in a specific field.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Course Advisor has created the Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region to help you in your search for the best school for you. Our analysis looked at 135 schools in the Great Lakes Region to see which online associate degree programs were the most popular 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:

3,410 Total Awards
$16,998 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Cuyahoga Community College District the most popular school in the Great Lakes Region for students working on their associate degree. This fairly large public school is located in Cleveland, Ohio, and it awarded 3,410 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Associate Degree recipients from Cuyahoga Community College District accumulate an average of $16,998 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 67% of those degree recipients were women.

Around 80% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Cuyahoga Community College District

#2

Purdue University Global

Indianapolis, Indiana
1,986 Total Awards
$10,125 Average Tuition & Fees
$27,073 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Purdue University Global. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Located in Indianapolis, Indiana, the large public school awarded 1,986 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Indiana pay an average of $10,125 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Purdue University Global. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $14,436. Associate Degree recipients from Purdue University Global accumulate an average of $27,073 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 40% of those degree recipients were women.

Purdue University Global is primarily an online school, so it is a great choice for returning adults and students who work full time.

Read full report on Purdue University Global

#3

Eastern Gateway Community College

Steubenville, Ohio
3,643 Total Awards
$4,410 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,095 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Eastern Gateway Community College. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. This large public school is located in Steubenville, Ohio, and it awarded 3,643 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from Ohio who attend Eastern Gateway Community College full time pay an average of $4,410 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,022. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,095 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 68% were women.

Around 97% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Eastern Gateway Community College

#4

Macomb Community College

Warren, Michigan
2,260 Total Awards
$6,090 Average Tuition & Fees
$11,249 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 135 schools in the Great Lakes Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Macomb Community College landed the # 4 spot on the list. Warren, Michigan is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 2,260 students in 2020-2021.

Students from Michigan who attend Macomb Community College full time pay an average of $6,090 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $7,680. On average, associate degree students take out $11,249 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 63% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Macomb Community College

#5

William Rainey Harper College

Palatine, Illinois
2,027 Total Awards
$9,870 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,799 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend William Rainey Harper College. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. William Rainey Harper College is a fairly large public school located in Palatine, Illinois that handed out 2,027 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $9,870 in tuition and fees if they attend Harper College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $11,682. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,799 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

Around 86% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#6

DeVry University - Illinois

Chicago, Illinois
947 Total Awards
$15,032 Average Tuition & Fees
$35,424 Avg Student Debt

DeVry University - Illinois ranked #6 on this year’s Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Located in Chicago, Illinois, the large private for-profit school handed out 947 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

If you want to attend DeVry University - Illinois, expect to pay an average of $15,032 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, associate degree students take out $35,424 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 54% were women.

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

Full DeVry University - Illinois Report

1,283 Total Awards
$9,601 Avg Student Debt

City Colleges of Chicago - Harold Washington College landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree programs. Located in Chicago, Illinois, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,283 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $9,601 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

During the 2019-2020 year, about 99% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

2,238 Total Awards
$4,329 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,728 Avg Student Debt

Sinclair Community College ranked #8 on this year’s Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Sinclair Community College is a public institution located in Dayton, Ohio. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 2,238 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Sinclair Community College is $4,329. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,076. On average, associate degree students take out $16,728 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 80% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Sinclair Community College Report

#8

Waubonsee Community College

Sugar Grove, Illinois
1,042 Total Awards
$9,271 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,163 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #8, Waubonsee Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their associate degree. This medium-sized public school is located in Sugar Grove, Illinois, and it awarded 1,042 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Illinois pay an average of $9,271 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Waubonsee. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $10,076. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,163 in student loans. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

During the 2019-2020 year, about 70% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#10

Heartland Community College

Normal, Illinois
637 Total Awards
$9,810 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,253 Avg Student Debt

Heartland 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 #10 on the list. Heartland Community College is a small public school situated in Normal, Illinois. It awarded 637 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Heartland Community College is $9,810. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $14,550. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,253 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

In 2019-2020 about 75% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Heartland Community College Report

#11

Lakeland Community College

Kirtland, Ohio
870 Total Awards
$4,161 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,215 Avg Student Debt

Lakeland 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 #11 on the list. Located in Kirtland, Ohio, the small public school awarded 870 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

Students from Ohio who attend Lakeland full time pay an average of $4,161 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,975. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,215 in student loans. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 71% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#12

Southwestern Illinois College

Belleville, Illinois
1,054 Total Awards
$6,390 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,561 Avg Student Debt

Southwestern Illinois College landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree programs. SWIC is located in Belleville, Illinois and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,054 associate degrees to qualified students.

On average, associate degree students take out $12,561 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

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

Full Southwestern Illinois College Report

#13

Delta College

University Center, Michigan
942 Total Awards
$6,860 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,057 Avg Student Debt

Delta College landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree programs. Delta College is a public institution located in University Center, Michigan. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 942 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Delta College is $6,860. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $7,100. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,057 in student loans. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

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.

Read More…

#14

St Clair County Community College

Port Huron, Michigan
628 Total Awards
$8,950 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,827 Avg Student Debt

St Clair County Community College came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Located in Port Huron, Michigan, the small public school awarded 628 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Michigan pay an average of $8,950 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend SC4. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $12,490. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,827 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

In 2019-2020 about 67% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full St Clair County Community College Report

#15

Schoolcraft College

Livonia, Michigan
1,082 Total Awards
$5,494 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,698 Avg Student Debt

Schoolcraft 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 #15 on the list. This medium-sized public school is located in Livonia, Michigan, and it awarded 1,082 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Michigan pay an average of $5,494 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Schoolcraft College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,574. Associate Degree recipients from Schoolcraft College accumulate an average of $17,698 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

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.

Full Schoolcraft College Report

365 Total Awards
$4,397 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,411 Avg Student Debt

James A Rhodes State College landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree programs. This small public school is located in Lima, Ohio, and it awarded 365 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $4,397 in tuition and fees if they attend Rhodes State College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,721. On average, associate degree students take out $16,411 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 68% were women.

Around 42% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on James A Rhodes State College

#17

University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh

Oshkosh, Wisconsin
361 Total Awards
$7,733 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,547 Avg Student Debt

University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree programs. Located in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the fairly large public school awarded 361 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

Students from Wisconsin who attend UW Oshkosh full time pay an average of $7,733 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $15,306. On average, associate degree students take out $13,547 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

In 2019-2020 about 64% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh

864 Total Awards
$5,040 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,224 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #18, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their associate degree. Cincinnati State is a public institution located in Cincinnati, Ohio. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 864 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Cincinnati State is $5,040. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $9,090. Associate Degree recipients from Cincinnati State accumulate an average of $19,224 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, 88% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Cincinnati State Technical and Community College

2,732 Total Awards
$19,919 Avg Student Debt

Columbus State 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 #19 on the list. Columbus, Ohio is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 2,732 students in 2020-2021.

On average, associate degree students take out $19,919 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 44% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Columbus State Community College Report

#20

University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
280 Total Awards
$9,610 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,206 Avg Student Debt

University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. UWM is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 280 associate degrees to qualified students.

Students from Wisconsin who attend UWM full time pay an average of $9,610 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $21,475. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,206 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 54% were women.

In 2019-2020 about 97% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

#21

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

Green Bay, Wisconsin
956 Total Awards
$4,734 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,312 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #21, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their associate degree. Located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the fairly large public school handed out 956 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at NWTC is $4,734. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,849. On average, associate degree students take out $19,312 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

During the 2019-2020 year, about 51% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#22

Gateway Technical College

Kenosha, Wisconsin
725 Total Awards
$4,688 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,525 Avg Student Debt

Gateway Technical College landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree programs. Gateway Technical College is a public institution located in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 725 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Gateway Technical College is $4,688. Out-of-state students pay an average of $6,803. On average, associate degree students take out $18,525 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

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 More…

#23

Northcentral Technical College

Wausau, Wisconsin
565 Total Awards
$3,723 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,435 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #23, Northcentral Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their associate degree. Located in Wausau, Wisconsin, the medium-sized public school awarded 565 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $3,723 in tuition and fees if they attend North Central Technical College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $5,415. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,435 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

Around 54% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Northcentral Technical College

#24

Fox Valley Technical College

Appleton, Wisconsin
945 Total Awards
$4,746 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,318 Avg Student Debt

Fox Valley Technical College came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. This fairly large public school is located in Appleton, Wisconsin, and it awarded 945 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Wisconsin pay an average of $4,746 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend FVTC. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,861. Associate Degree recipients from FVTC accumulate an average of $15,318 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 54% were women.

In 2019-2020 about 42% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Fox Valley Technical College Report

#25

Black Hawk College

Moline, Illinois
479 Total Awards
$13,002 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #25, Black Hawk College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their associate degree. Black Hawk College is a small public school located in Moline, Illinois that handed out 479 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, associate degree students take out $13,002 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.

In 2019-2020 about 71% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

View Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools Nationwide >

Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our most popular online schools ranking:

Rank School Location
28 Ross College-Sylvania Sylvania, OH

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.

Featured Schools

Find Schools Near You

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