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Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Southwest Region

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2023 Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Southwest Region

114 Schools Ranked
$4,336 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$19,369 Avg Student Debt

There are so many programs in today's world that it can tough to figure out which one is the right one for you. Along with traditional schools that require in-person attendence, you can attend one of many reputable online schools. Some programs even offer a hybrid experience. Or you may find the programs at a trade school or bootcamp to be a better alternative for you.

The Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Southwest Region ranking is one of many tools that Course Advisor has developed to help you make your educational decision. Our analysis looked at 114 schools in the Southwest 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:

#1

Lone Star College System

The Woodlands, Texas
8,422 Total Awards
$4,848 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,481 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Lone Star College System the most popular school in the Southwest Region for students working on their associate degree. Located in The Woodlands, Texas, the large public school awarded 8,422 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Texas pay an average of $4,848 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend North Harris Montgomery. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,168. Associate Degree recipients from North Harris Montgomery accumulate an average of $15,481 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

In 2019-2020 about 72% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Lone Star College System

4,408 Total Awards
$3,094 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,379 Avg Student Debt

The excellent associate degree programs at Collin County Community College District helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in the Southwest Region . McKinney, Texas is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 4,408 students in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Texas pay an average of $3,094 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Collin County Community College District. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $5,104. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,379 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

Around 95% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Collin County Community College District

3,574 Total Awards
$23,839 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend University of Phoenix - Arizona. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list. Located in Tempe, Arizona, the large private for-profit school handed out 3,574 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

Associate Degree recipients from UOPX - Arizona accumulate an average of $23,839 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

Around 100% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full University of Phoenix - Arizona Report

#4

South Texas College

McAllen, Texas
3,920 Total Awards
$4,530 Average Tuition & Fees
$8,401 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend South Texas College. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list. South Texas College is a public institution located in McAllen, Texas. The school has a large population, and it awarded 3,920 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at South Texas College is $4,530. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,920. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $8,401 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 67% were women.

Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 94% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#5

Central Texas College

Killeen, Texas
1,883 Total Awards
$11,657 Avg Student Debt

The excellent associate degree programs at Central Texas College helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in the Southwest Region . Located in Killeen, Texas, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,883 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

On average, associate degree students take out $11,657 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

During the 2019-2020 year, about 74% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Central Texas College Report

#6

San Jacinto Community College

Pasadena, Texas
5,035 Total Awards
$13,960 Avg Student Debt

San Jacinto 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 #6 on the list. San Jacinto College is located in Pasadena, Texas and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 5,035 associate degrees to qualified students.

On average, associate degree students take out $13,960 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 66% of those degree recipients 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 San Jacinto Community College

#7

Tulsa Community College

Tulsa, Oklahoma
2,577 Total Awards
$3,445 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,665 Avg Student Debt

Tulsa Community College ranked #7 on this year’s Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list. Tulsa Community College is a public institution located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 2,577 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Oklahoma pay an average of $3,445 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Tulsa Community College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,845. Associate Degree recipients from Tulsa Community College accumulate an average of $20,665 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 69% were women.

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

Read More…

#8

Oklahoma City Community College

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
1,856 Total Awards
$4,059 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,583 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #8, Oklahoma City Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their associate degree. This fairly large public school is located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and it awarded 1,856 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from Oklahoma who attend OCCC full time pay an average of $4,059 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,810. On average, associate degree students take out $14,583 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 68% of those degree recipients were women.

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

Read full report on Oklahoma City Community College

#9

Mesa Community College

Mesa, Arizona
1,592 Total Awards
$2,070 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,634 Avg Student Debt

Mesa Community College ranked #9 on this year’s Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list. Located in Mesa, Arizona, the fairly large public school handed out 1,592 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Mesa Community College is $2,070. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,854. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,634 in student loans. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

During the 2019-2020 year, about 71% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

1,351 Total Awards
$4,200 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,859 Avg Student Debt

McLennan Community College ranked #10 on this year’s Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list. MCC is located in Waco, Texas and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,351 associate degrees to qualified students.

Full-time students from Texas pay an average of $4,200 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend MCC. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $5,910. On average, associate degree students take out $17,859 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 73% of those degree recipients were women.

Around 57% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#11

Tyler Junior College

Tyler, Texas
1,878 Total Awards
$3,864 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,044 Avg Student Debt

Tyler Junior College ranked #11 on this year’s Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list. Tyler Junior College is a fairly large public school situated in Tyler, Texas. It awarded 1,878 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $3,864 in tuition and fees if they attend Tyler Junior College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $4,440. On average, associate degree students take out $17,044 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 68% of those degree recipients were women.

During the 2019-2020 year, about 64% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Tyler Junior College

903 Total Awards
$12,418 Average Tuition & Fees
$31,457 Avg Student Debt

American InterContinental University - Online did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get an associate degree. It came in at #12 on the list. This fairly large private for-profit school is located in Schaumburg, Arizona, and it awarded 903 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

AIU Online does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $12,418. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from AIU Online accumulate an average of $31,457 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 55% of those degree recipients were women.

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

Full American InterContinental University - Online Report

#13

Amarillo College

Amarillo, Texas
1,290 Total Awards
$3,168 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,641 Avg Student Debt

Amarillo College landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree programs. This medium-sized public school is located in Amarillo, Texas, and it awarded 1,290 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $3,168 in tuition and fees if they attend Amarillo College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $4,704. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,641 in student loans. Around 70% of those degree recipients were women.

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

Full Amarillo College Report

#14

North Central Texas College

Gainesville, Texas
981 Total Awards
$4,560 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,150 Avg Student Debt

North Central Texas College landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree programs. Located in Gainesville, Texas, the medium-sized public school handed out 981 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at NCTC is $4,560. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $7,080. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,150 in student loans. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

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

Full North Central Texas College Report

1,171 Total Awards
$2,070 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,315 Avg Student Debt

Estrella Mountain Community College came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. Estrella Mountain Community College is a public institution located in Avondale, Arizona. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,171 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Estrella Mountain Community College is $2,070. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $7,854. Associate Degree recipients from Estrella Mountain Community College accumulate an average of $24,315 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

During the 2019-2020 year, about 85% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

1,157 Total Awards
$2,070 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,533 Avg Student Debt

Chandler-Gilbert 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. Chandler-Gilbert Community College is located in Chandler, Arizona and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,157 associate degrees to qualified students.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Chandler-Gilbert Community College is $2,070. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $7,854. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,533 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 56% were women.

In 2019-2020 about 62% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#17

Sonoran Desert Institute

Scottsdale, Arizona
650 Total Awards
$10,950 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,914 Avg Student Debt

Sonoran Desert Institute came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. This small private for-profit school is located in Scottsdale, Arizona, and it awarded 650 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

If you want to attend Sonoran Desert Institute, expect to pay an average of $10,950 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could 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 $17,914 in student loans. Around 1% of those degree recipients were women.

Sonoran Desert Institute is primarily an online school, so it is a great choice for returning adults and students who work full time.

Full Sonoran Desert Institute Report

#18

Central New Mexico Community College

Albuquerque, New Mexico
4,114 Total Awards
$1,684 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,658 Avg Student Debt

Central New Mexico Community College landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree programs. Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the fairly large public school handed out 4,114 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at CNM is $1,684. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $7,540. On average, associate degree students take out $13,658 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 90% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Central New Mexico Community College

#19

Rio Salado College

Tempe, Arizona
795 Total Awards
$2,070 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,498 Avg Student Debt

Rio Salado College ranked #19 on this year’s Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list. Rio Salado College is a fairly large public school located in Tempe, Arizona that handed out 795 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $2,070 in tuition and fees if they attend Rio Salado College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,854. On average, associate degree students take out $15,498 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 53% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#20

New Mexico State University - Dona Ana

Las Cruces, New Mexico
890 Total Awards
$2,160 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,687 Avg Student Debt

New Mexico State University - Dona Ana came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. Located in Las Cruces, New Mexico, the medium-sized public school awarded 890 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at NMSU Dona Ana is $2,160. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $5,664. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,687 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 86% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#21

Navarro College

Corsicana, Texas
958 Total Awards
$4,508 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,157 Avg Student Debt

Navarro 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 #21 on the list. Located in Corsicana, Texas, the medium-sized public school handed out 958 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Navarro College is $4,508. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $6,368. Associate Degree recipients from Navarro College accumulate an average of $19,157 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

In 2019-2020 about 59% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Navarro College

#22

Yavapai College

Prescott, Arizona
699 Total Awards
$18,796 Avg Student Debt

Yavapai College landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree programs. Located in Prescott, Arizona, the medium-sized public school handed out 699 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

Associate Degree recipients from Yavapai College accumulate an average of $18,796 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.

In 2019-2020 about 74% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Yavapai College

#23

Temple College

Temple, Texas
626 Total Awards
$4,512 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,360 Avg Student Debt

Temple College landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree programs. Temple College is a small public school situated in Temple, Texas. It awarded 626 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from Texas who attend Temple College full time pay an average of $4,512 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $6,432. Associate Degree recipients from Temple College accumulate an average of $18,360 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 71% 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 Temple College

#24

Oklahoma State University - Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
821 Total Awards
$5,070 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,762 Avg Student Debt

Oklahoma State University - Oklahoma City ranked #24 on this year’s Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 821 students in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at OSU-OKC is $5,070. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $10,908. Associate Degree recipients from OSU-OKC accumulate an average of $20,762 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

Since OSU-OKC is primarily an online school, it is an excellent choice for undergraduate students who need more flexibility than what is offered at some other schools.

Read full report on Oklahoma State University - Oklahoma City

#25

Weatherford College

Weatherford, Texas
658 Total Awards
$5,700 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,268 Avg Student Debt

Weatherford College came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Associate Degree Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. Weatherford College is a medium-sized public school situated in Weatherford, Texas. It awarded 658 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $5,700 in tuition and fees if they attend Weatherford College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $7,800. Associate Degree recipients from Weatherford College accumulate an average of $16,268 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 72% of those degree recipients were women.

During the 2019-2020 year, about 37% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Weatherford College Report

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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