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Most Popular Associate Degree Schools in Pennsylvania

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2023 Most Popular Associate Degree Schools in Pennsylvania

116 Schools Ranked
$12,743 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$20,890 Avg Student Debt

A student has 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. Or you may find the programs at a trade school or bootcamp to be a better alternative for you.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Course Advisor has created its Most Popular Associate Degree Schools in Pennsylvania ranking. Our analysis looked at 116 schools in Pennsylvania to see which associate degree programs were the most popular for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

Harrisburg Area Community College

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
1,876 Total Awards
$8,295 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,678 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Harrisburg Area Community College to be the most popular school for students who want to pursue a associate degree in Pennsylvania. This fairly large public school is located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and it awarded 1,876 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at HACC is $8,295. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,818. On average, associate degree students take out $22,678 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since HACC does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 50% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#2

Community College of Allegheny County

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
1,830 Total Awards
$8,323 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,313 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Community College of Allegheny County. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Most Popular Associate Degree Schools in Pennsylvania list. CCAC is a public institution located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 1,830 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Pennsylvania pay an average of $8,323 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend CCAC. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $11,863. On average, associate degree students take out $19,313 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at CCAC. 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.

Full Community College of Allegheny County Report

#3

Community College of Philadelphia

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
1,669 Total Awards
$8,688 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,375 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Community College of Philadelphia is a great place for students working on their associate degree. This fairly large public school is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and it awarded 1,669 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $8,688 in tuition and fees if they attend Community College of Philadelphia full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $12,744. Associate Degree recipients from Community College of Philadelphia accumulate an average of $18,375 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 67% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Community College of Philadelphia. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 100% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Community College of Philadelphia

#4

Delaware County Community College

Media, Pennsylvania
1,258 Total Awards
$9,900 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,610 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Delaware County Community College. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Most Popular Associate Degree Schools in Pennsylvania list. Located in Media, Pennsylvania, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,258 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $9,900 in tuition and fees if they attend Delaware County Community College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $13,740. Associate Degree recipients from Delaware County Community College accumulate an average of $18,610 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

Online courses are available at Delaware County Community College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2019-2020 about 94% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#5

Montgomery County Community College

Blue Bell, Pennsylvania
1,208 Total Awards
$10,350 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,836 Avg Student Debt

The excellent associate degree programs at Montgomery County Community College helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in Pennsylvania. Montco is a public institution located in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,208 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from Pennsylvania who attend Montco full time pay an average of $10,350 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $14,970. On average, associate degree students take out $16,836 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 55% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at Montco, 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, 91% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Montgomery County Community College Report

#6

Northampton County Area Community College

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
1,174 Total Awards
$10,350 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,399 Avg Student Debt

Northampton County Area Community College came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Associate Degree Schools in Pennsylvania ranking. This medium-sized public school is located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and it awarded 1,174 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $10,350 in tuition and fees if they attend Northampton Community College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $15,270. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,399 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Northampton Community College. In fact, around 73% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Northampton County Area Community College

#7

Bucks County Community College

Newtown, Pennsylvania
917 Total Awards
$9,098 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,131 Avg Student Debt

Bucks County 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 #7 on the list. Bucks County Community College is located in Newtown, Pennsylvania and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 917 associate degrees to qualified students.

In-state students pay an average of $9,098 in tuition and fees if they attend Bucks County Community College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $13,298. Associate Degree recipients from Bucks County Community College accumulate an average of $14,131 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at Bucks County Community College, 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 full report on Bucks County Community College

#8

Lehigh Carbon Community College

Schnecksville, Pennsylvania
839 Total Awards
$8,430 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,841 Avg Student Debt

Lehigh Carbon 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 #8 on the list. Lehigh Carbon Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania that handed out 839 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at LCCC is $8,430. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $12,060. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,841 in student loans. Around 68% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since LCCC does offer online classes for certain majors. 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.

Read More…

#9

Pennsylvania College of Technology

Williamsport, Pennsylvania
764 Total Awards
$17,610 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,119 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #9, Pennsylvania College of Technology did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their associate degree. Penn College is a small public school situated in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. It awarded 764 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from Pennsylvania who attend Penn College full time pay an average of $17,610 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $25,170. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,119 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 34% were women.

One thing to take note of is that Penn College does offer online classes in some areas. 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…

#10

Luzerne County Community College

Nanticoke, Pennsylvania
557 Total Awards
$10,020 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,060 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #10, Luzerne County Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their associate degree. Luzerne County Community College is a small public school located in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania that handed out 557 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $10,020 in tuition and fees if they attend Luzerne County Community College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $14,370. Associate Degree recipients from Luzerne County Community College accumulate an average of $14,060 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Luzerne County Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 92% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#11

Westmoreland County Community College

Youngwood, Pennsylvania
488 Total Awards
$10,024 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,140 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #11, Westmoreland County Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their associate degree. Located in Youngwood, Pennsylvania, the small public school awarded 488 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

Students from Pennsylvania who attend Westmoreland College full time pay an average of $10,024 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $14,014. On average, associate degree students take out $14,140 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Westmoreland College. In fact, around 76% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Westmoreland County Community College Report

#12

Pittsburgh Technical College

Oakdale, Pennsylvania
440 Total Awards
$16,699 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,765 Avg Student Debt

Pittsburgh Technical College ranked #12 on this year’s Most Popular Associate Degree Schools in Pennsylvania list. Located in Oakdale, Pennsylvania, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 440 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees at Pittsburgh Technical College is $16,699. 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 $20,765 in student loans. Around 43% of those degree recipients were women.

Pittsburgh Technical College 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. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 27% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Pittsburgh Technical College Report

#13

Reading Area Community College

Reading, Pennsylvania
433 Total Awards
$10,170 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,017 Avg Student Debt

Reading Area Community College landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree programs. Reading, Pennsylvania is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 433 students in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at RACC is $10,170. Out-of-state students pay an average of $11,220. On average, associate degree students take out $19,017 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

Online courses are available at RACC, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 77% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Reading Area Community College

#14

Butler County Community College

Butler, Pennsylvania
429 Total Awards
$8,400 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,492 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #14, Butler County Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their associate degree. This small public school is located in Butler, Pennsylvania, and it awarded 429 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Pennsylvania pay an average of $8,400 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend BC3. Out-of-state students pay an average of $11,400. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,492 in student loans. Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at BC3. In 2019-2020 about 37% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Butler County Community College

#15

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology

Lancaster, Pennsylvania
428 Total Awards
$8,450 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,250 Avg Student Debt

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology 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. Lancaster, Pennsylvania is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 428 students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is $8,450. 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 $10,250 in student loans. Around 11% of those degree recipients were women.

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is primarily an online school, so it is a great choice for returning adults and students who work full time.

Full Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology Report

#16

Lackawanna College

Scranton, Pennsylvania
410 Total Awards
$16,130 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,391 Avg Student Debt

Lackawanna College came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Associate Degree Schools in Pennsylvania ranking. Located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 410 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $16,130 to cover tuition and fees at Lackawanna College. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Associate Degree recipients from Lackawanna College accumulate an average of $21,391 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 54% were women.

Online courses are available at Lackawanna College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2019-2020 about 69% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Lackawanna College

#17

Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences

Lancaster, Pennsylvania
350 Total Awards
$29,922 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,830 Avg Student Debt

Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree programs. Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences is a small private not-for-profit school located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania that handed out 350 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

PA College does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $29,922. 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 $24,830 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 91% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at PA College. In 2019-2020 about 58% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences

#18

Harcum College

Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
340 Total Awards
$27,132 Avg Student Debt

Harcum 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 #18 on the list. Harcum College is a very small private not-for-profit school located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania that handed out 340 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Associate Degree recipients from Harcum College accumulate an average of $27,132 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 87% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Harcum College. In fact, around 87% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#19

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College

Johnstown, Pennsylvania
299 Total Awards
$8,820 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,347 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #19, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their associate degree. Located in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the small public school awarded 299 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

Students from Pennsylvania who attend Pennsylvania Highlands full time pay an average of $8,820 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $12,330. Associate Degree recipients from Pennsylvania Highlands accumulate an average of $15,347 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Pennsylvania Highlands. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 36% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#20

Community College of Beaver County

Monaca, Pennsylvania
287 Total Awards
$12,810 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,924 Avg Student Debt

Community College of Beaver County landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree programs. CCBC is a public institution located in Monaca, Pennsylvania. The school has a small population, and it awarded 287 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at CCBC is $12,810. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $18,660. Associate Degree recipients from CCBC accumulate an average of $18,924 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that CCBC does offer online classes in some areas. In 2019-2020 about 67% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Community College of Beaver County

#21

New Castle School of Trades

New Castle, Pennsylvania
197 Total Awards
$13,570 Avg Student Debt

New Castle School of Trades landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree programs. This very small private for-profit school is located in New Castle, Pennsylvania, and it awarded 197 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Associate Degree recipients from New Castle School of Trades accumulate an average of $13,570 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 3% of those degree recipients were women.

Full New Castle School of Trades Report

#22

South Hills School of Business & Technology

State College, Pennsylvania
182 Total Awards
$18,878 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,114 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #22, South Hills School of Business & Technology did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their associate degree. South Hills School of Business & Technology is a very small private for-profit school situated in State College, Pennsylvania. It awarded 182 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees at South Hills School of Business & Technology is $18,878. 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 $21,114 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.

Full South Hills School of Business & Technology Report

#23

Mount Aloysius College

Cresson, Pennsylvania
174 Total Awards
$24,890 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,293 Avg Student Debt

Mount Aloysius 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 #23 on the list. Mount Aloysius is located in Cresson, Pennsylvania and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 174 associate degrees to qualified students.

If you want to attend Mount Aloysius, expect to pay an average of $24,890 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from Mount Aloysius accumulate an average of $23,293 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 83% were women.

Mount Aloysius 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 31% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Mount Aloysius College

#24

Rosedale Technical College

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
153 Total Awards
$15,663 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,468 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #24, Rosedale Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their associate degree. Rosedale Technical College is a very small private not-for-profit school situated in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It awarded 153 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $15,663 to cover tuition and fees at Rosedale Technical College. The school does not offer an in-state discount. On average, associate degree students take out $15,468 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 4% were women.

Read More…

#25

Clarion University of Pennsylvania

Clarion, Pennsylvania
139 Total Awards
$11,173 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,043 Avg Student Debt

Clarion University of Pennsylvania landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree programs. Clarion University of Pennsylvania is a small public school located in Clarion, Pennsylvania that handed out 139 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from Pennsylvania who attend Clarion University full time pay an average of $11,173 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $16,052. On average, associate degree students take out $24,043 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 85% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Clarion University does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2019-2020 about 79% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Clarion University of Pennsylvania Report

Most Popular Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

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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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