Studying in the United States can broaden a student’s educational options. For some students, an associate degree can be a practical pathway to employment or further study, depending on the program and institution.
The United States is home to a variety of universities and colleges with different approaches to education. Many institutions offer associate degree programs that may be relevant to international students. Program availability, F-1 eligibility, tuition, and fees vary by institution. This article includes some of the best schools offering associates degrees in the United States.
Top Schools Offering Associate Degrees in the U.S.
1. City University of New York
The City University of New York traces its roots to 1847, when the institution that became City College was founded. Today, CUNY has 26 colleges across New York City’s five boroughs and continues its historic mission of expanding access to public higher education.
CUNY’s colleges offer associate degree programs in multiple fields. Available programs, tuition, and financial-aid eligibility vary by college and student status, so international applicants should verify the details with the campus offering their intended program.
2. Santa Monica College
Santa Monica College offers Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, and Associate Degree for Transfer options. Students can select from programs in fields such as accounting, architecture, business, and communication studies.
SMC’s international-student tuition and fee page lists $486 per unit. The listed academic-year estimate for 24 units over two semesters is $11,664. Mandatory health, student, and insurance charges are additional, and the college estimates total annual expenses of approximately $34,000.
3. Los Angeles City College
Los Angeles City College offers associate degrees and transfer pathways for students who plan to continue their education. Its Associate Degrees for Transfer, also known as AA-T and AS-T degrees, are designed to provide a structured pathway from a California community college to the California State University system.
Students who complete an eligible Associate Degree for Transfer and meet CSU requirements receive priority consideration for admission to a CSU campus, but not necessarily to a particular campus or major. California State University—Los Angeles is one possible CSU destination, but admission to that specific campus is not automatically guaranteed.
For the 2026–2027 academic year, LACC lists a rate of $443 per unit for F-1 and other nonresident students. This consists of a $397 nonresident tuition charge and a $46 enrollment fee. Additional charges may apply.
4. Kendall College at National Louis University
Kendall College at National Louis University offers career-focused programs in culinary arts and baking and pastry. Its associate degree options include the Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts and the Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry.
The culinary arts associate degree includes general education coursework and a 300-hour internship. Students should review the individual program pages for the current curriculum, program length, and enrollment options.
National Louis University’s scholarships page states that eligible international students admitted to the Culinary Arts or Baking and Pastry programs may receive the Kendall College at NLU International Opportunity Scholarship. The renewable scholarship covers 25% of full-time tuition, subject to the university’s current eligibility conditions. Applicants should also review the university’s tuition and fees page.
5. El Paso Community College
El Paso Community College offers a broad selection of academic and workforce programs. Its catalog states that students can choose from more than 170 programs of study leading to Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science, or certificate credentials.
The time required to complete a program depends on the applicable degree plan, the student’s course load, and any eligible transfer or alternative credits. Prospective students should review the current catalog and consult the college about the requirements for their intended program.
6. College of DuPage
The College of DuPage offers associate degrees in numerous subject areas. Its catalog lists seven associate-degree categories: Associate in Applied Science, Associate in Arts, Associate in Engineering Science, Associate in Fine Arts in Art, Associate in Fine Arts in Music, Associate in General Studies, and Associate in Science.
For international students, the college’s tuition page lists a rate of $440 per credit hour. Certain courses and programs have additional fees.
7. Portland Community College
Portland Community College is Oregon’s largest postsecondary institution and serves more than 50,000 full-time and part-time students. It offers academic transfer programs and career-focused degrees.
PCC lists five associate-degree types for F-1 students, and each degree includes at least 90 credits. F-1-eligible Associate of Applied Science options include programs such as interior design, multimedia, aviation maintenance technology, and civil and construction engineering technology. Because international-student eligibility varies by program, applicants should confirm that their intended degree appears on PCC’s current F-1 program list.
PCC’s tuition page lists a nonresident tuition rate of $298 per credit for international students, plus applicable fees. Full-time F-1 students generally enroll in at least 12 credits per term.
8. Salt Lake Community College
Salt Lake Community College offers academic, applied, and pre-engineering pathways. Its associate degree options include the Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science, and Associate of Pre-Engineering degrees.
For international students applying from outside the United States, SLCC’s application page lists estimated nonresident tuition and fees of $15,229, including an international-student fee of $125 per semester. The page lists estimated total annual expenses of $28,974. Applicants should confirm the latest amounts before applying.
9. Collin College
Collin College began offering classes at local high schools in 1985. It now serves approximately 60,000 credit and continuing-education students each year, offers more than 200 degree and certificate options, and is the only public college based in Collin County.
Its associate degree options include the Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts in Teaching, Associate of Applied Science, and Associate of Science degrees.
Collin College’s tuition page lists out-of-state and out-of-country tuition of $200 per credit hour, plus a $2 per-credit student activity fee, for a total of $202 per credit hour before any additional applicable charges.
10. Miami Dade College
Miami Dade College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees.
Miami Dade College offers Associate in Arts and Associate in Science programs. The Associate in Arts degree is designed for transfer under Florida’s statewide articulation framework. Eligible Associate in Arts graduates are guaranteed admission to one of Florida’s 11 state universities, although admission to a limited-access program or a specific university is not guaranteed.
MDC’s tuition and fees page lists a nonresident college-credit rate of $402.51 per credit hour, or $4,830.12 for a 12-credit term. MDC Online has a separate listed rate of $399.51 per credit hour, or $4,794.12 for 12 credits, because the parking fee is waived for online students.
FAQs: Getting an Associate Degree in the U.S.
What is the Difference Between an Associate Degree and a Bachelor’s Degree?
At many institutions, an associate degree is designed to take about two years of full-time study, while a bachelor’s degree typically takes about four years. The actual timeline varies by school, program, course load, transfer credits, and other factors.
Associate degree programs often require fewer credits than bachelor’s degree programs and may have a lower total cost. Admission requirements, tuition, and transfer pathways vary by institution. Students who are concerned about their finances, high school performance, or SAT scores should compare the official requirements for each program before applying.
Can International Students Work in the U.S. After Completing an Associate Degree Program?
Completing an associate degree does not automatically give an international student permission to work in the United States. Eligible F-1 students may apply for post-completion Optional Practical Training. The employment must be directly related to the student’s major, and the student must receive the required authorization before beginning work.
International students should consult their school’s designated school official and review the current U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services guidance before making employment plans.
Studying abroad is an important goal for many international students. An associate degree from a U.S. institution may provide a practical pathway to further education or career development, depending on the student’s program and plans.
We hope this article helped narrow down your options for studying in the United States. To learn more about university programs and scholarship opportunities for international students, review the Guide to Studying in the US and Available Courses for international students.
