Best Online Associate Degrees in Management
To find the best online associate degree in management, we ranked our list according to the number of successful program graduates, as per data from the National Center for Education Statistics. We also interviewed professionals who spoke to the value of management associate degrees online.
Key Takeaways:
- Purdue Global ranks #1 overall for its online AAS in Business Administration, with 314 program graduates, a strong indicator of program scale and student demand.
- Strayer University hosts more than 34,000 online students, another popularity metric.
For a full explanation of how we built our rankings, see our methodology.
Best Online Associate Degrees in Management
| Rank | School | Graduates | Annual Tuition | Median Salary | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purdue Global | 314 | $11,130 | N/A | 74% | |
| Columbia Southern University | 192 | $8,100 | $51,885 | 79% | |
| Georgia Military College | 34 | $5,070 | $43,505 | N/A | |
| Iowa Central Community College | 23 | $11,115 | N/A | 76% | |
| Laramie County Community College | 18 | $10,912 | $43,221 | N/A | |
| Bethel University - TN | 17 | $10,830 | N/A | 67% | |
| Yavapai College | 16 | $9,344 | $26,487 | 100% | |
| Florida Tech - Online | 14 | $15,600 | N/A | 71% | |
| Fox Valley Technical College | 10 | $6,727 | $47,408 | N/A | |
| Strayer University | 10 | $15,250 | $47,793 | 67% | |
| Cuyahoga Community College District | 7 | $8,300 | $41,168 | 75% | |
| Albany Technical College | 4 | $6,420 | $40,005 | N/A | |
| Moraine Park Technical College | 3 | $8,500 | N/A | N/A | |
| Seminole State College of Florida | 2 | $10,620 | $35,957 | 100% | |
| Atlanta Technical College | 1 | $6,420 | $35,760 | N/A |
Best Online Associate Degrees in Management - Program Details
- Graduates: 314
- Annual Tuition: $11,130
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 74%
Why we like them: Purdue Global's business administration associate degree is #1 based on total graduates, with 314 individuals completing the online AAS in Business Administration. A unique feature here is a three-week introductory trial with no financial obligation, which demonstrates a student-centered approach not commonly offered elsewhere.
- Graduates: 192
- Annual Tuition: $8,100
- Median Salary: $48,154
- Recommendation: 79%
Why we like them: CSU hosts an online A.S. in Business program. One differentiator is the institution’s LifePace Learning, which is an enrollment model that affords you remarkable flexibility and control over your course pacing, accommodating diverse schedules and work-life demands. The program permits up to 45 transfer credits, allowing you to dramatically shorten your path to degree completion.
- Graduates: 34
- Annual Tuition: $5,070
- Median Salary: $37,099
- Recommendation: N/A
Why we like them: GMC online associate management program places distinct emphasis on practical business operations, integrating character development alongside technical skills. The emphasis on leadership and civility is woven into the program, differentiating it from more conventional degrees. An additional benefit is GMC’s dedicated enrollment coaching.
- Graduates: 23
- Annual Tuition: $11,115
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 76%
Why we like them: You will find ICCC's AAS in Business has an added opportunity to complete practical experiences through local business practicum courses during your studies. These practicum options afford you real-world exposure even as you study online.
- Graduates: 18
- Annual Tuition: $10,912
- Median Salary: $38,698
- Recommendation: N/A
Why we like them: LCCC's online Applied Management concentration has a mandatory cohort-based model, fostering a strong sense of community from the outset. You will also benefit from an extensive internship requirement that prioritizes experiential learning.
The 15 Most Popular Online Associate Degrees in Management — and Why It Matters
If you're considering an online associate degree in management, you're not alone, and the data proves it. Our ranking of the 15 most popular programs is based on the number of graduates in each specific associate-level business or management program. This metric offers something deeper than enrollment because it reflects follow-through. It's also a strong indicator of program credibility, and the kind of student support that helps learners actually complete their degrees.
Institutions like Purdue Global and Columbia Southern University enroll tens of thousands of online students, but they also stand out for how many finish their management-related programs and earn their degree title, a signal that their online learning structures are working.
Below, we dive deeper into that data and talk to experts about the impact this online associate degree can have in your professional life.
Why Graduation Numbers Signal More Than Just Popularity — Especially in Online Management
We define popularity by one key metric: graduates per program. And when it comes to online associate degrees in management, that number matters more than you might think.
Online management students are often career-focused adults juggling multiple priorities and they're choosing a degree for real-world advancement. In this context, a high number of graduates signals that the program:
-
Supports completion — not just access
-
Delivers a strong curriculum that resonates with aspiring business professionals
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And meets the needs of learners balancing busy lives
Management is a discipline that requires applied learning, communication, and problem-solving. So when you see that Purdue Global, for example, graduated over 300 students from its AAS in Business Administration, it means they’ve developed an online model that helps students successfully finish their business education.
And the experience behind those numbers speaks volumes. Take Kimberly Ord, a Purdue Global student in the AAS program who graduates in 2019, who wrote:
"I am working on an AAS degree... and have two more terms to go to graduate. I will say that I am impressed with Purdue University Global... All the instructors that I have had work with students who have life interfere with their school work... It takes study, hard work, and time management... This way is much less expensive than going to a college campus."
For those pursuing an associate in management (often with the goal of moving up in their careers quickly), that kind of student success rate signals a degree worth trusting.
Flexibility and Student Support That Drives Success
Beyond sheer size, many programs on this list are designed for adaptability. For example, Columbia Southern University offers LifePace Learning, which lets students move through courses on their own schedules. They also allow up to 45 transfer credits — significantly shortening the path to a degree.
CSU graduate Rob Dietrich (2015) praised the relevance and quality of his AAS in Business coursework:
"Each class taken to earn my AAS/Business delivered a set of expectations and once they were met, I realized I had improved my understanding of the subject matter. The course setup is not threatening and the Professors/instructors are well informed, engaging, and concerned with my progress, always providing sound advice in a coaching manner. Simple. They kept me interested and the subject relevant... The finance department was great providing sound advice and offering help where and when needed."
His story reflects how a well-designed online program can keep students engaged, even from a distance.
Several other online schools distinguish themselves through unique models and tight-knit support networks. For instance:
- Laramie County Community College emphasizes cohort-based learning and requires an internship to ensure real-world application.
- Georgia Military College blends operations management with character-based education, like lessons in ethical leadership, integrity, discipline, and civic responsibility.
- Iowa Central Community College offers business practicums, giving online students meaningful, hands-on experience.
In each case, the structure is built around working adult learners, not in spite of them. The more these institutions lean into that reality, the more likely their students are to succeed.
If you are most concerned about cost, we have a list for that. Check out the most affordable online associate in management degrees based on manually collected tuition.
“Think Like an Owner”: Why Online Management Grads Are Thriving
VP Growth Marketing
"Graduates with an online associate degree in management often land roles like office administrator, sales associate, customer service lead, or operations assistant. These roles demand people who can organize processes, solve problems fast, and support a team.
In retail, hospitality, logistics, and healthcare, small businesses and growing startups rely on entry-level managers who understand how to balance people and process without overcomplicating things.
In my team, I've seen hires with online degrees come in with sharper time management and tech literacy than others.
Online management programs help students build practical skills by forcing them to work through real case scenarios. You build a project calendar, coordinate with teammates across time zones, and meet deliverables without a professor looking over your shoulder.
That kind of independent accountability transfers into the workplace. In my team, I've seen hires with online degrees come in with sharper time management and tech literacy than others. They know how to manage tasks in platforms like Slack, Trello, or HubSpot.
The ones who grow fast think like owners. They don't wait for direction. They ask smart questions, act on feedback, and solve problems others don't see yet. Employers today care more about how you work than where your degree comes from. If you bring results and show you're reliable, your online degree earns full credit. Build a work ethic that outperforms your resume."
How Associate Management Grads Are Breaking Into SaaS Operations
Co-Founder of Ayrshare
What kinds of entry-level roles are available to graduates with an online associate degree in management, especially in tech or SaaS companies?
"In SaaS companies like ours, graduates with online associate-level management degrees typically start in operational or coordination roles, like customer success coordinator or junior project manager. They're positioned close to the action, giving early exposure to strategy and execution. One of our ops hires, a graduate with an online associate degree, took ownership of onboarding workflows, which scaled better than what we had in place. These positions serve as springboards into product operations or revenue ops in early-stage startups.
Industries that value flexibility and processes, such as tech startups or service-based agencies, tend to be the most open. Small SaaS businesses need people who can wear multiple hats. We've worked with grads who started out managing inboxes and CRM data, then moved into product support. These roles need someone with strong organisation and follow-through. That's where an associate management degree helps."
How well do online associate degrees in management prepare students for real-world work?
"Most reputable programs go beyond theory. One student we mentored built a mock product launch plan using tools like Trello and Google Sheets as part of a class project. That kind of hands-on experience translates well into entry-level SaaS roles, where resource constraints require a firm grasp of processes and clarity in communication. Even something as simple as learning to write a proper project brief can be more useful than a semester of broad theory.
The most successful graduates tend to apply what they learn immediately, either by freelancing, interning, or launching a small side project. One student we worked with managed social media accounts for a local gym and used that experience as a case study to secure a full-time growth role at a wellness SaaS company. They're not waiting for permission. They're applying what they know in real environments and learning from what works and what doesn't from hands-on experience.
Most startups and SaaS businesses look at how you can apply your skills rather than how you learned them. If you can show how the coursework led to a concrete project, result or system improvement, you'll be taken seriously. That said, accredited programs with a clear applied focus tend to be viewed more positively."
EXPERT TIP
"Use the coursework as a launchpad, not a finish line. Build a small site, run a campaign, offer to manage a project for a local business. Document everything, turning your experience into case studies or simple reports to build out your portfolio."
Final Takeaways
If you're considering an online associate degree in management, our list ranks schools by program-specific graduate totals, a measure of student success in online learning, where follow-through matters.
Top programs like Purdue Global and Columbia Southern combine scale with structure, supporting busy adult learners through flexibility as well as strong advising systems. And graduates from these programs are building skills that translate directly into operations, customer service leadership, and entry-level management roles in industries like retail, logistics, and SaaS.
Experts we interviewed reinforced that applied learning beats abstract theory, especially in business settings where resourcefulness and initiative are prized. Students who take what they’ve learned, whether it’s a mock product launch or an improved onboarding workflow, and turn it into tangible outcomes often find themselves fast-tracked into higher-value roles.
Student Reviews of Online Management Programs
I am set to graduate in September 2022 with an associate's in management. I have to say, I read a lot of these reviews, and I agree with most of them. The associate's degree is extremely easy to obtain. I was able to test out of 8 courses and maintain a 4.0 GPA the entire time. Intelepath, the system used for coursework, is easy to manipulate to always get an A. Copy the lesson in a Word doc and when you answer questions, use the Word doc to search for words. When you miss a question, copy it along... Read More
Review Date: 5/15/2022
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
The Professors were extremely knowledgeable, helpful and understanding to unique personal circumstances. The majority of my Professors had successful businesses to rely on when demonstrating how a business can operate. If anyone going for the basic knowledge in business I would advise them to attend Purdue.
Review Date: 1/9/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I don't understand why this school have so many negative reviews i had a great experience attend CTU i am currently enrolled in my Bachelor degree program which i will have December 2018 thanks to me putting fast track to use i really love everything about CTU and i have learned so much that is helping me with promotion in my career filed. I think this what made me write this positive comment because of so many negative one's i wanted someone to view my post and see the good at CTU. I am also going... Read More
Review Date: 1/14/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I will be graduating with an A.A.S. Management degree from National American University with the conclusion of this current semester. Personally, I have found the staff to be very helpful, especially the Director of Student Success, who seems to be always on hand and responds quickly when I send her a message. The classes are easy to navigate and the curriculum/schedule are well defined and posted. Most importantly, I feel like I have really been learning and I feel prepared to use what I have learned... Read More
Review Date: 4/28/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
My path at Post started out relatively quiet. Teachers were nice, workload was decent for most classes while some were just over the top for adults attending online classes who have jobs and family responsibilities. I was told initially there were scholarships and then after i started they told me for online students there arent any offered (so much for this education opportunity being the same as an on campus student). I cant say I received much coaching from my advisor beyond, take this class or... Read More
Review Date: 3/29/2017
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
UMA is hands down the BEST college ever. I would recommend this school to anyone. The teachers, advisors, financial aid office, and even all of the students are very friendly and helpful. They make me feel like we're all a family, which is a great thing. Everyone always has encouraging words and never give up attitude which causes me to push even harder to make the best possible grade I can get. UMA is the smartest and best decision I have made in my life now all my dreams can finally come true once... Read More
Review Date: 3/31/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
My experience with Rasmussen has been great so far. The advisors were on me to get the necessary documents in for my registration. My professors were very knowledgeable and helpful every step of the way. If I had did not turn in an assignment which I did however I uploaded it wrong, my teacher emailed me several times and even called me to make sure I was aware that she did not receive it.
There were many resources to help you through each course. I am enjoying the flexibility of online school and... Read More
Review Date: 3/21/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I agree with an earlier post I read. You get what you give. If you work hard and participate and ask questions and do all your work- You'll be just fine and no, it's not all easy and a picnic. I have been doing this for over a year and it gets harder and harder and sometimes I want to pull my hair out but if you just stay on top of your reading and your assignments- you'll do fine.
Most of the instructors are wonderful and very helpful and "IF" you end up with one you don't like, Oh well- It's just... Read More
I depend on me-same for my education. If you are serious about school, your education and your not one who quits easy- I highly recommend Everest! Good Luck everyone!
Review Date: 5/11/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
You need to be very sure what you want before you sign up for a school like this. A high motivation and strong work ethic will make sure that you get the most out of it. Downsides to this are the team-based environment, where if you get stuck with someone with very little time to do work, you will have to make up for their mistakes. Teachers are generally OK, but some of them don't do much more than copy and paste old lessons for new classes (generating mistakes) and checking work done. You'll get... Read More
It's not a bad school, by any means, but if you are either too busy or if you are not certain about the benefits of a specific degree, then go somewhere with more name recognition or don't spend the money. Don't go in expecting a degree here to change your life, because it will not unless you invest in more than just schooling.
Review Date: 11/22/2012
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
From the very beginning I was lied to. Enrollment counselor made promises and guarantees that were inaccurate to get me to sign up. Financial aid department was like dealing with a five-year-old who is in control of your checkbook. I was given 9 different financial aid advisers over the course of three years and was only informed of one changeover. Several of the advisers didn't even know they had new students added to their caseloads until I called to find out why there were issues with my financial... Read More
This school is a joke. I was not surprised when they started closing campuses due to their accreditation of those campuses being revoked.
Not only is the school a joke, but you are paying Ivy League college prices for below average education and years of fighting.
They try to give you all information over the phone and then if you have no written account of what they said in your own records they will back out of what they say. After two years of broken promises and false information I finally started getting everything in writing and email. This is what saved me from a 3000 dollar bill one week before I graduated.
I recommend you keep searching and pass this school over. Not worth the time, money, and emotional strain you will most likely experience. I actually filed three complaints with the BBB but only one was validated because I had nothing in writing for the others.
Review Date: 12/16/2012
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I finished my coursework and 4th semester exam in October 2012 and have yet to receive my diploma. I have called the school numerous times between October 2012 and June 2013. Every time I call, the representative says, "I will resubmit a request to have your diploma mailed to you. Please 4-6 weeks". Still, no diploma.
Review Date: 7/10/2013
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: Yes
I enrolled after witnessing the positive results my husband has realized from earning his UoP degrees.
The course work does start off relatively simple; but don't worry, the momentum increases quickly. As others have said, this is not a school for those who are not self disciplined.
As for those who feel that there has been a lack of support-I have an amazing team of advisors who keep in touch regularly.
There are also local campuses that offer face-to-face resources. I am happy with the level of education... Read More
Review Date: 4/8/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
This school is based on a Christian World View no argument, with that said, the school and the staff is clear in what they want out of you. If you are taking on-line classes you are required to write 1-2 pages a week, plus take part in the thread of discussion.
I have a full time job with overtime and I am able to keep up with the work load. CCU is both online and in-seat or purely online or in school. I have mixed both and you really have the freedom to choose your work load. Religious class credits... Read More
On-line is perfect if you work long hours, or have a shy personality. I strongly suggest going to a cheaper school for you generals, I made the mistake of not doing so and I'm currently trying to figure out how I am going to repay the loan.
Oh yeah, order your books a week prior to class beginning, reading is intensive. YES I do recommend this school even if you are not strictly Christian, you learn some interesting qualities about Christianity.
Papers are APA format: important
Review Date: 4/23/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
People complaining about Keiser, please just SHUT up. Some complains here about Keiser are legitimate but other people are are just winning. If you can't do your school homework or fail exams, don't blame Keiser please. I have 6 friends who attended Keiser and all of the graduated just fine. I too graduated in 2015 with honors. Keiser is actually one of the BEST collages in Central Florida but of course it's VERY EXPENSIVE because it's a private institution. But I love the fact that students ONLY... Read More
Review Date: 9/23/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I am a current Strayer University student and am enrolled my last quarter of classes. I originally started my degree at the Huntsville Campus and I must say I loved it. I was only enrolled there for my first three quarters.
The staff was very prompt and friendly. The classes were relatively small and the professors were willing to give extra one on one attention to whoever required it. Because of my job situation, I had move to the Birmingham area. The staff is ok.
They're not as friendly and attentive... Read More
Review Date: 11/25/2012
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I went back to give myself an edge in job hunting competition and job change options. I only had my AA from 20 some years ago. I actually (finally) learned algebra here at UoP. The classes were very challenging. I did on campus for all of my bachelor's and most of my master's except for the last 5 courses which was global management so the participants were more diversified in experience from all over the country than in my local neighborhood "campus".
Overall I learned a lot and it boosted my confidence... Read More
MOST of the people in my classes were there because their company was paying for it and their companies wanted to promote from within but they technically needed the piece of paper/degree. So, it was a good experience for me and I like that I got both experiences of the "campus" and online.
Review Date: 11/25/2012
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Stay away and spend your GI Bill elsewhere. So many hidden regulations and half your day spent on campus is at the financial aid office because they want $$$. Then you get back to class only to realize you missed half of it and no notes or handouts are provided for the schools negligence. Btw way overpriced for what you get!!
Review Date: 12/6/2018
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I am attending itt tech right now and ready to drop out! (and I pan too this week) im not much of a person to give up on things but i just cant take it anymore.
For example my teacher asked me what career was I wanting to have. ( i am in business adm.) I said i want to start and own my own car insurance business. he says ahh thats all right like it wasnt good enough or something. that hurt my feelings. on top of that it is way too much work for anyone to do.
We get assingments weekly but the directions... Read More
Review Date: 4/7/2013
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Good base knowledge for the money.Got a good reference for a good job from the instructor and remain employed in my field. No frills, just education. Would recommend.Scholarships available as well as workstudy, did not owe a lot at the end. Overall B rating.
Review Date: 3/1/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes