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Why we like them: Rowan College of South Jersey ranks first for its remarkably affordable tuition of $4,620, a factor that plays a significant role in its accessibility for distance learners. The HR associate program focuses on technology utilization for business processes and decision-making. It also offers explicit transfer pathway to Wilmington University, ensuring a seamless transition for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in HR or business-related fields.

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Why we like them: With an accessible tuition rate of $5,968, this program emphasizes both local employment regulations and ethical decision-making, ensuring graduates are prepared for real-world workplace challenges. Additionally, the program offers multiple credential options — an AAS for direct workforce entry, an AS for transfer opportunities, and a certificate for skill-focused advancement — giving students flexibility based on their career goals.

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Why we like them: This HR associate program includes a focused study on employment life cycles, compensation, benefits administration, and the application of federal, state, and local employment regulations. Notably, students have the opportunity to earn the Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) credential from the HR Certification Institute, enhancing career prospects. This credential, although not required for degree completion, is a valuable professional asset as it supplements career progression in HR.

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Why we like them: A unique feature of this program is its broad business foundation, integrating accounting, business law, economics, and marketing alongside HR-specific coursework, giving students a dual career pathway in both HR and general business management. Additionally, the program emphasizes practical skill development in team-building.

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Why we like them: Ranked 5th for affordability, WIT's AAS in HR is has a unique hands-on focus regarding essential HR functions, including interviewing applicants, conducting pre-employment tests, processing promotions and terminations, and handling payroll and accident reports. Additionally, students gain experience in computerized HR systems, preparing them for data-driven HR roles in modern workplaces.

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Why we like them: This program has an application-based learning approach, offering mock interviews, real-world termination scenarios, and interactive HR exercises. CVTC also integrates risk and safety management into its curriculum to help students understand legal compliance and liability protection. With median earnings at $44,119, CVTC's HR graduates have the potential to achieve a promising return on their educational investments. HR graduates have direct hiring opportunities at companies like Menards, Royal Credit Union, and Medical Staffing Solutions, Inc., ensuring high job placement rates.

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Why we like them: Northcentral's HR associate has dedicated coursework in payroll accounting, an area often overlooked in standard HR programs. This gives students practical financial and compliance skills, preparing them for payroll coordination and compensation management roles — a major advantage in HR careers requiring direct payroll oversight.

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Why we like them: As part of this HR associate degree is a focused internship in human resources allows you to gain hands-on experience, essential for a well-rounded understanding of the field. It also has a Competency-Based Education (CBE) format, allowing students to progress at their own pace. And lastly, the SHRM Club-Lakeshore Student Chapter gives students networking opportunities, industry connections, and professional development through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

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Why we like them: The HR management associate program at HCC includes hands-on projects and a 192-hour internship for practical experience. Additionally, enrollment is available year-round with eligibility for the Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship that covers up to 100% of tuition. Graduates of this program earn a median salary of $42,518, which is better than half of peers nationwide.

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Why we like them: NWT boasts a low student-to-faculty ratio of 5:1 (the best on our list), positioning NWT in the top 4% nationally for providing the most personalized attention. Also, this program's real-world project integration allows students to apply coursework directly to their current job duties if they are already employed. This practical, workplace-focused approach helps students gain immediate HR experience while earning their degree.

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Why we like them: Accreditation by the ACBSP underscores the quality of education provided. With experiential components such as internships or practicums and the potential for study abroad opportunities, NWTC ensures that HR graduates are prepared for immediate employment. The curriculum requires 63 credits, typically distributed across four semesters, totaling 18 credits in the first semester followed by decreasing credits in subsequent semesters.

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Why we like them: Alongside the associate degree in human resources, STC offers a Human Resources Assistant Certificate, which emphasizes accounting and problem-solving coursework. Additionally, the curriculum prepares students for HR certifications like the Associate Professional in Human Resources and Professional in Human Resources.

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Why we like them: Herkimer's online HR associate program facilitates your learning entirely through its Internet Academy, offering comprehensive services identical to on-campus support. These include registration, bill payment, tutoring, and academic advisement, all crucial for remote learners.

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Why we like them: There's an emphasis on developing "people skills" and instructional design, ensuring well-rounded preparation. And unlike traditional HR programs that focus solely on corporate settings, GTCC’s program prepares students for both HR leadership roles and small business HR management. This means students gain expertise in workforce planning, compensation, and compliance, while also learning how to manage HR functions within startups and growing businesses.

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Why we like them: Gaston integrates database concepts into the HR curriculum, preparing students for the increasing role of HR analytics in talent management. Additionally, students can experience work-based learning for hands-on experience, giving them real-world exposure to HR functions. Program outcomes include understanding supply and demand theories, analyzing promotional strategies, grasping contract principles, applying labor standards, and comparing HR selection methods.

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Why we like them: Notably, the curriculum supports eligibility for SHRM and HRCI certification exams, enhancing your professional credentials. UNOH also blends industry-recognized HR certifications into the curriculum.

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Why we like them: Waldorf maintains a high recommendation rate of 94%, the best on our list of affordable HR associate degrees online. This HR management associate is in direct alignment with key competencies identified by SHRM. Waldorf’s curriculum allows students to customize their coursework by selecting four courses tailored to SHRM’s core competencies, such as employment law, recruitment, compensation, and emerging HR strategies.

"Waldorf University is great. The workload is very manageable...I liked it because it was not a common "online school" because unfortunately, those biases exist sometimes. If anyone looks it up, they see a cute brick and mortar school."

Beci, Graduated 2019

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Why we like them: This HR management program is structured around an 8-week course format, allowing you to progress more swiftly than the traditional 16-week semester schedule. This accelerated structure makes it easier for students to balance education with work and personal commitments while still completing their degree efficiently.

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Why we like them: The practicum courses offer hands-on experience by placing students in local businesses, providing them with valuable real-world exposure while completing their studies. This emphasis on applied learning makes Iowa Central’s program particularly adaptable to different career goals in the business sector.

"If you experience difficulties in class, the instructors work with you until the material has been learned."

Cassandra Jackson, Graduated 2013

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Why we like them: This program is accredited by ACBSP, ensuring a high standard of education. Furthermore, there is an opportunity to incorporate embedded certificates within this degree. The program is structured to facilitate easy transition into a bachelor’s program at Franklin University, with up to three years’ worth of credit transferable.

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Why we like them: A distinct aspect of Westmoreland's HR program is its stackable credential structure, allowing students to start with a certificate and later apply those courses toward the AAS degree. This design is ideal for students seeking a quick entry into HR roles while maintaining the option to continue their education.

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Why we like them: CCU has a faith-based approach that differentiates this HR management associate degree from secular degrees by incorporating scriptural ethics into courses like organizational behavior, leadership, and business law. Additionally, CCU’s accelerated five-week course structure allows students to earn their degree in two years or less

"I was extremely impressed and would recommend."

Anonymous, Graduated 2020

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Why we like them: DeVry has online enrollment numbers that place it within the top 1% nationwide, reflecting a vast and diverse community of online students. This business program with an HR concentration can be completed in 1 year and 4 months on an accelerated schedule, or you can choose part-time or normal-paced options.

"DeVry University in Houston helped me get a great education. Great professors and a caring staff."

Mickey

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Why we like them: Bryant & Stratton offers a student-centered online learning environment with live remote sessions for real-time interaction. The curriculum includes a mandatory internship component, providing hands-on experience in HR functions such as recruitment, payroll, and labor relations. Additionally, the program integrates HR technology training.

"If you are one to move at your own pace and not much into being seen in the spotlight, online at Bryant&Stratton is the place to be. Weekly emails with much encouragement to push you through the week, the instructors are always there to help."

Christina, Graduated 2023

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Why we like them: This HR program offers major options such as General Applied Human Resources and an articulation with the College of Business. The former focuses on HR management, employee relations, and risk management, while the latter prepares you for organizational development and compensation packages.

"Montana State University of Billings is a college full of many opportunities."

Sarah Khan, Graduated 2018