- 1.Hakia's analysis of the best artificial intelligence associate's degree programs reveals that associate's degree in artificial intelligence costs 60-70% less than bachelor's programs—average $2,051/year at community colleges vs $12,000 at 4-year universities.
- 2.Our top-ranked associate's programs are Santa Monica College, Northern Virginia Community College, Green River College—selected for transfer agreements and job placement rates.
- 3.33% of associate's graduates transfer to bachelor's programs, often with guaranteed admission to state universities.
- 4.Entry-level artificial intelligence technician positions start at $52,500 median salary (BLS, 2024).
- 5.Complete in 2 years full-time, or 3-4 years part-time while working—many programs offer evening and weekend classes.
Source: An associate's degree in artificial intelligence is worth it for students seeking affordable entry into tech careers. At ~$3,500/year (vs $40,000+ for bachelor's), you can enter the workforce in 2 years or transfer to a 4-year university with completed prerequisites. Entry-level technician roles start at $45,500.
Why Choose an Associate's Degree in Artificial Intelligence?
An associate's degree in artificial intelligence offers a cost-effective pathway into technology careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Data Scientists/Computer Research Scientists earn a median salary of $112,590 annually, with entry-level positions starting around $75,000.
Key Benefits of the 2-Year Path
- Lower cost: Average $3,500-4,000/year at community colleges vs $11,000+ at 4-year schools (AACC)
- Strong job outlook: 33% projected growth from 2024-2034 (BLS)
- Large job market: 245,900 positions nationwide in this field
- Transfer-friendly: Credits typically transfer to bachelor's programs at state universities
- Flexible scheduling: Evening, weekend, and online options for working adults
- Hands-on focus: Practical skills emphasized over theoretical coursework
Salary potential: Entry-level artificial intelligence positions start at $75,000, with experienced professionals earning up to $194,410 (BLS OEWS, 2024).
Who succeeds with an associate's: Students seeking quick entry to tech careers, working adults balancing jobs and education, career changers looking for an affordable credential, and those planning to transfer to bachelor's programs.
Best Artificial Intelligence Associate's Programs - Top 10
Santa Monica College
SMC is one of California's top transfer community colleges with guaranteed ADT transfer to CSU campuses and strong UC transfer rates.
Santa Monica College Associate's Artificial Intelligence Program Overview
Hakia ranks Santa Monica College as the #1 associate's in artificial intelligence degree program.
Santa Monica College's associate's Artificial Intelligence program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $1,104 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Silicon Beach location
Hakia Insight: Silicon Beach location
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Silicon Beach location
- •Close to LA tech industry
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
LA area tech companies, Entertainment industry
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Northern Virginia Community College
NOVA is Virginia's largest community college with a direct transfer pathway to George Mason University through the ADVANCE program, which guarantees admission for qualifying students.
Northern Virginia Community College Associate's Artificial Intelligence Program Overview
Hakia ranks Northern Virginia Community College as the #2 associate's in artificial intelligence degree program.
Northern Virginia Community College's associate's Artificial Intelligence program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $5,550 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Close to Washington DC tech corridor
Hakia Insight: Through ties with CompTIA and Microsoft, Northern Virginia Community College bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Close to Washington DC tech corridor
- •Access to federal contractors and tech companies
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Federal contractors, DC area tech companies
Admissions
Green River College
Green River is one of Washington's top transfer community colleges, nationally known for math and science preparation.
Green River College Associate's Artificial Intelligence Program Overview
Hakia ranks Green River College as the #3 associate's in artificial intelligence degree program.
Green River College's associate's Artificial Intelligence program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $4,074 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Seattle metro area
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Seattle metro area
- •Access to Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
MiraCosta College
MiraCosta is located in San Diego County and has produced successful transfer students to UC Berkeley and other top universities.
MiraCosta College Associate's Artificial Intelligence Program Overview
Hakia ranks MiraCosta College as the #4 associate's in artificial intelligence degree program.
MiraCosta College's associate's Artificial Intelligence program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $1,104 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. San Diego County location
Hakia Insight: MiraCosta College's AI Discovery Lab creates a direct research-to-career pipeline with San Diego tech companies, bridging academic research and industry practice.
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
artificial intelligence community engagement
Location Advantages
- •San Diego County location
- •Access to biotech and defense industries
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
San Diego tech sector, Defense contractors
Admissions
De Anza College
De Anza College is a public institution known for artificial intelligence education with strong transfer pathways.
De Anza College Associate's Artificial Intelligence Program Overview
Hakia ranks De Anza College as the #5 associate's in artificial intelligence degree program.
De Anza College's associate's Artificial Intelligence program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $1,395 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Cupertino, CA location
Hakia Insight: Cupertino, CA location
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Cupertino, CA location
Career Outcomes
Admissions
Edmonds College
Edmonds College is a public institution known for artificial intelligence education with strong transfer pathways.
Edmonds College Associate's Artificial Intelligence Program Overview
Hakia ranks Edmonds College as the #6 associate's in artificial intelligence degree program.
Edmonds College's associate's Artificial Intelligence program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $4,073 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Lynnwood, WA location
Hakia Insight: Lynnwood, WA location
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Lynnwood, WA location
Career Outcomes
Admissions
Tacoma Community College
TCC offers affordable CS education at 1/3 the cost of state universities with direct transfer agreements to Washington universities.
Tacoma Community College Associate's Artificial Intelligence Program Overview
Hakia ranks Tacoma Community College as the #7 associate's in artificial intelligence degree program.
Tacoma Community College's associate's Artificial Intelligence program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $4,477 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Tacoma location
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Tacoma location
- •Access to Seattle tech market
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Seattle/Tacoma tech companies
Admissions
Weber State University
Weber State offers ABET-accredited CS degrees with strong industry partnerships and career placement support.
Weber State University Associate's Artificial Intelligence Program Overview
Hakia ranks Weber State University as the #8 associate's in artificial intelligence degree program.
Weber State University's associate's Artificial Intelligence program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $5,471 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Proximity to Salt Lake City tech hub
Hakia Insight: Through ties with Utah tech companies and Salt Lake Community College, Weber State University bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Proximity to Salt Lake City tech hub
- •Access to aerospace and manufacturing companies
- •Regional tech company internship ecosystem
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Utah tech companies
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Houston Community College
HCC serves the Greater Houston metro area, one of the largest tech employment markets in Texas with strong energy sector tech demand.
Houston Community College Associate's Artificial Intelligence Program Overview
Hakia ranks Houston Community College as the #9 associate's in artificial intelligence degree program.
Houston Community College's associate's Artificial Intelligence program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $2,904 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Houston tech hub
Hakia Insight: Houston Community College's direct partnerships with Houston energy companies and NASA give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Houston tech hub
- •Energy industry technology jobs
- •NASA Johnson Space Center
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Energy sector, NASA, Houston tech companies
Admissions
Antelope Valley Community College District
Antelope Valley Community College District is a public institution known for artificial intelligence education with strong transfer pathways.
Antelope Valley Community College District Associate's Artificial Intelligence Program Overview
Hakia ranks Antelope Valley Community College District as the #10 associate's in artificial intelligence degree program.
Antelope Valley Community College District's associate's Artificial Intelligence program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $1,104 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Lancaster, CA location
Hakia Insight: Lancaster, CA location
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Lancaster, CA location
Career Outcomes
Admissions
Best Artificial Intelligence Associate's Programs - Top 10 — Complete Program Data
#1. Santa Monica College Associate's Artificial Intelligence Program
Hakia ranks Santa Monica College as the #1 associate's in artificial intelligence degree program. Location: Santa Monica, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Graduation Rate: 95% | Score: 100.0
What makes Santa Monica College stand out: SMC is one of California's top transfer community colleges with guaranteed ADT transfer to CSU campuses and strong UC transfer rates.
Hakia Insight: Silicon Beach location
Program Overview: Santa Monica College's Associate in Science in artificial intelligence prepares students for transfer to four-year universities through California's ADT (Associate Degree for Transfer) program. The curriculum covers core artificial intelligence topics including programming, data structures, database theory, operating systems, and computer hardware. Students can also earn certificates in Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, and Entry Level Programmer.
Degree Programs: Applied Artificial Intelligence Certificate of Achievement; Artificial Intelligence Department Certificate
Industry Partners: Silicon Beach tech companies
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: LA area tech companies, Entertainment industry
Notable Faculty: Gary Huff (Education/Early Childhood Education Department chair, AI in education); Lynn Dickinson (Media Studies Professor, author of 'How to Use ChatGPT as a Teaching Assistant')
Admissions: GPA: 2.0 minimum for degree
Accreditations: Cloud Computing Certificate, Cybersecurity Certificate
#2. Northern Virginia Community College Associate's Artificial Intelligence Program
Hakia ranks Northern Virginia Community College as the #2 associate's in artificial intelligence degree program. Location: Annandale, VA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,550/year | Score: 98.0
What makes Northern Virginia Community College stand out: NOVA is Virginia's largest community college with a direct transfer pathway to George Mason University through the ADVANCE program, which guarantees admission for qualifying students.
Hakia Insight: Through ties with CompTIA and Microsoft, Northern Virginia Community College bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.
Program Overview: Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) offers an Associate of Science in artificial intelligence designed primarily for students who wish to transfer to a four-year college or university. The program prepares students for success in bachelor's degree programs or entry-level programmer positions. NOVA's ADVANCE transfer partnership with George Mason University provides a guaranteed pathway for Artificial Intelligence students to complete their bachelor's degree, with students saving money at NOVA before seamlessly transferring to Mason.
Degree Programs: Associate of Science in Artificial Intelligence (2 years)
Industry Partners: CompTIA, Microsoft, Google
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Federal contractors, DC area tech companies
Admissions: GPA: 2.5 minimum for ADVANCE program
#3. Green River College Associate's Artificial Intelligence Program
Hakia ranks Green River College as the #3 associate's in artificial intelligence degree program. Location: Auburn, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,074/year | Graduation Rate: 99% | Score: 97.4
What makes Green River College stand out: Green River is one of Washington's top transfer community colleges, nationally known for math and science preparation.
Program Overview: Green River College offers an Associate in artificial intelligence (ACS-DTA/MRP) designed for students preparing to transfer to artificial intelligence programs at Washington universities. Students can complete their degree in as little as six quarters full-time. GRC also offers Bachelor of Applied Science degrees in Software Development and Cybersecurity & Networking for students who want to continue at the college.
Degree Programs: Associate in Science Transfer Track 2 (Computer Science, Engineering, Physics) (6 quarters minimum); Associate in Computer Science (6 quarters minimum); Bachelor of Applied Science in Software Development and Data Analytics
Industry Partners: Seattle area tech companies
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing
Admissions:
Accreditations: AI Certificate
#4. MiraCosta College Associate's Artificial Intelligence Program
Hakia ranks MiraCosta College as the #4 associate's in artificial intelligence degree program. Location: Oceanside, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Graduation Rate: 94% | Score: 95.9
What makes MiraCosta College stand out: MiraCosta is located in San Diego County and has produced successful transfer students to UC Berkeley and other top universities.
Hakia Insight: MiraCosta College's AI Discovery Lab creates a direct research-to-career pipeline with San Diego tech companies, bridging academic research and industry practice.
Program Overview: MiraCosta College in Oceanside, California offers an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) in artificial intelligence that prepares students for seamless transfer to California State University campuses. Students learn programming fundamentals, data structures, and computer architecture while completing calculus and discrete mathematics requirements. Graduates are prepared for careers as software engineers, data scientists, and systems analysts.
Degree Programs: Associate in Science for Transfer - Artificial Intelligence (2 years)
Research Labs: AI Discovery Lab - artificial intelligence community engagement
Industry Partners: San Diego tech companies
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: San Diego tech sector, Defense contractors
Notable Faculty: Professor Rick White (Artificial Intelligence - architect of CSIT 150 course); Steve Isachsen (Computer Studies and Information Technology - Department Chair)
Admissions: GPA: 2.0 minimum
#5. De Anza College Associate's Artificial Intelligence Program
Hakia ranks De Anza College as the #5 associate's in artificial intelligence degree program. Location: Cupertino, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,395/year | Score: 94.0
What makes De Anza College stand out: De Anza College is a public institution known for artificial intelligence education with strong transfer pathways.
Hakia Insight: Cupertino, CA location
Program Overview: De Anza College offers an associate degree program in artificial intelligence designed for students seeking entry into the artificial intelligence field or transfer to a four-year university. Located in Cupertino, CA, the program provides foundational skills in artificial intelligence with opportunities for hands-on learning and industry connections.
Degree Programs: Associate Degree in Artificial Intelligence (2 years)
Career Outcomes:
Admissions:
#6. Edmonds College Associate's Artificial Intelligence Program
Hakia ranks Edmonds College as the #6 associate's in artificial intelligence degree program. Location: Lynnwood, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,073/year | Graduation Rate: 93% | Score: 93.9
What makes Edmonds College stand out: Edmonds College is a public institution known for artificial intelligence education with strong transfer pathways.
Hakia Insight: Lynnwood, WA location
Program Overview: Edmonds College offers an associate degree program in artificial intelligence designed for students seeking entry into the artificial intelligence field or transfer to a four-year university. Located in Lynnwood, WA, the program provides foundational skills in artificial intelligence with opportunities for hands-on learning and industry connections.
Degree Programs: Associate Degree in Artificial Intelligence (2 years)
Career Outcomes:
Notable Faculty: Sirine Maalej (ROBAI department head); Allison Obourn (computer science department head); Carey Schroyer (Dean of STEM)
Admissions:
#7. Tacoma Community College Associate's Artificial Intelligence Program
Hakia ranks Tacoma Community College as the #7 associate's in artificial intelligence degree program. Location: Tacoma, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,477/year | Graduation Rate: 87% | Score: 93.9
What makes Tacoma Community College stand out: TCC offers affordable CS education at 1/3 the cost of state universities with direct transfer agreements to Washington universities.
Program Overview: Tacoma Community College offers an Associate of Arts in artificial intelligence (DTA/MRP) designed for students transferring to baccalaureate institutions in Washington state. The 90-credit degree satisfies general education requirements at most Washington universities. TCC costs approximately 1/3 of state university tuition, with 60% of students receiving financial aid. Graduates are prepared for careers in programming, system architecture, and IT management.
Degree Programs: Associate of Arts - Artificial Intelligence DTA/MRP (2 years)
Industry Partners: Tacoma area employers
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Seattle/Tacoma tech companies
Admissions: GPA: 2.0 minimum
#8. Weber State University Associate's Artificial Intelligence Program
Hakia ranks Weber State University as the #8 associate's in artificial intelligence degree program. Location: Ogden, UT | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,471/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Score: 93.6
What makes Weber State University stand out: Weber State offers ABET-accredited CS degrees with strong industry partnerships and career placement support.
Hakia Insight: Through ties with Utah tech companies and Salt Lake Community College, Weber State University bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.
Program Overview: Weber State University offers an ABET-accredited Associate of Applied Science in artificial intelligence that can be completed in just over a year through their open-entry program. The program offers flexible learning modalities including face-to-face, online, hybrid, and FLEX options. Weber State works closely with industry partners to secure jobs for students and provides career counseling with resume help and mock interviews.
Degree Programs: Associate of Applied Science in Artificial Intelligence (1+ years); BS in Artificial Intelligence (2 additional years)
Industry Partners: Utah tech companies, Salt Lake Community College
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Utah tech companies
Admissions:
Accreditations: Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET (BS only)
#9. Houston Community College Associate's Artificial Intelligence Program
Hakia ranks Houston Community College as the #9 associate's in artificial intelligence degree program. Location: Houston, TX | Type: Public | Tuition: $2,904/year | Graduation Rate: 86% | Score: 92.4
What makes Houston Community College stand out: HCC serves the Greater Houston metro area, one of the largest tech employment markets in Texas with strong energy sector tech demand.
Hakia Insight: Houston Community College's direct partnerships with Houston energy companies and NASA give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.
Program Overview: Houston Community College offers Associate in Science and Associate of Applied Science degrees in artificial intelligence and Computer Programming. The program teaches fundamental programming principles including algorithm analysis, software design, operating systems, and databases. Students can specialize in Microsoft C#, Java, or Database Administration. HCC serves the Greater Houston area where nearly 5,000 computer programmers are employed.
Degree Programs: Associate in Science - Artificial Intelligence (2 years); Associate of Applied Science - Computer Programming (2 years)
Industry Partners: Houston energy companies, NASA
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Energy sector, NASA, Houston tech companies
Admissions:
#10. Antelope Valley Community College District Associate's Artificial Intelligence Program
Hakia ranks Antelope Valley Community College District as the #10 associate's in artificial intelligence degree program. Location: Lancaster, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Graduation Rate: 82% | Score: 91.9
What makes Antelope Valley Community College District stand out: Antelope Valley Community College District is a public institution known for artificial intelligence education with strong transfer pathways.
Hakia Insight: Lancaster, CA location
Program Overview: Antelope Valley Community College District offers an associate degree program in artificial intelligence designed for students seeking entry into the artificial intelligence field or transfer to a four-year university. Located in Lancaster, CA, the program provides foundational skills in artificial intelligence with opportunities for hands-on learning and industry connections.
Degree Programs: Associate Degree in Artificial Intelligence (2 years)
Career Outcomes:
Admissions:
Full Artificial Intelligence Associate's Rankings 2026
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Santa Monica College | Santa Monica, CA | Public | $1,104 | 95% | 100 |
| 2 | Northern Virginia Community College | Annandale, VA | Public | $5,550 | — | 98 |
| 3 | Green River College | Auburn, WA | Public | $4,074 | 99% | 97.4 |
| 4 | MiraCosta College | Oceanside, CA | Public | $1,104 | 94% | 95.9 |
| 5 | De Anza College | Cupertino, CA | Public | $1,395 | — | 94 |
| 6 | Edmonds College | Lynnwood, WA | Public | $4,073 | 93% | 93.9 |
| 7 | Tacoma Community College | Tacoma, WA | Public | $4,477 | 87% | 93.9 |
| 8 | Weber State University | Ogden, UT | Public | $5,471 | 92% | 93.6 |
| 9 | Houston Community College | Houston, TX | Public | $2,904 | 86% | 92.4 |
| 10 | Antelope Valley Community College District | Lancaster, CA | Public | $1,104 | 82% | 91.9 |
| 11 | Skagit Valley College | Mount Vernon, WA | Public | $4,623 | 91% | 91 |
| 12 | Modesto Junior College | Modesto, CA | Public | $1,188 | 77% | 90.9 |
| 13 | CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College | New York, NY | Public | $4,800 | — | 90.2 |
| 14 | Grossmont College | El Cajon, CA | Public | $1,288 | — | 88.6 |
| 15 | Solano Community College | Fairfield, CA | Public | $1,104 | 74% | 87.6 |
| 16 | Citrus College | Glendora, CA | Public | $1,104 | — | 87.6 |
| 17 | Irvine Valley College | Irvine, CA | Public | $1,104 | — | 87.4 |
| 18 | San Diego Miramar College | San Diego, CA | Public | $1,104 | — | 87.3 |
| 19 | Clovis Community College | Fresno, CA | Public | $1,288 | — | 87.2 |
| 20 | College of the Canyons | Santa Clarita, CA | Public | $1,104 | — | 87.2 |
| 21 | Cypress College | Cypress, CA | Public | $1,104 | 68% | 87.1 |
| 22 | Renton Technical College | Renton, WA | Public | $4,673 | 65% | 86.8 |
| 23 | Foothill College | Los Altos Hills, CA | Public | $1,395 | — | 86.2 |
| 24 | Moorpark College | Moorpark, CA | Public | $1,340 | — | 85.9 |
| 25 | Riverside City College | Riverside, CA | Public | $1,380 | — | 85.5 |
Showing 1–25 of 50
Transfer Pathways to Bachelor's Programs
Transfer pathways are critical for associate's degree students. According to NCES, about 34% of first-time community college students transfer to another institution within 150% of normal completion time.
Preparation is Key: Success in transfer requires strong foundations and careful planning. Students should complete prerequisite courses at their community college and verify course equivalencies through official articulation agreements before transferring.
State Transfer Systems
- California: The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) guarantees CSU admission. Use ASSIST.org to verify course-by-course transfer equivalencies.
- Washington: Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) programs provide guaranteed pathways to state universities.
- North Carolina: The Comprehensive Articulation Agreement ensures seamless credit transfer to UNC System schools.
- Texas: The Texas Common Course Numbering System facilitates transfer between community colleges and state universities.
Key to Success: Research from PPIC shows successful transfer students share common traits: they start planning early, attend colleges with strong transfer partnerships, and choose universities with robust support services for transfer students.
Community College Advantages
Community colleges are experiencing a significant resurgence. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, community college enrollment increased 5.4% between Fall 2023 and Fall 2024 (+288,000 students)—the largest growth among all institutional sectors.
As Dr. Walter Bumphus, president of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), noted: "Community colleges have always been gateways to opportunity, but in 2025, they are increasingly engines of innovation in workforce development."
Why Community Colleges Excel for Technology Programs
- Smaller class sizes: Community college classes average 25-35 students, compared to 100+ in university introductory courses (Community College Review)
- Industry-connected instructors: Many instructors work in tech and teach part-time, bringing current industry practices to the classroom
- Lower cost: Average public community college tuition is $3,990/year vs $11,260 at public 4-year schools (AACC Fast Facts 2024)
- Open access: No SAT/ACT requirements—community colleges serve all students regardless of prior academic performance
- Flexible scheduling: Evening, weekend, and hybrid options designed for working adults
- Transfer pathways: State articulation agreements provide guaranteed transfer to 4-year universities
2-Year Curriculum Overview
Artificial Intelligence associate's programs typically require 60-65 credit hours completed over 2 years full-time. The curriculum balances technical skills with general education requirements, preparing students for both employment and transfer to bachelor's programs.
Core Artificial Intelligence Courses
- Introduction to Programming
- Data Structures
- Linear Algebra
- Statistics
- Machine Learning Fundamentals
- Python Programming
Typical Course Sequence
- Year 1: Programming fundamentals, math requirements (algebra/statistics), English composition, introductory technical courses
- Year 2: Advanced technical courses, electives in specialization area, capstone project or internship
Transfer Requirements: Most courses will transfer to 4-year universities through articulation agreements. A grade of C or better is typically required for technical courses. Check your state's transfer agreements (e.g., ASSIST.org for California, Direct Transfer Agreement for Washington).
Accelerated & Online Options
Online learning has become mainstream in higher education. According to NCES, 53% of U.S. students were enrolled in at least one online course in 2022-23. BestColleges research found that 60% of institutions reported online classes filling first in 2024—indicating strong student preference for flexible formats.
Enrollment Trends: The National Student Clearinghouse reports associate degree enrollment grew 6.3% in Spring 2025. Notably, older first-year students are driving growth—enrollment among those aged 25+ increased 19.7% compared to the prior year.
Flexible Format Options
- Fully online: Complete your degree from anywhere with asynchronous courses—many community colleges now offer 100% online associate's degrees
- Hybrid programs: Mix of online coursework and in-person labs—ideal for hands-on technical practice
- Accelerated tracks: Complete in 18 months with year-round enrollment at schools offering quarterly or trimester calendars
- Evening/weekend programs: Designed for working adults; many community colleges offer courses starting at 6pm or on Saturdays
Tip: Look for programs with asynchronous course delivery if your work schedule is unpredictable. Synchronous (live) classes require logging in at specific times.
Associate's vs Bootcamp vs Certificate
Choosing between an associate's degree, bootcamp, or certificate depends on your career goals, timeline, and budget. Each path has trade-offs.
Coding Bootcamp Outcomes: According to the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting (CIRR), 71% of coding bootcamp graduates find a job within 6 months of completion. Course Report's 2025 survey found 79% of alumni land programming jobs within six months, with a 51% average salary increase over pre-bootcamp income.
Comparison
- Associate's degree (2 years, $7-15K total): Regionally accredited credential, transfers to bachelor's programs, qualifies for federal financial aid, recognized by employers across industries
- Coding bootcamp (3-6 months, $10-20K): 71% job placement within 6 months (CIRR), fastest path to specific dev roles, but limited to certain job titles and employers
- Industry certificate (6-12 months, $2-5K): CompTIA, AWS, or vendor-specific certifications focus on specific skills; best for career changers with some tech background
Key difference: Only associate's degrees are regionally accredited and qualify for federal student aid. Bootcamps typically require full upfront payment or income share agreements. As The Century Foundation notes, always read the fine print on any education program's outcomes claims.
Our recommendation: Choose an associate's degree if you want maximum flexibility—transfer options, employer recognition, and financial aid eligibility. Choose a bootcamp if you're confident about a specific developer role and can afford the upfront cost.
Financial Aid & Employer Tuition Assistance
Community college programs qualify for federal financial aid, state grants, and employer tuition assistance. With average tuition under $4,000/year, many students graduate debt-free.
Federal Pell Grants: The maximum Federal Pell Grant for 2024-25 is $7,395 (minimum $740). Since this exceeds typical community college tuition, eligible students may have funds left for books and fees. Lifetime eligibility is limited to 12 semesters.
Free Community College Programs: Over 300 promise programs now operate at state and local levels, including:
- California: California College Promise provides free tuition for first-time students at participating community colleges
- Maryland: Community College Promise Scholarship covers up to $5,000/year in tuition
- Oregon: Oregon Promise Grant covers tuition for recent high school graduates
- Maine: Free College Scholarship covers tuition at all 7 Maine community colleges for classes 2020-2025
Employer Tuition Assistance: In 2023, 80% of large U.S. employers offered tuition reimbursement, spending $28 billion annually (Learn & Work Ecosystem Library). Key programs:
- Amazon Career Choice: Pre-pays 100% of tuition, books, and fees for associates and bachelor's degrees at participating schools. Available to hourly employees after 90 days.
- Target Dream to Be: 100% tuition coverage for 250+ programs at 40 partner schools, or up to $5,250/year for other programs
- Starbucks College Achievement Plan: 100% tuition coverage for Arizona State University online bachelor's programs after 3 months of 20+ hours/week
Tax benefits: The American Opportunity Tax Credit provides up to $2,500/year in tax credits for the first four years of higher education.
Top States for Artificial Intelligence Associate's Programs
| State | Total Programs | Median Tuition | Top Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Artificial Intelligence Associate's Programs in New York | 2 | $39,500 | Long Island University |
| Best Artificial Intelligence Associate's Programs in Florida | 1 | $26,400 | Full Sail University |
| Best Artificial Intelligence Associate's Programs in Pennsylvania | 2 | $62,300 | Carnegie Mellon University |
| Best Artificial Intelligence Associate's Programs in Illinois | 1 | $49,600 | Illinois Institute of Technology |
| Best Artificial Intelligence Associate's Programs in Massachusetts | 2 | $59,800 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
| Best Artificial Intelligence Associate's Programs in Washington | 1 | $37,200 | DigiPen Institute of Technology |
Machine Learning & AI Career Track
+$25K avg salary increase·9 months
- University of Arizona graduate certificate included
- 1-on-1 mentorship from industry professionals
- Money-back job guarantee
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Frequently Asked Questions
Data Sources
Federal database of U.S. postsecondary institutions
May 2024 salary data by occupation and location
Department of Education outcomes data
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Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.