- 1.UX Designers earn a median salary of $104,500 with 16% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked UX Design programs include Valencia College, Pierce College District, Bellevue College based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: Valencia College offers ux design education at $1,984/year with 86% graduation rate
- 4.50 accredited UX Design programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best UX Design Programs - Top 10 Associate's
Valencia College
57 ux design graduates annually
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 for UX Design based on 86% graduation rate, 57 graduates, and overall score of 58.4/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 86% graduation rate
- 57 ux design graduates annually
- Accredited institution
Pierce College District
25 ux design graduates annually
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 for UX Design based on 93% graduation rate, 25 graduates, and overall score of 58.2/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 93% graduation rate
- 25 ux design graduates annually
- Accredited institution
Bellevue College
18 ux design graduates annually
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 for UX Design based on 96% graduation rate, 18 graduates, and overall score of 56.9/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 96% graduation rate
- 18 ux design graduates annually
- Accredited institution
Modesto Junior College
28 ux design graduates annually
MiraCosta College
15 ux design graduates annually
State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota
16 ux design graduates annually
Palm Beach State College
13 ux design graduates annually
Villa Maria College
1 ux design graduates annually
Lake Washington Institute of Technology
16 ux design graduates annually
Miami Dade College
25 ux design graduates annually
Best UX Design Programs - Compare Top 5 Associate's
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Valencia College | Orlando, FL | Public | $1,984 | 86% | 58.4/100 |
| #2 Pierce College District | Lakewood, WA | Public | $4,074 | 93% | 58.2/100 |
| #3 Bellevue College | Bellevue, WA | Public | $4,074 | 96% | 56.9/100 |
| #4 Modesto Junior College | Modesto, CA | Public | $1,188 | 77% | 55.9/100 |
| #5 MiraCosta College | Oceanside, CA | Public | $1,104 | 94% | 55.7/100 |
Complete Rankings: Best Associate's Degrees in UX Design 2026
| 1 | — | Orlando, FL | $1,984 | 86% | — | 58.4 |
| 2 | — | Lakewood, WA | $4,074 | 93% | — | 58.2 |
| 3 | — | Bellevue, WA | $4,074 | 96% | — | 56.9 |
| 4 | — | Modesto, CA | $1,188 | 77% | — | 55.9 |
| 5 | — | Oceanside, CA | $1,104 | 94% | — | 55.7 |
| 6 | — | Bradenton, FL | $2,365 | 95% | — | 53.8 |
| 7 | — | Lake Worth, FL | $3,030 | 90% | — | 49.4 |
| 8 | — | Buffalo, NY | $27,530 | 91% | — | 45.9 |
| 9 | — | Kirkland, WA | $3,195 | 43% | — | 45.8 |
| 10 | — | Miami, FL | $1,987 | — | — | 45.2 |
| 11 | — | Marion, IN | $8,680 | — | — | 45.2 |
| 12 | — | New Castle, DE | $12,270 | — | — | 43.1 |
| 13 | — | Austin, TX | $2,010 | — | — | 41.4 |
| 14 | — | Oakdale, PA | $15,380 | — | — | 40.8 |
| 15 | — | Celina, OH | $7,069 | — | — | 40.7 |
| 16 | — | Sanford, FL | $2,498 | — | — | 40.6 |
| 17 | — | Fort Pierce, FL | $2,496 | 54% | — | 40.5 |
| 18 | — | Fort Lauderdale, FL | $1,968 | — | — | 39.7 |
| 19 | — | Santa Ana, CA | $1,104 | — | — | 39.6 |
| 20 | — | Brooklyn Park, MN | $5,341 | — | — | 39.5 |
| 21 | — | Daytona Beach, FL | $3,072 | — | — | 39.3 |
| 22 | — | Bayside, NY | $4,800 | — | — | 38.8 |
| 23 | — | San Juan, PR | $5,550 | — | — | 38.5 |
| 24 | — | Winter Park, FL | $26,417 | — | — | 38.4 |
| 25 | — | Niceville, FL | $2,496 | — | — | 38.3 |
Showing 1–25 of 50
Career Paths
UI/UX Designer
SOC 27-1014Create user interfaces and experiences for websites, mobile apps, and software applications
Web Designer
SOC 27-1014Design and create websites focusing on layout, color scheme, and overall visual appearance
Digital Marketing Designer
SOC 27-1024Create visual content for digital marketing campaigns, social media, and advertising materials
Product Designer
SOC 27-1021Focus on the user experience of physical and digital products from concept to launch
What You'll Learn in UX Design Associate Programs
Associate degree programs in UX design focus on practical skills needed for entry-level positions in user experience and interface design. The curriculum typically covers fundamental design principles, user research methods, and industry-standard software tools over four semesters.
Core coursework includes visual design fundamentals, color theory, typography, and layout principles. Students learn to create wireframes, prototypes, and user interface mockups using tools like Figma, Adobe XD, and Sketch. Many programs also cover basic HTML/CSS to help designers communicate effectively with developers.
User research forms a crucial component, with courses covering usability testing, user interviews, personas development, and journey mapping. Students learn to conduct user research, analyze findings, and translate insights into design decisions. Portfolio development is emphasized throughout the program, with students completing 3-5 major projects that demonstrate their skills to potential employers.
- Visual Design Fundamentals - Typography, color theory, composition, and layout principles
- User Experience Research - Usability testing, user interviews, personas, and journey mapping
- Interface Design - Wireframing, prototyping, and interactive design using industry tools
- Design Software - Proficiency in Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, and InVision
- Basic Front-End Development - HTML, CSS, and responsive design principles
- Portfolio Development - 3-5 capstone projects showcasing design process and solutions
How to Choose the Right UX Design Associate Program
When evaluating UX design associate programs, prioritize hands-on learning opportunities and industry connections. Look for programs that emphasize portfolio development, as employers in design fields focus heavily on demonstrated skills rather than just credentials. The best programs require students to complete multiple real-world projects and maintain an updated portfolio throughout their studies.
Technology resources and software access are crucial factors. Quality programs provide students with access to current versions of industry-standard tools like Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and prototyping software. Many top programs also offer Mac computer labs specifically for design work, as most design professionals work on Apple systems.
Industry partnerships and internship opportunities can significantly impact job placement success. Programs affiliated with local design agencies, tech companies, or marketing firms often provide networking opportunities and direct pathways to employment. Check the program's job placement rates and ask about relationships with employers in your target geographic area.
- Portfolio Development - Programs should require 3-5 substantial projects showcasing your design process
- Current Software Access - Look for programs providing latest versions of Figma, Adobe XD, and prototyping tools
- Industry Connections - Strong relationships with local design agencies and tech companies
- Transfer Pathways - Clear articulation agreements with 4-year institutions for degree advancement
- Flexible Scheduling - Evening and weekend options for working professionals
- Career Services - Job placement assistance, resume reviews, and interview preparation
Frequently Asked Questions About UX Design Associate Degrees
Based on 25 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Degree completions (sqrt normalized, capped at 500)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
State-specific salary data from BLS OES 2024
Admission rate (lower = more selective)
Institution type (R1/R2 research bonus)
CAE-CD designation, curator bonuses
Data completeness proxy
Reporting completeness
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.