- 1.Hakia's analysis of the best ux design associate's degree programs reveals that associate's degree in ux design costs 60-70% less than bachelor's programs—average $3,598/year at community colleges vs $12,000 at 4-year universities.
- 2.Our top-ranked associate's programs are Santa Monica College, Skagit Valley College, Spokane Community 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 ux design technician positions start at $35,000 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 ux design 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 UX Design?
An associate's degree in ux design offers a cost-effective pathway into technology careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Web and Digital Interface Designers earn a median salary of $98,090 annually, with entry-level positions starting around $47,840.
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: 7% projected growth from 2024-2034 (BLS)
- Large job market: 132,000 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 ux design positions start at $47,840, with experienced professionals earning up to $192,180 (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 UX Design 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 UX Design Program Overview
Hakia ranks Santa Monica College as the #1 associate's in ux design degree program.
Santa Monica College's associate's UX Design 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: Santa Monica College's direct partnerships with Disney Channel Worldwide and Lionsgate 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
- •Silicon Beach location
- •Close to LA tech industry
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
LA area tech companies, Entertainment industry
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Skagit Valley College
Skagit Valley College is a public institution known for ux design education with strong transfer pathways.
Skagit Valley College Associate's UX Design Program Overview
Hakia ranks Skagit Valley College as the #2 associate's in ux design degree program.
Skagit Valley College's associate's UX Design program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $4,623 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Mount Vernon, WA location
Hakia Insight: Mount Vernon, 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
- •Mount Vernon, WA location
Career Outcomes
Seattle-area digital agencies, Regional tech startups, Marketing firms in Puget Sound
Admissions
Spokane Community College
Spokane Community College is a public institution known for ux design education with strong transfer pathways.
Spokane Community College Associate's UX Design Program Overview
Hakia ranks Spokane Community College as the #3 associate's in ux design degree program.
Spokane Community College's associate's UX Design program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $3,195 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Spokane, 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
- •Spokane, WA location
Career Outcomes
Spokane-based tech companies, Regional digital agencies, Remote-first companies
Admissions
Everett Community College
Everett Community College is a public institution known for ux design education with strong transfer pathways.
Everett Community College Associate's UX Design Program Overview
Hakia ranks Everett Community College as the #4 associate's in ux design degree program.
Everett Community College's associate's UX Design program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $4,046 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Everett, 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
- •Everett, WA location
Career Outcomes
Aerospace and manufacturing firms, Seattle area tech companies, Regional design firms
Admissions
Utah Valley University
Utah Valley University is a public institution known for ux design education with strong transfer pathways.
Utah Valley University Associate's UX Design Program Overview
Hakia ranks Utah Valley University as the #5 associate's in ux design degree program.
Utah Valley University's associate's UX Design program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $5,614 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Direct access to Salt Lake Valley startup ecosystem
Hakia Insight: Utah Valley University leverages partnerships with Rain Agency and Front UX to offer students real-world project experience valued by employers.
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
Usability testing and eye-tracking research
Location Advantages
- •Direct access to Salt Lake Valley startup ecosystem
- •Proximity to venture-backed tech companies in Utah County
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Admissions
Sierra College
Sierra College is a public institution known for ux design education with strong transfer pathways.
Sierra College Associate's UX Design Program Overview
Hakia ranks Sierra College as the #6 associate's in ux design degree program.
Sierra College's associate's UX Design 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. Rocklin, CA location
Hakia Insight: Sierra College's Interactive Media Lab creates a direct research-to-career pipeline with Sacramento Valley tech firms, 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
Digital interface design
Location Advantages
- •Rocklin, CA location
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Government agencies, Healthcare organizations, Educational institutions
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Edmonds College
Edmonds College is a public institution known for ux design education with strong transfer pathways.
Edmonds College Associate's UX Design Program Overview
Hakia ranks Edmonds College as the #7 associate's in ux design degree program.
Edmonds College's associate's UX Design 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
Puget Sound tech companies, Seattle digital agencies, Software companies
Admissions
Madison Area Technical College
Madison Area Technical College is a public institution known for ux design education with strong transfer pathways.
Madison Area Technical College Associate's UX Design Program Overview
Hakia ranks Madison Area Technical College as the #8 associate's in ux design degree program.
Madison Area Technical College's associate's UX Design program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $4,386 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Madison, WI 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
- •Madison, WI location
Career Outcomes
American Family Insurance, Epic Systems, State Street, Local Madison startups and agencies
Admissions
Austin Community College District
Austin Community College District is a public institution known for ux design education with strong transfer pathways.
Austin Community College District Associate's UX Design Program Overview
Hakia ranks Austin Community College District as the #9 associate's in ux design degree program.
Austin Community College District's associate's UX Design program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $2,010 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Access to Austin's thriving tech scene
Hakia Insight: Access to Austin's thriving tech scene
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
- •Access to Austin's thriving tech scene
- •Opportunities with public institutions and non-profit organizations
- •Central Texas location with diverse industry partnerships
Career Outcomes
Admissions
Rio Hondo College
Rio Hondo College is a public institution known for ux design education with strong transfer pathways.
Rio Hondo College Associate's UX Design Program Overview
Hakia ranks Rio Hondo College as the #10 associate's in ux design degree program.
Rio Hondo College's associate's UX Design program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $1,306 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Whittier, CA location
Hakia Insight: Rio Hondo College's Design Research Center creates a direct research-to-career pipeline with Los Angeles design studios, 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
User behavior analysis
Location Advantages
- •Whittier, CA location
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Entertainment companies, Digital marketing firms, Non-profits
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Best UX Design Associate's Programs - Top 10 — Complete Program Data
#1. Santa Monica College Associate's UX Design Program
Hakia ranks Santa Monica College as the #1 associate's in ux design 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: Santa Monica College's direct partnerships with Disney Channel Worldwide and Lionsgate give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.
Program Overview: Santa Monica College's Associate in Science in ux design prepares students for transfer to four-year universities through California's ADT (Associate Degree for Transfer) program. The curriculum covers core ux design 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: Associate in Science - UX Design (Transfer) (2 years)
Industry Partners: Disney Channel Worldwide, Lionsgate, Red Bull, Hulu, Amazon
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: LA area tech companies, Entertainment industry
Admissions: GPA: 2.0 minimum for degree
Accreditations: Cloud Computing Certificate, Cybersecurity Certificate
#2. Skagit Valley College Associate's UX Design Program
Hakia ranks Skagit Valley College as the #2 associate's in ux design degree program. Location: Mount Vernon, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,623/year | Graduation Rate: 91% | Score: 96.9
What makes Skagit Valley College stand out: Skagit Valley College is a public institution known for ux design education with strong transfer pathways.
Hakia Insight: Mount Vernon, WA location
Program Overview: Skagit Valley College offers an associate degree program in ux design designed for students seeking entry into the ux design field or transfer to a four-year university. Located in Mount Vernon, WA, the program provides foundational skills in ux design with opportunities for hands-on learning and industry connections.
Degree Programs: Associate Degree in UX Design (2 years)
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Seattle-area digital agencies, Regional tech startups, Marketing firms in Puget Sound | Common Roles: Junior UX Designer, UI Designer, UX Research Assistant
Admissions:
#3. Spokane Community College Associate's UX Design Program
Hakia ranks Spokane Community College as the #3 associate's in ux design degree program. Location: Spokane, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,195/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Score: 96.3
What makes Spokane Community College stand out: Spokane Community College is a public institution known for ux design education with strong transfer pathways.
Program Overview: Spokane Community College offers an associate degree program in ux design designed for students seeking entry into the ux design field or transfer to a four-year university. Located in Spokane, WA, the program provides foundational skills in ux design with opportunities for hands-on learning and industry connections.
Degree Programs: Associate Degree in UX Design (2 years)
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Spokane-based tech companies, Regional digital agencies, Remote-first companies | Common Roles: Junior UX Designer, UI Designer, Web Designer
Admissions:
#4. Everett Community College Associate's UX Design Program
Hakia ranks Everett Community College as the #4 associate's in ux design degree program. Location: Everett, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,046/year | Graduation Rate: 93% | Score: 94.6
What makes Everett Community College stand out: Everett Community College is a public institution known for ux design education with strong transfer pathways.
Program Overview: Everett Community College offers an associate degree program in ux design designed for students seeking entry into the ux design field or transfer to a four-year university. Located in Everett, WA, the program provides foundational skills in ux design with opportunities for hands-on learning and industry connections.
Degree Programs: Associate Degree in UX Design (2 years)
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Aerospace and manufacturing firms, Seattle area tech companies, Regional design firms | Common Roles: Junior UX Designer, UI Designer, Digital Designer
Admissions:
#5. Utah Valley University Associate's UX Design Program
Hakia ranks Utah Valley University as the #5 associate's in ux design degree program. Location: Orem, UT | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,614/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Score: 93.8
What makes Utah Valley University stand out: Utah Valley University is a public institution known for ux design education with strong transfer pathways.
Hakia Insight: Utah Valley University leverages partnerships with Rain Agency and Front UX to offer students real-world project experience valued by employers.
Program Overview: Utah Valley University offers an associate degree program in ux design designed for students seeking entry into the ux design field or transfer to a four-year university. Located in Orem, UT, the program provides foundational skills in ux design with opportunities for hands-on learning and industry connections.
Degree Programs: Associate Degree in UX Design (2 years)
Research Labs: UX Research Lab - Usability testing and eye-tracking research
Industry Partners: Rain Agency, Front UX, Sundog Creative, Label Express, Impaxx Corporation, SoftCopy Inc
Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: Product Designer, UX Designer at startups, Design Lead
Notable Faculty: Dan Hatch (UX Design, Interaction Design, Digital Product Development)
Admissions:
#6. Sierra College Associate's UX Design Program
Hakia ranks Sierra College as the #6 associate's in ux design degree program. Location: Rocklin, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Score: 92.6
What makes Sierra College stand out: Sierra College is a public institution known for ux design education with strong transfer pathways.
Hakia Insight: Sierra College's Interactive Media Lab creates a direct research-to-career pipeline with Sacramento Valley tech firms, bridging academic research and industry practice.
Program Overview: Sierra College offers an associate degree program in ux design designed for students seeking entry into the ux design field or transfer to a four-year university. Located in Rocklin, CA, the program provides foundational skills in ux design with opportunities for hands-on learning and industry connections.
Degree Programs: Associate Degree in UX Design (2 years)
Research Labs: Interactive Media Lab - Digital interface design
Industry Partners: Sacramento Valley tech firms
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Government agencies, Healthcare organizations, Educational institutions | Common Roles: UX Designer, Digital Designer, Web Developer
Admissions:
Accreditations: Human-Computer Interaction Certificate, Web Design Professional
#7. Edmonds College Associate's UX Design Program
Hakia ranks Edmonds College as the #7 associate's in ux design degree program. Location: Lynnwood, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,073/year | Graduation Rate: 93% | Score: 91.9
What makes Edmonds College stand out: Edmonds College is a public institution known for ux design education with strong transfer pathways.
Hakia Insight: Lynnwood, WA location
Program Overview: Edmonds College offers an associate degree program in ux design designed for students seeking entry into the ux design field or transfer to a four-year university. Located in Lynnwood, WA, the program provides foundational skills in ux design with opportunities for hands-on learning and industry connections.
Degree Programs: Associate Degree in UX Design (2 years)
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Puget Sound tech companies, Seattle digital agencies, Software companies | Common Roles: Junior UX Designer, UI Designer, Interaction Designer
Admissions:
#8. Madison Area Technical College Associate's UX Design Program
Hakia ranks Madison Area Technical College as the #8 associate's in ux design degree program. Location: Madison, WI | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,386/year | Graduation Rate: 82% | Score: 90.8
What makes Madison Area Technical College stand out: Madison Area Technical College is a public institution known for ux design education with strong transfer pathways.
Program Overview: Madison Area Technical College offers an associate degree program in ux design designed for students seeking entry into the ux design field or transfer to a four-year university. Located in Madison, WI, the program provides foundational skills in ux design with opportunities for hands-on learning and industry connections.
Degree Programs: Associate Degree in UX Design (2 years)
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: American Family Insurance, Epic Systems, State Street, Local Madison startups and agencies | Common Roles: Junior UX Designer, UX Research Associate, Interaction Designer, Web Design Associate
Admissions:
#9. Austin Community College District Associate's UX Design Program
Hakia ranks Austin Community College District as the #9 associate's in ux design degree program. Location: Austin, TX | Type: Public | Tuition: $2,010/year | Score: 90.0
What makes Austin Community College District stand out: Austin Community College District is a public institution known for ux design education with strong transfer pathways.
Hakia Insight: Access to Austin's thriving tech scene
Program Overview: Austin Community College District offers an associate degree program in ux design designed for students seeking entry into the ux design field or transfer to a four-year university. Located in Austin, TX, the program provides foundational skills in ux design with opportunities for hands-on learning and industry connections.
Degree Programs: Associate of Applied Science; Certificate - Foundations of User Experience Design Level 1; Certificate - User Experience Design Level 2
Career Outcomes:
Notable Faculty: Taylor Green (Program Specialist); Jennifer Jones (Program Advisor); Josiah Spence (Visual Communication)
Admissions:
#10. Rio Hondo College Associate's UX Design Program
Hakia ranks Rio Hondo College as the #10 associate's in ux design degree program. Location: Whittier, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,306/year | Graduation Rate: 65% | Score: 88.2
What makes Rio Hondo College stand out: Rio Hondo College is a public institution known for ux design education with strong transfer pathways.
Hakia Insight: Rio Hondo College's Design Research Center creates a direct research-to-career pipeline with Los Angeles design studios, bridging academic research and industry practice.
Program Overview: Rio Hondo College offers an associate degree program in ux design designed for students seeking entry into the ux design field or transfer to a four-year university. Located in Whittier, CA, the program provides foundational skills in ux design with opportunities for hands-on learning and industry connections.
Degree Programs: Associate Degree in UX Design (2 years)
Research Labs: Design Research Center - User behavior analysis
Industry Partners: Los Angeles design studios
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Entertainment companies, Digital marketing firms, Non-profits | Common Roles: Junior UX Designer, Graphic Designer, Design Coordinator
Admissions:
Accreditations: UX Design Fundamentals, Adobe Certified Associate
Full UX Design Associate's Rankings 2026
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Santa Monica College | Santa Monica, CA | Public | $1,104 | 95% | 100 |
| 2 | Skagit Valley College | Mount Vernon, WA | Public | $4,623 | 91% | 96.9 |
| 3 | Spokane Community College | Spokane, WA | Public | $3,195 | 92% | 96.3 |
| 4 | Everett Community College | Everett, WA | Public | $4,046 | 93% | 94.6 |
| 5 | Utah Valley University | Orem, UT | Public | $5,614 | 92% | 93.8 |
| 6 | Sierra College | Rocklin, CA | Public | $1,104 | — | 92.6 |
| 7 | Edmonds College | Lynnwood, WA | Public | $4,073 | 93% | 91.9 |
| 8 | Madison Area Technical College | Madison, WI | Public | $4,386 | 82% | 90.8 |
| 9 | Austin Community College District | Austin, TX | Public | $2,010 | — | 90 |
| 10 | Rio Hondo College | Whittier, CA | Public | $1,306 | 65% | 88.2 |
| 11 | Aims Community College | Greeley, CO | Public | $2,928 | 97% | 87 |
| 12 | CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College | New York, NY | Public | $4,800 | — | 86.7 |
| 13 | Bryant & Stratton College-Buffalo | Buffalo, NY | Private | $17,768 | 98% | 85.7 |
| 14 | Mt San Jacinto Community College District | San Jacinto, CA | Public | $1,380 | — | 85.7 |
| 15 | De Anza College | Cupertino, CA | Public | $1,395 | — | 85.5 |
| 16 | Dallas College | Dallas, TX | Public | $4,050 | 71% | 85.4 |
| 17 | Diablo Valley College | Pleasant Hill, CA | Public | $1,288 | — | 85.2 |
| 18 | San Diego City College | San Diego, CA | Public | $1,104 | — | 84.9 |
| 19 | Ivy Tech Community College | Indianapolis, IN | Public | $4,912 | — | 84.8 |
| 20 | Cypress College | Cypress, CA | Public | $1,104 | 68% | 84.4 |
| 21 | CUNY Queensborough Community College | Bayside, NY | Public | $4,800 | — | 84.4 |
| 22 | Clover Park Technical College | Lakewood, WA | Public | $5,740 | 62% | 84.4 |
| 23 | Suffolk County Community College | Selden, NY | Public | $5,640 | — | 84.2 |
| 24 | Santa Rosa Junior College | Santa Rosa, CA | Public | $1,242 | — | 84 |
| 25 | Collin County Community College District | McKinney, TX | Public | $3,450 | 89% | 83.6 |
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
UX Design 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 UX Design Courses
- Design Principles
- User Research
- Wireframing
- Prototyping Tools (Figma)
- Usability Testing
- HTML/CSS Basics
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 UX Design Associate's Programs
| State | Total Programs | Median Tuition | Top Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best UX Design Associate's Programs in California | 6 | $49,800 | University of Southern California |
| Best UX Design Associate's Programs in Texas | 7 | $11,700 | The University of Texas at Dallas |
| Best UX Design Associate's Programs in New York | 12 | $28,500 | Stony Brook University |
| Best UX Design Associate's Programs in Florida | 9 | $4,700 | University of Central Florida |
| Best UX Design Associate's Programs in Virginia | 2 | $40,300 | Liberty University |
| Best UX Design Associate's Programs in Pennsylvania | 6 | $34,300 | Moore College of Art and Design |
| Best UX Design Associate's Programs in Illinois | 5 | $30,000 | Elmhurst University |
| Best UX Design Associate's Programs in Georgia | 3 | $4,500 | Kennesaw State University |
UI/UX Design Career Track
+$24K avg salary increase·9 months
- 4-week real-world externship with industry partner
- 1-on-1 mentorship from industry professionals
- Money-back job guarantee
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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.