The Associate of Arts (AA) in Liberal Arts is a 60-credit undergraduate degree designed to prepare students for transfer to a four-year institution or for entry into diverse career paths. Available online or on campus, this program emphasizes communication, critical thinking, global awareness, and quantitative reasoning.
What to Expect from a Liberal Arts AA Degree
What You Study
Liberal Arts AA programs offer a broad curriculum in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics. Required courses usually include:
- English Composition I and II
- Mathematics (Quantitative Reasoning, Statistics, or Calculus)
- Natural Sciences with Lab (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics)
- History (U.S., World, or Western Civilization)
- Foreign Languages (Spanish, French, German, or ASL)
- Philosophy, Religion, and Ethics
- Social Sciences (Psychology, Sociology, Political Science)
- Arts and Humanities (Literature, Art History, Music Appreciation)
Most schools allow electives to explore additional subjects or meet transfer goals. Students often choose courses aligned with planned bachelor’s degrees in fields like English, History, Education, or Political Science.
Program Structure and Delivery
Programs are structured for flexibility. Students may study full-time or part-time. Delivery methods include:
- Fully online (e.g., Eastern University)
- On-campus
- Hybrid formats
Some colleges offer accelerated tracks or rolling admissions with 7- to 10-week courses for working adults. Transfer agreements are available at many institutions to support a seamless move into bachelor’s programs.
Admissions Requirements
Entry into a Liberal Arts AA program generally requires:
- Proof of high school graduation or GED
- No standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) required
- Official transcripts from any colleges previously attended
- Minimum GPA may be recommended (e.g., 2.0 to 2.7)
- Some schools request essays, recommendation letters, or placement tests for math and languages
Application processes are often free and include rolling deadlines for convenience.
Cost
Costs vary by institution and residency. Sample tuition rates include:
- SNHU: $330 per credit, total ~$19,800
- NHCC (Minnesota): $210.86 per credit for in-state
- Aims Community College (Colorado): ~$5,620 in-district
- Eastern University: $2,500 to $7,500 annually after aid
Additional expenses include textbooks, supplies, technology fees, and optional campus services. Many schools accept transfer credits, CLEP, AP, or military training to reduce time and cost. Federal aid, state grants, and scholarships are available for eligible students.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of AA in Liberal Arts programs are expected to:
- Demonstrate strong writing and communication skills
- Analyze global, cultural, and civic issues
- Apply scientific and quantitative reasoning
- Exhibit second-year proficiency in a foreign language
- Engage in ethical reasoning and critical analysis
These skills prepare students for further study or entry-level jobs in areas such as business, communications, public service, or education.
Transfer and Career Opportunities
Most graduates transfer into a bachelor’s program in liberal arts or a related field. Partner universities often accept the full 60 credits.
Career options include roles in sales, human services, office administration, public relations, and media. Students unsure of their major benefit from the degree’s flexibility and broad applicability.
Top Schools
For students seeking a broad-based education that cultivates critical thinking, communication, and cultural awareness, an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts provides an accessible and versatile starting point. Whether students plan to transfer to a four-year university, enter the workforce, or explore diverse academic interests, community colleges and universities nationwide offer programs designed to meet those goals.
This section highlights standout AA in Liberal Arts programs from institutions across the country—from the urban campuses of New York City to online platforms and community colleges in the Midwest and Southwest. Each school offers unique strengths in curriculum design, transfer support, affordability, and scheduling flexibility, making them excellent options for students at various stages of their educational journey.
| School | Location | Program Length | Delivery Format | Tuition (Estimated) | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| City Tech (New York City College of Technology) | Brooklyn, NY | 60 credits | In-person | CUNY standard rates | Offers specialized tracks (e.g., African American Studies); robust transfer and advisement services |
| Hawkeye Community College | Waterloo, IA | ~2 years | In-person | Per-credit tuition + fees | Strong academic advising; focus on cost-effective transfer preparation |
| Aims Community College | Greeley, CO | 60 credits | In-person (multiple campuses) | $5,620–$29,440 (residency-based) | Offers both AA and AS degrees; Aims2UNC transfer pathway; Degree with Designation options |
| Eastern University | St. Davids, PA | 61 credits | Fully online | $2,500–$7,500/year | LifeFlex model; 7-week terms; ideal for working adults |
| North Hennepin Community College (NHCC) | Brooklyn Park, MN | 60 credits | In-person, online, hybrid | $210.86 (in-person), $220.48 (online) per credit | Part of Minnesota Transfer Curriculum; affordable and flexible |
| Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) | New York, NY | 60 credits | In-person | CUNY rates (not specified on program page) | Career Coach & internship tools; strong language and communication focus |
| Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) | Manchester, NH | 60 credits | Fully online | $330/credit | 8-week terms; access to 100+ bachelor’s programs; one of the lowest private online tuitions |
| Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) | Ankeny, IA | 64 credits | In-person | Not specified | Includes required Diversity course; strong agreements with Iowa universities |
| San Juan College | Farmington, NM | 60 credits | In-person and online | Not specified | Uses New Mexico Transfer Module; strong support for civic and workforce readiness |
| Brightpoint Community College | Chester, VA | 60–63 credits | In-person and hybrid | Not specified | Accelerate Pathway option; guaranteed transfer to 35+ universities; Two-Year Transfer Grant eligibility |
City Tech (New York City College of Technology)
https://www.citytech.cuny.edu/liberalarts/liberal-arts-aa.aspx
Brooklyn, NY
A Comprehensive Liberal Arts Foundation
City Tech’s Associate in Arts (AA) in Liberal Arts and Science offers a multidisciplinary curriculum designed to prepare students for both academic advancement and professional growth. The 60-credit program includes a capstone course emphasizing communication, critical thinking, and analytical skills. Students have the flexibility to tailor electives from departments across Arts & Sciences, Technology & Design, and Professional Studies. The program fosters foundational knowledge in philosophy, literature, social and behavioral sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics, and includes a world language component.
Transfer Options and Advisement Services
With strong pathways to bachelor’s degrees in fields like law, journalism, education, and political science, City Tech provides extensive advisement services from the STAR Center to the Liberal Arts & Sciences Office. Students often transition into related City Tech programs, and can explore specialized tracks such as African American Studies. Tuition follows CUNY standards, keeping the program affordable. Graduates are equipped with versatile skills and a solid academic foundation, ready for continued education or entry-level roles across industries.
Hawkeye Community College
https://www.hawkeyecollege.edu/programs/liberal-arts/
Waterloo, IA
Budget-Conscious Liberal Arts Education
Hawkeye Community College offers an Associate of Arts (AA) in Liberal Arts that is structured to prepare students for seamless transfer to four-year colleges and universities. The program encompasses general education courses that build foundational skills in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Tuition is calculated per credit hour and includes both standard and any applicable course-specific fees. Students are advised to account for additional costs such as textbooks, supplies, and potential program-specific fees.
Flexible Planning for Academic Growth
Designed to be completed in approximately two years, the program allows students to explore diverse academic interests while saving money on the first half of a bachelor’s degree. Faculty advisors provide guidance on course selection and help ensure that credits are transferable to four-year institutions. The program also supports students through strategic planning and career goal development.
Aims Community College
https://www.aims.edu/degrees-certificates/liberal-arts
Greeley, CO
Multiple Degree Paths and Campuses
Aims Community College offers both an Associate of Arts (AA) and an Associate of Science (AS) in Liberal Arts, allowing students to tailor their education toward their interests and intended transfer major. The 60-credit programs are available at multiple campuses and are designed to complete the first two years of a bachelor’s degree. Tuition ranges from $5,620 (in-district) to $29,440 (out-of-state), providing a cost-effective alternative to four-year institutions.
Seamless Transfer and Career Services
Students benefit from small class sizes, individualized instruction, and support through the Aims2UNC transition program. Whether pursuing a degree in humanities or STEM, students can earn a Degree with Designation (DWD) aligned with their future major. Career services help students identify academic strengths and explore career pathways. The liberal arts curriculum emphasizes communication, critical thinking, and teamwork, skills essential for both academic and professional success.
Eastern University
https://www.eastern.edu/academics/online-undergraduate-programs/aa-liberal-arts
St. Davids, PA
Affordable and Flexible Online Learning
Eastern University’s AA in Liberal Arts is a fully online program that emphasizes flexibility and affordability through its LifeFlex model. Costing between $2,500 and $7,500 per year, the program can be completed in approximately two years, depending on transfer credits and course load. The 61-credit curriculum integrates general education with a faith-based perspective, preparing students for further study in business, education, leadership, or ministry.
Designed for Working Adults
Courses are delivered in 7-week terms and start every seven weeks, making it ideal for working adults. Textbooks are built into the online platform to reduce costs and logistical challenges. Students benefit from career development resources, including resume reviews and job search support. The program supports smooth transition to bachelor’s degrees at Eastern University in several high-demand fields.
North Hennepin Community College (NHCC)
https://www.nhcc.edu/academics/degree-pathways/liberal-arts-and-minnesota-transfer-curriculum/liberal-arts-aa
Brooklyn Park, MN
Versatile, Transfer-Friendly Education
The Liberal Arts AA at NHCC is a 60-credit program designed to give students a broad academic foundation across a variety of subjects including communication, social science, humanities, and natural science. Offered in-person, online, and in hybrid formats, the program allows students flexibility in how they complete their studies. Tuition is $210.86 per credit for in-person courses and $220.48 per credit for online courses.
Smooth Transition to Four-Year Universities
The program is part of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum, ensuring easy credit transfer to state universities. Students can complete the degree in four semesters, with options to accelerate based on transferred credits. With experienced faculty and a strong support system, students are well-prepared for bachelor’s programs. NHCC also offers one of the most affordable tuition rates in Minnesota, helping students save significantly on their educational journey.
Borough of Manhattan Community College
https://www.bmcc.cuny.edu/academics/programs/liberal-arts/
New York, NY
Comprehensive Liberal Arts Education
Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) offers a well-rounded Associate of Arts (A.A.) in Liberal Arts that emphasizes a solid foundation in the sciences, humanities, mathematics, and languages. The 60-credit program is designed for students planning to transfer to a four-year college and pursue careers in fields such as education, law, counseling, journalism, or medicine. The curriculum includes 12 credits from the Common Core and a wide range of flexible course options to tailor the experience to students’ interests. Language study is emphasized, with two semesters of the same modern language required.
Transfer and Career Support
BMCC supports student success through its Career Coach platform, offering tools to explore professions, assess career interests, and access job opportunities. Resources such as Career Express and the Office of Internships and Experiential Learning allow students to gain real-world experience while preparing for further education. While tuition information is not specified on the program page, prospective students are encouraged to consult advisors and DegreeWorks to tailor their course selections to meet specific academic goals and transfer requirements effectively.
Southern New Hampshire University
https://www.snhu.edu/online-degrees/associate/aa-in-liberal-arts
Manchester, NH
Flexible Online Learning
Southern New Hampshire University’s online Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts is a 60-credit program designed to build critical thinking and communication skills. With 20 courses delivered in 8-week terms, students can complete the degree on a flexible schedule. The cost is $330 per credit ($990 per course), making it one of the more affordable private university options. The curriculum is general education-focused, allowing easy transfer to bachelor’s degree programs and customization through elective courses.
Career-Focused Outcomes
This degree helps students prepare for entry-level roles across industries like business and social services or continue their education. Graduates gain practical skills in research, civic responsibility, and cultural collaboration. SNHU supports career growth by providing more than 100 bachelor’s programs to transfer into. With one of the lowest online tuition rates and dedicated financial services support, SNHU ensures students can make progress toward academic and career goals without financial strain.
Des Moines Area Community College
https://www.dmacc.edu/pathways/liberal-arts.html
Ankeny, IA
Strong Transfer Foundation
Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) offers an Associate in Arts (AA) in Liberal Arts that provides a robust foundation for students planning to transfer to four-year colleges, especially within Iowa’s Regent institutions. The program requires a minimum of 64 semester credits, including 46 in core areas such as humanities, social sciences, math, and communications. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA and complete at least one-third of the credits at DMACC.
Comprehensive Curriculum and Flexibility
DMACC’s curriculum is designed to balance academic rigor with flexibility. Elective options, independent study allowances, and vocational/technical credits allow students to shape their education to meet personal and professional goals. A unique feature is the required Diversity course, which ensures graduates are prepared to engage in a diverse and global society. DMACC’s affordability and well-structured transfer agreements make it a strong choice for students starting their academic journey.
San Juan College
https://www.sanjuancollege.edu/education-training/programs/liberal-arts-aa/
Farmington, NM
Academic and Career Readiness
San Juan College offers a 60-credit Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts program that develops strong interpersonal, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The curriculum spans the humanities, sciences, and social sciences, preparing students for active civic engagement and lifelong learning. Emphasizing both academic knowledge and workplace competencies, the program meets the needs of students aiming for direct employment or transfer to a four-year institution.
Designed for Transfer Success
Students planning to continue their education in New Mexico benefit from the New Mexico Transfer Module, ensuring a smooth transition to state universities. The college encourages working closely with advisors to align coursework with transfer requirements. Graduates often pursue careers in education, government, communications, social work, and law. San Juan College ensures affordability and support, making it an accessible option for a diverse student population.
Brightpoint Community College
https://www.brightpoint.edu/majors/liberal-arts-aa
Chester, VA
Academic Versatility and Transfer Options
Brightpoint Community College’s Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts is a two-year degree designed for students intending to transfer to a four-year university. The program prepares students for majors in English, political science, foreign languages, and more, with an emphasis on communication, civic engagement, and scientific literacy. Students develop intermediate foreign language proficiency and critical thinking skills, making them well-equipped for upper-level study.
Pathways and Support Services
Brightpoint offers an Accelerate Pathway option for students seeking a streamlined route to completion by taking one course at a time in a continuous sequence. The college also provides guaranteed transfer admission to over 35 universities, along with eligibility for Virginia’s Two-Year College Transfer Grant of up to $3,000 per year. With strong academic advising, affordable tuition, and clear transfer pathways, Brightpoint is an excellent launchpad for students seeking a flexible and supported academic experience.
How Long to Pay Off the Degree?
One of the biggest advantages of earning an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts from a community college or online university is affordability. Based on the programs featured in this article, the average tuition cost for completing a two-year degree is approximately $8,000.
While actual costs may vary by residency, delivery method, and fees, this estimate reflects a reasonable middle ground for many students attending public institutions or accredited online programs.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and data from community college career outcomes, the average starting salary for liberal arts associate degree holders ranges from $30,000 to $35,000 per year, depending on occupation and location. Using a $32,500 average as a baseline, here’s how long it would take to pay off the $8,000 tuition cost if you dedicate a fixed percentage of your salary to repayment:
| Percentage of Salary Used for Repayment | Annual Payment | Estimated Time to Pay Off $8,000 |
|---|---|---|
| 5% | $1,625 | 4.9 years |
| 10% | $3,250 | 2.5 years |
| 15% | $4,875 | 1.6 years |
| 20% | $6,500 | 1.2 years |
This breakdown shows that even at a modest 10% of your income, you could pay off your tuition in just over two years, making an AA in Liberal Arts a smart, low-risk investment for students who want flexibility, transfer potential, and career readiness. By choosing an affordable institution and committing to a reasonable repayment plan, students can graduate with minimal debt and maximum opportunity.