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2024 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

173 Colleges
$35,164 Avg Salary
$17,633 Avg Student Debt

It's not easy to decide which school to attend when you have so many options available. College Factual was founded, in part, to help students make the decision as to what would be the best school for them. Our Best Associate Degree Colleges in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking is part of that endeavor.

What's on This Page: * Our Methodology

Your Choice of School Matters

We analyzed 173 colleges and universities across the Middle Atlantic Region to determine which ones have the best associate degree programs. Our ranking methodology focuses on different objective factors to make this determination of the best schools. In the next few paragraphs, we'll talk a little about what we use in our analysis and why.

Early-Career Salaries Are Higher

To determine the overall quality of a graduate school, one factor we look at is the average early-career salary of those receiving a associate degree from the school. While associate degree recipients from schools in the Middle Atlantic Region earn an average starting salary of $35,164, those from the top 19 school on this list made an average of $42,823.

Starting Salary  ( 29156 to 55434 )
$0
$70,960

Average Student Debt

In addition to average starting salaries, we also consider the average amount of student loans that students take on while pursuing their associate degree. During their time at college, associate degree seekers from schools in the Middle Atlantic Region take out an average of $17,633. The average amount taken out in student loans for graduates at a particular school may be crippling for those who earn less than average wages after graduation.

Other Ranking Factors in Our Methodology

We also analyze a number of other factors in addition to average post-graduation earnings and average student debt when coming up with our yearly Best Associate Degree Schools ranking. Several other factors - such as how much the school spends on educational resources, the demand of the school, the availability of online learning options, and the student body caliber - go into our rankings.

We go into more detail on these factors on our best schools ranking methodology page.

Check Out These Other Rankings

Bachelor's Degree Rankings Undergrad Rankings
Master's Degree Rankings Grad School Rankings
Doctorate Degrees Ranking Grad School Rankings
Overall Best Colleges Ranking Overall Rankings
If you'd rather work on your associate degree in a specific area of the country, you might be interested in our rankings by place. Also, check out our other college rankings to help you with your college decision.

Top Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

1
Thomas Jefferson University crest
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
54 Associate Degrees Awarded
$47,661 Average Early-Career Earnings
$36,635 Average Student Debt

Thomas Jefferson University tops this year’s ranking as the best school for associate degrees in the Middle Atlantic Region for overall quality. Thomas Jefferson University is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that handed out 54 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

During the early years of their career, associate degree graduates from Thomas Jefferson University make an average of $47,661 a year. The average amount of student debt accumulated by associate students is $36,635.

Full Thomas Jefferson University Report

2
NYU crest
New York University
New York, New York
109 Associate Degrees Awarded
$60,040 Average Early-Career Earnings
$20,000 Average Student Debt

The excellent associate degree programs at New York University helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the best schools in the Middle Atlantic Region. NYU is located in New York, New York and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 109 associate degrees to qualified graduate students.

The average salary of a graduate with a associate degree from NYU is $60,040 during the early years of their career. Associate students leave the school with an average of $20,000 in student loans.

Learn More About New York University

3
New School University crest
The New School
New York, New York
167 Associate Degrees Awarded
$45,807 Average Early-Career Earnings
$18,250 Average Student Debt

Out of the 173 associate degree schools in the Middle Atlantic Region that were part of this year’s ranking, The New School landed the #3 spot on the list. New School University is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in New York, New York. It awarded 167 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Those who receive a associate degree from New School University go into careers with an average salary of $45,807 during the early years of their career. Associate students leave the school with an average of $18,250 in student loans.

Read full report on The New School

4
49 Associate Degrees Awarded
$43,591 Average Early-Career Earnings
$20,875 Average Student Debt

A rank of #4 on our Best Associate Degree in the Middle Atlantic Region list means University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus is a great place for students working on their degree. Pitt is a public institution located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The school has a large population, and it awarded 49 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

During the early years of their career, associate degree graduates from Pitt make an average of $43,591 a year. The average amount of student debt accumulated by associate students is $20,875. Average monthly loan payments are around $270 for a 10-year repayment plan.

Learn More About University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus

5
GWU crest
George Washington University
Washington, District of Columbia
61 Associate Degrees Awarded
$35,205 Average Early-Career Earnings
$11,500 Average Student Debt

The excellent associate degree programs at George Washington University helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the best schools in the Middle Atlantic Region. Located in Washington, District of Columbia, the large private not-for-profit school handed out 61 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Graduates with a associate degree from GWU make an average of $35,205 per year during the early years of their career. Associate students carry an average student debt load of about $11,500 after getting their degree.

Learn More About George Washington University

6
2,512 Associate Degrees Awarded
$34,203 Average Early-Career Earnings
$9,573 Average Student Debt

University of Maryland Global Campus ranked #6 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. UMGC is located in Adelphi, Maryland and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 2,512 associate degrees to qualified graduate students.

During the early years of their career, associate degree graduates from UMGC make an average of $34,203 a year. Associate students carry an average student debt load of about $9,573 after getting their degree.

Read full report on University of Maryland Global Campus

7
1,925 Associate Degrees Awarded
$20,231 Average Early-Career Earnings
$11,833 Average Student Debt

Fashion Institute of Technology came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. New York, New York is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 1,925 students in 2020-2021.

During the early years of their career, associate degree graduates from FIT SUNY make an average of $20,231 a year. Associate students carry an average student debt load of about $11,833 after getting their degree. This translates to an average monthly payment of $276 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.

Read full report on Fashion Institute of Technology

8
52 Associate Degrees Awarded

SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. ESF is located in Syracuse, New York and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 52 associate degrees to qualified graduate students.

Learn More About SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry

9
Rutgers New Brunswick crest
Rutgers University - New Brunswick
New Brunswick, New Jersey
37 Associate Degrees Awarded
$57,048 Average Early-Career Earnings
$17,899 Average Student Debt

Rutgers University - New Brunswick came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. Located in New Brunswick, New Jersey, the large public school handed out 37 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average salary of a graduate with a associate degree from Rutgers New Brunswick is $57,048 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by associate students is $17,899.

Full Rutgers University - New Brunswick Report

10
Montgomery College crest
Montgomery College
Rockville, Maryland
2,913 Associate Degrees Awarded
$39,576 Average Early-Career Earnings
$9,625 Average Student Debt

Montgomery College came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. This fairly large public school is located in Rockville, Maryland, and it awarded 2,913 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Graduates with a associate degree from Montgomery College make an average of $39,576 per year during the early years of their career. Associate students carry an average student debt load of about $9,625 after getting their degree.

Learn More About Montgomery College

11
Excelsior University crest
Excelsior University
Albany, New York
2,266 Associate Degrees Awarded
$53,610 Average Early-Career Earnings
$13,053 Average Student Debt

Excelsior University did quite well in the 2024 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking, coming in at #11. This fairly large private not-for-profit school is located in Albany, New York, and it awarded 2,266 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Upon graduation, associate degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $53,610 during the early years of their career. Associate students leave the school with an average of $13,053 in student loans.

Full Excelsior University Report

12
SUNY Empire crest
SUNY Empire State College
Saratoga Springs, New York
515 Associate Degrees Awarded
$42,296 Average Early-Career Earnings
$17,638 Average Student Debt

SUNY Empire State College landed the #12 spot on the 2024 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. SUNY Empire is located in Saratoga Springs, New York and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 515 associate degrees to qualified graduate students.

Upon graduation, associate degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $42,296 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by associate students is $17,638.

Learn More About SUNY Empire State College

13
UD crest
University of Delaware
Newark, Delaware
325 Associate Degrees Awarded
$14,114 Average Early-Career Earnings
$6,500 Average Student Debt

University of Delaware came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. University of Delaware is a large public school located in Newark, Delaware that handed out 325 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Graduates with a associate degree from UD make an average of $14,114 per year during the early years of their career. Associate students leave the school with an average of $6,500 in student loans.

Read full report on University of Delaware

14
HCC crest
Howard Community College
Columbia, Maryland
1,341 Associate Degrees Awarded
$49,948 Average Early-Career Earnings
$16,419 Average Student Debt

Howard Community College came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. Located in Columbia, Maryland, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,341 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

Upon graduation, associate degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $49,948 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by associate students is $16,419.

Read full report on Howard Community College

15
428 Associate Degrees Awarded
$40,004 Average Early-Career Earnings
$9,606 Average Student Debt

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology ranked #15 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is a public institution located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The school has a small population, and it awarded 428 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average salary of a graduate with a associate degree from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is $40,004 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by associate students is $9,606.

Learn More About Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology

16
Central Penn crest
Central Penn College
Summerdale, Pennsylvania
110 Associate Degrees Awarded
$39,533 Average Early-Career Earnings
$22,334 Average Student Debt

Central Penn College landed the #16 spot on the 2024 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. Central Penn College is a small private for-profit school located in Summerdale, Pennsylvania that handed out 110 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Upon graduation, associate degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $39,533 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by associate students is $22,334. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $190.

Read full report on Central Penn College

17
Molloy crest
Molloy College
Rockville Centre, New York
32 Associate Degrees Awarded
$70,960 Average Early-Career Earnings
$29,443 Average Student Debt

Molloy College landed the #17 spot on the 2024 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. Molloy is a private not-for-profit institution located in Rockville Centre, New York. The school has a small population, and it awarded 32 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

During the early years of their career, associate degree graduates from Molloy make an average of $70,960 a year. Associate students carry an average student debt load of about $29,443 after getting their degree.

Read full report on Molloy College

18
21 Associate Degrees Awarded

Indiana University of Pennsylvania - Main Campus ranked #18 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. IUP is a public institution located in Indiana, Pennsylvania. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 21 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full Indiana University of Pennsylvania - Main Campus Report

19
Alvernia crest
Alvernia University
Reading, Pennsylvania
83 Associate Degrees Awarded

Alvernia University came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. Reading, Pennsylvania is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out associate degrees to 83 students in 2020-2021.

Learn More About Alvernia University

20
Yeshiva crest
Yeshiva University
New York, New York
537 Associate Degrees Awarded

With a ranking of #20, Yeshiva University did quite well on the 2024 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Yeshiva is a private not-for-profit institution located in New York, New York. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 537 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Learn More About Yeshiva University

21
Gannon crest
Gannon University
Erie, Pennsylvania
15 Associate Degrees Awarded

Gannon University ranked #21 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Erie, Pennsylvania is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out associate degrees to 15 students in 2020-2021.

Full Gannon University Report

22
DelVal crest
Delaware Valley University
Doylestown, Pennsylvania
7 Associate Degrees Awarded

With a ranking of #22, Delaware Valley University did quite well on the 2024 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. DelVal is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. It awarded 7 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Learn More About Delaware Valley University

23
1,685 Associate Degrees Awarded
$34,599 Average Early-Career Earnings
$9,904 Average Student Debt

Delaware Technical Community College - Terry ranked #23 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Located in Dover, Delaware, the fairly large public school handed out 1,685 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Graduates with a associate degree from Delaware Tech make an average of $34,599 per year during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by associate students is $9,904.

Full Delaware Technical Community College - Terry Report

24
167 Associate Degrees Awarded
$37,485 Average Early-Career Earnings
$17,625 Average Student Debt

Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology did quite well in the 2024 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking, coming in at #24. Located in Flushing, New York, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 167 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

During the early years of their career, associate degree graduates from Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology make an average of $37,485 a year. Associate students leave the school with an average of $17,625 in student loans. Average monthly loan payments are around $143 for a 10-year repayment plan.

Full Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology Report

25
Bergen Community College crest
Bergen Community College
Paramus, New Jersey
2,272 Associate Degrees Awarded
$47,732 Average Early-Career Earnings
$18,103 Average Student Debt

With a ranking of #25, Bergen Community College did quite well on the 2024 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Bergen Community College is located in Paramus, New Jersey and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 2,272 associate degrees to qualified graduate students.

The average salary of a graduate with a associate degree from Bergen Community College is $47,732 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by associate students is $18,103. Average monthly loan payments are around $94 for a 10-year repayment plan.

Learn More About Bergen Community College

Rest of the Top 15% Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

Not only did these schools make the top 26 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:

26

View Best Associate Degree Schools Nationwide >

Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our Best Associate Degree Schools ranking:

RankCollegeLocation
27Widener UniversityChester, PA
28Borough of Manhattan Community CollegeNew York, NY
29Metropolitan College of New YorkNew York, NY
30Monroe CollegeBronx, NY
31Lancaster Bible CollegeLancaster, PA
32LaGuardia Community CollegeLong Island City, NY
33Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochester, NY
34Pennsylvania College of TechnologyWilliamsport, PA
35Touro CollegeNew York, NY

More Rankings >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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