Careers in human services are expected to grow within the next decade and the need for educated and experienced professionals will grow with it. Many colleges across the country offer online associate degree programs in human services that are affordable, flexible and accredited. The following list are the top ranked online associate degree programs in human services. They are ranked according to cost, faculty to staff ratio, and the graduation rate. Using these three pieces of information a matrix was used to determine the top programs. Every program is accredited and available online.
1. Northcentral Technical College
If a career in human services interests you then the associate degree at Northcentral Technical College would be where to begin. With a comprehensive education that teaches both theory and practice, students gain not only the knowledge of how to serve and advocate for other individuals and groups but also techniques in counseling and how to educate them. This online degree includes a strong emphasis on cultural awareness, cultivating an attitude of serving, and strong communication skills. This program also includes two internships that will provide hands-on knowledge and skills.
At A Glance
- Location: Wausau, Wisconsin
- Tuition: $139 Per Credit Hour (Resident) $208 Per Credit Hour (Non-Resident)
- Faculty to Student Ratio: 11 to 1
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Graduation Rate: 61.9%
2. Waukesha County Technical College
If you want a career where you make a difference in people’s lives and provide a better quality of life then a career in human services would be a good fit. At Waukesha County Technical College students can earn an associate degree in human services online. The courses they take will provide a foundational knowledge in psychology and sociology. Students learn and practice direct client care, treatment, rehabilitation, and educating individuals and groups. THey work closely with counselors, social workers and other professionals. Graduates are able to enter the workforce or continue their education.
At A Glance
- Location: Pewaukee, Wisconsin
- Tuition: $139 Per Credit Hour
- Faculty to Student Ratio: 19 to 1
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Graduation Rate: 42%
3. Great Basin College
Great Basin College offers one of the most affordable online degree programs in the nation. All online learners pay the same tuition. Those seeking to earn an AAS in HUman Services will find a comprehensive program that will prepare students for employment in social service agencies, mental health centers, community health organizations, correctional facilities and more. The program offers coursework and knowledge in theory as well as ways to gain hands on experience through practicum in either job shadowing or field experiences within the community.
At A Glance
- Location: Elko, Nevada
- Tuition: $3,838 Per Year
- Faculty to Student Ratio: 15 to 1
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Graduation Rate: 30%
4. Madisonville Community College
Individuals interested in working within the human services sector will find an accredited online AAS at Madisonville Community College that will give them the knowledge and skills they need to begin their career. This program is available online and will provide a foundation of general knowledge in communication, mathematics, and the sciences while providing core courses in human services, contemporary societies, theory and techniques, and group dynamics of human services. Students can complete electives that interest them and meet their career needs.
At A Glance
- Location: Madisonville, Kentucky
- Tuition: $199 Per Credit Hour (Resident) $378 Per Credit Hour (Non-Resident/Contiguous Counties) $647 Per Credit Hour (Non-Resident)
- Faculty to Student Ratio: 17 to 1
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Graduation Rate: 40%
5. University of the Cumberlands
At the University of the Cumberlands students can earn their associate degree online providing flexibility that students need. Students will need to complete the required general education courses which are approximately 30 credit hours. Major courses include human services, counseling skills, research methods, case management, humans diversity and ethics to name a few. Students can also customize their degree with the electives they choose to take. They can take any courses available at the University of Cumberlands online as their elective courses.
At A Glance
- Location: Williamsburg, Kentucky
- Tuition: $199 Per Credit Hour
- Faculty to Student Ratio: 17 to 1
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Graduation Rate: 78%
6. Hagerstown Community College
Human services is a broad field of services that pertain to improving the physical, mental, and overall health and living conditions of individuals, groups, and society as a whole. At Hagerstown Community College students can gain a strong foundational knowledge in this field as they earn an associate degree online in human services. This degree prepares students for employment in a variety of fields including counseling, drug abuse counseling, psychology, social work and more. Graduates are able to transfer and continue their education or enter the workforce in an entry level position. This program does not lead to licensure.
At A Glance
- Location: Hagerstown, Maryland
- Tuition: $123 Per Credit Hour (County Resident) $252 Per Credit Hour (Non-Resident)
- Faculty to Student Ratio: 18 to 1
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Graduation Rate: 38.9%
7. Genesee Community College
As a SUNY community college, Genesee Community College offers an inclusive and comprehensive education to all enrolled. The online associate degree in human services prepares students to transfer to a four year college with a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Students will complete the required general education courses as well as courses pertaining to human services. They learn the critical thinking skills, communication skills, and research skills necessary for advanced degrees as well as being employed within the growing field of human services.
At A Glance
- Location: Batavia, New York
- Tuition: $4,550 Per Year
- Faculty to Student Ratio: 15 to 1
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Graduation Rate: 30.8%
8. Finger Lakes Community College
Are you an individual that enjoys serving others? Are you compassionate and patient with those with disabilities? Perhaps you are an individual that wants to advocate for those in need. Careers in human services are vast and varied, Finger Lakes Community College prepares students with a foundation of critical thinking skills, research, and communication skills. Participants will learn case management, ethical standards and complete field placement. Graduates can work with children, youth, persons with disabilities and elderly. Students will also complete an internship prior to graduation .
At A Glance
- Location: Canandaigua, New York
- Tuition: $2,432 Per Semester (Resident) $2,919 Per Semester (Non-Resident)
- Faculty to Student Ratio: 19 to 1
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Graduation Rate: 29.5%
9. Iowa Central Community College
Careers in the helping professions are expected to be in greater demand and grow within the next decade. Careers in the human services include counselors, advocates, rehab counselors, nursing home workers, assistants for disabled persons, and many more. Iowa Central Community College offers an online associate degree in human services which opens the door to these many career options. The program is built on a strong foundation of psychology and sociology where students learn about behavior, counseling, and techniques. Students can customize their degree according to their career goals and complete courses and certifications in specific areas of interest.
At A Glance
- Location: Fort Dodge, Iowa
- Tuition: $204 Per Credit Hour (Resident) $290 Per Credit Hour (Non-Resident)
- Faculty to Student Ratio: 17 to 1
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Graduation Rate: 33.8%
10. James A Rhodes State College
A career in human services is a perfect fit for individuals that desire to serve and make a difference in the lives of others. At James A. Rhodes State College students can complete their associate degree in human services online. This degree program prepares students with the knowledge and skills to work in a variety of settings and with diverse populations. Within the community graduates can work with peoples with disabilities, homeless individuals and families, domestic violence shelters, and so many more. Graduates can work as social work assistants or other areas of counseling, but they will not gain licensure through this program. There is an articulation agreement for those desiring to earn a bachelor’s degree within a similar field.
At A Glance
- Location: Lima, Ohio
- Tuition: $4,085 Per Year (Resident) $8,169 Per Year (Non-Resident)
- Faculty to Student Ratio: 14 to 1
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Graduation Rate: 28%
11. Minot State University
Minot State University offers a unique online AS in Human Services program that is designed to help students that are already employed with agencies that assist individuals with developmental disabilities. The program has a career ladder built into the AS degree that allows students to enter or exit at the level they are currently at within their profession. This degree is online and can be completed within two years providing students with certificates of completion and ultimately the AS degree. Minot State University also offers more advanced degrees in the same field should students seek to earn a bachelors or masters degree.
At A Glance
- Location: Minot, North Dakota
- Tuition: $328 Per Credit Hour
- Faculty to Student Ratio: 11 to 1
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Graduation Rate: 41.4%
12. Cornerstone University
If serving others and advocating for others in need is something you enjoy doing, having a talent for then earning an Associate of Science degree in Human Services is a degree that will open doors to careers. Students will be building a foundation with courses in psychology, sociology, counseling and intercultural relations. Each course at Cornerstone University is anchored in Chiristian beliefs and a Christ-centered foundation. Graduates are able to continue their education to earn a bachelor’s degree in social work or related areas or enter the workforce.
At A Glance
- Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Tuition: $745 Per Credit Hour
- Faculty to Student Ratio: 13 to 1
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Graduation Rate: 68%
13. Western New Mexico University
For anyone seeking a career in advocating for others and desiring to improve others quality of life, a degree in human services will provide the necessary education and skills to enter these careers. At Western New Mexico University students can earn an associate degree online in human services. Graduates with this education can be employed in a wide variety of settings such as elderly care centers, assisting developmentally disabled individuals, substance abuse counseling and more. Graduates are able to continue their education in areas of social work or psychology or enter the workforce.
At A Glance
- Location: Silver City, New Mexico
- Tuition: $1,823 Per Semester (Resident) $2,291 Per Semester (Non-Resident)
- Faculty to Student Ratio: 15 to 1
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Graduation Rate: 24%
14. Franklin Pierce College
At Franklin Pierce College students of the associate degree in human services program will explore the many areas and diverse fields within the human services sector. Students will gain a solid foundation in psychology and sociology as they are foundational in many of the human services careers. Students can take courses in social work, criminology, counseling, and more. Graduates can continue their education to earn a bachelor’s degree in related fields such as social work and criminology or they can enter the workforce in entry level positions. This program does not prepare students for licensure.
At A Glance
- Location: Rindge, New Hampshire
- Tuition: $400 Per Credit Hour
- Faculty to Student Ratio: 12 to 1
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Graduation Rate: 44%
15. Central Maine Community College
Making a career out of natural abilities is where human services fields blend an individual’s desire to serve and advocate for others in need with a career where you can make a difference within a community. Through the online associate degree in human services available at Central Maine Community College students will learn counseling skills necessary for collaborative relationships within groups and communities. Students will also learn how to analyze and solve problems using research and collaboration while advocating for others. Students gain a cultural awareness and understanding of ethical responsibility within the profession.
At A Glance
- Location: Auburn, Maine
- Tuition: $2,880 (Resident) $5,760 (Non-Resident)
- Faculty to Student Ratio: 17 to 1
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Graduation Rate: 31.7%
16. SUNY Broome Community College
At SUNY Broome Community College students will participate in a comprehensive and engaging online associate degree in human services program that prepares them to transfer to a four year college. Courses of this program provide students with the knowledge and skills to help individuals, groups, and communities. Students will learn techniques and skills of counseling for individuals, couples, families, and groups. They will also gain research skills and learn how to problem solve using research and evidence based models. The internship of this program is an integral part of the curriculum and must be completed for graduation.
At A Glance
- Location: Broome County, New York
- Tuition: $2,544 Per Semester (Resident) $5,088 Per Semester (Non-Resident)
- Faculty to Student Ratio: 20 to 1
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Graduation Rate: 33%
17. Ocean County College
At Ocean County College students are able to pursue their Associate of Science degree in Public Service entirely online. This program allows students to work while they earn their degree and gain necessary hands-skills that are related to their career choice. This degree will give students the knowledge to be employed in areas of addictions counseling, development disability assistance, fire science, homeland security and more. Within the program, students can choose to earn additional certifications for their career that will help advance their opportunities upon completion.
At A Glance
- Location: Toms River, New Jersey
- Tuition: $175 Per Semester Hour (Resident) $270 Per Semester Hour (Non-Resident)
- Faculty to Student Ratio: 25 to 1
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Graduation Rate: 37.4%
18. Union County College
The Associate Degree in Human Services at Union County College is available online and aims to prepare students for a career in the helping professions. Students will take core courses in psychology and sociology. Through these courses students gain a foundation of knowledge of human behavior. Graduates can transfer to earn bachelor’s degrees or enter the workforce in an entry level position in a variety of career avenues. Students will learn how to apply qualitative and qualitative research to solving problems that arise and making informed decisions.
At A Glance
- Location: Cranford, New Jersey
- Tuition: $214 Per Credit Hour (Resident) $428 Per Credit Hour (Non-Resident)
- Faculty to Student Ratio: 25 to 1
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Graduation Rate: 30%
19. Columbia College
As one of the fastest growing fields in the nation, Human Services offers a variety of career paths within the same field. Students seeking to enter this field can earn their associate degree online in human services from Columbia College. This ensures flexibility for students that are currently working or needing to meet other personal obligations while earning their degree. The core courses will build a strong foundation in psychology, sociology, case management, and counseling. Graduates are able to work in a variety of settings or transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree in social work or related field.
At A Glance
- Location: Columbia, Missouri
- Tuition: $375 Per Credit Hour
- Faculty to Student Ratio: 25 to 1
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Graduation Rate: 42%
20. Herkimer County Community College
For those who want to be the difference and make positive changes in the world as advocates for those in need, earning an associate degree in human services at Herkimer County Community College will be the first step to making that dream a reality. Coursework will include options where students can customize their degree to fit their career goals. Students can choose between taking courses in chemical dependency to developmental psychology, trauma informed care or american government, and group counselling or marriage and families.
At A Glance
- Location: Herkimer, New York
- Tuition: $2,508 Per Semester (Resident) $4,000 Per Semester (Non-Resident)
- Faculty to Student Ratio: 19 to 1
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Graduation Rate: 29.6%
21. Ohio Christian University
A degree in human services provides a foundation for all careers that will utilize human service skills. At Ohio Christian University students will gain knowledge and skills founded on Christian principles and a Christian worldview seeking to advocate for all people in need. While this program prepares students for careers in social work, psychology, and ministry it does not prepare students for licensure in these fields. Graduates can continue their education to earn a bachelor’s and gain licensure or they can enter the workforce and work in areas where licensure is not required.
At A Glance
- Location: Circleville, Ohio
- Tuition: $325 Per Credit Hour
- Faculty to Student Ratio: 11 to 1
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Graduation Rate: 38%
22. New England College
If having a career in a helping profession is what you are seeking then earning an associate degree in human services is the first step. New England College offers an online degree in human services that will prepare students to be professional in careers such as assisting developmentally disabled, assisting immigrants and refugees, substance abusers, and more. Students will learn about case management, ethics and laws, as well as gain necessary skill to assist and advocate for those in need. Graduates either continue their education and earn bachelor’s or they can enter the workforce in an entry level position.
At A Glance
- Location: Henniker, New Hampshire
- Tuition: $375 Per Credit Hour
- Faculty to Student Ratio: 15 to 1
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Graduation Rate: 38%
23. Niagara County Community College
At Niagara County Community College students will complete core coursework in the general education courses and then they can customize their human services degree accordingly. Within the online human services degree program students can focus on gerontology, early childhood education, social work, substance abuse and other areas of human services. This program prepares students to enter the workforce at an entry level position within the field they choose to be employed in or they can transfer to a bachelor program and continue their education.
At A Glance
- Location: Sanborn, New York
- Tuition: $2,376 (Residents) $4,752 (Non-Resident)
- Faculty to Student Ratio: 31 to 1
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Graduation Rate: 32.4%
24. Monroe Community College
At Monroe Community College students can expect to not only learn the theory and gain knowledge of the human services field but they will also gain critical hands on experience through numerous opportunities available through internships throughout the area. Students will work alongside professors as they help and gain valuable experience. Graduates are well prepared to transfer to a four year degree program in social work or counseling. With the work experience they gain through internships students can also enter the workforce with confidence and skills to enter the workforce as well at an entry level position.
At A Glance
- Location: Rochester, New York
- Tuition: $2,353 (Resident) $4,706 (Non-Resident)
- Faculty to Student Ratio: 20 to 1
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Graduation Rate: 28.9%
25. Onondaga Community College
For anyone who wanted to make a difference but didn’t know how, the online associate degree in human services art Onondaga Community College is the answer. In this degree program students learn how to ethically make a difference while being culturally aware of what the needs are and how to help lift others in need. This particular program prepares students for careers in a variety of fields including in schools, clinics, and hospitals. Graduates can enter the workforce upon completion or transfer to a four year institution to earn a bachelors in a related field such as social work or counseling.
At A Glance
- Location: Syracuse, New York
- Tuition: $2,545 Per Semester (Resident) $5,090 Per Semester (Non-Resident)
- Faculty to Student Ratio: 19 to 1
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Graduation Rate: 24.2%
26. Bluegrass Community and Technical College
At Bluegrass Community and Technical College students can earn an associate degree in human services that prepares them to be the change they want to see in the world. Through this online degree students will learn how to perform meaningful work in advocating for others. Students learn how to assist with case management, how to communicate effectively, skills and counseling techniques, and more as they prepare for careers in the human services sector. Careers that graduates often pursue include social work, rehabilitation counselors, addiction counselors, mental health counselors, and more. Students are also prepared to transfer to a four year college and pursue a bachelor’s degree as well.
At A Glance
- Location: Lexington, Kentucky
- Tuition: $179 Per Credit Hour (Resident) $627 Per Credit Hour (Non-Resident)
- Faculty to Student Ratio: 19 to 1
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Graduation Rate: 25.7%
27. Brescia University
Brescia University offers a flexible online Associate of Arts in Human Services (AAHS) program that has five start dates throughout the year. This program provides students with the knowledge and skills to work with individuals, groups, and communities. Students will learn to be inclusive of diverse cultures and individuals and learn how to best serve and advocate for them through crisis management, case management, intervention, and other human services. An Associate of Arts in Human Services will be the first step to a solid career path. Graduates can continue on the path to earning a bachelor’s in social work, psychology, theology, or integrated studies. AAHS graduates can continue with the CSWE-accredited Bachelor’s In Social Work (BSW) and sit for licensure, or further their education past the BSW with an advanced standing Master of Social Work (MSW), also CSWE-accredited.
At A Glance
- Location: Owensboro, Kentucky
- Tuition: $425 Per Credit Hour
- Faculty to Student Ratio: 13 to 1
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Graduation Rate: 28%
Points Methodology
- Cost: Entire Program Under $10K Points: 5
- Entire Program between $10K and $15K Points: 3
- Entire Program Above $15K Points: 1
- Faculty to Student Ratio: 10 to 1 and Below Points: 5
- Between 10 and 20 to 1 Points: 3
- Above 20 to 1 Points: 1
- Graduation Rate: Above 40% Points: 5
- Between 30% and 40% Points: 3
- Below 30% Points: 1
