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Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in the Southwest Region

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2023 Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in the Southwest Region

117 Schools Ranked
$4,455 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$19,369 Avg Student Debt

With all the teaching programs available today, it can be tough to choose which one is the best for you. You're no longer limited to schools in your local area, either, since online programs are becoming more prevalent. Or you may find the programs at a trade school or bootcamp to be a better alternative for you.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Teaching Degree Search has created the Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in the Southwest Region to help you in your search for the best school for you. This report analyzed 117 schools in the Southwest Region to see which ones were the most popular associate degree programs for teaching students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

South Texas College

McAllen, Texas
352 Total Awards
$4,530 Average Tuition & Fees
$8,401 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found South Texas College to be the most popular school for teaching students who want to pursue a associate degree in the Southwest Region . South Texas College is a large public school situated in McAllen, Texas. It awarded 352 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from Texas who attend South Texas College full time pay an average of $4,530 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $7,920. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $8,401 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 89% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at South Texas College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 94% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on South Texas College

#2

San Jacinto Community College

Pasadena, Texas
337 Total Awards
$13,960 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend San Jacinto Community College. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list. This large public school is located in Pasadena, Texas, and it awarded 337 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,960 in student loans. Around 89% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at San Jacinto College. In fact, around 95% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full San Jacinto Community College Report

#3

El Centro College

Dallas, Texas
306 Total Awards
$18,961 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend El Centro College. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list. El Centro College is a public institution located in Dallas, Texas. The school has a large population, and it awarded 306 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Associate Degree recipients from El Centro College accumulate an average of $18,961 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 90% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since El Centro College does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 92% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full El Centro College Report

#4

Lone Star College System

The Woodlands, Texas
265 Total Awards
$4,848 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,481 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 117 schools in the Southwest Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Lone Star College System landed the # 4 spot on the list. North Harris Montgomery is a public institution located in The Woodlands, Texas. The school has a large population, and it awarded 265 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from Texas who attend North Harris Montgomery full time pay an average of $4,848 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,168. On average, associate degree students take out $15,481 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 83% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since North Harris Montgomery does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 72% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#5

El Paso Community College

El Paso, Texas
202 Total Awards
$3,274 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,989 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend El Paso Community College. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list. Located in El Paso, Texas, the large public school handed out 202 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

Students from Texas who attend El Paso Community College full time pay an average of $3,274 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $5,314. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,989 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 88% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at El Paso Community College. In fact, around 97% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full El Paso Community College Report

#6

Northwest Vista College

San Antonio, Texas
173 Total Awards
$6,592 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,060 Avg Student Debt

Northwest Vista College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for teaching students to get an associate degree. It came in at #6 on the list. Northwest Vista College is a fairly large public school located in San Antonio, Texas that handed out 173 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Northwest Vista College is $6,592. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $14,122. Associate Degree recipients from Northwest Vista College accumulate an average of $13,060 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 90% were women.

Northwest Vista College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2019-2020 year, about 42% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Northwest Vista College

142 Total Awards
$3,094 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,379 Avg Student Debt

Collin County Community College District did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for teaching students to get an associate degree. It came in at #7 on the list. Collin County Community College District is a public institution located in McKinney, Texas. The school has a large population, and it awarded 142 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from Texas who attend Collin County Community College District full time pay an average of $3,094 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $5,104. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,379 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 82% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Collin County Community College District. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 95% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

140 Total Awards
$8,580 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,220 Avg Student Debt

Austin Community College District did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for teaching students to get an associate degree. It came in at #8 on the list. Austin Community College District is a large public school located in Austin, Texas that handed out 140 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from Texas who attend Austin Community College District full time pay an average of $8,580 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $10,590. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,220 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 94% were women.

Austin Community College District does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. During the 2019-2020 year, about 99% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Austin Community College District Report

#9

Central New Mexico Community College

Albuquerque, New Mexico
137 Total Awards
$1,684 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,658 Avg Student Debt

Central New Mexico Community College landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree teaching programs. Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the fairly large public school handed out 137 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from New Mexico pay an average of $1,684 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend CNM. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $7,540. On average, associate degree students take out $13,658 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 92% were women.

Online courses are available at CNM, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 90% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Central New Mexico Community College

#10

Connors State College

Warner, Oklahoma
134 Total Awards
$3,704 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,259 Avg Student Debt

Connors State College ranked #10 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list. Warner, Oklahoma is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 134 students in 2020-2021.

Students from Oklahoma who attend CSC full time pay an average of $3,704 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $7,562. Associate Degree recipients from CSC accumulate an average of $15,259 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

CSC does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2019-2020 year, about 83% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Connors State College

#11

Tarrant County College District

Fort Worth, Texas
127 Total Awards
$17,198 Avg Student Debt

Tarrant County College District did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for teaching students to get an associate degree. It came in at #11 on the list. Tarrant County College District is a large public school located in Fort Worth, Texas that handed out 127 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, associate degree students take out $17,198 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 92% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Tarrant County College does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 97% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#12

Odessa College

Odessa, Texas
118 Total Awards
$3,504 Average Tuition & Fees
$11,199 Avg Student Debt

Odessa College landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree teaching programs. Located in Odessa, Texas, the medium-sized public school awarded 118 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Odessa College is $3,504. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $4,398. On average, associate degree students take out $11,199 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 94% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Odessa College does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 68% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Odessa College

#13

Palo Alto College

San Antonio, Texas
98 Total Awards
$6,592 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,496 Avg Student Debt

Palo Alto College ranked #13 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list. Palo Alto College is a fairly large public school situated in San Antonio, Texas. It awarded 98 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $6,592 in tuition and fees if they attend Palo Alto College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $14,122. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,496 in student loans. Around 83% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Palo Alto College. During the 2019-2020 year, about 58% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#14

San Antonio College

San Antonio, Texas
97 Total Awards
$6,592 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,504 Avg Student Debt

San Antonio College came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. This fairly large public school is located in San Antonio, Texas, and it awarded 97 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Texas pay an average of $6,592 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend San Antonio College. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $14,122. On average, associate degree students take out $16,504 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 91% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at San Antonio College. In fact, around 53% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#15

Houston Community College

Houston, Texas
93 Total Awards
$4,344 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,597 Avg Student Debt

Houston Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for teaching students to get an associate degree. It came in at #15 on the list. Houston, Texas is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 93 students in 2020-2021.

Students from Texas who attend Houston Community College full time pay an average of $4,344 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $5,460. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,597 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 90% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Houston Community College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 88% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Houston Community College

#17

Lee College

Baytown, Texas
75 Total Awards
$3,882 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,284 Avg Student Debt

Lee College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for teaching students to get an associate degree. It came in at #17 on the list. Lee College is located in Baytown, Texas and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 75 associate degrees to qualified students.

Students from Texas who attend Lee College full time pay an average of $3,882 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $4,302. On average, associate degree students take out $15,284 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 95% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Lee College. In fact, around 49% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Lee College Report

#18

Tyler Junior College

Tyler, Texas
72 Total Awards
$3,864 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,044 Avg Student Debt

Tyler Junior College came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. Tyler Junior College is a fairly large public school situated in Tyler, Texas. It awarded 72 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $3,864 in tuition and fees if they attend Tyler Junior College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $4,440. On average, associate degree students take out $17,044 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 97% were women.

One thing to take note of is that Tyler Junior College does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2019-2020 year, about 64% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Tyler Junior College

67 Total Awards
$16,405 Avg Student Debt

Texas State Technical College ranked #19 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list. This fairly large public school is located in Waco, Texas, and it awarded 67 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,405 in student loans. Around 96% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since TSTC does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 97% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Texas State Technical College Report

#20

Glendale Community College

Glendale, Arizona
61 Total Awards
$2,070 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,480 Avg Student Debt

Glendale Community College landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree teaching programs. Glendale Community College is a public institution located in Glendale, Arizona. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 61 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Arizona pay an average of $2,070 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Glendale Community College. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $7,854. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,480 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 87% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Glendale Community College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 74% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Glendale Community College Report

#21

Northeast Lakeview College

Universal City, Texas
60 Total Awards
$6,592 Average Tuition & Fees

Northeast Lakeview College landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree teaching programs. Northeast Lakeview College is a public institution located in Universal City, Texas. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 60 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Northeast Lakeview College is $6,592. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $14,122. Of those students who received their degree, 82% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Northeast Lakeview College does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2019-2020 about 52% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Northeast Lakeview College

#22

Northern Oklahoma College

Tonkawa, Oklahoma
58 Total Awards
$4,560 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,064 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #22, Northern Oklahoma College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for teaching students working on their associate degree. This small public school is located in Tonkawa, Oklahoma, and it awarded 58 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Oklahoma pay an average of $4,560 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Northern Oklahoma College. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $11,325. On average, associate degree students take out $14,064 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 69% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Northern Oklahoma College does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 51% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Northern Oklahoma College

54 Total Awards
$4,920 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,409 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #23, Trinity Valley Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for teaching students working on their associate degree. This medium-sized public school is located in Athens, Texas, and it awarded 54 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $4,920 in tuition and fees if they attend TVCC full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $5,970. Associate Degree recipients from TVCC accumulate an average of $13,409 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 96% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at TVCC. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 55% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Trinity Valley Community College

#24

Navarro College

Corsicana, Texas
47 Total Awards
$4,508 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,157 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #24, Navarro College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for teaching students working on their associate degree. Navarro College is located in Corsicana, Texas and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 47 associate degrees to qualified students.

Full-time students from Texas pay an average of $4,508 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Navarro College. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,368. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,157 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 87% were women.

One thing to take note of is that Navarro College does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 59% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

45 Total Awards
$2,070 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,315 Avg Student Debt

Estrella Mountain Community College ranked #25 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list. Located in Avondale, Arizona, the medium-sized public school awarded 45 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $2,070 in tuition and fees if they attend Estrella Mountain Community College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $7,854. On average, associate degree students take out $24,315 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 93% of those degree recipients were women.

Estrella Mountain Community College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In fact, around 85% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Estrella Mountain Community College Report

View Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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