Online Associate Degree Programs | California Coast University

Online Associate Degree Programs: Flexible, Accredited, and Built Around Your Life

You've got a job. Maybe a family. A schedule that doesn't leave a lot of room for sitting in a classroom three nights a week. But you also have a goal — and a degree can get you there.

California Coast University offers six online associate degree programs you can complete entirely on your schedule. No set class times. No commutes. No waiting for the next semester to start. Just a structured, accredited path to your Associate of Science degree that moves at the pace you set. Whether you're building a foundation in business, criminal justice, psychology, health care, marketing, or general studies, CCU has a program designed for working adults who are serious about making progress.

Online Associate Degree Programs at CCU

All six of CCU's Associate of Science (A.S.) programs share the same self-paced, 100% online format — 60 semester units, 20 courses, and a curriculum built to give you a real foundation in your chosen field. Each program is taught by faculty who bring real-world, professional experience into every course.

How the Program Works

Admissions Requirements

To be considered for admission to any of CCU's online associate degree programs, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Hold a high school diploma, GED, or its equivalent
• Submit a completed application and $75 application fee
• Provide official transcripts from any previously attended colleges or universities (if applicable)
• Non-English-speaking applicants must submit official TOEFL scores demonstrating English proficiency

Tuition and Payment Plans

Undergraduate courses at CCU are priced at $170 per semester unit. Each associate degree program is 60 semester units. Your total program cost will be detailed in your enrollment agreement after your application is evaluated.

To make tuition as accessible as possible, CCU offers three interest-free payment plans:

All tuition rates are locked in at the time of enrollment and will not change as long as you remain in good financial and academic standing in the same program. If a student's enrollment is interrupted and reinstatement is required, current tuition rates at the time of reinstatement will apply. Past-due balances are subject to a $10 late fee. Returned payments incur a $25 returned payment fee. A 10% discount is available for active-duty military, veterans, law enforcement officers, firefighters, U.S. government employees, CCU graduates, and corporate partner employees (employment or status verification required, for students enrolling after 1/1/2026; retroactive discounts will not be applied and tuition discounts cannot be combined with other offers). Many CCU students receive tuition reimbursement from their employers. Check with your HR department to find out if you qualify for educational assistance.

About California Coast University

California Coast University was founded in 1973 — over 50 years ago — as a pioneer in distance learning. Long before online education became the norm, CCU was building a model that worked for working adults: flexible, affordable, and built around real life.

Today, CCU is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). That accreditation reflects more than five decades of consistent, quality education delivery.

What makes CCU different is who teaches here. CCU faculty are practitioners — professionals who have worked in their fields and bring demonstrated real-world expertise into every course. You're not just learning theory from an academic. You're learning from someone who has lived and worked in the industry you're studying.

What Students Say

"CCU is an excellent option for people who have busy careers. Getting my degree was important to me and CCU helped me obtain that."
— B. Odell, Alumni, Criminal Justice, California Coast University

"I'm very happy that this could work with a full-time work schedule. I will be recommending to anyone who is looking for flexibility."
— K. Kast, Alumni, Criminal Justice, California Coast University

"This college degree holds value both personally and professionally. It fostered critical thinking, discipline, and a deeper understanding of the world, while also serving as a credential that can open doors, enhance my career prospects, and signals a commitment to my long-term goals."
— M. Perez, Alumni, Criminal Justice, California Coast University

"Getting my degree was a personal goal. I am now the first person in my family to have obtained my Bachelor's degree."
— M. Raymond, Alumni, Business Administration, California Coast University

"In a world where a degree is practically required for any decently paying job, this program made obtaining a degree feel more accessible to someone like me."
— S. Fidel, Alumni, Business Administration, California Coast University

"I found it to be extremely rewarding to finish my schooling and receive the degree. Very flexible to work around being a parent and working full time."
— D. Paschel, Alumni, Business Administration, California Coast University

Where an Associate Degree Can Take You

An Associate of Science degree builds the foundational knowledge and credentials that can help you move forward — whether that means a promotion at your current job, a pivot to a new field, or continuing your education at the bachelor's level.

Depending on the field you choose, an associate degree may support roles in office and business administration, customer relations, health care support, public safety, human services, and more. Career outcomes vary based on individual background, experience, and other factors.

Many CCU students use their associate degree as a springboard. Every CCU associate degree program has a corresponding bachelor's degree program — so when you're ready to keep going, the path is already there.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admissions requirements for CCU's online associate degree programs?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. You'll need to submit a completed application with a $75 application fee and any prior college transcripts if applicable. Non-English-speaking applicants must submit official TOEFL scores.

How long does it take to complete an online associate degree at CCU?
That depends on how quickly you move through the coursework. Each program is 60 semester units across 20 courses. Students must complete a minimum of one course per six-month period. The timeline is ultimately yours — some students finish faster, others take longer based on their work and personal commitments.

What does self-paced study actually look like day to day?
You log in when you can — early morning, late at night, weekends, whenever your schedule allows. There are no live sessions, no required meeting times, no group work. Each course requires a minimum of 136 hours of study. When you're ready to sit for an exam, you select your own proctor, subject to university approval. Proctors cannot be an immediate family member, a housemate, or a current CCU student.

When can I start? Is there an enrollment deadline?
CCU has open enrollment — you can apply and begin at any time of year. There are no semester start dates or enrollment windows to wait for. VA students and students using tuition assistance programs should be aware that their enrollment and progress will be tied to CCU's term calendar.

How much does an online associate degree cost at CCU?
Tuition is $170 per semester unit. Each associate degree program is 60 units. CCU offers three interest-free payment plans: Plan A ($500 down, $150/month), Plan B ($300 down, $175/month), and Plan C (pay in full). Past-due balances are subject to a $10 late fee. Textbooks are rented separately through CCU's Rental Library at approximately $35 per book.

Can I transfer credits from a previous college?
Potentially, yes. Transfer credits from regionally or nationally accredited institutions may be accepted when applicable and when applicable to CCU's degree plan. A grade of C or better is typically required for transfer credit consideration. Contact Admissions to have your transcripts evaluated.

Does CCU offer financial aid?
CCU does not participate in federal financial aid programs. However, students may be eligible for VA Benefits, MyCAA (for qualifying military spouses), or employer tuition reimbursement. Contact your employer's HR department or CCU's Admissions team to explore your options.

Can I continue to a bachelor's degree after completing my associate degree?
Yes. Every associate degree program at CCU has a corresponding bachelor's degree program. Many students use their associate degree credits toward their bachelor's — contact Admissions for details on how your completed coursework applies.

Is CCU accredited?
Yes. California Coast University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CCU has maintained its accreditation since its founding in 1973.

What are CCU's 2026–2027 term dates?
CCU's terms are 16 weeks in length, with new terms beginning approximately every three to four weeks to accommodate rolling enrollments.

Annual Holidays Observed: New Year's Day (01/01/2026) | Day After New Year's Day (01/02/2026) | Presidents' Day (02/16/2026) | Memorial Day (05/25/2026) | Independence Day (07/03/2026) | Labor Day (09/07/2026) | Thanksgiving Day (11/26/2026) | Day After Thanksgiving (11/27/2026) | Christmas Day (12/25/2026)

VA students and students using tuition assistance must follow the term calendar for enrollment and progress milestones.

Start Your Online Associate Degree Today

You've already been putting this off long enough. CCU's open enrollment means there's no deadline to wait for — you can apply right now and start when you're ready. Take the next step toward your Associate of Science degree on your terms.

VA students and students using tuition assistance programs should contact Admissions regarding term calendar requirements prior to enrolling.

Questions? Call Admissions at 1-888-228-8648 or Students at 1-714-547-9625

California Coast University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).