Earning you associate of applied science (or AAS) degree allows you to start working in your field a quickly as possible. While you won’t qualify for the top positions, you can go on to get your bachelor’s degree (or an even more advanced degree), and in the meantime you can get experience working in your field. Going to a top school in your field can help you earn as much as possible, even with just an AAS. While specific top schools vary by field, let’s take a look at some of the best general colleges to consider attending if you want to earn an AAS.

Atlanta Technical College

Most AAS students go to community colleges or other two-year schools. The top community college as rated by Washington Monthly is Atlanta Technical College in Georgia. This school offers a wide variety of associate’s degree programs in areas like health and public service, and the credits can be easily to bachelor’s degree programs at four-year colleges through the Technological College System of Georgia program.

Herkimer County Community College

Herkimer Country Community College, which offers a number of associate’s degree programs, is a great community college to consider due to its low costs. Tuition at this school, which is located in New York, is among the lower in the country – New York residents pay less than $7,000, and even out-of-state residents pay much less in tuition here than at comparable schools.

University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix is a great school to consider because you can take classes online. In fact, most of their associate’s degree programs can be earned 100% online, giving you complete flexibility in your schedule, as well as saving you money. The University of Phoenix is one of the largest and oldest online schools, with new associate’s degree programs being added every day.

Other Great AAS Schools

The above three schools are not, by far, the only ones you should consider. In fact, it typically makes the most sense to check out schools local to your area, along with online schools, rather than moving across the country for a two-year degree. You can also search for schools according to your desired major.

Guide to Campus and Online A.A.S. Degrees

AAS – Criminal Justice AAS – Business Admin AAS – Web Development AAS – Health Info Tech AAS – Network Admin View more »	Purdue University – Purdue University is one of the best places for higher education and online associates degrees. Kaplan invests their interest into each student, providing them with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully fulfill job responsibilities. Each degree can quickly position students for careers in fast-growing fields.
AA – Business Administration As – Criminal Justice	American Intercontinental University – The Associate in Arts in Business Administration Associate of Science in Criminal Justice at AIU are each 90 credit hours. These programs provide students with college-level training in business management and organization. The degree can usually be used to satisfy requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree. AIU requires the student to possess a high school diploma.
AAS – Info Systems Mgmt AAS – Database Admin AAS – Banking AAS – Business Mgmt AAS – Paralegal View More »	Rasmussen College – Rasmussen College has locations all over the nation, but you do not have to live by one in order to enroll in one of their accredited, online programs. Completing the program is fast and convenient, with students able to work and finish assignments from home, work, school, or even while they are traveling.
AA – Accounting AA – Business Admin AA – Health Admin View more »	Colorado Technical University – The associate's programs at Colorado Technical University are offered across the university's curriculum. Students are able to explore degrees in the following fields: Business & Management, Criminal Justice & Legal Studies, Engineering & Computer Science, Health Sciences, and Information Systems & Technology. These programs are a great stepping stone and will boost your career prospects.