CollegeRanker · Associate & Certificate
Associate & Certificate Programs, Ranked by Outcomes
Not every career needs a four-year degree. Associate and certificate programs offer the fastest, most affordable path into the workforce — and many lead to strong salaries. We mapped the programs with the best outcomes by earnings and completion.
15
Associate & Certificate programs
3
Fields covered
$87,530
Top median salary
4
Rankings
Why the Associate & Certificate Matters
Associate and certificate programs are the fastest path to a credential that produces real income. Many lead to careers that out-earn the median bachelor’s degree holder — with a fraction of the debt and time.
Key insight
Community college transfer pathways can halve your bachelor’s cost. But if you’re going straight to work, pick a program where the local job market is strong for that credential — the ROI is local.
Find Your Associate & Certificate Program
Find Your Associate & Certificate Program
Choose a degree, category, and subject to find accredited programs matched to your goals.
Results are sponsored program matches from BestColleges, our advertising partner. Privacy Terms
Highest-Paying Associate & Certificate Degrees
Fastest-Growing Associate & Certificate Fields
Top Associate & Certificate Rankings
Schools ranked by what graduates earn, how far they climb, and whether the degree pays for itself.
Best Community Colleges
Best Trade Schools
Best Vocational & Technical Schools
Most Affordable Colleges
Healthcare
13 associate & certificate programs ranked by outcomes
Dental Hygiene
$87,530 median · 7% growth
Respiratory Therapy
$77,960 median · 12% growth
Radiologic Technology
$73,410 median · 6% growth
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
$86,070 median · 6% growth
Nursing Assistant (CNA)
$38,200 median · 4% growth
Phlebotomy Technician
$43,660 median · 8% growth
Medical Assisting
$42,000 median · 15% growth
Surgical Technology
$62,000 median · 6% growth
Pharmacy Technician
$40,300 median · 7% growth
Dental Assisting
$47,350 median · 8% growth
Paramedicine / EMS
$53,180 median · 6% growth
Medical Billing & Coding
$48,780 median · 9% growth
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
$84,470 median · 11% growth
Law
1 associate & certificate programs ranked by outcomes
Public Safety
1 associate & certificate programs ranked by outcomes
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Featured Associate & Certificate Programs Accepting Applicants
Accredited programs from partner schools.
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Find the associate & certificate program that fits
Search by field and subject — we’ll show you the schools with the strongest outcomes for associate & certificate degrees.
