2025 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region
It's not easy to decide which school to attend when you have so many options available. College Factual was founded, in part, to help students make the decision as to what would be the best school for them. Our Best Associate Degree Colleges in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking is part of that endeavor.
What's on This Page: * Our Methodology
Your Choice of School Matters
After analyzing 147 schools in the Middle Atlantic Region , we came up with our list of those that offered the best associate degree programs. Our ranking methodology focuses on different objective factors to make this determination of the best schools. In the next few paragraphs, we'll talk a little about what we use in our analysis and why.
Early-Career Earnings
Average early-career salary of those graduating with an associate degree is one indicator we use in our analysis to find the schools that offer the highest-quality education. This is because one of the main reasons people pursue a degree is to enable themselves to find better-paying positions.
Average Student Debt
In addition to average starting salaries, we also consider the average amount of student loans that students take on while pursuing their associate degree.
Upon graduation, associate degree recipients from schools in the Middle Atlantic Region have accumulated an average of $15,509 in student debt.
The average amount taken out in student loans for graduates at a particular school may be crippling for those who earn less than average wages after graduation.
Other Ranking Factors in Our Methodology
We also analyze a number of other factors in addition to average post-graduation earnings and average student debt when coming up with our yearly Best Associate Degree Schools ranking.
Several other factors - such as how much the school spends on educational resources, the demand of the school, the availability of online learning options, and the student body caliber - go into our rankings.
We go into more detail on these factors on our best schools ranking methodology page.
Check Out These Other Rankings
If you'd rather work on your associate degree in a specific area of the country, you might be interested in our
rankings by place. Also, check out our other
college rankings to help you with your college decision.
Top Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
37
Associate Degrees Awarded
$46,768
Average Early-Career Earnings
Our analysis found Thomas Jefferson University to be the best school for associate degrees in the Middle Atlantic Region in this year’s ranking. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out associate degrees to 37 students in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a associate degree from Thomas Jefferson University go into careers with an average salary of $46,768 during the early years of their career.
Learn More About Thomas Jefferson University
90
Associate Degrees Awarded
$57,035
Average Early-Career Earnings
$59,462
Average Student Debt
Out of the 147 associate degree schools in the Middle Atlantic Region that were part of this year’s ranking, New York University landed the #2 spot on the list. NYU is a private not-for-profit institution located in New York, New York. The school has a large population, and it awarded 90 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, associate degree graduates from NYU make an average of $57,035 a year. Associate students leave the school with an average of $59,462 in student loans.
Learn More About New York University
1,751
Associate Degrees Awarded
$18,719
Average Early-Career Earnings
$27,116
Average Student Debt
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Fashion Institute of Technology. It ranked #3 on our 2025 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. This medium-sized public school is located in New York, New York, and it awarded 1,751 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, associate degree graduates from FIT SUNY make an average of $18,719 a year. The average amount of student debt accumulated by associate students is $27,116.
Learn More About Fashion Institute of Technology
122
Associate Degrees Awarded
$44,003
Average Early-Career Earnings
$47,509
Average Student Debt
A rank of #4 on our Best Associate Degree in the Middle Atlantic Region list means The New School is a great place for students working on their degree. Located in New York, New York, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school awarded 122 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a associate degree from New School University go into careers with an average salary of $44,003 during the early years of their career. Associate students carry an average student debt load of about $47,509 after getting their degree.
Learn More About The New School
35
Associate Degrees Awarded
$50,530
Average Early-Career Earnings
The excellent associate degree programs at Rutgers University - New Brunswick helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the best schools in the Middle Atlantic Region. Located in New Brunswick, New Jersey, the large public school handed out 35 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a associate degree from Rutgers New Brunswick go into careers with an average salary of $50,530 during the early years of their career.
Full Rutgers University - New Brunswick Report
50
Associate Degrees Awarded
$25,662
Average Early-Career Earnings
With a ranking of #6, Lancaster Bible College did quite well on the 2025 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Lancaster Bible College is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It awarded 50 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, associate degree graduates from Lancaster Bible College make an average of $25,662 a year.
Read full report on Lancaster Bible College
19
Associate Degrees Awarded
$47,465
Average Early-Career Earnings
$30,013
Average Student Debt
University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus ranked #7 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus is a large public school located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that handed out 19 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a associate degree from Pitt go into careers with an average salary of $47,465 during the early years of their career. Associate students carry an average student debt load of about $30,013 after getting their degree.
Read full report on University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus
1,391
Associate Degrees Awarded
$30,417
Average Early-Career Earnings
With a ranking of #8, SUNY Westchester Community College did quite well on the 2025 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Located in Valhalla, New York, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,391 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, associate degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $30,417 during the early years of their career.
Read full report on SUNY Westchester Community College
119
Associate Degrees Awarded
$36,018
Average Early-Career Earnings
$19,856
Average Student Debt
Central Penn College landed the #9 spot on the 2025 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. Central Penn is a private for-profit institution located in Summerdale, Pennsylvania. The school has a small population, and it awarded 119 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, associate degree graduates from Central Penn make an average of $36,018 a year. Associate students carry an average student debt load of about $19,856 after getting their degree.
Full Central Penn College Report
76
Associate Degrees Awarded
Rochester Institute of Technology did quite well in the 2025 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking, coming in at #10. This fairly large private not-for-profit school is located in Rochester, New York, and it awarded 76 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Learn More About Rochester Institute of Technology
2,778
Associate Degrees Awarded
$22,425
Average Early-Career Earnings
$13,695
Average Student Debt
Montgomery College ranked #11 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Montgomery College is a fairly large public school situated in Rockville, Maryland. It awarded 2,778 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a associate degree from Montgomery College is $22,425 during the early years of their career. Associate students leave the school with an average of $13,695 in student loans.
Learn More About Montgomery College
2,011
Associate Degrees Awarded
$31,992
Average Early-Career Earnings
$11,892
Average Student Debt
Bergen Community College ranked #12 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Paramus, New Jersey is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 2,011 students in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a associate degree from Bergen Community College go into careers with an average salary of $31,992 during the early years of their career. Associate students leave the school with an average of $11,892 in student loans.
Read full report on Bergen Community College
258
Associate Degrees Awarded
$13,833
Average Early-Career Earnings
University of Delaware ranked #13 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Newark, Delaware is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 258 students in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, associate degree graduates from UD make an average of $13,833 a year.
Learn More About University of Delaware
554
Associate Degrees Awarded
$62,409
Average Early-Career Earnings
SUNY Empire State College landed the #14 spot on the 2025 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. This medium-sized public school is located in Saratoga Springs, New York, and it awarded 554 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, associate degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $62,409 during the early years of their career.
Full SUNY Empire State College Report
212
Associate Degrees Awarded
Chesapeake College ranked #15 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Chesapeake College is located in Wye Mills, Maryland and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 212 associate degrees to qualified graduate students.
Read full report on Chesapeake College
385
Associate Degrees Awarded
$50,226
Average Early-Career Earnings
Baltimore City Community College did quite well in the 2025 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking, coming in at #16. Baltimore, Maryland is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 385 students in 2021-2022.
Graduates with a associate degree from Baltimore City Community College make an average of $50,226 per year during the early years of their career.
Full Baltimore City Community College Report
2,922
Associate Degrees Awarded
$33,312
Average Early-Career Earnings
$13,664
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #17, Suffolk County Community College did quite well on the 2025 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Suffolk County Community College is a public institution located in Selden, New York. The school has a large population, and it awarded 2,922 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a associate degree from Suffolk County Community College is $33,312 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by associate students is $13,664.
Read full report on Suffolk County Community College
2,194
Associate Degrees Awarded
$41,071
Average Early-Career Earnings
University of Maryland Global Campus came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. UMGC is a public institution located in Adelphi, Maryland. The school has a large population, and it awarded 2,194 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, associate degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $41,071 during the early years of their career.
Read full report on University of Maryland Global Campus
1,102
Associate Degrees Awarded
$31,238
Average Early-Career Earnings
Essex County College landed the #19 spot on the 2025 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. Located in Newark, New Jersey, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,102 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a associate degree from Essex is $31,238 during the early years of their career.
Learn More About Essex County College
162
Associate Degrees Awarded
$40,857
Average Early-Career Earnings
$16,000
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #20, Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology did quite well on the 2025 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Flushing, New York. It awarded 162 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a associate degree from Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology go into careers with an average salary of $40,857 during the early years of their career. Associate students leave the school with an average of $16,000 in student loans.
Full Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology Report
1,813
Associate Degrees Awarded
$45,993
Average Early-Career Earnings
$16,226
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #21, Community College of Baltimore County did quite well on the 2025 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Community College of Baltimore County is a fairly large public school located in Baltimore, Maryland that handed out 1,813 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Graduates with a associate degree from CCBC make an average of $45,993 per year during the early years of their career. Associate students carry an average student debt load of about $16,226 after getting their degree.
Full Community College of Baltimore County Report
412
Associate Degrees Awarded
$43,760
Average Early-Career Earnings
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is a small public school located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania that handed out 412 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a associate degree from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology go into careers with an average salary of $43,760 during the early years of their career.
Full Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology Report
2,247
Associate Degrees Awarded
$34,981
Average Early-Career Earnings
$16,532
Average Student Debt
Nassau Community College ranked #23 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Nassau Community College is a public institution located in Garden City, New York. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 2,247 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Graduates with a associate degree from Nassau Community College make an average of $34,981 per year during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by associate students is $16,532.
Learn More About Nassau Community College
363
Associate Degrees Awarded
$41,656
Average Early-Career Earnings
$35,258
Average Student Debt
Harcum College landed the #24 spot on the 2025 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. Located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 363 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Graduates with a associate degree from Harcum College make an average of $41,656 per year during the early years of their career. Associate students leave the school with an average of $35,258 in student loans.
Read full report on Harcum College
1,815
Associate Degrees Awarded
$35,122
Average Early-Career Earnings
$9,472
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #25, Community College of Philadelphia did quite well on the 2025 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 1,815 students in 2021-2022.
Graduates with a associate degree from Community College of Philadelphia make an average of $35,122 per year during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by associate students is $9,472.
Learn More About Community College of Philadelphia
