This article lists the top 10 associate’s in retail management degrees based on the affordability of the program.
The fact that retail sales jobs are projected to decline in the coming years makes careers in the field increasingly competitive. Earning an associate’s in retail management can be a cost-effective way for potential employees to set themselves apart from others and to advance along a number of career paths. Students will learn essential business skills related to day-to-day business operations, training and supervising employees, and interacting with customers.
We have ranked the programs on this list according to their affordability based on the most recent graduate tuition and fees published by NCES College Navigator.
Our top 10 affordable associate’s in retail management are:
- MiraCosta College
- Mt. Saint Antonio College
- Suffolk County Community College
- Orange Coast College
- Clover Park Technical College
- Santa Ana College
- Solano Community College
- Saddleback College
- Shoreline Community College
- Los Angeles Trade Technical College
Reviewing the Best Retail Management Associate’s Degrees
10. Los Angeles Trade Technical College
Los Angeles, California
Associate of Arts in Retail Management
Los Angeles Trade Technical College offers an associate’s in retail management program that prepares both current and future retail employees for a fast-paced and competitive retail environment. This comprehensive curriculum consists of 68 credits – 21 general education credits, and 47 major specific credits. The program works closely with current industry leaders, preparing students for immediate success in the field.
Tuition: $8,670
9. Shoreline Community College
Shoreline, Washington
Associate of Applied Arts and Sciences in Retail Management
This 93-credit associate’s degree retail management program at Shoreline Community College thoroughly prepares students for direct entry into the retail management workplace. Through 75 credit hours of degree specific coursework, students will be prepared to develop relevant, in-demand skills. A local advisory committee works closely with the school to ensure that the curriculum is meeting the current needs, and the program offers flexibility, with 3 yearly entry points.
Tuition: $7,725
8. Saddleback College
Mission Viejo, California
Associate in Science in Retail Management
At Saddleback College, students can earn their associate’s in retail management with the attractive flexible option of 8-week classes. This 60 credit hour associate’s degree retail management consists of 32 major-specific credits and 28 general education credits. The program is designed by managers of major retail corporations, and students are prepared to be effective managers in the retail industry while understanding the scope of a manager’s job and the requirements for success.
Tuition: $7,298
7. Solano Community College
Fairfield, California
Associate in Science in Retail Management
Solano Community Colleges offers a flexible, affordable associate’s in retail management with an emphasis on career development. The 60-credit program is approved by the Western Association of Food Chains, and prepares students for entry level jobs as well as for upward mobility. Solano Community College offers flexible classes and scheduling, with the option of short term classes.
Tuition: $7,257
6. Santa Ana College
Santa Ana, California
Associate of Arts in Retail Management
The 60 credit retail management associate’s degree program at Santa Ana College can be completed entirely online. The program’s curriculum and course content prepares students for relevance in any sector of retail management, and upon graduation, students will be ready for immediate entry in the retail industry field. The program is endorsed by the Western Association of Food Chains and Food Marketing Institute, and graduates will receive both the ECC Certification of Competence and the WAFC Retail Management Certificate.
Tuition: $6,757
5. Clover Park Technical College
Lakewood, Washington
Associate of Applied Technology Degree in Retail Business Management
The associate’s degree retail management program at Clover Park Technical College combines business and theory applications, and serves both entry level job candidates and current employees. The curriculum covers relevant business procedures and computer applications, including online retail services. The associate’s in retail management program is 94 credits and takes 5 or 6 semesters to complete, and students have the flexibility of 4 yearly entry points.
Tuition: $6,531
4. Orange Coast College
Costa Mesa, California
Associate in Science in Retail Management
Orange Coast College offers a 60 credit associate’s in retail management degree program that is approved by the Western Association of Food Chains. Along with an associate’s degree retail management, students will receive both an OCC certificate of achievement and the WAFC Retail Management Certificate. The program combines the school’s general education requirements for an AS degree with all specific courses needed for the Retail Certificate of Achievement.
Tuition: $5,936
3. Suffolk County Community College
Selden, New York
Associate of Applied Science in Business: Retail Marketing and Management
Offering the lowest tuition on Long Island, Suffolk County Community College’s associate’s in retail management is a great option for those seeking a flexible, comprehensive program. Almost all of the 65 program credits can be completed online, and the program effectively serves the needs of individuals presently in the workplace as well as those entering the field for the first time. Graduates are fully prepared to pursue positions such as sales executives, department heads, managers, or buyers.
Tuition: $5,152
2. Mt. San Antonio College
Walnut, California
Associate in Science Degree in Business: Retail Management
Mt. San Antonio College offers an affordable program for those looking to earn their associate’s in retail management. The 65-credit program prepares students for the business world and equips them with the understanding of the role of retail distribution. Students will become familiar with all career options, and the program will help them search for entry level positions as they near graduation. 70% of all enrolled in the program pay almost no tuition as a result of the extensive financial aid offerings.
Tuition: $4,387
1. MiraCosta College
Oceanside, California
Associate of Arts in Retail Management
MiraCosta College offers the most affordable associate’s degree retail management on our list. Their program can be completed in 4 semesters, but offers flexibility for part-time students as well. The school offers substantial financial aid, and all first-time, full-time students qualify for two years of free college. The retail management program requires a minimum of 60 credits, 9 of which are only offered online. Students will study in MiraCosta’s School of Business and Technology, and upon graduation, be ready to enter the retail management industry.
Tuition: $2,856
Related Resources:
This concludes our ranking of the top 10 affordable associate’s degrees in retail management.
