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Associate degrees open paths to new job opportunities and can be used to transfer into bachelor's degree programs. An associate degree is a two-year college degree that you can obtain from a community college, junior college, online university, or some four-year institutions in the US. In terms of education, an associate degree falls between a high school diploma and a bachelor's degree. Students go on to do different things with their associate degree: some transfer into a bachelor’s degree program, while others choose to go directly into the workforce. You can also earn your associate degree after working for several years; it can be the first step to a new career or help you advance in your current one. Read on to understand key facts about earning your associate degree, and the important factors—like educational and professional goals—you should consider as you decide whether it's the right choice for your future. Associate degrees: Key factsEarning your associate degree is typically more affordable and takes less time than earning your bachelor's degree. It can also help you forge new career paths in professional fields such as medicine, engineering, and computer science. Let's review the basics of what it costs—and what it takes—to get an associate degree. Admissions requirementsAdmissions requirements vary from college to college, but you'll generally need to meet the following conditions in order to gain entry to an associate degree program:
CostWhile tuition levels vary between colleges and programs, the average tuition for one year in an associate degree program is $3,800 in 2021, according to the College Board [1]. That’s for public in-district schools—meaning you’re a resident in the district the associate degree program is located. Compare that with the average tuition for a year in a bachelor’s degree program, which is $10,740 for public in-state schools, $27,560 for public out-of-state schools, and $38,070 for private nonprofit schools. Financial aidStudents enrolled in an associate degree program might be eligible for federal financial aid, as long as the institution is accredited. You can submit a FAFSA application to see if you qualify to receive federal aid or federal student loans. For the 2021-2022 school year, 56 percent of community college students received aid, while 33 percent received federal grants [2]. How long it takesIt generally takes full-time students about two years earn an associate degree, though it can take longer for part-time students. If you prefer to work while earning your associate degree, you'll be in good company. More than four million community college students attended part-time in 2021 (compared to 2.2 million full-time attendees) and 72 percent of them worked [2]. Types of associate degreesThe most common types of associate degrees are:
What can you do with an associate degree?Once you earn your associate degree, you have two options to consider. You can extend your education and apply to a bachelor's degree program, or you can pursue jobs in the medical, engineering, computer science, or legal fields, among many others. Transfer to a bachelor's degree programIf you're interested in continuing your education, you can apply to bachelor's degree programs after you earn your associate degree, and begin completing courses in your declared major. In fact, a number of students earn their associate degree at a lower-cost community college before transferring to a four-year college or university to finish their bachelor's. Remember that for in-state students, the average annual cost of attending a community college was $3,800 in 2021, compared to $10,740 for a public four-year school, which can amount to a significant savings over two years or more [1]. Earning your associate degree before deciding to pursue your bachelor's also gives you time to:
If you’re hoping to start a degree, and factors like affordability and flexibility are important, online bachelor’s degrees may be another option. Online bachelor’s degrees are available in a wide range of topics, like computer science or psychology. Pursue a careerYou can explore new career opportunities with your associate degree—often with higher salaries than a high school diploma will yield. Associate degree holders in the United States earn a median income of $938 per week compared to $781 for high school graduates [3]. Here is a brief snapshot of some of the jobs you can typically start with an associate degree. They’re expected to grow at least as fast as average, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics [4], and the median salaries in the US are at least $40,000.
Keep in mind that employers for some positions—like registered nurses—might prefer bachelor’s degree holders but may also hire associate degree graduates. Read more: How to Get Your First Job: A Guide Differences between associate and bachelor’s degreesThere are benefits to pursuing any kind of higher education, be it an associate degree or bachelor's degree. Holding an academic degree can lead to more career opportunities and higher salaries. If you're unsure which degree is right for you, here are important differences to compare:
Data on average annual tuition and weekly earnings comes from the College Board and the Bureau of Labor Statistics respectively [1, 3]. Which is better: Associate degree or bachelor's degree?The best degree will be the one that helps you achieve your goals—either personal, educational, or professional. While there are a number of careers you can pursue with an associate degree, you may find more opportunities with a bachelor's degree. But if time is a major factor, then an associate degree may be the best choice for your immediate needs. Ultimately, it's important to review your situation—your financial resources, your schedule, your objectives—to determine which is the best degree for you. If you're interested in earning an academic degree to gain entry to a new career path or advance your career in a chosen field, it can help to look at job postings and see the minimum education required. Understanding the standards your industry expects may help determine which degree you eventually earn. Associate degree alternativesIf your goals don’t require an academic degree, there are other options that may offer some flexibility. Professional certificatesProfessional certificates are qualifications you can earn by completing courses or exams to demonstrate your ability in a field. They often require no previous experience in a subject, and can take anywhere from several months to a few years to finish. You can get a professional certificate in a variety of fields, including IT support, data analysis, computer programming, and marketing. Certificate programs can be part-time or full-time, and may be offered online and in person. Because they tend to take less time and financial resources than degrees, professional certificates can be a solid option for those who know what specific skills they want to develop, and prioritize flexibility. If you’re ready to explore, browse some online certificate options. Trade or vocational schoolTrade schools, also known as vocational or technical schools, train students to enter professions that require a certain set of skills. They’re characterized by their emphasis on hands-on training. Graduates go on to work as electricians, dental hygienists, chefs, construction managers, and car mechanics, among many other professions. Trade schools typically take two years or less to complete, though some professions may require additional apprenticeships after the program. They can be a good option if you have a specific job in mind and don’t need or want to pursue an academic degree to secure employment in that profession. Some characteristics to consider when researching trade schools include: whether the program is accredited, has a track record of job placement, and makes sense for you financially. BootcampsBootcamps—intensive programs that are designed to quickly equip you with a new skill set—can be a fast way to enter a new field or advance in your current one. Bootcamps typically take a few months to complete. Though computer coding bootcamps are popular, you can enroll in digital marketing, cybersecurity, or UX/UI design bootcamps, too. Bootcamps can be online or in person, full-time or part-time. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)You are Currently on slide 1 Related articles
Article sources1. College Board. "Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2021, https://research.collegeboard.org/pdf/trends-college-pricing-student-aid-2021.pdf." Accessed August 8, 2022. 2. American Association of Community Colleges. "AACC Fast Facts 2022, https://www.aacc.nche.edu/2022/02/28/42888/." Accessed August 8, 2022. 3. US Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Education Pays, The median salaries in the US are at least $40,000." Accessed August 8, 2022. 4. US Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Occupation Finder, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/occupation-finder." Accessed August 8, 2022. 5. College Board. "Career: Registered Nurses, https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/careers/health-diagnosis-treatment-registered-nurses." Accessed November August 8, 2022. Written by Coursera • Updated on Aug 8, 2022 This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals. Is an Associate's degree the same as a technical degree?No. Associate degrees are academic programs that build a broad set of skills, while vocational certificates provide training and preparation for a specific job or task.
What does associate degree Occupational mean?OCCUPATIONAL ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAMS. Occupational associate degrees are those for which the primary purpose is gainful employment and career development.
What is an associate degree called?Most associate degrees earned in academic programs are Associate of Arts (AA) or Science (AS) degrees. Associate degrees earned in professional, technical or terminal programs are frequently called Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees, but will sometimes carry the name of the program of study in the title.
How do you list Associate's degree on resume?How to list an associate degree on a resume? List it in your regular Education section, mentioning “Associate” in the name of the degree. You might list some relevant coursework on your resume if you don't have a lot of professional experience yet.
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