The majority of students and parents are not aware of the term ‘Associate Degree’. It is a type of undergraduate-level degree or post-secondary education that students can pursue just after completing high school. However, an associate degree should not be confused with a bachelor’s degree because they are not the same thing.
The question now is what is an associate degree, how it differs from a bachelor’s degree, what you can do with an associate’s degree, and whether you should pursue it.
In this article, we will go over everything you need to know about an associate degree as a student.
What is an Associate Degree?
An associate degree is an entry-level degree that can be pursued after completing high school which acts as the foundation for a high level of education.
The associate degree is not available in every country, and it’s mainly offered in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the Netherlands. It can be considered a stepping stone for students who are willing to take their education to a higher level. It helps them to have more defined professional goals for a prosperous career.
This degree also offers entry-level jobs to those who want to start their career early. Many countries do not offer such degrees, and you have to begin your higher education with a bachelor’s degree.
Moving on, now that you are aware of the basics, let’s talk about the eligibility criteria for obtaining such degrees.
Admission Requirement and Duration of an Associate Degree
The admission requirements for an associate degree are quite basic:
- You must be at least 18 years old and have completed high school or passed a General Education Development test (GED).
- Some colleges would also require you to have 60-semester credits. However, requirements and additional criteria differ from institute to institute.
This is the minimum requirement for enrolling in the associate degree program.
Now, if you are wondering, ‘How long does it take to get your associate’s degree?’, the answer is 2 years. However, some courses may take longer, depending on the number of subjects taken each semester.
Some institutions also offer accelerated programs that allow you to complete your degree faster than the traditional timeline. Overall, the common duration for a full-time associate degree is 2 years, but it may also vary based on the type of associate degree.
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Types of Associate Degree
Students can enroll themselves in various associate degree programs. There are five different types of associate degrees available, which are:
Associate of Applied Arts (AAA)
Associate of Applied Arts is related to music, literature, and language. This may also include business management, marketing, and criminal justice, which offer general knowledge to students. This program is designed for those students looking to pursue a bachelor’s in the area of humanities and business-related subjects.
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
So, what is an AAS degree? Compared to AAA, AAS focuses more on science-related subjects such as mathematics, engineering, architecture, and so on. The career options include technician, dental hygienist, nurse, and aerospace engineer.
Associate of Fine Arts (AFA)
This degree is more about fine arts subjects such as drawing skills, arts & crafts, wood carving, clay modeling, music, and dance. AFA provides artists with a broader platform to practice and showcase their skills and talent while earning a reputable degree.
Associate of Forestry (AF)
Graduates with an Associate of Forestry degree can pursue a career in the forest industry as a forest ranger, forest food specialist, forest reserve specialist, and so on. If you have a deep interest and skills in environment and forest-related subjects, this degree is suitable for you.
Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS)
This is more like a trade school that prepares students for a specific career path. Web developer, coding, technician, electrician, and automotive technician are some career options available with an AOS degree.
These are the most common types of associate degrees you can pursue based on your skills and interests. In the following section, we will look at some highest-paying jobs available with an associate’s degree.
Best High-Paying Jobs with Associates Degree
The career opportunities with an associate’s degree provide you with an entry-level job and the usual average salary would be around $20,000. However, there are some high-paying positions to consider.
| Job | Per Year Salary |
| Dental Hygienist | $70,000 — $80,000 |
| Web Developer | $80,000 — $100,000 |
| Chef | $60,000 — $90,000 |
| Librarian | $45,000 — $55,000 |
| Fitness Instructor | $50,000 — $65,000 |
| Nurse | $70,000 — $90,000 |
| Radiologist | $40,000 — $50,000 |
| Air Traffic Controller | $90,000 — $120,000 |
| Radiation Therapist | $70,000 — $90,000 |
| Aerospace Engineer | $75,000 — $90,000 |
These were the job opportunities with an associate degree and the salary usually ranges from $20,000 to $35,000. The above-mentioned high-paying job depends on your experience and expertise in the field.
These opportunities can also be availed with a bachelor’s degree, but there are some differences. Let’s talk about them in the following section.
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Bachelor’s Degree vs. Associate’s Degree
As previously stated, many students are confused and believe that an associate’s degree and a bachelor’s degree are equivalent. However, let’s examine the differentiation table below to see why that is not the case.
| Basis | Associate Degree | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Duration | 2 Years | 3–4 Years |
| Cost | Less expensive, which would cost you around anywhere between $4000-$5000 annually | More expensive compared to an associate degree, which would cost you around $1500-$50,000 |
| Job Opportunities | Entry-level jobs | Advanced-level jobs with higher pay |
| Mandatory | Not mandatory, and most universities and colleges don’t offer such degrees. | Mandatory to pursue higher education, and it is offered by every university and college. |
| Focused On | Professional fields | Academic fields |
| Requirements | 60 credits and a High school graduation certificate | 120 credits, high school graduation certificate, letter of recommendation, and Standardized test scores |
Apart from these differences, the experience and extracurricular activities are almost the same. If you are still unsure about which degree is best for you, we have listed some reasons why an associate degree may be appropriate for you.
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Why Choose an Associate Degree?
The majority of students in the US and Canada prefer pursuing an associate degree and kick-starting their career as soon as possible. An associate’s degree is more skill-based than a bachelor’s degree, which provides general education. You may prefer pursuing an associate’s degree for the following reasons:
- Affordable Option: The annual fees for an associate degree are around $5000, while a bachelor’s or master’s degree would cost you around $30,000.
- Shorter Duration: If you are planning to start earning as soon as possible, then pursuing an associate degree would be the most feasible option. This degree will take you two years to complete, as opposed to three or four years for a bachelor’s degree.
- Helps You Prepare for an Actual Job: An associate degree is regarded as a stepping stone, as it prepares you for the complexities of an actual work environment. Initially, you will primarily be assigned to an entry-level position, but as time passes, you will gain valuable early experience that will increase your salary.
- Prepares You for Higher Education: If you want to pursue a higher level of education, such as a master’s or Ph.D., an associate degree allows you to gain insight into how teaching works. High school education is very different from how concepts are taught and assessed in colleges.
These factors may assist you in deciding your course of action. Aside from that, you can also try vocational colleges, apprenticeships, and trade schools to help you get a head start in your career.
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Conclusion
We have covered everything you need to know about associate degrees and the types of careers you can pursue with them. Understanding the significance of each degree and level of education allows you to plan your long-term educational goals and achieve success.
With the right associate degree, you can build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and professional success, making it a worthwhile investment for your future.
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FAQs
Ans:
While associate degrees are not required anywhere, they are offered in the Netherlands, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, Spain, and the United States.
Ans: An associate’s degree is the cheapest type of higher education. Although fees vary by country, they can cost you around $5,000 per year.
Ans: An associate degree typically takes two years to complete.
Sources:
3 High-Paying Associate Degrees To Make $100,000+ In 2024 –
Forbes
