An associate degree is a type of undergraduate degree issued through community colleges, junior colleges and many universities. They degree normally takes two years to complete for full-time students. As with a bachelor's degree, you select a major, and course requirements include general education classes and specific classes pertaining to your chosen major. Associate degrees can benefit you by enhancing your career or preparing you for further higher education.

Types

Depending on your chosen major, associate degrees are classified into Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), and Associate of Applied Science (AAS). Most associate degrees are created so that after completion, you can transfer credits directly into a bachelor's degree program, although some are offered as certifications or preparations for specific trades, and do not translate to the bachelor's level.

Length of Time to Complete

An associate degree takes half the time of a bachelor's degree, comprising two years instead of four for full-time students. Full-time enrollment is approximately 15 credit hours per semester, which equates to five courses. An associate degree requires 60 credits, or 20 classes, to complete.

Reasons to Get

For students who have been out of school for a long time or who did not do well academically, an associate degree program can be a great way to improve academic ability and grades. Associate degrees are also a great way to investigate a major prior to committing to the bachelor's program.

Cost

The American Association of Community Colleges reports an average of $2,361 per year for full-time, in-state students at community colleges. Thus, a two-year associate's program would cost approximately $5,000. Private institutions or universities may cost significantly more and out-of-state students will also pay significantly higher rates, up to $30,000 for an associate degree program.

Expected Earnings

The U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics reported in 2007 that average earnings of those with an associate degree were $35,000 annually, which is $6,000 more than those with a high school diploma or equivalent. In 2001, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that someone with an associate degree earned an average of $128 per week more than someone with a high school diploma.

Source:

Degree Tutor: Associate Degree

American Association of Community Colleges

U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics

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