4 Benefits of an Associate Degree for Your Career

Most career options in business require further education, so are you planning to go to college?

You have a couple of paths to choose from: you could pursue a diploma, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree. Yes, you can also pursue a master’s or doctoral degree, but these require you to be a holder of at least a bachelor’s degree.

Most people know what a diploma and a bachelor’s degree are, but an associate degree is not so much. Well, it’s a qualification that sits between a Diploma and a Bachelor’s Degree. The modules or courses are more academically orientated like a bachelor’s degree, but it’s only two or three years of study. Stay on for an extra year, and you’d be on your way to a bachelor’s degree.

Did you just say you’re thinking of pursuing an associate degree? Why not, there are many entry-level jobs in business that need it, including being a content copywriter. 🙂

If so, you might be wondering whether you’re making the right decision.

Well, we’re here to shed more light on your decision. Continue reading to learn the benefits of pursuing an associate degree.

1. An Associate Degree Doesn’t Cost as Much as a Bachelor’s

Student debt is a massive problem in the United States.

The national student debt has soared to an all-time high of $1.4 trillion, with the class of 2019 graduating with an average debt of $30,000.

For most students, debt is the only way to finance their college education. Unfortunately, this debt can affect your financial life for several years after college.

If you can avoid student loans, do it. And if you can’t, an associate degree is a cheaper path to higher education.

On average, an associate degree costs less than half the cost of a bachelor’s degree. This means you won’t need to take on as much debt as a student pursuing a bachelor’s degree.

2. Takes Two Years to Complete

Most bachelor’s degrees take four years.

If you don’t fancy being in college for almost half a decade, you don’t have to give up on your dream of going to college and pursuing a particular course. With an associate degree, you’ll only need two years, assuming that you won’t call off your studies at some point.

Do bachelor’s degree holders have an advantage over associate degree holders?

In some professions, yes, but this doesn’t mean you won’t get a job. In fact, some associate degrees are just as marketable as bachelor’s degrees.

3. A Stepping Stone to a Bachelor’s Degree

There’s no doubt that a bachelor’s degree significantly improves your career prospects.

However, not everyone directly meets the qualifications of a bachelor’s degree program. If you’re in this position, you might be feeling disappointed and hopeless.

We’ve got good news for you!

You can qualify for an associate degree, enabling you to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

For instance, if you want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration but don’t qualify, you can pursue an associates degree instead. After completion, the institution will likely admit you to a bachelor’s program and even transfer some credits.

4. Great Flexibility

Most non-technical associate programs are offered entirely online.

This means you don’t have to worry about commuting or spending time in a physical classroom. As long as you have a computer with internet access, nothing stops you from taking the course.

Enjoy the Benefits of an Associate Degree

If you’re not well-informed, an associate degree might not look appealing, especially if you’re hoping to pursue a bachelor’s degree. While a bachelor’s offers significant advantages, an associate degree isn’t the wrong choice. From the cost savings to the high flexibility, you have every reason to pursue it.

Keep reading our blog for more career and education tips.