6 Reasons to Get an Associate’s Degree

Guest blog post by Katie Brunson

Whether you’re a high-school student trying to decide on a college program or an adult who’s considering going back to college, there are lots of options available to you. While a four-year bachelor’s degree is a popular choice, there are also lots of great careers that can be obtained with a two-year associate’s degree. Here are some reasons you might want to consider earning an associate’s degree.

1. Length – Associate’s degrees only take two years to complete. If your child doesn’t enjoy being in school, this degree is a good alternative to a bachelor’s degree because it can be completed in half the time.

2. Programs – While many people assume that associate’s degrees are only for vocational trades, there are in fact a wide variety of degree programs available. Some of the most popular degrees include fields such as business, information technology, and medical assistance. In addition, associate’s degree programs focus directly on skills needed for a certain career instead of requiring students to take classes in other unrelated departments.

3. Experience – Associate’s degrees apply directly to real careers on the job market, such as medical technicians and computer specialists. As a result, many programs offer opportunities to gain professional experience as part of the degree. This allows students to apply what they learn in class directly to a professional environment. These opportunities can also lead to future job offers after graduation.

4. Cost – Since associate’s degrees take half as long to complete as bachelor’s degrees, they also cost much less. Just like traditional four-year programs, associate’s degree programs also offer financial aid to help students pay for college.

5. Options – Associate’s degrees are available at public and private universities and colleges, as well as community colleges, technical colleges, vocational schools, and online colleges. With so many educational options, you can be sure to help your child choose the option that’s right for him or her. Many associate’s degrees can even be transferred toward earning a bachelor’s degree later on.

6. Career Opportunities – Earning an associate’s degree will give students more career options and better salaries than they would have with a high school diploma alone. There are many great career options available with high salaries, benefits, paid vacations, etc. that can be obtained with an associate’s degree.

Katie Brunson owns and manages the site Associates Degrees. She is also a college counselor who works with students to help them decide which degrees and careers might be right for them.