Each year over 400,000 associate’s degrees are awarded to U.S. students. As opposed to a bachelor’s degree, which requires an average of 120 college credits, an associate’s degree typically involves 60 credits or about 20 classes. Most programs can be completed in two years. Upon completion of an associate’s degree, students are prepared to either directly enter their career of choice or transfer to a four-year institution to earn a bachelor’s degree.
According to the Occupational Outlook Quarterly, a Bureau of Labor Statistics publication, the fastest growing occupations between 2001 to 2010 will be those most often requiring an associate’s degree. In fact, many employers actually prefer to hire workers who have an associate’s degree. This translates into significant advantages for students who opt to begin their higher education pursuits with an associate’s degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that in 2001, a worker with an associate’s degree earned an extra $128 per week compared to a worker with only a high school education. It also discovered that the unemployment rate for associate degree holders was 30% lower in 2001 than for high school graduates.
The educational advantages of associate’s degrees are numerous as well. The most obvious and often cited advantage is the cost of the degree. Average tuition at a four-year public university was $3506 in the 2000 – 2001 academic year, whereas the cost of a community college or two-year university was only $1359. Another advantage of the associate’s degree is the opportunity for a student with low highschool grades to catch up academically. Most associate degree programs are open to anyone with a high school diploma or GED. Lastly, students who choose to go on to apply to a four-year university after the completion of an associate’s degree are often given preference by college admissions over an applicant who has simply taken a few semesters of college courses. This is probably in large part due to the fact that the U.S. Department of Education found associate degree holders are more likely to finish a Bachelor’s Degree program.
Of those students in pursuit of an associate’s degree, more than 9% chose to enroll in distance education programs in 1998. The convenience of online degree programs allows students to maintain current responsibilities while completing course work. Students interested in completing an associate’s degree program are encouraged to browse our list of degrees and schools offering associate’s degree both online and at campus locations.
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Westwood College is an institution of higher learning dedicated to providing quality, career-focused undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to launch, enhance, or change careers. The College offers broad access to education and serves a diverse, multicultural body of students in an environment that promotes pride, respect, and teamwork. The College's programs are designed to empower students to pursue their individual career goals.
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Our programs are current, in depth, and job oriented. A sound educational background, combined with "hands-on" experience, is required to meet the needs of an ever-changing and increasingly technical society.
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At ITT Tech we are committed to helping men and women develop the skills and knowledge to pursue many opportunities in fields involving technology, criminal justice, and business.
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Saint Leo University Online is a leading provider of accredited online education to working adults and is a major global provider of education to the military. The online programs are designed to meet the growing needs of adult students and offer the best attributes of traditional classroom education in conjunction with today's most innovative computer technology.
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Newbridge College provides high-quality, career specific training and an emphasis on practical skills required by today's employers.
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Once you decide to become part of the expanding, exciting, and in-demand world of healthcare, selecting the best college to meet your needs and goals is clearly one of your most important decisions. Medical Careers Institute, the School of Health Science of ECPI College of Technology, understands the aspirations of people who want to experience the rewards of caring and who want a direct route toward their career goal.
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Courses that you can take with you---the varied curriculums at HoHoKus Rets School of Business have been evaluated by the American Council on Education, allowing graduates to earn up to 55 college credits at more than 1500 colleges and universities across the nation.
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At Western International University (West), we've provided degree programs for working adults for more than 30 years. We understand that classes must not only fit your schedule - with all of its obligations and commitments - but compete fiercely for your time and attention.
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Everest College of Business, Technology and Health Care offers flexible class schedules, supportive instructors, and dedicated career services to help you every step of the way. Everest focuses on hands-on training and learning by doing, so that graduates hit the work force running. Whatever program you choose, you can rest assured that Everest College is committed to your future, and your success.
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Find out why so many students in Florida and nationwide are choosing Southern Tech as their school of choice. Whether you need to upgrade your skills or change careers, we have the right program to fit your needs. Let us show you how to get the skills you need in a short amount of time so that you can get into your career today!
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Bellevue University, a leader in adult learning, is your best choice. We accept ALL of the credit in your associate's degree - that's EVERY credit in your A.A.S, A.S., A.G.S., and A.A. degree! And, Bellevue University gives you accelerated bachelor's degree completion 100% ONLINE. So, you enroll with your associate's degree, and complete your bachelor's degree in as little as 12 months.
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You can graduate and enter the workforce in less than two years as our programs vary from 12-20 months. Our classes are approximately seven hours a day, to keep you learning, not burning out.
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You can start now to make your dream career a reality at Sullivan College of Technology and Design, the region's respected academy for training technical and creative professionals. For half a century, we've shaped the people who've shaped the design and technology industries, with career-focused programs designed to prepare students for success much sooner than traditional colleges.
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Tags: associate degree, capella university, degree programs, Degrees, Westwood College
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