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.
Click on a program or degree below to request information from the school of your choice.
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Westwood College isn't your typical institution of higher learning. With our career-focused education, students can earn a bachelor's degree in just three years and some associate degrees in as little as 20 months.
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With convenient class locations as well as online learning, University of Phoenix makes quality higher education highly accessible. Whether you’re seeking an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, we can help you reach your goal while you work – and much sooner than you might expect.
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An accredited online university founded in 1970 and dedicated to enabling the success of working professionals around the world. Join 33,000+ students making a positive change in their careers and the lives of others.
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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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Whether you want to change or advance your career, Kaplan University will help you get the education you need for the life you want to live. Offering online flexibility, the personal attention of a campus-based experience, reduced costs, financial aid assistance, and a quicker path to your degree, Kaplan University is a smart choice for working adults.
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Florida Career College has been specializing in career training since 1982. All our programs are specially designed with employers' requirements in mind. We train individuals who want to succeed in the fields of Allied Health, Cosmetology, Information Technology, and Business and Wellness.
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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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As an accredited university, Capella University takes online education to a higher level. We believe that real, life-changing learning happens in an environment of academic excellence, challenge, and personal connection.
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Founded in 1970, American InterContinental University offers a wide range of Associate, Bachelor's and Master's degree programs. Our institution of higher learning is focused on helping students acquire industry-current knowledge and skills as they pursue, build and advance their careers in many of today's most in-demand fields.
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Programs at Argosy University are geared to your lifestyle. Depending on the program you select, you may be able to choose from day, evening and weekend schedules. Many of our classes are accessible online providing outstanding instruction and resources no matter where you are or what time of day it is.
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Tags: associate degree, capella university, degree programs, Degrees, Westwood College
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