Is Getting Just An Associate Degree Worth It In 2024 [Pros & Cons]

Published January 31, 2023 · · Updated May 12, 2024 · 8 minutes · by Kamerpower ·

Is Getting Just An Associate Degree Worth It In [Pros & Cons]. Getting a college education can be a key step in launching a successful career. Earning an associate’s degree can help qualify you for a wide-range of jobs in well-paying sectors from aviation to healthcare. An associate’s degree can help you enter the job market earlier, with smaller or no student loan debt, and earn a reasonably good salary. 

Furthering your education and advancing your career? You may decide to pursue an associate degree. But is it worth it in getting an associates degree? It is not uncommon to think that, in order to be successful, one must have a bachelor’s degree. An associate’s degree is worth it for many students. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for jobs where an associate’s degree is needed for entry is projected to grow 6.2% over the next ten years, depending on the industry you enter.

What is an Associate’s Degree?

An associate’s degree is an undergraduate degree that serves as the first step after secondary school. In the United States, Canada, Australia, and a few other countries, this degree goes by this name. In some other countries like the United Kingdom, an associate’s degree is called a foundation degree.

Types of associate degrees

You can choose from four types of associate degrees to meet your career goals.

1. Associate of Arts (A.A.)

An A.A. can qualify you to work in the arts or humanities field, which includes jobs in social media management and human resources, for example.

2. Associate of Applied Science (AAS).

To earn an AAS, you typically study a technical field. For example, paralegals, accountants and teaching assistants often need at least an AAS.

3. Associate of Science (AS)

Similar to an A.A., an AS is often part of a longer path of study, requiring courses in math and science. Professionals who earn an AS may work in nursing or engineering.

4. Associate of Applied Business (AAB)

An AAB can help you prepare for a business career and usually requires a minimum of 64 credit hours in relevant fields. Candidates with AAB degrees often work in accounting, economics, marketing and management.

Is Getting An Associate Degree Worth It?

Yes, an associate’s degree is worth it for many students. When you want to enhance your skills, but are unwilling or unable to take 4 years to get your degree, an associate’s degree can be a good option. Associate’s degrees tend to take 2 years to complete and can help you receive a well-rounded academic experience with a concentration in your chosen field of study.

An associate’s degree is worth it for the following reasons:

1. Earning a higher salary

Higher education can also increase your salary. With an associate degree, you can demonstrate to employers that you have expertise in a discipline that justifies a higher income. Earning the credential may qualify you to fulfill managerial positions, which often have higher salaries.

2. Completing your education in two years or less

Earning your associate’s degree can make a significant impact on your life, but it doesn’t have to take a significant amount of time. Most associate’s degree programs can be completed in two years or less. This option has the ability to save you time and money compared to a four-year bachelor’s program.

3. You can discover what you want from your career

Maybe you’ve held off on pursuing a degree because you’re not exactly sure where you want your career path to lead in the future. The courses you’ll encounter in an associate’s program will introduce you to a range of topics within your industry of choice. These courses can help you narrow down which topics you truly love and want to pursue in your field, such as marketing or finance in the business field, or coding or design in web development.

4. Qualifying for more jobs

Consider pursuing a two-year degree to gain access to more employment opportunities. If you’re interested in finding a job in a new industry, you can study the subject in an associate degree program to prepare for the role. The unemployment rate drops from 5.4 percent to 3.8 percent for associate’s degree holders, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

5. You have options

You need options if you want to get on a career path that’s going places. Many associate’s degrees can open a variety of doors to new career opportunities. More options means you’ll have a better chance of finding a career that’s a great fit for you.

Associate Degree vs. Bachelor’s Degree

Though unemployment rates are typically lower and earnings are higher for those who complete a bachelor’s degree than those who earn an associate degree, the two degrees offer different advantages and disadvantages. If you are hoping to spend less time in school if, for example, you are headed back to school in the midst of changing careers, an associate degree will certainly take less time. This option is better for people with children or who want to attend school while working full-time.

How Many Credits Is An Associate’s Degree?

Most associate degree programs are 60 credit hours. At most colleges, the majority of your credits will be general education credits required of all students. The remaining credit hours can be used for your major field of study, as well as elective courses.

Advantages and disadvantages of an Associate’s Degree (Pros and Cons)

Pros

• Affordable tuition.
• Enter the job market ahead of bachelor’s degree holders.
• You’re job-ready and can transfer credits to bachelor’s program (if needed).
• Shorter duration.

Cons

• Compete for some of the same jobs as bachelor’s degree holders.
• Not suitable if you want to pursue a professional degree.
• Lower earnings than bachelor’s degree holders.
• May take longer to attain managerial positions when working.

Top Jobs You Can Get With An Associate Degree

1. Veterinary technician

Veterinary technicians assist licensed veterinarians with diagnosing animals’ conditions, injuries and illnesses. They observe animals, provide first aid and administer anesthesia during medical procedures. Veterinary technicians also record details about animals’ care plans and administer medications and treatments under the supervision of a veterinarian.

2. Human resources assistant

Primary duties: Human resources assistants offer administrative support to HR managers and teams. They maintain employee files, which generally include work history and performance evaluations. HR Assistants also publish job openings and collect applications for hiring teams to review.

3. Paralegal

Paralegals serve as support staff for lawyers and legal teams. They research and collect case data, organize and draft documents and arrange evidence. Paralegals also get formal statements to use in court, file appeals and contact clients to schedule meetings and interviews.

4. Registered nurse

RNs care for patients in hospitals and health care settings, overseeing medications, activities and procedures. They monitor patients’ vital signs, develop care plans, give medications and help with medical procedures. They also educate patients and their families about conditions and courses of treatment.

5. Aerospace technician

Aerospace technicians operate the equipment necessary for testing and producing aircraft and spacecraft. They build and oversee test facilities, develop and install the parts to be tested and perform testing procedures safely. Aerospace technicians also record and share data with engineering teams to improve product designs.

6. Web developer

Primary duties: Web developers create and update websites for individuals, companies and government agencies. They handle technical and creative aspects, ensuring that websites look aesthetically pleasing and work correctly. 

7. Computer Programmer

Computer applications and software need proper code in order to function. It’s the job of a computer programmer to create this code. While many programmers will have a bachelor’s degree, you will certainly find employers who are willing to hire someone with an associate degree.

8. Dental hygienist

Primary duties: Dental hygienists examine patients’ oral health and clean their teeth and gums. They remove tartar and plaque from patients’ teeth, apply protective solutions and take x-rays. Dental hygienists report oral health conditions to dentists and assist with communicating and administering treatment plans.

9. Computer support specialist

Computer support specialists help users resolve technical problems and perform routine maintenance such as backing up computer files. They often assist users over the phone or via live chat to assess and diagnose issues before giving users step-by-step solutions.

10. HVAC installer

HVAC installers design and place new heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in commercial, residential or industrial settings. They’re also responsible for calibrating these systems and ensuring that they keep the space appropriately climate-controlled.

11. Air traffic controller

Air traffic controllers oversee aircraft movement and ensure that planes and helicopters maintain a safe distance from one another. They monitor flights in their facility’s airspace, hand off control to other facilities and advise pilots about weather conditions and emergency information.

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