Deciding to earn a college degree is a smart move, one that can make you more employable and help improve your standard of living for the rest of your life. However, not all degrees are equal. Should you pursue an associate degree or enroll in a bachelor’s degree program? There is not a single “best” choice for everyone; it is important to consider your options carefully.
To help you decide which educational path to choose, we’ve compiled the following list of the top six benefits of an associate degree:
1. Join the Workforce Quickly
The time needed to complete a typical associate degree is two years, faster in some cases. When you compare that with four or more years necessary to earn a bachelor’s degree, it is obvious that earning your associate degree means you can be in the workforce, putting your degree to work for you, sooner.
2. Many Education Options
If you choose to pursue your associate degree, there are abundant options for where to study. Most colleges and universities offer two-year associate degree programs. In addition, community colleges and other schools that focus solely on associate degree curriculum are solid choices (and often more economical than four-year institutions).
3. Flexible Learning
Many colleges, including Generations College, give students the ability to earn associate degrees partially or entirely online. For working adults with other obligations, this is a significant benefit. Being able to take classes online day or night, from the comfort of their homes or office, can make earning a college degree a more realistic possibility.
4. More Cost-Effective
Associate degree programs generally cost less — sometimes significantly less — than the cost of earning a bachelor’s degree. When factoring in the convenience and cost savings that come with online learning, associate degrees become even more economical.
5. Increase Your Earning Potential and Employability
Choosing a course of study and pursuing an associate degree shows employers you have the drive and dedication to stick to a rigorous course of study. Many employers prefer candidates with associate degrees over those with just a high school education. This is particularly true in fields such as criminal justice, business administration, court reporting and paralegal studies.
6. Can Continue on to Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
One of the most understated benefits of getting an associate degree before a bachelor’s degree is that it is not an either/or proposition. That is to say, many students begin by earning their associate degrees, but then go on to apply that knowledge to bachelor’s degree programs at four-year institutions. This gives students a more economical way to earn their degrees, while providing the greatest flexibility to join the workforce after two years or continue with a bachelor’s degree.
7. Explore Generations College’s Associate Degree Programs
At Generations College in Chicago, we offer fully accredited Associate of Science degree programs in court reporting, criminal justice, business administration and paralegal studies.
Each of our degree programs is designed to prepare students to join the workforce in their chosen career right after graduation. Of course, another option some graduates choose is transferring their credits to a four-year college or university to earn their bachelor’s degrees, using their Generations College education as a steppingstone on their educational paths.
To learn more about all Generations College has to offer, contact us today.