What is an Associate Degree and Why is it Important for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Share

If high school is for building and strengthening fundamental learning, college is about preparing learners for life in the professional world. As such, it is important for high school graduates to not only the program but also the type of degree they wish to enter. An associate degree comes as a popular choice. It is more affordable and faster to complete than bachelor’s degrees and affords the flexibility to either pursue one’s studies further or enter the professional realm upon completion.

This article discusses what is an associate degree and how important can it be. These are questions that are addressed below to assist high school graduates in determining the ideal college majors to pursue and career paths they might want to take.

Associate Degree Table of Contents

1. What is an Associate Degree?
2. 5 Differences Between an Associate Degree and Bachelor’s Degree
3. Where to Find Educational Institutions that Offer an Associate Degree for 2025
4. What Is the Return on Investment (ROI) of an Associate Degree?
5. Careers with an Associate Degree (Highest Paid) for 2025
6. Transitioning from an Associate Degree to a Bachelor’s Degree
7. Can additional certifications boost the value of an Associate Degree?
8. What Financial Aid Options Are Available for Associate Degree Programs?
9. How Do I Evaluate the Quality of an Associate Degree Program?
10. Is it Possible to Accelerate the Transition from an Associate to a Bachelor's Degree?
11. Trends in Associate Degree Programs
12. How does an associate degree impact career advancement opportunities?
13. Can an Associate Degree Fast-Track a Master’s Degree?
14. Can an Associate Degree Lead to Doctoral-Level Opportunities?

What is an Associate Degree?

An associate degree is a special program that an individual can undertake at the undergraduate level at a community or vocational college. Through it, students can gain basic academic and technical skills and knowledge for two years. What associate degree programs online accredited or otherwise mean to provide really is to prepare students for further learning. But they can also be used to seek entry-level jobs aside from pursuing further education (EDSmart, 2020; Haidar, 2020).

Associate degree programs are most common in the United States but they are also offered in Canada, the Netherlands, Australia, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom (Haidar, 2020). And just like bachelor’s degrees, there are numerous types:

1. Associate of Arts (AA)
2. Associate of Science (AS)
3. Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
4. Associate of Applied Business (AAB)
5. Associate of General Studies (AGS)
6. Associate of Business Administration (ABA) (EDSmart, 2020)

While associate degrees commonly start with AA, do not generalize. For instance, if you encounter an AAD degree, do not mistake it for an associate degree right away. It stands for other degrees that are not associate degrees. So, what is an AAD degree? This may stand for Advanced Academic Degree, such as a master’s or doctorate; or it can also stand for Advanced Architectural Design.

5 Differences Between an Associate Degree and Bachelor’s Degree

There are many deciding factors that one has to consider before choosing to study for a bachelor’s or an associate degree. The following are the most common differences between the two, understanding which can help individuals determine the course to take.

Time

The most obvious difference between the two is the time required to finish the courses: an associate degree takes only two years to complete while a bachelor’s degree requires four years. Now, there are programs that require less than that for the associate degree, offering a pathway for fast fulfillment. By taking that route, it is possible to have an associate degree in as fast as 15 months (Fremont College, 2018).

Tuition

Some research is required to know how much is an associate degree. The cost per credit varies from school to school. However, an associate degree would still be less expensive compared to a bachelor’s degree. For example, Southern New Hampshire University enables students to finish an online associate degree with 60 credits for $19,200 (SNHU, 2020). Another example is Sessions College, which lets individuals finish an associate degree program for $31,320 (2020).

Meanwhile, the average college tuition costs in the United States for the school year 2019-2020 was $30,500 annually. However, this can vary when taking into account in-state and out-of-state rates and whether the student is attending a public or private institution. For example, the average annual cost for a public four-year in-state college or university would be around $21,950. For a public four-year out-of-state institution, that figure hits $38,820 annually. And for a private, nonprofit four-year institution, the amount magnifies to $49,879 per year (Bustamante, 2019).

Admission Requirements

For a bachelor’s degree, the list of requirements for admission is long and competitive. It all starts with the high school transcript. For example, students who want to be competitive and increase their chances of entering Yale are advised to challenge themselves with rigorous courses during the senior year. The university also looks for a balanced list of courses, thus it is expected that applicants take English, math, science, social sciences, and foreign language every year (Yale College Undergraduate Admissions, n.d.).

On the other hand, entry requirements for an associate degree are less so. On top of that, application deadlines are longer (Haidar, 2020). This offers an alternate path to students who were unable to meet the conditions for the admission of their selected bachelor’s degree program but still want to go to college.

Depth of Study

An associate degree arms the student with a basic set of skills and elementary knowledge in a field. These would be enough to allow a learner to be competent enough when they start on their career paths. Generally, students need to have 60 to 80 credit hours in order to say that they completed a program and received a diploma (Delaware Community College, n.d.).

Moreover, signing up for an associate degree no longer requires the student to pass a final project such as an undergraduate thesis (Capella University, 2017).

The same cannot be said for a bachelor’s degree. It requires a final project, which is generally an undergraduate thesis. And when it comes to credit hours, a minimum of 120 credits is needed for a student to be considered for graduation and conferment of the degree (Wayne State University Bulletins, n.d.).

Employment and Salary

According to recent American school statistics, those with an associate degree usually have median weekly earnings of $887 (BLS, 2020a). And the unemployment rate is 2.7%. Meanwhile, those with some college education but no degrees have median weekly earnings of $833 and an unemployment rate of 3.3%. So, it tends to be a little better to have an associate’s degree than not. But, of course, salaries vary depending on your degree and job. For instance, holders of an associate degree in education may earn less than those who have an associate in business degree. If you are wondering what is an AA degrees salary range, you can see estimates from the chart right after this table below.

Where to Find Educational Institutions that Offer an Associate Degree for 2025

Associate degree programs are common in the U.S. but it actually started in the U.K. There, it is called the foundation degree. These are not the only countries where students can find AD programs. Below are other countries that offer those as well as a shortlist of colleges or institutions that have them.

United States

1. Purdue University Global
2. Southern New Hampshire University
3. Capella University
4. Strayer University

Canada

1. Canada College
2. Vancouver Island University
3. Columbia College
4. Douglas College
5. University of Canada West

Hong Kong

1. HKU SPACE Community College
2. Hong Kong Baptist University
3. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
4. City University of Hong Kong
5. The Education University of Hong Kong

Australia

1. Charles Darwin University
2. University of Tasmania
3. Deakin University
4. La Trobe University
5. University of South Australia

The Netherlands

1. The Hague University
2. NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences
3. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
4. Tio University of Applied Sciences

United Kingdom

1. University of London
2. Mont Rose College of Management & Sciences
3. Kingston University
4. Ulster University
5. The Open University (fully online university for distance learning)

What Is the Return on Investment (ROI) of an Associate Degree?

Evaluating an associate degree’s ROI involves comparing the upfront costs with long-term salary potential and job security benefits. A cost-effective education path, the associate degree typically offers lower tuition and faster completion, which translates to reduced student debt and an earlier entry into the workforce. Data indicates that many graduates recoup their investment through competitive starting salaries and steady income growth over time. Moreover, opportunities for accelerated credential completion, such as an associate degree in 6 months online, further enhance the financial advantages. This strategic analysis aids prospective students in weighing tuition expenses against potential earnings and career stability, ultimately supporting informed decision-making in today’s dynamic job market.

Careers with an Associate Degree (Highest Paid) for 2025

It is not just fields of work requiring bachelor’s degrees that offer high salaries. Occupations that only need associate degrees have high wages, too. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these are the nine highest paid professions for associate degree earners:

Aerospace engineering and operations technicians

The salary estimates of aerospace engineering and operations technicians can range from $14 to $36 per hour (PayScale, n.d.). Yearly, they can take home anywhere from $63,000 to $100,000 (Glassdoor, 2020).

Web developers

According to ZipRecruiter (2020), web developers can earn $40,000 in the least and $120,000 the most in a year. But the national average is $75,073 per year. This puts it in the 75th percentile across the United States.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologists

The median salary of MRI technologists was $71,670 in 2018. Meanwhile, the highest-paid took home $83,460 and the lowest-paid brought home $59,460. Washington was the state that gave MRI technicians the highest salaries: $91,290. But the city that provided MRI technologists with the highest salary was San Francisco ($97,490) (US News Best Jobs, 2018).

Salary.com (2020), on the other hand, shows that the median range for MRI Technologist I is $69,330 this 2020. And upper-level earners can earn as much as $87,694 per year. However, MRI Technologist II and III have median earnings of $78,317 and $92,068, respectively.

Diagnostic medical sonographers

Diagnostic medical sonographers, a career in the field of radiology, earned a median annual wage of $74,320. Those in the 90th percentile could earn as much as $102,060 per year. The states with the highest number of employment for this occupation are California, New York, Florida, Texas, and Illinois (BLS, 2019).

Dental hygienists

A dental hygienist in the U.S. has an average base salary of $37.84 per hour. In a year, they can earn an average of $78,097 (Indeed, 2019).

Nuclear medicine technologists

Nuclear medicine technologists are usually employed by hospitals but they are also in physicians’ clinics, medical and diagnostic laboratories, and outpatient care centers. Generally, they earn around $77,950 per year but the lowest 10% can take home $56,560 and the highest 10% can have a salary of $105,690 (CollegeGrad, 2018).

Funeral service managers

The starting salary for funeral service managers is between $41,410 and $59,970 per year. Meanwhile, those who have tenure can expect to earn $93,820 in a year. And if they want to make sure they have high earnings, they can look towards New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin, which offer the top 5 highest salaries for the occupation (OwlGuru, 2020).

Radiation therapists

The national average per hour pay of radiation therapists in 2020 is $42 per hour. This translates to an annual income of $88,324. Additionally, there is little variation in the salary for this occupation. Thus, wherever in the United States they may be, their earnings would still be similar (ZipRecruiter, 2020).

Note that aside from an associate degree, most states require radiation therapists to have accreditation from a recognized radiation therapy program. They should also have certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). To achieve that, future radiation therapists must take the certification exam from ARRT (BLS, 2020b).

Air traffic controllers

Air traffic controllers have an average base salary of $45,091 per year in the U.S. This can still go up depending on the tenure or skill level of the individual. So far, the company that has the highest salary for ATCs is the Federal Aviation Administration at $142,590 per year. And the city that pays ATCs the most is Washington, D.C. with an average of $125,611 annually (Indeed, 2020).

Transitioning from an Associate Degree to a Bachelor’s Degree

Once an individual finishes their associate degree, he/she has the option to proceed to a bachelor’s degree program. They can use the coursework they finished to apply at other universities or colleges. This is possible in the U.S. through articulation agreements, which are accords between educational institutions that enable the transfer of credits (Wiggins, 2018).

Additionally, it is recommended that holders of associate degrees test out of classes whenever they could. This means that they have to display a level of proficiency that allows them to skip certain courses. For example, Northeastern University has prior learning assessments (PLAs) that test individuals of their mastery of a subject (Burnham, 2018).

Can additional certifications boost the value of an Associate Degree?

Supplementing an Associate Degree with targeted professional certifications can strategically enhance one’s skill set and marketability. Integrating these credentials not only builds on the foundational competencies gained through the associate program but also aligns your expertise with industry-specific demands. Supplementary certifications provide focused training that bolsters both technical and soft skills sought by employers, opening avenues for higher salary brackets and advanced career roles. For instance, pursuing certificate courses online offers a competitive edge by demonstrating a commitment to continuous professional development and adaptability in a rapidly evolving job market.

What Financial Aid Options Are Available for Associate Degree Programs?

Many institutions offer a range of financing options to support associate degree candidates. Prospective students can access federal and state grants, scholarships tailored for community and vocational colleges, and work-study programs that ease tuition burdens. In addition, many schools provide flexible payment plans and low-interest loans designed specifically for associate degree learners. Evaluating these resources alongside program costs is essential for maximizing return on investment, particularly when considering quick programs that pay well as a fast-track option to financial stability.

How Do I Evaluate the Quality of an Associate Degree Program?

When selecting a program, verify that the institution holds recognized accreditation to ensure academic rigor and compliance with industry standards. Analyze curriculum relevance by comparing course content with current market needs and reviewing job placement statistics. Investigate faculty credentials and access to career services to determine effective support structures. Consider transfer agreements and credit recognition, especially if planning to pursue further education such as the most affordable bachelor's degree online. Evaluate cost-effectiveness by comparing tuition fees with long-term earning potential and financial aid options.

Is it Possible to Accelerate the Transition from an Associate to a Bachelor's Degree?

Students with an associate degree can benefit from established transfer pathways that reduce redundant coursework and streamline their progression to a bachelor’s program. Articulation agreements between institutions ensure that earned credits count toward the bachelor’s curriculum, thereby shortening the overall study period. Many schools now offer accelerated programs that integrate credit recognition with condensed course structures; for instance, learners may explore options such as fast track bachelor degree online accredited program to advance more efficiently. Academic advisors and transfer coordinators play a pivotal role in evaluating credentials and tailoring transfer strategies, ensuring that the transition is aligned with both academic objectives and industry requirements.

Trends in Associate Degree Programs

During the 2018-2019 academic year, there was a 1.4% increase in associate degree earners from the previous school year. However, looking at the historical data, there is an overall decrease in the number of individuals who earned an associate degree for the first time (Dembicki, 2020).

When it comes to which fields have the most degree earners, the National Center for Education Statistics (2020) shows that two-thirds of the one million degrees conferred in 2017-2018 were mostly in the liberal arts and sciences, general studies, and humanities; health professions and related programs, and business.

How does an associate degree impact career advancement opportunities?

Earning an associate degree can significantly enhance career advancement opportunities by equipping individuals with specialized skills and qualifications that make them more competitive in the job market. Here are some ways in which an associate degree can impact career growth:

• Access to Higher-Paying Jobs: Many high-demand fields, such as healthcare, technology, and skilled trades, have roles that only require an associate degree. Positions like MRI technologist, web developer, and dental hygienist offer competitive salaries and growth opportunities. Having an associate degree can help individuals qualify for supervisory or technical roles that typically pay higher than entry-level positions.
• Increased Job Security: Employees with an associate degree often enjoy greater job stability compared to those with only a high school diploma, as they possess specialized skills that are valuable to employers. Fields such as nursing, information technology, and manufacturing frequently seek employees with associate degrees for essential roles, reducing the risk of job displacement.
• Opportunities for Further Education: An associate degree can serve as a stepping stone toward a bachelor's degree, allowing individuals to transfer credits and potentially complete a bachelor's program in a shorter timeframe. Employers may offer tuition assistance programs for employees who wish to continue their education, further enhancing career advancement prospects.
• Skill Development and Professional Growth: Associate degree programs emphasize both technical and soft skills, such as communication and problem-solving, which are crucial for career development and leadership roles. Graduates are often better equipped to take on new challenges and responsibilities, which can lead to promotions and other growth opportunities within an organization.
• Pathway to Licensure or Certification: In some fields, such as healthcare and aviation, obtaining an associate degree is a prerequisite for professional licensure or certification, which can significantly enhance career prospects. These credentials not only validate one’s expertise but also open doors to specialized roles with higher earning potential.

Can an Associate Degree Fast-Track a Master’s Degree?

For select industries, an associate degree can function as a strategic stepping stone toward advanced graduate study. Many institutions recognize the practical skills and focused training acquired at this level, enabling candidates with relevant professional experience to access accelerated educational pathways. In particular, innovative curriculum models have paved the way for condensed graduate programs, such as 1 year master's programs online, which offer a reduced time frame and streamlined cost structure for obtaining a master’s degree.

Can an Associate Degree Lead to Doctoral-Level Opportunities?

While associate degrees are designed as a foundation for further academic progress, they can also be part of a strategic pathway toward advanced research and professional practice. Graduates who continue through bachelor’s and master’s programs may eventually pursue doctoral studies, with some institutions offering accelerated or tailored coursework that supports this transition. For individuals considering long-term academic growth in specialized fields, exploring options such as an online doctorate can reveal alternative routes that complement the solid skill set developed in an associate degree program.

Why Choose an Associate Degree?

If an individual wants to fast-track his/her career, they can opt for an associate’s degree rather than a bachelor’s degree. That is because an associate degree can be completed in two years. There are even universities or colleges that allow students to expedite the completion of an associate program. That means learners can earn their associate degrees in as fast as 15 months.

This is also a great education pathway for those who want to have university or college education but are still quite unsure of the major or field they want to focus on. By entering an associate degree program, they can explore options and discover which educational and career track they have an affinity for.

Moreover, an associate degree is suitable for professionals who want to strengthen their credentials. If ever they want to branch out of their current occupation, they can augment their skills and knowledge through an associate degree.

Key Insights

• Affordability and Accessibility: Associate degrees are generally more affordable than bachelor's degrees, making higher education accessible to a broader range of students.
• Faster Completion: Associate degrees typically take two years to complete, allowing students to enter the workforce sooner.
• Flexible Pathways: Graduates can either pursue entry-level jobs or transition to a bachelor's degree program, often transferring credits.
• Diverse Fields of Study: Associate degrees are available in various fields, including liberal arts, sciences, business, and health professions, providing multiple career paths.
• High-Paying Jobs: Some careers that require only an associate degree offer competitive salaries, such as air traffic controllers, MRI technologists, and web developers.
• Lower Admission Requirements: Associate degree programs generally have less stringent admission requirements compared to bachelor's programs, providing opportunities for a wider range of students.
• Skills Development: These programs focus on equipping students with essential academic and technical skills that are valuable in the job market.

FAQ

1. What is an associate degree? An associate degree is an undergraduate academic program that typically takes two years to complete and provides basic academic and technical skills. It can be pursued at community colleges, vocational schools, and some universities.
2. How does an associate degree differ from a bachelor’s degree? The main differences are in the time required to complete the program, cost, admission requirements, depth of study, and potential earnings. An associate degree takes about two years and is generally less expensive, while a bachelor's degree takes four years and offers a more in-depth study in a particular field.
3. Where can I find educational institutions that offer an associate degree? Associate degree programs are widely available in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Hong Kong, and the Netherlands. Notable institutions include Purdue University Global, Southern New Hampshire University, and the University of South Australia.
4. What are some high-paying careers for associate degree holders? High-paying careers for associate degree holders include aerospace engineering technicians, web developers, MRI technologists, diagnostic medical sonographers, dental hygienists, nuclear medicine technologists, funeral service managers, radiation therapists, and air traffic controllers.
5. Can I transition from an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree? Yes, many students transition from an associate degree to a bachelor's degree. Credits earned in an associate program can often be transferred to a bachelor's program through articulation agreements between institutions.
6. How much does it cost to study for an associate degree? The cost varies by institution, but it is generally less than a bachelor's degree. For example, Southern New Hampshire University offers online associate degrees for $19,200, while Sessions College charges $31,320. Costs can range widely based on the institution and whether the student is in-state or out-of-state.
7. What are the admission requirements for an associate degree? Admission requirements for an associate degree are typically less stringent than those for a bachelor's degree. They usually include a high school diploma or equivalent, and some programs may require placement tests or minimum GPAs.
8. How long does it take to complete an associate degree? An associate degree typically takes two years to complete for full-time students. However, some programs offer accelerated paths that can be completed in as little as 15 months.
9. What fields of study are popular for associate degrees? Popular fields of study for associate degrees include liberal arts, sciences, business, health professions, and technology. These fields offer diverse career opportunities and pathways for further education.
10. Why should I choose an associate degree? An associate degree is a good option if you want to quickly enter the workforce, save on tuition costs, or explore different fields of study before committing to a bachelor's degree. It also provides a solid foundation for further education and career advancement.

References

1. Burnham, K. (2018, October 30). How to turn an associate degree into a bachelor’s degree quickly. Northeastern University.
2. Bustamante, J. (2019, June 7). Average cost of college [2020]: Yearly tuition + expenses. EducationData.
3. Capella University (2017, April 17). 5 differences between an associate’s and bachelor’s degree. Capella University Blog.
4. CollegeGrad. (2018). Nuclear medicine technologists: Jobs, career, salary and education information. CollegeGrad.
5. DCCC (n.d.). How Many Credit Hours Do I Need to Receive an Associate Degree? Media, PA: Delaware County Community College.
6. EDsmart (2020, June 8). What is an associate’s degree? How long does it take? EDsmart Answers.
7. Haidar, H. (2020, January 24). What is an associate’s degree? Top Universities.
8. Indeed (2020, June 30). Air traffic controller salary in the United States. Indeed.com.
9. Indeed. (2020, June 29). Dental hygienist salary in the United States. Indeed.com.
10. Fremont College (2018, November 29). Is it possible to earn an associate’s degree in just a year? Fremont College Blog.
11. Glassdoor (2020, June 24). Salary: Aerospace engineering and operation technician. GlasssDoor.
12. OwlGuru (2020, April 28). How much do funeral service managers make in 2020 (including starting salary). OwlGuru.
13. PayScale (n.d.). Aerospace engineering and operations technician hourly pay. PayScale.com.
14. Salary.com (2020, June 28). MRI technologist I salary. Salary.com.  
15. Sessions College (2016, July 5). Tuition and Payment Options. Tempe, AZ: Sessions College for Professional Design.
16. SNHU (2020, April 10). How Much is Tuition? Online Tuition Costs. Manchester, NH: Southern New Hampshire University.
17. BLS (2019, May). Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. Washington, DC: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
18. BLS (2020, May 11). Learn More, Earn More: Education Leads to Higher Wages, Lower Unemployment. Washington, DC: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
19. BLS (2020, April 10). Radiation therapists: Occupational outlook handbook. Washington, DC: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
20. U.S. News (2018). How much can an MRI technologist expect to get paid? U.S. News Best Jobs.
21. Wayne State University (n.d.). Bachelor’s degree requirements. Wayne State University Bulletins.
22. Wiggins, C. A. (2018, September 20). How to transition from an associate to a bachelor’s degree. World Education Services.
23. Yale College Undergraduate Admissions (n.d.). Advice on selecting high school courses. New Haven, CT: Yale University.
24. ZipRecruiter (2020a, June 25). Radiation therapist annual salary. Zip Recruiter.
25. ZipRecruiter (2020b, June 25). Web developer annual salary. Zip Recruiter.