Deciding to get an Associate's degree rather than a Bachelor's degree can be a tough decision. The value of a college education cannot be overestimated, and most people realize that more education leads to more potential earnings. A Bachelor's degree recipient might ultimately earn more money than a graduate with an Associate's degree. However, a four-year degree is not right for everyone. Take some time to reflect on whether or not an Associate's degree is actually your best choice.
If you are unsure that you're cut out for college, you are much better off enrolling in an Associate's program, at least to start out with. Even though a college education is increasingly valued in today's society, the fact is that not everyone has the academic ability to succeed in higher education. Enrolling in a two-year degree program is a smaller financial risk, should you decide that college is not working out.
Finances are an issue for most students. You may even find yourself trying to pay rent and support a family in addition to covering college expenses, especially if you are an older student pursuing a degree later in life. A two-year degree program usually takes place at a community college and is much more affordable than a four-year program, which takes place at a state or private institution. The good news is that an Associate's degree is usually transferable to a Bachelor's program, so if you decide to continue your education later, you can simply build on your two-year degree.
Another option is to earn an Associate's degree that will qualify you for a job, which will allow you to pay for your more expensive Bachelor's degree. This strategy will prolong the amount of time you are in college, but it is financially savvy if money is a problem for you.
Some employers will even provide tuition reimbursement should you choose to further your education! This is often true for nurses, who can get an entry-level job on the strength of an Associate's degree and then continue their education on the hospital's tab.
If you wish to pursue a vocation that mainly requires a technical skill-set, an Associate's may be all that you need to find employment in your chosen field. This is often true for dental hygienists, radiologic technicians, and other healthcare workers. Do some research into the vocation of your choice to find out if a two-year degree is all that is required.
Associate's degrees are very accessible, with more than 2,000 schools in the United States offering Associate's programs. These programs are typically two years in length, unlike Bachelor's degree programs, and can sometimes be earned online. It is important to make sure your Associate's program is accredited and reputable. A community college is usually a better option than a proprietary college.
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