subject: Associates Degrees Vs. Bachelors Degrees [print this page] Feeling the effects of a recession, more and more people have realized the benefits of having a solid educational background, especially in the face of economic crisis of this magnitude. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 70.1 percent of high school graduates were enrolled in colleges or universities in October 2009.*
At the same time, not everyone has the wherewithal to spend five to seven years on higher education. For those who want to fast track into fruitful careers without compromising on college education, Associates and Bachelors degrees offer the perfect start. Here is some information on both types of degree programs:
Associates Degree: This degree is the lowest in the hierarchy of post-secondary academic degrees. It is awarded to students who have completed two years of study in a particular field. The degree is usually offered by private, community, and technical colleges as well as some Bachelors degree granting colleges and universities.
Average Annual Income: $33,838**
Best Suited for: Associates degrees are best suited for entry-level jobs in a variety of fields such as nursing, respiratory therapy, graphic design, computer programming, medical specialties, and many other professions.
Pros & Cons: The biggest advantage of an Associates degree is the relatively short amount of time needed to complete it. This two-year college degree qualifies individuals for many white collared jobs that would not have been open to high school graduates. The other benefit of an Associates degree is that it is less expensive than a four-year Bachelors degree. Apart from saving on tuition fee, students also save money on boarding, fuel, car, books, etc. An Associates degree prepares the ground for future educational pursuits. Students have the option of applying their Associates degree credits to a Bachelors degree.
But Associates degrees have certain drawbacks when compared to Bachelors degrees. First, they put you at a disadvantage when you compete for the same jobs as baccalaureates. Second, your earning capacity is definitely lower than those who graduate with a Bachelors degree. Lastly, moving up the ladder to supervisory or managerial positions may be difficult without a higher degree.
Bachelors Degree: This is a degree awarded by a post-secondary institution to students who complete an undergraduate program that generally lasts for about four years.
Average Annual Income: $47,853**
Best Suited for: Bachelors degrees are best suited for careers in accounting, computer software engineering, healthcare administration, business management, and many other high profile, white collar jobs.
Pros & Cons: A Bachelors degree generally increases your job prospects, as some positions are only open to those who have this degree. Your earning potential also goes up with the level of your degree. Graduates who have a Bachelors degree find it easier than those who hold an Associates degree to rise up the ranks and take up roles with higher levels of responsibility in their respective fields. A Bachelors degree gives you a wide knowledge base and expertise in your area of study, and you are likely to be treated as a serious professional if you have completed a four-year degree as opposed to a two-year one.
The biggest disadvantage of a four-year degree is the cost, as a Bachelors degree tends to be more expensive than an Associates. Since it also takes a longer duration to complete, you end up spending a lot of money on rent, car, fuel, books, etc.
Both degree programs have their advantages and drawbacks, and one must make a decision based on their personal goals, expectations from education, and available resources.
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook
