Now that you understand a bachelor’s and associate degree’s meaning, it’s time to consider which option best suits your needs. There are many different things to consider when deciding between an associate degree vs. bachelor’s degree. These include:
The most basic difference between associate and bachelor's degrees is the time that it takes to finish your coursework. As noted, an associate degree can generally be completed in less time than a bachelor’s degree, depending on your scheduling preferences. In both cases, part-time students would take longer to earn their degree.
The extra time required to complete a bachelor’s degree serves as a chance for students to expand their expertise in their field of study and be taught additional skills for their future career.
Because an associate degree is a shorter college experience, it generally costs less. Exact cost per credit will vary from school to school, but in general, associate degrees include fewer credits; therefore, students pay lower total tuition. The greater cost of a bachelor’s program compared to an associate degree is a sound investment for many students, considering the increased employment opportunities the higher-level degree makes available to graduates.1
Associate degrees can lead to specific fields, such as skilled vocational work and technical programs like nursing. These associate degree programs include a highly specific set of courses that help you prepare for that specific job. A student completing an associate degree can also take a general studies path in order to transfer credits. A bachelor's degree requires that you choose a subject-specific major. Graduates of a bachelor’s degree will be introduced to a higher level of education, with courses that provide both breadth and depth into their chosen field. In some programs, students are required to complete a final project, such as a research paper or capstone project.
Students with an associate degree may have the opportunity to get started quickly in roles like dental hygienist, nurse, cosmetologist, computer programmer or paralegal. Usually, a student with an associate degree can begin these jobs in technical or skilled labor areas right after graduation but may wish to continue their education to promote greater career development.
Students interested in pursuing a career in fields like business management, engineering and education often require at least a bachelor's degree to find work. Students who intend to earn more advanced degrees like master’s or doctoral degrees must have a bachelor’s degree before they advance to this step in their education.
What if you don’t know exactly what your career goals are? An associate degree can be a good choice for those who are unsure, as it can allow you to work on college-level coursework and gain exposure to a variety of different subjects at the collegiate level without committing to a bachelor’s degree program. During an associate degree program, you can explore a variety of interests and figure out what’s best for you.
On the other hand, a bachelor’s degree could also allow you to do this to a somewhat more limited extent. Depending on the school’s policies and procedures, you might not need to declare a major right away. Or, you might declare a major and then decide to switch to a different major later on. (School-specific deadlines may apply to switching majors; switching majors after your sophomore year may extend your graduation timeline.)
You can use your associate degree as a foundation from which to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Many students choose to complete general education coursework at a community college, which often will have a lower tuition rate than a university. Then, they can transfer to a larger university and earn a bachelor’s degree.
However, you certainly aren’t required to first earn an associate degree before a bachelor’s. The bachelor’s degree is also an “entry-level” degree, meaning you can enroll in a bachelor’s program right after high school.
