Associate's Degree Pathway

Explore Associate's Degree

Associate's Degree Overview

An associate's degree is an undergraduate academic degree typically offered by community colleges, technical colleges, and some universities. An associate's degree provides students with a foundation in a specific field of study and prepares them for entry-level employment or further education. Transferring associate's degree credits to a bachelor's degree program can decrease the cost of a bachelor's degree. Some associate's degree programs offer guaranteed admission into specific bachelor's degree granting institutions. Associate's degree programs cater to all industries. An associate's degree program usually lasts two to three years, although the duration can vary depending on the school, specific field of study, and number of classes taken per semester. While the availability of online courses has expanded significantly, associate's degree programs still commonly require students to attend in-person classes. High school students have the option of participating in dual enrollment college courses to experience higher education, and save time and money in the pursuit of an associate's degree. Colleges offering associate's degrees often provide extensive career support to students. This can include resume and cover letter assistance, career counseling, job search workshops, mock interviews, and networking events. Access to individualized career support services may be impacted by the size of the institution's student body.

Associate's Degree

This short video gives an overview of what this pathway is all about.

Specifics

Cost

Up to $15,000

Typical Format

Mix of Online & In-Person

Typical Length

2-3 years

Time Commitments

Full-Time, Part-Time

Typical Schedule

Scheduled

Payment Options

Payment due at enrollment

Possible Outcomes

Degree

Financial Aid Options

Federal financial aid, institution or other private grants, or private student loans

Best For You If...

You are

Interested in a variety of careers.
Pursuing a college education right after or years after completing high school, or returning to college after starting, but not completing, a degree in the past.
Looking for some support to find employment.

You are able to

Organize your time and fulfill commitments independently.
Devote significant homework and study time.
Begin & participate in classes during the typical academic calendar (fall-spring)

You like

Academic group projects
Attending class or work in person
Conducting research and writing papers
Discussion groups with peers
Exams
Learning a concept and then completing problem sets
Listening to lectures online
Reading on your own and then completing an online assessment
Watching videos through a self paced course and completing assignments

Enrollment Information

Enrollment in associate's degree programs follows an academic year cycle, which usually spans 9 to 10 months. The academic year typically starts in late summer or early fall and ends in spring or early summer. It is most commonly divided into two semesters or three quarters. Associate's degree programs require an application and some may require an application fee, but have high acceptance rates. Most require a high school diploma or GED, but some will allow students to earn a GED while in an associate's degree program.

Application Type

Non-selective Application

Entry Qualifications

High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED or HiSET)

Academic Record

High School GPA Does Not Impact Enrollment