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Associate Degree Benefits

Having An Associate Degree . . .

Shows the world that you can FINISH what you started.

Completing an associate degree, even on the way to your bachelor’s, makes a strong statement about your ability to meet expectations and stay focused on your goals.  By satisfying the course requirements for an associate degree, you send a signal to everyone—including yourself—that you are moving on and up with your educational goals

Looks GREAT on your resume.

Whether you are just entering the workforce or have a storied career behind you, having an associate degree on your resume can make a difference to employers.  An associate degree provides you with a verified credential that assures firms looking for workers that you have the kinds of teamwork, reasoning and analytic skills needed in the workplace. 

Increases your EARNING POWER if you are working while earning your bachelor’s degree.

An associate degree can translate in to real earnings power, even as you work toward a bachelor’s degree.  Associate degree holders earn, on average, almost $2,550 more a year than an individual with some college, but no degree.  Of equal importance, individuals with an associate’s degree are 25 percent less likely to be unemployed as someone with some college, no degree. 

Makes you ELIGIBLE to apply for jobs requiring a minimum of an associate degree.

An associate degree can provide you with an opportunity to realize your employment goals. Job opportunities for associate degree holders are growing, with a recent survey indicating a 30 percent growth in opportunities for associate degree holders in just one year.

Makes you LESS LIKELY TO BE UNEMPLOYED, even in tough economic times.

Individuals with an associate’s degree are 25 percent less likely to be unemployed as someone with some college, no degree.  Individuals with associate degrees also experience shorter periods or unemployment than individuals who have some college, but no degree. 

Is a requirement for PROMOTION in some jobs.

Moving ahead in the workplace often requires demonstrating new skills and abilities.  Employers view an associate degree as an indicator of readiness to take on new responsibilities. An associate degree may be required for advancement in some workplaces as well.

May increase the odds that you will COMPLETE YOUR BACHELOR’S DEGREE.

Research indicates that individuals who finish their associates degree are more likely to finish their bachelor’s degree than individuals transferring to a 4-year institution and do not earn their degree.

Is much more VALUABLE that having “some college, no degree.”