Is an Associate of Arts degree worth anything? An Associate degree helps students gain the academic knowledge needed to obtain an entry-level job. Editorial Listing ShortCode: Not only may it open the door to more opportunities than a high school diploma, but you can usually transfer your credits towards a Bachelor’s degree.
Yes, an Associate of Arts degree is worth it for many professionals. Continuing your education for an Associate degree or higher can help you develop the skills you need to excel in the career path in which you are interested. An Associate’s degree can help you gain experience and knowledge to go straight into your field or to transfer into a Bachelor degree program. With a Bachelor’s degree, you may be able to earn more money or get a higher-level position, but the time and money
investment can be more intense. Whichever degree path you choose, it can give you a chance at better employment options. Check out each program and find the one that is right for you.Is Associate of Arts Degree Worth It?
Associate of Arts Careers & Salaries
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statics, the demand for those who have an Associate degree is growing. This degree shows that applicants have specialized skills needed for the job market.
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Below are some examples of careers to look at after you finish your two-year Associate’s degree.
| Careers | Annual Median Salary |
| Air Traffic Controller | $130,420 |
| Dental Hygienist | $77,090 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $65,450 |
| Cardiovascular Technologist | $59,100 |
| Desktop Publisher | $47,560 |
| Human Resources Assistant | $43,250 |
This table is only a sample of the occupations that you may gain from furthering your education. Depending on the employer, you may need additional education or work experience to qualify for some of these jobs. You may use your AA degree as a stepping stop to higher-education and achieve growth in your chosen field.
When you decide to get your two-year degree to better your education, you are opening more opportunities to expand your career options.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Associate of Arts Degree?
There are various jobs you can get with an Associate degree.
Some of these jobs include:
- Nurse – the go-between for patients and doctors, provide care for the sick and give medication
- Dental Assistant – assist dentist in caring for patients, cleaning tools used, and help prepare for procedures
- Business Administrator – a leadership role in an organization that oversees all aspects of the business workings
- Web Developer – design website using programming code that tells the web site what to look like and what to do
- Electrical Technician – maintain and repair the electronic mechanisms
- Paralegal – assists attorneys with legal matters
- Teacher Assistant – assists in supervising and educating students
When choosing the school for an AA degree, you need to look at the cost of the school and the potential career earnings. Many private schools may leave students in unreasonable debt compared to their earning potential.
Financial Aid & Student Loans
The cost of an associate’s degree can vary depending on the school you choose. Your first step should always be filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, otherwise known as FAFSA.
The actual cost of your education will depend on factors such as:
- Household income
- Grants or scholarships offered by your school
- Financial awards and scholarships for which you apply including, Pell Grants and low-interest student loans
A financial advisor can assist you in discussing student loans, grants, and other ways to help finance your educational needs. You can find all the necessary information, such as deadlines, forms, and directions on their website.
What Is an AA Degree?
An Associate in arts is a two-year degree program usually offered from a community college or technical school. This degree path is often helpful for those looking for a less expensive, convenient way to complete the first two years of a four-year degree.
The AA degree normally focuses on your general education requirements such as English, math, history, and other such requirements.
There is more than one type of Associates degree to choose from, including:
- Associate in Arts
- Associate in Science
- Associate in Applied Science
There are also specialized programs, such as nursing, that can be completed in two-years but is gear towards a specific field of study.
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An Associate Degree in Science may be best if you are looking to better your career in a science, technology, or mathematical type field. Fields such as computer technology or accounting are a few examples of career paths an Associate in science could take you.
An Associate degree in Applied Science often attracts those looking to gain specific skills and may be better degree path for those not seeking to transfer their credits to gain a four-year degree.
This degree can help get you ready to begin a career in a specific field, giving you more qualifications than some other applicants.
Are Associates Degrees Useless in the Job Market?
Is an associate’s degree worth anything? Although some careers require applicants to have a Bachelor’s degree or more, some fields have specific skills that do not require a higher-level degree.
If you are looking to work in specialized fields and specific trade, you may find more opportunities than someone without an Associate degree. Having the degree can help you prove to employers that you are willing to put in the time and effort needed to excel in your field.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects to see a 6% growth rate in careers that requires an associate’s degree level education over the next ten years. Some of these career fields include technology, healthcare, and transportation.
These career fields are fast-growing industries that require a special set of skills to be successful. An AA degree can help you gain these skill sets.