What Is an Associate Degree? Requirements, Applications, Costs

Are you looking for cost-effective, flexible, and career-focused options for pursuing higher education in the US? An associate degree can offer these advantages while incorporating hands-on learning opportunities and specialized classes during your program. Once an associate degree has been earned, international students can apply to transfer into a bachelor’s degree program to continue their studies.

Read on to learn more about what an associate degree means and how it can help you in your higher education journey in the US.

What Is an Associate Degree?

An associate degree is an undergraduate academic degree program that takes two years to complete when a student is enrolled full time. In the US, associate degrees are typically available at community colleges, junior colleges, and select universities.

Many associate degree programs focus on giving students the practical skills and industry-specific training needed to begin careers in their chosen fields. For example, students enrolled in associate degree programs in health care, information technology, business administration, and culinary arts gain hands-on and job-oriented skills during their respective coursework so they graduate ready to apply for jobs and begin their careers.

Other associate degree programs are built as transfer degrees, meaning the credits you earn during the two years of your associate degree can count toward your bachelor’s program. This allows you to start at a community college — where tuition is often lower — and then transfer to a four-year university to complete your bachelor’s degree.

The admission requirements to enroll for an associate degree may vary depending on the program and institution you choose. However, general requirements include:

• A high school diploma or a General Education Development test (GED) or equivalent test

• A minimum GPA (varies by institution)

Most associate degree programs require approximately 60 credits to graduate. Your program may include a mix of general education courses to build a strong academic foundation, along with additional specialized classes in your chosen field. This combination provides deeper insight into your academic interests, so that by the time you graduate you may have a clearer vision of the bachelor program and overall career path you want to pursue.

Types of Associate Degrees

Each type of associate degree is designed with a specific purpose: preparing students to transfer to a four-year university or helping them start a career right away. Knowing the difference will help you choose the program that matches your academic goals, career plans, and preferred timeline. Here are several types of associate degrees:

• Associate of Arts (AA) — This type of associate degree focuses on areas such as liberal arts, humanities, and social sciences. It is ideal for students who plan to transfer to a four-year university and continue their studies in fields like psychology, education, literature, and communication. These programs provide a broad academic base that can be applied to many bachelor’s degrees.

• Associate of Science (AS) — For students who want to pursue careers in math, science, and technical subjects, such as biology, engineering, computer science, or business, an Associate of Science degree is ideal. Like the AA, it is designed as the first step before transfer to a bachelor’s program, but it may include more specialized coursework and hands-on learning related to your intended career path.

• Associate of Applied Science (ASS) — The AAS is a career-oriented type of associate degree program that focuses on offering students hands-on skills needed to start working right after graduation. AAS programs are offered in fields such as nursing, information technology, culinary arts, or automotive technology. While some credits may transfer to a bachelor’s degree, the primary goal is to prepare you for the workforce.

The type of associate degree you choose determines the balance between general education and career-specific knowledge you gain during your studies. For international students, having a clear understanding of the type of associate degree you want to apply for can help you build a well-defined academic plan and keep you on track to pursue your academic and professional goals while studying in the US.

Why Choose an Associate Degree?

From 2022 to 2023, international student enrollment at US community colleges offering two-year associate degree programs increased by 7%. Let’s take a closer look at why associate degree programs may appeal to international students.

• Shorter study time — One of the biggest advantages of an associate degree is that it typically takes only two years of full-time study to complete, compared to four years (or more) needed for a bachelor’s degree. For international students, this means you can earn a recognized US qualification in half the time and start pursuing your career goals sooner.

• Lower tuition cost — Associate degree programs are often more affordable than starting at a four-year college or university. The average tuition and fees in 2024 for one year in an associate degree program is around $4,050, while the average cost of college for one year in a bachelor’s degree program is around $11,610 for public in-state schools, $30,780 for public out-of-state schools, and $43,350 for private schools. 

• Pathway to a bachelor's degree program — For many international students like you, an associate degree offers a chance to explore and refine your academic interests before committing to a bachelor’s program. The first two years give you the opportunity to try out different subjects, discover your strengths, and learn more about the field you want to pursue. By the time you transfer to a university, you can have a deeper understanding of your academic and career interests, which can help you choose the right major and make the most of your higher education studies in the US.

• Greater flexibility — Many community colleges provide options like evening, weekend, and online classes, enabling students to balance studies with part-time work, internships, or personal commitments. 

While associate degree programs offer many advantages for international students, they also share many similarities with a bachelor’s degree program. It is important for students to have a good understanding of both types of academic programs before choosing the one that best suits their career goals. 

What’s the Difference Between a Bachelor’s Degree and an Associate Degree?

Here are the main differences between an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree:

Students can carefully evaluate which type of degree program would be suitable based on their financial capabilities, higher education timelines, and career goals. While associate degrees often prepare students for entry-level positions in various fields, bachelor’s programs enable students to apply for a wider range of professional roles upon graduation, often with higher earning potential.

Associate Degree Career Options

Students with an associate degree can explore many entry-level career opportunities offering rewarding salaries and work experiences. Here are several career options with median annual salaries to consider:

Source: U.S. News & World Report, 2024

Associate degrees equip students with a well-rounded skillset to pursue many high-paying jobs. However, some students may choose to complete their bachelor’s degree program to explore and gain further skills in their professions and work toward higher paying salaries.

If students decide to pursue an associate degree and then transfer to a college or university to complete their bachelor’s degree program, it is important to confirm that the credits earned in their associate program will be recognized at their new university. This will save time and money in the long run, and also ensures courses will not need to be retaken.

How to Transfer to a Bachelor’s Degree Program

The first step in transferring to a bachelor’s degree program is to research and identify universities that both accept transfer students and also offer the bachelor’s program you want. It is important to ensure that the credits you earned for your associate degree will be recognized and applied toward your bachelor’s degree at your chosen university. 

The next step is to prepare your transfer application. Depending on the state and the school’s admission requirements and policies, you may need to provide transcripts from an accredited institution that validates the quality of your education. There could be variations in the undergraduate courses you have completed so far, which may require you to fulfill some general education coursework if your new school sets different requirements.

Be aware of timelines while preparing your transfer application. Some universities only accept transfer students at certain times of the year, so remember to keep an eye on application deadlines, required interviews, and other administrative requirements at your chosen institution. 

Shorelight Can Help with Your University Application!

Researching and applying for an associate degree program that fits your academic plan can seem like a challenging process, but with Shorelight’s support services, you can navigate the application and transfer process with ease. Staying in touch with your Shorelight advisor, asking questions, and reaching out for support or clarification can help you pursue higher education with confidence. Counselors offer a wide range of resources and guidance on how to prepare your university application and complete the visa application; they also offer visa interview preparation tips, and a variety of support services from application all the way to graduation. 

Reach out to an advisor to begin your associate degree research today!