If you’re considering going to college in the near future, you may be undecided or even confused about what type of college degree program is best for you. For undergraduates, the primary choice is between a bachelor’s degree and an associate degree. There’s no one right answer; the best choice for you depends on your career goals, the time you can devote to college, and your budget. We’ll outline the key differences between each type of degree path to help make this decision easier.
What is an Associate Degree?
An associate degree is an undergraduate academic degree typically awarded by community colleges, technical colleges, or universities after completing a two-year program. It provides foundational knowledge and skills in a specific field and can be a stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree or prepare students for entry-level careers. It generally requires at least 60 credits — half of what is needed for a bachelor’s degree.
What is a Bachelor’s Degree?
A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate college degree awarded by colleges and universities upon completion of a program that typically lasts about four years. A bachelor’s program provides in-depth knowledge and skills in a chosen field, with a mix of general education courses and major-specific studies. A bachelor’s degree is often required for many professional careers and serves as a prerequisite for advanced education.
Key Differences Between a Bachelor’s Degree vs. Associate Degree
The primary difference between earning a bachelor’s degree and an associate degree is time. An associate degree program can usually be completed in two years, whereas a bachelor’s program generally takes four years of study. However, there are other key differences as well.
A bachelor’s degree program allows for more general education classes that don’t directly pertain to your major. This offers students a more well-rounded education and may allow you to pivot more easily if you find it necessary to change careers later in life. An associate degree program generally concentrates on classes that directly relate to your major.
Time Commitment
An associate degree program takes approximately two years of attending classes full-time to complete, depending on the field of study. A bachelor’s degree program generally takes around four years to complete. In addition, online programs can save you time by allowing you to attend lectures and finish coursework virtually and at your own pace without spending time driving to and from campus, finding a place to park, and walking to and from class. That may not sound like a lot of time, but it can add up quickly over the course of a two- or four-year course of study.
Financial Considerations
Because an associate degree program takes roughly half of the time to complete as a bachelor’s degree, the total tuition required for your degree is significantly lower for an associate degree than with a bachelor’s degree. You can save even more by completing your coursework online without the need to spend on gas, parking, or new clothes to wear to class.
Career Opportunities
Some careers require a bachelor’s degree (or an advanced degree), while training for other careers is complete with an associate degree. For example, if you want to be a teacher, you’re going to need to complete a bachelor’s degree program. However, some other careers, such as nursing and many medical technology fields, can be started with an associate degree. The good news is that you can generally apply most of your credits earned in your associate degree program to a bachelor’s degree if you decide later than you want to earn a four-year degree. Most individuals will find more opportunities for career advancement along their career path with a four-year versus a two-year degree.
While the job market is definitely skewed in the job seeker’s favor right now, that is likely to change at some point during your career. When there is a large supply of applicants for a few jobs, employers often use education as a way of filtering out applicants. In that case, a person with a four-year degree would have an advantage over a person with similar experience and a two-year degree.
Earning Potential
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2024, the median weekly earnings for someone with a bachelor’s degree is about $1,543, compared to $1,099 for someone with an associate degree. That means a graduate with a bachelor’s degree earns approximately $23,088 more annually than a graduate with an associate degree. Taking that a step further, if a person attended college right after earning their high school diploma at age 18, this means that a person with a bachelor’s degree will earn enough extra by age 34 to pay for the extra cost of that additional two years of college.
However, many variables can change your individual results away from the BLS averages. Your exact earnings will depend on your field, the type of job you have, your experience in your field, the area of the country where you work, and the size of the company or organization where you work.
Benefits of Earning an Associate Degree
Earning an associate degree comes with several distinct advantages, especially for those looking for a faster, more affordable path into a career or further education. Typically completed in two years or less, an associate degree provides foundational knowledge and practical skills that can lead directly to entry-level employment. It can also serve as a stepping stone toward a bachelor’s degree that enables students to enter the workforce sooner and gain real-world experience while continuing their education. Associate degrees often cost significantly less than four-year degrees, making them an attractive option for individuals mindful of educational costs and student debt.
Benefits of Earning a Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree offers a broader and deeper education — opening doors to advanced career opportunities, higher salaries, and greater professional flexibility. Typically requiring about four years to complete, a bachelor’s program helps equip students with extensive knowledge in a specialized field along with critical thinking, leadership, and problem-solving skills highly valued by employers. Bachelor’s degree holders tend to experience increased job security and advancement potential. Plus, many roles, especially in management and leadership positions, specifically require this level of education. A bachelor’s degree is often necessary for entry into graduate or professional programs.
Who Should Earn an Associate Degree?
An associate degree is an excellent choice for individuals who:
- Wish to enter technical or specialized fields.
- Are seeking a quicker path to employment.
- Are looking to minimize educational debt.
- Are changing careers.
- Are working professionals needing a formal qualification to advance in their current roles.
- Are uncertain about their long-term career goals (as it allows for career exploration at a lower cost).
- Prefer to start their careers quickly and then potentially pursue further education later.
Who Should Earn a Bachelor’s Degree?
A bachelor’s degree is well-suited for individuals who aim for careers requiring advanced skills or specialized knowledge (such as careers in business management, healthcare leadership, education, engineering, technology, or other professional fields). It’s also ideal for those planning to attend graduate school, enter professions requiring licensure, or seek career paths with substantial upward mobility and earning potential. Students committed to extensive study, deeper intellectual exploration, and higher-level employment opportunities tend to find a bachelor’s degree beneficial for achieving their long-term professional and personal goals.
Associate Degree vs. Bachelor’s Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
Delve in deeper to a few more specific questions regarding associate versus bachelor’s degrees:
Do I need an associate degree to get a bachelor’s degree?
You do not need an associate degree to pursue a bachelor’s degree. You can enroll directly in a bachelor’s degree program after meeting the admission requirements. However, some students may complete an associate degree first and then transfer credits to a bachelor’s program.
Can I apply my associate degree credits toward a bachelor’s degree?
A typical bachelor’s degree requires around 120 credits. If you have already completed an associate degree, you may be able to transfer roughly 60 credits toward your bachelor’s degree, meaning you would need an additional 60 credits to complete it. However, the exact number of transferable credits depends on the institution and program.
What is the meaning of AA, BA, and BS?
“AA” stands for Associate of Arts, which encompasses types of associate degrees focused on liberal arts or general education. “BA” stands for Bachelor of Arts, which usually focuses on humanities or social sciences, while “BS” stands for Bachelor of Science — emphasizing science, technology, or more technical fields.
Is an associate’s degree an undergraduate degree?
Yes, an associate degree is considered an undergraduate degree. It represents the first level of post-secondary education and can serve as a foundation for further education (such as a bachelor’s degree) or as preparation for entry-level employment.
Johnson & Wales Online offers a variety of two-year and four-year degree programs with more than 50 degree programs, from an associate degree in business administration to a bachelor’s in computer science (plus much more).
Could I earn an associate or bachelor’s degree online?
Many colleges and universities offer both associate and bachelor’s degree programs fully online. Online programs provide greater flexibility, allowing students to balance their studies with work, family, or other commitments. They typically deliver course content through virtual platforms where students can engage with lectures, assignments, and discussions at their convenience. This option is ideal for self-motivated learners or those unable to attend traditional, in-person classes due to scheduling constraints or geographic location. When choosing an online program, it’s important to verify the accreditation and reputation of the institution to ensure the degree will meet your educational and career goals.
Earning Your Degree From Johnson & Wales University Online
Johnson & Wales Online offers a variety of two-year and four-year degree programs, from an associate degree in business administration to a bachelor’s in computer science (plus much more). The university is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education and has two campuses — in Providence, RI, and in Charlotte, NC.
Johnson & Wales, founded in 1914, has more than 8,000 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students. The university has seven different colleges within its structure and is particularly well-known for its food and beverage and hospitality programs.
For more information about completing your bachelor’s or associate degree online or on-campus, complete the Request Info form, call 855-JWU-1881, or email [email protected].