| Feeling the effects of a recession, more and more | | | | when compared to Bachelor's degrees. First, they put |
| people have realized the benefits of having a solid | | | | you at a disadvantage when you compete for the |
| educational background, especially in the face of | | | | same jobs as baccalaureates. Second, your earning |
| economic crisis of this magnitude. According to the U.S. | | | | capacity is definitely lower than those who graduate |
| Bureau of Labor Statistics, 70.1 percent of high school | | | | with a Bachelor's degree. Lastly, moving up the ladder |
| graduates were enrolled in colleges or universities in | | | | to supervisory or managerial positions may be difficult |
| October 2009.* | | | | without a higher degree. |
| At the same time, not everyone has the wherewithal | | | | Bachelor's Degree: This is a degree awarded by a |
| to spend five to seven years on higher education. For | | | | post-secondary institution to students who complete |
| those who want to fast track into fruitful careers | | | | an undergraduate program that generally lasts for |
| without compromising on college education, Associate's | | | | about four years. |
| and Bachelor's degrees offer the perfect start. Here is | | | | Average Annual Income: $47,853** |
| some information on both types of degree programs: | | | | Best Suited for: Bachelor's degrees are best suited for |
| Associate's Degree: This degree is the lowest in the | | | | careers in accounting, computer software engineering, |
| hierarchy of post-secondary academic degrees. It is | | | | healthcare administration, business management, and |
| awarded to students who have completed two years | | | | many other high profile, white collar jobs. |
| of study in a particular field. The degree is usually | | | | Pros & Cons: A Bachelor's degree generally increases |
| offered by private, community, and technical colleges | | | | your job prospects, as some positions are only open |
| as well as some Bachelor's degree granting colleges | | | | to those who have this degree. Your earning potential |
| and universities. | | | | also goes up with the level of your degree. Graduates |
| Average Annual Income: $33,838** | | | | who have a Bachelor's degree find it easier than those |
| Best Suited for: Associate's degrees are best suited | | | | who hold an Associate's degree to rise up the ranks |
| for entry-level jobs in a variety of fields such as | | | | and take up roles with higher levels of responsibility in |
| nursing, respiratory therapy, graphic design, computer | | | | their respective fields. A Bachelor's degree gives you a |
| programming, medical specialties, and many other | | | | wide knowledge base and expertise in your area of |
| professions. | | | | study, and you are likely to be treated as a serious |
| Pros & Cons: The biggest advantage of an | | | | professional if you have completed a four-year |
| Associate's degree is the relatively short amount of | | | | degree as opposed to a two-year one. |
| time needed to complete it. This two-year college | | | | The biggest disadvantage of a four-year degree is the |
| degree qualifies individuals for many white collared jobs | | | | cost, as a Bachelor's degree tends to be more |
| that would not have been open to high school | | | | expensive than an Associate's. Since it also takes a |
| graduates. The other benefit of an Associate's degree | | | | longer duration to complete, you end up spending a lot |
| is that it is less expensive than a four-year Bachelor's | | | | of money on rent, car, fuel, books, etc. |
| degree. Apart from saving on tuition fee, students also | | | | Both degree programs have their advantages and |
| save money on boarding, fuel, car, books, etc. An | | | | drawbacks, and one must make a decision based on |
| Associate's degree prepares the ground for future | | | | their personal goals, expectations from education, and |
| educational pursuits. Students have the option of | | | | available resources. |
| applying their Associate's degree credits to a | | | | *Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, |
| Bachelor's degree. | | | | Occupational Outlook Handbook |
| But Associate's degrees have certain drawbacks | | | | **U.S. |