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Thinking about entering into an associate degree career but unsure of the benefits vs a more bachelor degree? Or maybe you’re already in a specialized field and want to advance by improving your knowledge and skills through a professional certificate program. Whatever you are looking for, you should understand your options first.
Choosing an associate degree career or professional certificate program over a bachelor degree will allow you to:
- Reach your educational goals in less time
- Save money
- Maintain the life you’re currently living
Compare Your Options: Then Decide Which Degree is Best for You and Your Lifestyle
| Reasons | Associate Degree or Professional Certificate | Bachelor Degree | |
| 1 | TIME “To achieve great things, two things are needed; a plan, and not quite enough time.” – Leonard Bernstein |
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| Time until graduation | 2 years or less | 4 years | |
| Convenience and Flexible Scheduling | Variety of schedules to take classes at your convenience: night classes, weekend classes, and even online | May offer some variety in scheduling, but the options are typically very limited | |
| 2 | MONEY “If you know how to spend less than you get, you have the philosopher’s stone.” – Benjamin Franklin |
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| Cost of Education | $2,000 – $15,000 per year, usually books are included in tuition | $5,000-$25,000 per year for tuition only (x 4 years) Plus books and cost of living: $12,000-17,000/year | |
| 3 | CAREER FOCUSED TRAINING “The only source of knowledge is experience” – Albert Einstein |
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| Hands-on and specialized occupational training: Knowledge and Experience |
Largely based on knowledge alone | ||
| 4 | ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS “The introduction of many minds into many fields of learning along a broad spectrum keeps alive questions about the accessibility, if not the unity, of knowledge.” – Edward Levi |
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| “Open Door” admissions policyMinimal requirementsHigh School Graduation or GED | Complete a list of required high school classes.Meet an Index Score requirement, calculated from “high school GPA or high score rank percentage combined with ACT or SAT score”Additional requirements upon discretion of each individual college | ||
| 5 | CHOICE AND AVAILABILITY OF PROGRAMS “The strongest principle of growth lies in human choice.” – George Eliot |
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| Multitude of programs and schools to choose from in your area. | Some variety programs, but limited availability of schools in regards to location | ||
Summary
Clear those questions and doubts from your mind and make the leap to better your situation with an associate degree or professional certificate program. Soon you will be reaping the benefits of one of these programs and enjoying a new career in a field you will love.
Every college program offers its own set of advantages, and with all the variety it will be easy to find a program that is right for you.
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Sources
Associate Degree Salaries; PayScale;
http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Associate%27s_degree/Salary
What It Costs to Go to College; CollegeBoard, Inspiring Minds;
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/pay/add-it-up/4494.html
6 Associate Degree Jobs That Earn over $50k; Amelia Gray;
http://encarta.degreesandtraining.com/articles.jsp?article=featured_6_associate_degree_jobs_that_earn_over_50k
SallieMae College Answers; Community College Admissions Requirements;
http://www.collegeanswer.com/selecting/content/sel_cc_adm.jsp#cert
Guide to Online Schools
http://www.guidetoonlineschools.com/financial-aid/college-education-costs