The Pros and Cons of College Degrees
Benefits and Drawbacks of Earning an Associate or Bachelor Degree
Jul 25, 2009
Almost everyone wants to earn a college degree at some point during their life. However, one question which typically arises is which type of degree is ideal – associate or bachelor. Just like life, college degrees have pros and cons regarding the greatest return on investment. Considering the high cost of continuing education today, financial resources must be spent on a degree which offers the most potential for career success.
An associate or bachelor degree has benefits and drawbacks when it comes to career earnings and corporate mobility. Selecting which degree to earn depends on a person’s short and long term education and career objectives. These objectives must be carefully considered during the selection process, which can be difficult because of all the degree and career options available to adults.
The Pros and Cons of an Associate Degree
Cost – the tuition costs are among the reasons for earning an associate degree, along with a much smaller financial burden as compared to enrolling in a four-year school. The average cost was $6,966 per academic year for public two-year schools in 2008 (National Center for Educational Statistics, Fast Facts, 2007-2008).
Class Size – smaller class sizes are the normal in two-year schools, which is a benefit when learning in general education courses. Four-year schools typically enroll large numbers of students in English, math, history, humanities, and science general education (first and second year) courses.
Enter Work Force Sooner – adults spend less time in school earning a degree. An associate degree typically takes two years; however, this is based on full time enrollment and many people opt for a part time program because of work or life commitments. This is beneficial for adults earning degrees designed for entering specific career fields which bachelor degrees are not necessary. These career fields include wind turbine technician, automobile mechanic, physical therapists assistant, medical assistant, dental assistant, and hundreds of other career fields.
Transfer to Bachelor Program – most of these degree programs, especially those offered in state colleges and universities, accept transfer credits earned during completion of a degree. Transferring to a four-year school after earning a two-year degree reduces financial costs, because of the need to only pay for enrollment in an expensive program for two years instead of four.
Workplace Competition – many two-year degree holders often compete with four-year degree holders for the same or similar positions in white collar career fields. Examples include careers in business, government, science, technical fields, and similar professional fields. Employers typically opt for a bachelor graduates when competing with associate graduates.
Scholarships and Grants – most scholarships and many grants are not eligible to students enrolled in associate degree programs.
The Pros and Cons of a Bachelor Degree
Earnings – the average annual earnings for bachelor degree graduates in 2006 was $45,000 compared to $25,000 for associate degree graduates (National Center for Educational Statistics, Fast Facts, 2007-2008).
Degree Advantages – most adults who decide to put off earning a bachelor’s degree often regret their decision. Adults with this degree find that they do not need to prove themselves in every position as much as those with a two-year degrees. Applicants with four-year degrees are hired before two-year degree applicants in most white collar career fields.
Upward Mobility – adults with bachelor degrees have greater opportunities for corporate upward mobility, than those without this degree.
Scholarships and Grants – most scholarships and many grants are only eligible to students enrolled in bachelor degree programs.
Cost - the tuition costs for a bachelor degree is more expensive compared to enrolling in an associate program. The average cost was $13,424 per academic year for public four-year schools and $30,393 for private four-year schools in 2008 (National Center for Educational Statistics, Fast Facts, 2007-2008). Student loan debt often places graduates in financial hardship for years following graduation.
Making Connections with College Degree Programs
Choosing the right continuing education program is critical to achieving personal short and long term education and career goals. Research and planning is required to determine which degree will lead to achievement of these goals. Once the a degree choice is made, associate or bachelor, then it is time to get started and begin the continuing education path that leads to more career choices and greater chances for financial security.
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