What Can You Do With an Associate Degree?

Higher education is often the gateway to career advancement and financial stability. While bachelor's degree programs are the most widely recognized, associate degree programs are an accessible, efficient and cost-effective alternative path.

Earning an associate degree can lead to employment opportunities that require specialized technical and vocational skills but not necessarily a four-year education. It's an excellent option for students who want to enter the workforce immediately, use their degree as a stepping stone to further education or who want to increase job prospects and earning potential.

What You Need To Know About an Associate Degree Program

An associate degree serves as an intermediary between a high school diploma and a bachelor's degree. Typically offered at community colleges, technical schools and universities, these programs cover foundational coursework while emphasizing practical, career-focused training.

Sarah Lathrop, program chair for Applied Management and Associate of Applied Science degrees at Franklin University, highlights the advantages of associate degree graduates in the workforce:

"Employers see associate degree graduates as well-prepared for the workforce. These graduates not only have a two-year education but have also persisted and graduated, often while working and tending to responsibilities. This makes them desirable employees ready for employer-specific and/or industry training.”

This blend of academic knowledge and workforce readiness makes associate degrees an attractive option for students looking to gain employable skills without the time and financial investment of a bachelor's degree.

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Types of Associate Degrees 

There are several types of associate degrees, each designed to align with different career goals and educational pathways.

• Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree. Designed for direct workforce entry, this degree focuses on specialized career training in fields such as healthcare, technology and skilled trades. Lathrop emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning in this program, saying, “Work-based learning is crucial, especially in hands-on career and technical fields. For example, in Associate of Applied Science degrees, two-thirds of the degree can be hands-on, whether in person or through online/digital simulation.”
• Associate of Arts (A.A.) Degree. This degree focuses on humanities, social sciences and liberal arts. It's commonly used as a transfer degree, allowing students to complete general education coursework before moving to a four-year institution.
• Associate of Science (A.S.) Degree. With an emphasis on business, mathematics, science and technical studies, this degree is often pursued by students interested in STEM-related careers or those planning to continue their education in a bachelor's program.

Lathrop explains the transfer potential of these two latter degrees, noting, “The Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees are great fits for students planning to transfer to a traditional four-year institution. These degrees allow students to complete general education coursework at a community college before focusing on their major at the four-year institution.”

Overall, these three associate degree options allow students to choose a career path that aligns with their interests and goals.

Potential Associate Degree Career Avenues and Opportunities 

Lathrop underscores the financial benefits of earning an associate degree, saying, “Students can finish an associate degree faster than a four-year degree and potentially enter the workforce faster upon graduation and certification. This can make it a cost-effective option compared to other higher education paths.”

U.S. labor statistics taken from advertised data through Lightcast show that an associate degree can lead to stable, well-paying jobs across multiple industries. Many of these careers are in high demand, with strong job growth projections and competitive salaries that do not require a four-year degree. Potential pathways can be observed below: 

Healthcare Careers with an Associate Degree

The U.S. healthcare industry continues to grow, with numerous positions requiring only an associate degree. These roles offer job stability and strong earning potential.

Medical Assistant. Provides administrative and clinical support to healthcare providers.

• Annual Median Earnings (2023): $41,900
• Projected Job Growth (Through 2033): +17.2%

Radiologic Technologist. Operates imaging equipment such as X-rays and MRIs.

• Annual Median Earnings (2023): $67,700
• Projected Job Growth (Through 2033): +9.7%

Registered Nurse (RN). Delivers patient care, administers medications and educates patients.

• Annual Median Earnings (2023): $79,400
• Projected Job Growth (Through 2033): +10.6%
   

Technology and IT Careers with an Associate Degree

With increasing reliance on technology, U.S. career opportunities in IT remain in high demand. Many of these positions require specialized training that can be obtained through an associate degree program.

Computer Support Specialist. Troubleshoots technical issues with computer science technology and provides IT support.

• Annual Median Earnings (2023): $54,700
• Projected Job Growth (Through 2033): +8.5%

Network Technician. Installs and maintains computer networks

• Annual Median Earnings (2023): $58,300
• Projected Job Growth (Through 2033): +6.5%

Web Developer. Designs and manages websites and web applications.

• Annual Median Earnings (2023): $75,700
• Projected Job Growth (Through 2033): +16.5%
   

Business and Finance Careers with an Associate Degree

An associate degree in business emphasizes critical thinking, human resources and financial planning. This path can lead to various entry-level jobs in the U.S. business administration and finance industries.

Accounting Assistant. Supports financial reporting and bookkeeping tasks.

• Annual Median Earnings (2023): $47,400
• Projected Job Growth (Through 2033): +5.3%

Administrative Assistant. Manages office operations, scheduling and administrative tasks.

• Annual Median Earnings (2023): $46,000
• Projected Job Growth (Through 2033): +11.3%

Insurance Claims Adjuster. Investigates and processes insurance claims.

• Annual Median Earnings (2023): $59,500
• Projected Job Growth (Through 2033): +8.0%
   

Skilled Trades and Technical Careers with an Associate Degree

Trade careers often offer job opportunities, stability and strong earning potential, with many roles experiencing steady demand across the U.S.

HVAC Technician. Installs and repairs heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. 

• Annual Median Earnings (2023): $52,300
• Projected Job Growth (Through 2033): +11.5%

Dental Hygienist. Performs dental health procedures to ensure proper oral health. 

• Annual Median Earnings (2023): $87,500
• Projected Job Growth (Through 2033): +9.0%

Paralegal. Assists lawyers with legal research and document preparation. 

• Annual Median Earnings (2023): $56,000
• Projected Job Growth (Through 2033): +7.0%
   

Can You Use an Associate Degree To Earn a Bachelor’s Degree?

Many students view an associate degree as the first step toward earning a bachelor’s degree. Transferring credits from an associate degree to a four-year institution can provide multiple advantages, such as:

• Cost Savings. Completing general education requirements at a community or technical college before transferring can significantly reduce tuition expenses.
• Faster Completion. Many universities accept transfer credits, enabling students to earn their bachelor's degree in just two additional years.
• Incentives. “Some four-year institutions offer incentives to graduates (as opposed to students with some college credits) from community colleges,” Lathrop notes. “Completing the degree provides formal recognition of your work, reduces the risk of lost credits, and often opens doors to additional financial or academic benefits at four-year institutions.”

By planning strategically, students can maximize their education while minimizing costs and time spent in school.

Explore Your Future With Franklin University 

An associate degree can be a valuable asset, whether the goal is to enter the workforce immediately or continue higher education. If further studies are of interest, Franklin University offers flexible, online associate degree programs designed to help working professionals achieve their academic and career aspirations.

Request more information from Franklin University to explore associate programs that align with your goals. Or, if you're ready to pursue your education, you can start your application today.
 

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