Advantages of Online Associate Degree Programs

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupations that require an associate degree had an average annual wage of $52,830 in 2017, significantly higher than the $36,100 average for people working in high-school level occupations.

If you’re looking for a new, higher paying job, earning an associate degree has certain advantages over other college degrees. You can typically complete an associate degree program in two years (as opposed to four years or longer for a bachelor’s degree). You can also use your associate degree to find high-paying work while pursuing another degree or certification.

Occupations that require an associate degree include:

• Paralegal- Paralegals and legal assistants typically work for law firms, assisting attorneys and handling paperwork. Their 2019 median pay was $51,740 per year.
• Physical Therapy Assistant- These professionals help physical therapists work with patients to regain mobility after illnesses and accidents. The 2019 median pay for physical therapist assistants was $48,990 per year.
• Computer Programmer- Some programmers have bachelor’s degrees, but others begin working with associate degrees or after completing some college coursework. The 2019 median pay for programmers was $86,550 per year.
• Web Developer- The 2019 median pay for web designers was $73,760 per year in 2019, and employers typically require an associate degree (along with a strong portfolio).
• MRI Technologist- These professionals perform diagnostic tests on patients. Most enter their careers with associate degrees, and the 2019 median pay for radiologic and MRI technologists was $62,280 per year.

Many healthcare support staff jobs only require an associate, sometimes along with a certification; by attending classes online, you’ll be able to earn the necessary credentials without spending weeks in a physical classroom. You may be able to take courses at night or complete tests on your lunch break — and some online programs are significantly less expensive than in-person offerings.

Researching Online Schools with Associate Degree Programs

By getting your degree online, you can complete your coursework from anywhere as long as you have access to a computer. However, you’ll want to avoid “degree remorse.” There’s no sense in spending years working towards a degree that won’t help you in your career.

Before applying to schools, you’ll need to review your options. You’ll want to make sure that your associate degree benefits your career — and you’ll probably want to keep a close eye on tuition. While online degree programs are often less expensive than on-campus courses, that’s not always the case.

Start your search by collecting information on remote learning courses for your major. Use online resources to compare programs, looking closely at the following factors:

• Accreditation and Reputation- Make sure that the college has a good reputation and that its programs are fully accredited. Accreditation is performed by the Department of Education, and only accredited programs are eligible for federal funds (an important consideration if you’re taking out federal loans). Check college rankings for your area of study and browse the institution’s website.
• Graduation Timeframe- Find out how much time you’ll need to dedicate to your coursework to graduate. Check retention rates, which measure the number of students who stay in the program, and graduation statistics.
• Job Placement- Some programs offer job placement to get students into the workforce right after graduation. If a school offers job placement, however, read carefully to make sure you’re not required to sign a contract with a certain employer in order to enroll in the program.

If you have concerns about a school, reach out to their enrollment center and ask for more information. Most universities will gladly provide data about post-graduation success, which can make your decision easier.

Taking the First Steps to Earn an Associate Degree Online

An associate degree can help you enter an exciting new career, but the features of online degree programs can vary significantly. To find one that works for you, look at as many schools as possible, starting with at least 3-4 accredited colleges and universities. Pay close attention to school reputation, and read carefully to make sure that you’ll be able to take all of the required coursework online.

Choosing a college is a major decision, so don’t rush into it. The time you spend on your research will allow you to make a knowledgeable decision and allow you to begin your classes with peace of mind.