How Long Does It Take To Get an Associate Degree?

Are you a high school student preparing for college? A working adult looking to change careers or learn new skills? If so, you may be contemplating the benefits of getting an associate degree and wondering how long it would take to do so.

Associate degrees generally take about two years to complete, but this can depend on whether you're studying part time or full time, how many transfer credits you have, and whether you attend school online or in person.

How Long Does an Associate Degree Take?

As noted in the introduction, the time it takes to get an associate degree can vary. Let's discuss average timeframes for full-time and part-time students.

Full-Time Students

Full-time students usually complete about 12 to 18 college credits per semester, or 24 to 36 per year. They may also take summer classes to help them graduate sooner.

With this in mind, full-timers typically complete the required coursework for an associate degree within two years. This is considered the traditional pathway to getting an associate degree and is the reason associate degrees are often referred to as two-year degrees.

Part-Time Students

Part-time students take fewer than 12 credits per semester, may or may not take summer classes, and may take semesters off from time to time as needed. For these reasons, it may take them longer to get their college degree.

That said, the amount of time it takes will vary from student to student. Many part-timers complete their degree within three to four years, but some may take longer. It all depends on their course load and how quickly they can acquire the necessary credits.

How Long Does It Take To Earn an Associate Degree Online?

Many community colleges and other schools offer online associate degree programs. Both high school graduates and busy adults may benefit from these flexible, nontraditional options.

Online learning often allows students to move at their own pace, but most online courses still have deadlines. These deadlines are in place to help students stay on track.

Some online programs are designed for part-timers, while others allow students to study full-time. Based on these and various other factors, the time it takes to complete an online associate degree will vary depending on how quickly a student obtains credits.

Online associate degrees may be completed in as little as a year, or they may take four years or longer to finish.

Factors That May Affect the Length of Your Associate Degree Program

So, what are the factors that can affect your graduation time?

We've already discussed part-time vs. full-time students and online vs. in-person degrees. These are a couple of the biggest factors. Another major factor is transfer credits.

Many students complete dual-credit courses while on their way to their high school diploma. Other high school students take tests, such as AP and CLEP tests, to earn college credits. Both options allow them to graduate high school with some college credits already under their belt.

The more transfer credits you can bring into your degree, the sooner you will be able to graduate.

What's more, some types of associate degrees may take less time to complete than others since some may require a greater number of credits or consist of more challenging courses. This factor will depend on your school and area of study.

How Many Credit Hours Do I Need to Receive an Associate Degree?

Generally speaking, an associate degree requires at least 60 credit hours to complete. However, some programs may require more than that.

There are different types of associate degrees:

• Associate of Arts (AA degree)
• Associate of Science (AS degree)
• Associate of Applied Arts (AAA degree)
• Associate of Applied Science (AAS degree)

The arts degrees and science degrees are typically seen as stepping stones toward higher education, while the applied degrees prepare students for specific career paths. They may have varying credit requirements depending on the specific requirements for each program.

Beyond an Associate: Earning Your Bachelor's Degree

Let's talk a little more about AA and AS degrees and the opportunities they can lead to. These degrees are sometimes called transfer degrees because they are designed for a smooth and easy transfer into four-year degree programs.

In other words, students pursuing these types of degrees generally go on to enter a bachelor's degree program. Eventually, they can even choose to pursue a higher degree level, such as a master's degree or doctoral degree.

AA and AS degrees primarily consist of general education courses, allowing students to fulfill the prerequisites of their chosen bachelor's degree.

The general education courses they take will depend on their desired major; for example, a student hoping to get a degree in English will take more humanities and social science courses; one planning to major in cybersecurity will take more math and technology courses; and a student pursuing a healthcare major will take entry-level healthcare courses.

Students who are still uncertain of their major will complete a range of general education courses and may complete their associate degree in general studies or liberal arts, which will allow them to transfer into various bachelor's degree programs.

FAQs About Earning Your Associate Degree

Still have questions about getting an associate degree? Read on as we provide you with answers.

How Fast Can You Finish an Associate Degree?

If you have significant transfer credits and attend a school with a generous transfer policy, it is possible to complete your associate degree in as little as one semester. Highly motivated transfer students with fewer transfer credits can still complete a degree in one to two years, though the average time it takes a full-time student to get an associate degree is about two years.

Can I Earn an Associate Degree While Working Part-Time?

Yes, it is possible to balance a part-time job with full-time or part-time studies. Doing so will require good time management skills and a willingness to work hard. Online students may find that it's easier to juggle flexible online coursework with a job than it would be if they studied on campus.

Is an Associate Degree Worth It?

An associate degree is definitely worth the time and money you put into it. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those holding an associate degree have a lower unemployment rate than those with only a high school diploma. Getting an associate degree can make you eligible for new and rewarding job titles, such as paralegal or web developer. It also provides you the opportunity to pursue advanced education if you decide that's what you want to do.

What Are the Admission Requirements for an Associate Degree Program?

Each school has its own admissions requirements. Some common requirements you may find for entering an associate degree include:

• high school diploma or GED
• high school GPA of 2.0 or better
• ACT or SAT scores
• completion of an approved high school curriculum

What Is the Average Cost of an Associate Degree?

The cost of an associate degree varies widely depending on the school offering it. Generally speaking, public community colleges provide lower tuition rates than other colleges and universities. That said, overall average costs for an associate degree are around $10,950 per year at public schools, making the two-year cost a little under $22,000.