Associate degrees online aren’t exactly easy to come by, but there are many programs available if you know where to look.
If you’re considering going down this route, you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons of this investment of your time and money.
Is it worth getting an associate degree online? Should you earn your associate degree online at all? Here are some things to consider if you want answers to these questions and more.
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How Did I Choose Coursera/Udacity
I chose to review Coursera and Udacity for my bachelor’s degree because I wanted an accredited college education but I could not attend a traditional university.
While researching online colleges, I decided to try their free courses first. In addition, both websites had plenty of information about studying online with thousands of students enrolled in courses from all over the world.
Finally, I thought it would be fun to get some feedback from students who chose to complete these degrees as well as those who had attended traditional colleges.
This project was inspired by one student whose story caught my attention after watching a TED talk about online learning.
What it Entailed
A two-year degree is less than half as expensive as a four-year degree, so it’s an economical option if you can’t afford a full-time program.
Two years might be fast, but it won’t give you as much time to excel in your chosen field. According to data from Georgetown University, 39% of jobs that require a bachelor’s degree also require at least two years of experience in that field—meaning they’re going to want someone with an undergraduate degree who already has some experience.
And according to pay data from PayScale, graduates with an associate’s or certificate earn about $40,000 (or less) at their first job out of school.
The Good
Enrolling in an associate degree program online can save you time, especially if you’re interested in a professional license that requires specific courses.
Some programs also allow for flexibility when it comes to your schedule, so you can still work or look after your family while pursuing an education.
Additionally, students often have access to mentors and professionals who they can connect with outside of class.
This type of support is invaluable and makes learning easier because it helps students feel like they aren’t alone.
Finally, associate degrees are relatively affordable at both public and private schools alike; however, make sure you compare programs because costs vary widely depending on region and school. When deciding on a program, make sure there is a plan in place to help you once you finish.
The Strange
Earning two associate degrees online sounds like a lot, but it’s a great way to accelerate your career and save time and money.
The beauty of an online degree is that you can take classes from home or anywhere else you have Internet access, so it allows for much more flexibility than attending a brick-and-mortar school.
If you’re looking for more educational opportunities, don’t think twice about going after two associate degrees online.
You’ll get ahead in your career quicker than if you had to wait another year or two before getting started on your bachelor’s degree. You could even choose to earn a bachelor’s degree later on (or, better yet, start one right away), and all will be as good as new!
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning on going to college full-time, it can be hard to predict how much money you’ll spend over a four or five-year period.
You might have seen estimates like $70k/year or $50k/year, but those are likely just generalities. The reality is that your total costs will depend on what program you choose, where you go, and whether you live at home (if not living on campus).
That being said, most students end up spending less than $30k in their first two years of college.
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