If you’re deciding between getting a bachelor’s or associate degree, both have various advantages. The best degree choice depends on your goals, timeline, and budget. Here, we’ll talk about the key differences between associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees to help you decide the course of action to pursue your academic goals.
Key Differences Between Degrees
| Associate Degree | Bachelor’s Degree | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | Around 2 years | Around 4 years |
| Cost | Lower tuition and fees | Higher total cost |
| Career Fit | Entry-level or technical roles | Professional or management roles |
| Earnings | $1,135 median weekly earnings | $1,578 median weekly earnings |
| Advancement | Can transfer credits to a bachelor’s | Required for graduate school |
| Flexibility | Faster completion, good for working adults | Longer path, more specialization |
| Best For | Quick career start, lower cost | Long-term career growth, leadership goals |
Earnings: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025 data for workers age 25 and over.
What’s the Difference Between an Associate and a Bachelor Degree?
One degree isn’t necessarily better than the other. The best degree for you is the one that fits your personal and professional goals. The good news is, you can always return to school later to earn another degree or switch careers. Here are five things to consider.
1. Time Commitment
If you’re not set on one degree over the other and the amount of time you spend in school is a concern, then you may want to pursue an associate degree. To answer the question, how many years is an associate degree? A full-time student can earn an associate degree in two years, whereas a bachelor’s program generally takes four years. Of course, these timelines will increase if you’re working and not attending school full time, so if you want to get in and out as quickly as possible, go for your associate degree.
Another consideration is the amount of classes required to earn your degree. An associate degree consists of around 60 credits (or 90 quarter units), and these can be more specialized depending on the program you choose. There are even specialized associate degree programs that set you up for a specific job, such as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or veterinary technician. To earn a bachelor’s degree, you’ll take at least 120 credits or 180 quarter units), which can consist of courses in your specific field of study (your major), plus general education requirements.
2. Financial Considerations
Costs vary by school, but an associate degree generally costs less than a bachelor’s program. In 2025-26, average published tuition and fees were $4,150 per year at public two-year colleges. At public four-year schools, in-state students paid $11,950 per year, according to College Board.
A bachelor’s degree takes longer and requires more courses, so it naturally costs more. Even if you commute and skip room and board, you will still pay tuition and fees for each credit. Financial aid, scholarships, and transfer credits can lower what you actually pay. See current NU tuition and fees and NU Military tuition and fees for program-level pricing.
3. Career Goals
Earning your degree can pave the way for more rewarding, lucrative career opportunities. Some specialized or trade-based industries require an associate degree, while others prefer prospective candidates have their bachelor’s degree.
Jobs That Require at least an Associate’s degree
Here are some examples of career opportunities for associate degree holders. Note: some of these require specialized training so you will need to find a specific program that caters to the field of your choosing.
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Respiratory Therapist
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Ultrasound Technician)
- Dental Hygienist
- Veterinary Technician
- Paralegal
Jobs That Require a Bachelor’s Degree
Some fields, such as accounting and finance, require a bachelor’s degree. Most management and leadership roles favor candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree.
- Computer and Information Systems Manager
- Financial Manager
- Aerospace Engineer
- Marketing Manager
- Human Resources Manager
If you know which type of job you want and it doesn’t require a bachelor’s degree, consider getting an associate’s degree. One of the benefits of an associate degree is that in some cases, you can bypass the general education courses that don’t align with your career goals.
4. Earning Potential
If you’re going to invest time in your education, you probably have a very valid question: which degree allows me to make more money? Based on 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, bachelor’s degree holders earned median weekly pay of $1,578. Associate degree holders earned $1,135. Unemployment was also lower for bachelor’s degree holders, at 2.8% compared with 3.0%.
This is not to say you can’t earn a decent living and support your family with an associate degree or certification. With your associate and enough on-the-job experience, you can advance into a management role and grow your earnings.
5. Higher Education Plans
If you want to earn your degree and start working right away, either path can get you there. However, if you plan to earn a master’s or other graduate degree, a bachelor’s degree is a required prerequisite.
A graduate-level degree can help you gain specialized education in your field and increase your earning potential. The following careers typically require a graduate degree, so you’re better off starting with a bachelor’s program.
- Psychologist
- School or Career Counselor
- Clinical Social Worker
- Occupational Therapist
- Physician Assistant
Do I Need an Associate Degree to Get a Bachelor’s Degree?
No. An associate degree is not a prerequisite for a bachelor’s degree. You can skip it and go straight to a bachelor’s program. Still, one option to consider is earning your associate degree first, then transferring to a four-year university. This way, if you leave school early, you still have a degree. And if you’ve already dropped out, you can always go back to college to finish your bachelor’s later.
Applying Associate Degree Credits to a Bachelor’s Degree
To turn your associate into a bachelor’s degree, you will need to transfer to a four-year university. Contact an academic advisor at each school you’re considering. They can tell you which credits will transfer. Review NU’s transfer information to see how the process works.
If you earned a general associate degree, you likely have many of the general education courses a bachelor’s requires. That means you may only need upper-division courses and courses in your major. Trade-specific or specialized associate programs may transfer fewer credits.
Earn Your Associate’s or Bachelor’s at National University
Now that you understand the benefits of each degree, we hope you can make a more informed decision. Whatever you choose to study, National University offers flexible online and in-person options for both associate degree and bachelor’s degree programs.
Our four-week classes are built for working professionals and students with families. You take one course at a time and fit school around your life. Learn more about how to enroll at National University or contact us to speak to an academic advisor. You’re one step closer to earning your degree and setting yourself up for career success.
