Thinking about pursuing an associate’s degree? Then you’re in the right place. This article will walk you through all the benefits of an associate degree program, including cost-effective tuition, highly-focused career training, and a quicker, more efficient path toward professional success. We’ll uncover more key perks like these to help you decide if an associate degree program is the right educational choice for you.

What is an Associate’s Degree?

An associate’s degree is a two-year, post-secondary program that typically requires students to complete about 60 credits’ worth of course curriculum. In comparison to a four-year bachelor’s degree, which often requires 120 credits or more, an associate’s degree offers a far speedier, cost-efficient route toward specialized career training. Overall, the biggest difference between these two degrees is time. More specifically, it’s the amount of time one’s willing to commit to the program, and the amount of time it will take to complete the required academic credits. Therefore, if you only have a limited amount of time to put toward your educational goals, an associate’s degree could be just what you need to expand your professional skill set and career opportunity. Students who have earned their associate’s degree enter (or re-enter) the workforce faster, giving them a leg-up in today’s fast-paced job market. Students often choose to pursue an associate’s degree to:
  • Advance their professional skill set
  • Develop specialized career credentials
  • Shift career paths
  • Transition from a low-paying job to a more sustainable career
Because of the versatility of these programs, students can partake in various modes of study, including online and in-classroom learning. This customized approach gives students the ability to create an academic experience tailored to their exact needs.

Types of Associate’s Degrees

Associate degree programs are rich and varied, offering students myriad opportunities to explore their professional interests and achieve career goals. There are four types of associate’s degrees:
  • Associate of Arts (AA) degree
Ideal for those with a passion for the arts
  • Associate of Science (AS) degree
Designed for those pursuing scientific fields, such as math, medicine, and engineering
  • Associate of Applied Arts (AAA) degree
A vocationally-focused degree that aims to equip students with practical skills for jobs in advertising, fine arts, music, and design (among others)
  • Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree
Another vocationally-focused degree that prepares students for technical and applied science careers (i.e., web development, computer networking, and accounting)

Top Benefits of Pursuing an Associate’s Degree

Let’s take a deeper dive into the more significant perks of an associate’s degree program.

Efficiency

With full-time students typically wrapping up their studies in a neat two-year package, an associate’s degree is the epitome of efficiency in higher education. But for those in a rush to hit the job market, accelerated programs can have you waving a diploma in as little as 12 to 18 months. On the flip side, part-time students have the flexibility to extend their studies anywhere from four to six years, ensuring their educational commitments blend seamlessly with life’s obligations. So whether you need a more adaptable solution for balancing the responsibilities of work, life, and school, or you’re eager to start earning a paycheck as quickly as possible, there’s an associate’s degree path that’s right for you.

Career Potential

Armed with an associate’s degree, students find themselves to be better equipped for the needs of today’s competitive job market. Employers continuously target job candidates with a healthy mix of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, signaling a drive and readiness to advance. In comparison to candidates with just a high school education, associate’s degree earners experience lower unemployment rates and higher starting salaries.

Specialized Skill Development

In today’s job market, specialized skill sets and expertise are pretty much non-negotiable. Hence, achieving an associate’s degree in your chosen field of study allows you to develop those concentrated talents that align with your professional career goals. Whether it’s web development or human resources, students can dive deep into their particular fields of interest, putting them in the best possible position to land a job. Whether you earn an associate’s degree in applied arts or science, it’s a sure fire way to let employers know you’re ready to succeed.

Flexibility and Convenience

The modern student juggles more than just textbooks; there’s work, family, and other personal responsibilities. That’s why associate degree programs are so helpful. With flexible learning options, including full-time, part-time, online, and in-classroom learning, associate degree programs offer a practical solution for students trying to do it all. For full-time students, this flexibility might mean more access to campus resources and scholarships. For part-time students, this translates to reduced per-semester costs and a financial commitment that’s spread out over time. Plus, the growing acceptance and respect for online degrees, backed by accreditation agencies like NECHE, ensure students receive an education that stands tall in the eyes of employers and educational institutions alike.

Affordability

When it comes to higher education, the price tag is often people’s biggest concern. An associate’s degree eases this worry, since it’s typically less of a financial burden than a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree. The reduced cost doesn’t just save you money upfront; it also implies a more manageable load of student debt, making the dream of a college education far more attainable. With less debt, students are better positioned to manage their finances post-graduation, which sets them on a path to financial stability fast.

Associate Degree Programs at Quincy College

Quincy College offers a diverse range of associate degree programs designed to prepare students for potential career opportunities and other academic pursuits. From the sciences to liberal arts, Quincy College provides pathways for various professional interests, including business management, computer science, and English literature, among many others. Students can also explore specialized programs like biotechnology, fire science technology, and paralegal studies. Here are all the associate degree programs we have available:
  • Accounting
  • Biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Business Administration
  • Business Management
  • Computer Science
  • Criminal Justice
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Elementary Education
  • Exercise Science & Personal Training
  • Fine Arts
  • Fire Science Technology
  • Health Sciences
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Human Services
  • Behavioral Science
  • English
  • General Studies
  • Government
  • History
  • Humanities
  • Psychology
  • Social Sciences
  • Medical Laboratory Technology
  • Natural Science
  • Nursing
  • Paralegal Studies
  • Physical Therapy
  • Radiologic Technology
  • Surgical Technology

Earn an Associate’s Degree for Free

At Quincy College, eligible students can earn their associate’s degree with zero financial burden, making higher education more accessible and affordable than ever before. It all happens through our Free College program. With Free College, students don’t have to worry about pricey tuition or fees. Free College takes care of all that, so students can enjoy the benefits of focused career training and hands-on professional development while saving themselves from mounting student debt.

What’s Free College and How Does it Work?

The Free College program empowers students to access higher education and pursue professional career training across various in-demand industries. If you’re a Massachusetts resident age 25 or older and you’ve yet to earn your college degree, Free College will provide the funding so you can enroll in your associate’s degree program of choice, all at zero cost. Additionally, Free College offers financial assistance for books and supplies, which helps remove financial barriers for adult learners looking to advance their education and career.

Who’s Eligible for Free College?

To reap the benefits of Free College, students must first meet a defined set of criteria, which include:
  • Must be a legal Massachusetts resident for at least one year prior to the start of the academic year
  • Must be 25 or older by the first day of classes
  • Must not have earned a college degree
  • Must enroll in at least six credits of an associate degree or certificate program
  • Must complete a FAFSA using Quincy College’s school code 002205

Apply for Free College

The application process for Free College is simple. First, you’ll need to complete a FAFSA. Any interested student must complete this form, regardless of income (Don’t forget to use code 002205 for Quincy College.) If you need any assistance filling out the form, or you have questions about federal and state financial aid, don’t hesitate to contact our Admissions office. Our team will be happy to help you with whatever you need. Next is step two: apply to Quincy College. It’s as easy as that.

Chart Your Career Success at Quincy College

Quincy College makes earning an associate’s degree easy, convenient, and affordable. Plus, with our Free College program, you don’t have to stress about the financial challenges of higher education. Instead, you can channel all your focus on making the most of your college experience. Whether you're looking to advance your career or continue your education, Quincy College provides a streamlined path to success, making it simple to apply, enroll, and start your academic journey. If you’re interested in learning more about our Free College program, make sure to sign up for one of our regular information sessions today.