Considering a college degree but not convinced you should make the four-year jump? Associate degrees are a great place to start! They’re like handy stepping stones, getting you career-ready faster and at a comfortable pace.
An associate degree is a two-year academic study widespread in North America. Many universities have a “2+2,” curriculum in which students complete two years of study to get an associate’s degree and another two years to earn a bachelor’s degree.
After completing a two- to three-year post-secondary education program, an undergraduate degree known as an associate’s degree is granted. An associate degree is an academic qualification above a high school diploma but below a bachelor’s degree.
Similar to a Bachelor’s degree which is subdivided into a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts, an associate degree is categorized into an Associate of Arts Degree basically for programs like social sciences, the Associate of Science Degree for programs in the areas of discipline like mathematics, technology and natural sciences as well as the Associate of Applied Science for more practical oriented studies. Also, in most European countries, an associate’s degree is insufficient for further study.
You may discover the associate degree program that sets you up for success and propels you toward a fulfilling career and all the exciting opportunities ahead of you with a little bit of research!
In this guide, we shall reveal to you the Best Associate Degree Schools in the United States, taking note of of salary graduates might earn after graduation. Read through for fresh insights.
Best Associate Degree Schools in the United States
Several of the world’s most esteemed universities and institutions are located in the United States. Academic freedom and the ability to personalize your educational experience with alternative coursework and extracurricular activities are well-known features of American universities and colleges.
Iconic locations such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park, and many more can be visited, depending on where you will be studying. Below are the top ten best associate degree schools in the United States.
1. Thomas Jefferson University
This institution is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is known as the best associate degree school in the United States, it strives to provide students with quality education in any discipline of their choice.
Thomas Jefferson University is a medium-sized private institution with an average salary of $ 47,661 for graduates with an associate degree. Students with an associate degree from Jefferson are awarded an average of $36,635 as student loans.
2. Washington University in St Louis
If you choose to enroll at Washington University in St. Louis, you’ll be among like-minded individuals. On our list of the Top Associate Degree Programs in the US for 2024, this institution is placed second best. The rather big private, non-profit institution is situated in Saint Louis, Missouri, and in 2020–2021 it delivered 14 degrees to qualified associate degree students.
3. New York University
New York University is an excellent choice for students pursuing their degree, as seen by its ranking of #3 on our list of the Best Associate Degrees in the United States. Situated in New York, the sizable private non-profit institution granted 109 degrees to qualified associate degree candidates in 2020–2021. Early in their careers, those with an associate degree from NYU make an average of $60,040. Associate students typically have $20,000 in student loan debt.
4. Southeastern University
Southeastern University’s superior associate degree programs contributed to the university’s #4 rating among the finest universities in the country this year. SEU is a Lakeland, Florida-based private, non-profit university. The institution has a sizable student body, and in 2020–2021 it granted 197 associate degrees. On average, associate students graduate from college with $13,145 in student loan debt.
5. University of Roger Williams
Roger Williams University’s outstanding associate degree programs contributed to the university’s #5 rating among the top universities in the country this year. Located in Bristol, Rhode Island, this small-sized university was founded.
In 2020–2021, forty-two students received associate degrees from the private, nonprofit institution. RWU associate degree holders earn $36,189 on average annually in their early years of employment. After graduating, associate students typically owe $21,599 in student loans.
6. The New School
On the list of the top associate degree programs in the US for 2024, The New School came in at number six. Located in New York, New York, this sizable private non-profit institution granted 167 associate degrees in 2020–2021.
New School University associate degree holders earn an average of $45,807 annually in their early professional years. After receiving their degree, associate students typically owe around $18,250 in student loans.
7. Purdue University-Main Campus
On this year’s list of the Best Associate Degree Schools in the United States, Purdue University—Main Campus, came in at number seven. This sizable university is located in the Indiana town of West Lafayette. Fifty students at the public school received associate degrees in 2020–2021.
8. North Carolina State University
According to the 2024 Best Associate Degree Schools in the United States list, North Carolina State University came in at number eight. Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, NC State is a sizable public university.
In 2020–2021, it conferred 125 associate degrees. In the early years of their work, an associate degree graduate at NC State typically makes $35,537. After receiving their degree, associate students typically owe $13,167 in student loans.
9. University of Phoenix – Arizona
The University of Phoenix, located in Arizona, is ranked #9 among the best associate degree programs in the US for 2024. In 2020–2021, 3,574 qualified associate degree students received degrees from the sizable private for-profit institution in Phoenix, Arizona.
Following graduation, associate degree holders find employment with early career average salaries of $31,738. Associate students had an average student loan balance of $24,680. This means that if the graduate repays the debt over ten years, the average monthly payment will be $141.
10. University of Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh Campus
University of Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh Campus performed admirably on the list of the 2024 Best Associate Degree Schools in the United States, coming in at number 10. Pittsburgh, PA is situated in Pitt, a major public school.
In 2020–2021, 49 associate degrees were granted. Following graduation, individuals with an associate degree typically begin their careers earning an average income of $43,591. On average, associate students graduate from college with $20,875 in student loan debt. For a ten-year repayment plan, the average monthly loan payment is around $270.
A rewarding academic and professional path can be facilitated by selecting the appropriate associate degree program. These prestigious institutions provide the ideal balance of top-notch education, practical experience, and limitless opportunities, whether your heart is set on the sun-drenched coastline of Santa Monica or the busy streets of Philadelphia. Thus, why the wait? Today, take the first step toward your future success!