Is an Associate Degree in Business Worth It?

Campus is the new alternative to online community college that provides a 100% live and online Associate of Arts in Business Administration degree program. Our comprehensive, career-focused business program equips students from across the U.S. with a solid foundation in core business principles to set them up for success no matter what their next step is. Read on to explore the world of business and how starting with a business degree might be your next best move.

An associate degree in business is a great way to gain the skills and knowledge you need to pursue your career goals. This type of degree provides an opportunity to develop business intellect, learn key concepts, and understand the fundamentals of operating a successful business.

"Is an associate's in business worth it?" many students ask. Considering the comprehensive curriculum and career-ready skills gained, the answer is a resounding yes.

At Campus, we offer an online associate degree in business program that allows students to earn credit from home or wherever they need to be. Our program offers courses designed by industry professionals who can provide valuable insight into how businesses operate in today's world.

Our online classes also allow students to engage with professors from top schools in the country, while gaining an understanding of the core competencies necessary to be successful in business. Investing in this degree will definitely make you better equipped for success when it comes time to launch your career!

As prospective students weigh their options, the question arises again: "Is an associate's in business worth it?" With our tailored curriculum and support systems, students find that their education propels them into promising careers.

Are Associate Degrees in Business Affordable?

Affordability is a major factor in choosing a college or program. With tuition levels differing across institutions and majors, it can be overwhelming to make a decision that doesn't break the bank.

For those calculating future earnings and career growth, pondering "Is an associate's in business worth it?" becomes less of a query and more of a certainty, with the degree often leading to fruitful career paths.

However, according to research, the average tuition for a two-year associate degree program in 2022 was $3,860. This figure might be a relief to those looking to take their first few steps in higher education.

While it's still a significant amount, this average tuition fee is more affordable compared to the average cost of a four-year program.

According to the College Board, public two-year colleges have an average yearly cost of $3,440 for students. This is a significantly lower price point than the average yearly cost of public 4-year universities, which is $9,410 for in-state students and a staggering $23,890 for out-of-state students.

Understanding these costs can be especially important for students considering their options for pursuing higher education.

The quality of education and the opportunities that come with studying at a college or university make an associate degree a top choice for those looking to start their higher education journey on the right foot.

But even with these lower costs, many students still require financial aid and other funding options to make their education more affordable.

Various financial aid options are available to students pursuing an associate degree in business. Students can apply for federal grants, loans, private loans, and scholarships. Additionally, many community colleges offer work-study programs that allow students to earn money while they attend school.

Another option for funding an associate degree is to attend a college that offers tuition discounts or a tuition reimbursement program. This can help students reduce the overall cost of their education and make their degrees more affordable.

In addition to traditional community college programs, online community college options are available for students who want to earn an associate degree online at an even lower cost. Online programs can be particularly appealing for students who need to balance their education with work or family responsibilities.

Online programs can also offer additional cost savings because they don't require the same expenses as traditional on-campus programs. For example, students don't have to pay for transportation to and from campus or room and board. Additionally, many online programs have lower tuition rates than on-campus programs.

However, it's important for students to carefully research online programs to ensure they are reputable and accredited.

Otherwise, they run the risk of attending a program that employers or other schools may not recognize. Fortunately, many accredited online programs are available, including those offered by community colleges and other institutions.

How Much Could I Make With an Associate in Business?

If you're considering pursuing an associate degree in business, you may wonder about the potential payoff. The good news is that studies consistently show that an associate in business administration salary is higher than salaries earned by those with lesser qualifications.

In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals with an associate degree earned a median weekly salary of $963 in 2021, compared to $809 for those with only a high school diploma. That extra $154 per week may not seem like a lot, but over a year, it could add up to over $7,000.

Additionally, an associate degree can open up doors to higher-paying jobs for business administration associate degree holders, meaning potentially more job security and room for growth.

So, while the cost of tuition may seem daunting, investing in your education could pay off in a big way in the long run.

What careers can I explore with an associate degree in business?

You might be wondering: What can I do with an associate degree in business? An associate degree in business opens up a whole world of career possibilities. Here are some of the top job opportunities and industries to explore with your associate degree in business:

Human Resources

If you're looking for a starting point to get into the field of human resources, an associate degree in business may be just what you need. As an HR professional, you hold a vital role in the organization, managing employee relations, hiring and recruitment, compensation, and training and development.

Furthermore, your contribution to crafting policies that promote a positive workplace culture can significantly influence the company's success. Here are a few key areas you may be able to focus on:

• Recruiting and Retention: With a strong understanding of labor laws and the latest HR trends, you can ensure that your organization has the right people in place for its needs. You can optimize recruitment processes, develop job descriptions and create policies encouraging employee engagement.
• Compensation: Being an HR professional, you'll need to have a deep understanding of compensation structures so you can properly structure salaries and benefits packages based on industry standards. This will help you ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations while ensuring your employees are fairly compensated.
• Training & Development: You'll be responsible for helping employees reach their highest potential through effective training programs. This may include creating onboarding materials or developing initiatives that evaluate performance, identify areas of improvement and provide development strategies.

Marketing/Sales

A business degree can also be great for those interested in pursuing a career in marketing or sales. As a marketer, you could design campaigns that reach target audiences and create materials to promote products/services. As a salesperson, you would be responsible for presenting products/services to customers, negotiating prices, and closing deals.

A few key areas of specialization may include the following:

• Digital Marketing: You would be able to create strategies that use digital channels such as search engine optimization, content marketing, and influencer marketing.
• Advertising: You can develop creative concepts for advertising campaigns and be in charge of their execution.
• Public Relations: You will build relationships with the media and manage how the press portrays your company.
• Market Research: Research customer needs and feedback information to develop effective marketing strategies.
• Customer Service: You directly interact with customers on behalf of a company to provide assistance, information, and support.

Business Administration

An associate degree in business also prepares you for a career in business administration. As an administrator, your primary focus will be managing resources and personnel. You would be responsible for the organization's day-to-day operations, such as budgeting, accounting, and overseeing projects. You could specialize in different areas, such as

• Financial Management: Tracking finances, creating financial plans, and developing strategies to maximize profits.
• Project Management: Developing project plans, analyzing data, and managing teams on various initiatives.
• Quality Management: Working with teams to ensure products/services meet quality standards by using tools like Six Sigma or Total Quality Management (TQM).
• Operations Management: Overseeing operations, creating policies and procedures, and improving efficiency and productivity.
• Administrative Assistance: An administrative assistant provides essential support to ensure efficient operations within an organization and their department.

What are the other pathways to pursue a career in business?

Pursuing a business career can take many paths, and there are advantages to starting with an associate degree. Transferring from an associate program directly into a bachelor's or even MBA is possible, but it depends on the school of interest and their credit acceptance policy.

If you are pursuing an undergraduate degree, most universities often accept associate degrees, and students can choose from various bachelor's degree programs. There are also vocational and technical training programs that focus specifically on business skills, such as management and finance, which can help accelerate some individuals' career transitions.

When choosing a pathway to pursue a business career, potential students should weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each route.

Associate Degree vs. Bachelor's Degree

Aspect	Associate Degree	Bachelor's Degree
Length of Program	Typically 2 years	Typically 4 years
Credits Requires	60-70 credits	120-130 credits
Level of Education	Undergraduate	Undergraduate
Focus	Generally more vocational or technical	Generally more academic
Required Courses	More focused on major-specific courses	A broad range of courses, including general education
Career Options	Often prepares students for entry-level positions or to transfer to a four-year program	Can lead to more advanced or specialized positions in a given field
Cost	Generally less expensive than a bachelor's degree	More expensive than an associate degree
Transferability	Can often transfer credits to a bachelor's program	Can often transfer credits to a master's program

Can I transfer to a four-year school with an associate in business?

Many students who earn an associate degree in business may consider transferring to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor's degree. Fortunately, many options are available regarding bachelor's degrees that build upon the knowledge and skills gained in an associate degree program in business.

A Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) is a popular option. This degree typically covers advanced topics such as marketing, finance, accounting, and management. Students may also have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as entrepreneurship or international business.

Another option is a Bachelor of Arts in Business, which may provide a more well-rounded education in addition to core business courses. This degree may include coursework in areas such as communication, social sciences, humanities, and business topics.

The associate degree to MBA pathway is also an excellent option for anyone seeking to enhance their academic qualifications and develop the necessary skills to succeed in the business world. This program allows students to earn their associate degree in a related field and then seamlessly transition into a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. This pathway is designed for students who want to pursue a business career but may not have the academic background or experience required for direct entry into an MBA program.

However, students must confirm with the institutions they are applying to as transfer requirements vary. All students should also research and contact their chosen schools in advance to ensure that course credits can transfer.

An associate in business might be in your future!

An associate in business is undoubtedly a worthwhile pursuit. Nowadays, there are so many great employment opportunities out there, and often, having the necessary qualifications can be both amazing and life-changing.

The fact that there are accelerated programs that allow you to finish faster, flexible course options designed around your schedule, digital formats allowing you to work wherever and whenever, as well as other related resources make earning your degree very accessible.

In addition, institutions like Campus have made it their mission to offer an affordable associate degree in business tailored for people searching for more education or career prospects. If you're asking, "Is an associate in business worth it?" and are interested in pursuing a business-related career, you can get started by learning how to get an associate degree in business, which is a pathway that can provide you with the critical knowledge and skills to get your foot in the door.

Taking additional time to learn about possible schools and researching potential pathways could help make your decision to become a part of the business world far easier and more enjoyable. And if you'd like to explore options for continuing education in this field, you should consider an affordable, career-focused associate in a business program like Campus. Earning your associate degree has never been easier!