Associate Degree Careers and Earning a Living
Can you really earn a living with just an associate’s degree? You’ll be happy to know that you can. There are plenty of careers out there for associate degree holders, but it all depends on where your interest lie.
The computer industry is a booming field that is growing faster every day. Because many businesses use computers to operate, having a team of people that know how to fix them has become essential. If you’re looking for a lucrative associate degree career, then anything in the computer industry is going to pay big in the long run, including network security,computer programming, and careers in information technology. Most people with an associate degree in areas like systems administration and computer support earn at least $50,000 per year. In some cases, they’re earning much more than that.
If computers aren’t really your thing, then another career option for is dental hygiene. Dental hygienists make almost $60,000 per year and their job is often very low-stress. They spend the most time with patients, so if you like working with people and don’t mind teeth this would be a great field to consider. Again, the low-stress environment is a huge perk for many people.
If the medical field is up your alley, becoming a Registered Nurse is also a wonderful career option. Registered nurses earn about the same amount per year as sonographers, but thanks to the retiring Baby Boomers hospitals and private practices are desperate for nurses to add to their staff. There is definitely a shortage of nurses right now, so if you’re looking for job security and a great income, nursing might be the right career for you.
As you can see, there are plenty of wonderful careers out there. All you have to do is start researching and find out what you think you’d be most interested in doing! Remember, money is good but it doesn’t count for anything if you don’t love what you do.
Guide to Online Associates Degree Programs
Associate degree holders generally have better job prospects than those with only a high school diploma. Earning an associate degree usually takes two years, and doing so in at an online school can be much more convenient than at a traditional campus. Below are the top accredited online schools offering associate degrees in the US.
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With one of the largest offerings of accredited online associate degrees, Post University is consistently highly rated by its students because of its flexibility and affordability. All associate degrees offered are fully accredited. Post was founded in 1890 and has been providing highly-rated degree programs to students ever since with an emphasis on practicality and application. Read full school profile » |
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The University of Phoenix was one of the first accredited colleges to offer online degrees. Today, it has grown to become one of the nation's largest universities through its online division and campuses coast to coast. They remain one of the top choices for students looking for an associates degree online because of the broad array of choice and affordability they offer students. Read full school profile » |
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With perhaps the largest number of online associates degrees offered, Kaplan University's degrees are fully accredited, affordable, and offer a flexibility that many other online schools cannot match. This unrivaled selection spans several industries, hundreds of specializations, and all degree levels of education, empowering students to choose their own path to a career. Read full school profile » |
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One of the nation's leading Christian universities, Liberty offers a broad range of accredited associate degrees online. Their incorporation of moral and ethical considerations into study make them a popular choice for students seeking a well-rounded education built on academic integrity. Established in 1985, Liberty University has one of the longest-standing online education programs in the country. Read full school profile » |
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The online associates degrees at Everest University can be completed in under 2 years, making this a great way for students to quickly works towards their life goals. An associates degree can give you a jump-start on your career and open opportunities around every corner. Many of the programs help students pursue positions in ever-growing fields. Read full school profile » |
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Virginia College offers a wide range of accredited associates programs. VC takes several steps in helping students pays for college by offering financial aid to those who qualify, including textbooks in the tuition cost, and providing online programs that can be completed under two (2) years, giving students a quick way to jump start their careers. Read full school profile » |
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DeVry University is a highly-regarded leader in education with campuses across the nation and several online degrees available. DeVry focuses on providing degrees centered in the technology industry or fields that require a broad understanding and need for technical skills. DeVry has several highly popular degrees like Accounting, Web Graphic Design, Health IT, and Network Systems Administration. Read full school profile » |
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Strayer University has over the last decade become one of the most respected schools offering accredited online associate degrees. Their strong reputation among employers, broad course offerings, and over one hundred years in education make them consistently a top choice for students. Strayer has over 85 campuses and 60,000 students currently attending online or at one of its campuses. Read full school profile » |
