Associate Degree vs. Bachelor's Degree: What's the Difference?

While beginning your college path with an associate degree can provide career opportunities and a strong general education base, it's only the start of the types of college degrees you can achieve. While some students decide to end their higher education journey at an associate, many others move on to a bachelor’s degree as they find it may open more doors for them.

In today’s competitive workforce, a growing number of jobs require an advanced education. If you're looking to further your career and boost your earning potential, it may pay to advance from an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree.* But first, what's the difference?

What is the Difference Between an Associate Degree and a Bachelor's Degree?

The most basic difference between a bachelor’s degree and an associate degree is the time it takes to complete the programs. Associate degrees are typically 2-year programs, while bachelor’s degree programs are typically 4 years and delve more deeply into the area of study.

Credit-wise, an associate degree is typically 60 credits, translating to 20 classes, while a bachelor's degree is 120 credits, or 40 classes. Getting an associate degree first can put you halfway through a bachelor's program if you attend a transfer-friendly university.

An associate degree offers several advantages. Because of the shorter timeframe and lesser credit requirements, it's often more affordable than bachelor’s degree programs. An associate can also prepare you for entry-level jobs.

Additionally, if you're just beginning your college journey, an associate degree can serve as an introduction to higher education and provide a key stepping stone to a bachelor's degree. It can also give you time to determine what you might want to major in, or which career path you'd like to take while still earning college credits.

However, many employers prefer a bachelor's degree to an associate. “A bachelor’s degree can provide a greater depth of knowledge in a field, alongside general education courses that teach students transferable skills,” said Grace Dugan, a military career advisor at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) with over a decade of experience working in student services. “Certain careers and employers place an emphasis on a bachelor’s degree rather than an associate because it can offer greater long-term flexibility for students and show that they have the ability to learn new skills over time.”

Read more about the 4 types of college degrees.

Is It Good to Get an Associate Degree Before a Bachelor's?

An associate degree offers an opportunity to get started while you're still choosing your major, or if you have a game plan but want to ease into your higher education.

Whether you decide to get your Associate of Science degree or an Associate of Arts degree, an associate degree is a cost-effective way to begin your education

A few different types of associate degrees to consider are:

• Associate of Arts in Digital Photography
• Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts
• Associate of Science in Computer Science
• Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
• Associate of Science in Marketing

Having trouble deciding what to major in? Learn how to choose your college major.

Do Employers Prefer a Bachelor's Degree?

While there are many job opportunities available for workers with associate degrees, a bachelor's degree can certainly give a job applicant a competitive edge, said Peter Bartell, an employee relations partner at SNHU with 15 years of experience in career services.

Nearly 2 in 5 adults ages 25 and older had at least a bachelor's degree in 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau report. Similarly, a growing number of U.S. employers are looking for workers with a 4-year degree.* The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that jobs for bachelor’s degree holders will grow 5.6% from 2024 to 2034 — faster than jobs for workers without a college degree.*

Can I Transfer My Associate Degree to a Bachelor's?

Whether you start at a four-year university or a community college to earn your associate degree, transferring from an associate degree program to a bachelor's at a four-year university can be simple.

For instance, at SNHU you can begin your transfer journey by following these easy steps:

1. Complete the free 5-minute online application. There’s no obligation after filling it out.
2. Get your transcripts requested — for free. Chat with an admission counselor, and we'll request your transcripts on your behalf.
3. Receive your free evaluation. Soon after all your transcripts are in, you'll get your official evaluation. It will show you what was transferred in—and what classes you need to complete.

SNHU graduate Blake Venable '24 followed the transfer track from associate to bachelor's.

Venable set out to earn his bachelor's in accounting more than 10 years after achieving an associate degree from a community college. His reason for advancing? To improve upon his already successful accounting career.

“All of my credits transferred, so I got to start off about halfway through my bachelor's degree program,” he said.

Advancing Careers with a Bachelor’s Degree

In this competitive hiring environment, many workers are finding that it pays — literally — to advance from an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree.* According to data from BLS, workers with at least a bachelor’s degree experience lower levels of unemployment and have higher weekly earnings than those with an associate degree.*

Unemployment rates for workers with an associate degree were 2.8% in 2024, compared to 2.5% for workers with a bachelor’s degree, according to BLS.* Median weekly earnings were also higher for bachelor’s degree holders, at $1,543 compared to just $1,099 for associate degree holders, BLS reported.*

Dr. Chase A. Thomas '19 '21G, HS-BCP, BCBA is a general education adjunct at SNHU as well as an alum, and the director of clinical development for a healthcare organization. When he finished his Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts in 2018, he knew he wanted to move forward with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services, which he completed in 2019.

Thomas's educational goals then led him to earn his Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from SNHU in 2021. He later earned a Doctorate of Human Services degree (note: SNHU does not offer this program) and became dually certified as a Human Services Board Certified Professional (HS-BCP) and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). But, it all started with the associate level for him.

“An associate degree provided me the flexibility and a chance to get a broad, yet succinct educational background to jumpstart my career,” said Thomas. “I wanted to pursue a bachelor’s degree to further my education and level of competence.”

I Have My Associate Degree: Now What?

If you're ready to advance into a bachelor's degree program, there are a few things to consider first.

“Absolutely do your research,” Dugan said. “The internet offers us access to so many tools that can help you as you explore possible degrees and outcomes."

Dugan also suggested reaching out to your network when making the decision. "Most importantly, I recommend that all students speak to as many people as they can about their possible interests and complete informational interviews with family, friends and co-workers to understand what pathways are recommended for certain career outcomes,” she said.

Luckily, there are many options in today’s higher education world that make moving from an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree easier. For example, many associate degree credits transfer directly to a bachelor’s degree program, fast-tracking your ability to earn a four-year degree. SNHU even partners with community colleges around the country to seamlessly transfer credits from associate and bachelor's degree programs.

You can also choose to attend an online college so you can work at your own pace and complete your coursework around your schedule at work and at home.

*Cited job growth projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Actual salaries and/or earning potential may be the result of a combination of factors including, but not limited to: years of experience, industry of employment, geographic location, and worker skill.

Danielle Gagnon is a freelance writer focused on higher education. She started her career working as an education reporter for a daily newspaper in New Hampshire, where she reported on local schools and education policy. Gagnon served as the communications manager for a private school in Boston, MA before later starting her freelance writing career. Today, she continues to share her passion for education as a writer for Southern New Hampshire University. Connect with her on LinkedIn.