Acquiring a higher education is becoming an increasingly
necessary component to gaining financial stability. If
you’ve been thinking about pursuing a college education,
but either the time involved or the cost is prohibitive, then
perhaps you should consider attaining an associate
degree. An associate degree can be an excellent start to
building a brighter future. Here’s why:
1. It’s a steppingstone to obtaining a bachelor’s and/or
master’s degree. Once you obtain your associate
degree, it makes the journey in pursing other degrees
that much easier. It would just take an additional two
years to get a bachelor’s degree and an additional
three to five years for a master’s degree.
2. It can help you get your foot in the door. When applying
for a job, a person with a degree has a greater
chance of being hired than a person with just a high
school diploma. Companies like Starbucks and
Home Depot offer tuition reimbursement.
3. Getting an associate degree is cost effective. The
College Board estimates that this year the average
two-year college tuition will be $2,191, which is the
amount of the average tax return according to the
IRS.
4. You can earn a competitive salary. It’s true! You don’t
have to wait forever to receive a better salary.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
these are the highest paying jobs for those with an
associate degree:
. Computer Specialist $59,480
. Nuclear Technician $59,200
. Dental Hygienist $58,350
. Radiation Therapist $57,700
. Nuclear Medicine Technologist $55,840
. Fashion Designers $55,840
. Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technician $52,500
. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer $52,490
. Registered Nurse $52,330
. Engineering Technician $49,440
5. College caters to you! It is very possible to work during
the day and take classes at night or vice versa.
Some institutions even offer courses online.
6. Getting your degree can expand your horizons. College
not only teaches you the skills you need for your chosen
profession, but you can also take the opportunity
to learn something new. Always wanted to learn
how to draw? Take a fine arts class. Want to explore
another culture? Consider studying a foreign language.
7. The education you receive will give you life skills.
College is definitely a place to mature. It is an institution
that teaches you patience, hard work, and most
important, how to communicate effectively.-jason thompson