Two-Year Degree Pays Big Dividends
More than fifty percent of high school seniors in America go on to pursue at least a two-year college degree. High school grads who spend just two years in college out-earn their high school competitors by an average of 250,000 dollars in lifetime earnings. Interestingly, one post-secondary degree, the Associate Degree, takes just two years to complete at a community college, junior college, technical school or online university.
The extra earning power of the Associate Degree reflects what has become a three-tiered earning structure in many career fields. This is caused in large part by increasing levels of specialization in which different jobs require different levels of learning. Within any career field, job seekers will find jobs requiring a multi-year graduate degree, a four-year Bachelors degree, or in many cases just two years of specialized training culminating in an Associate Degree.
One excellent example is the medical or health-care field. Top wage earners in this field doctors and pharmacists, for example all must complete more than four years of college or university work. Those holding second tier jobs in the medical or health-care field a physical therapist or recreation administrator in a nursing home or hospital must hold a four-year university degree. But high school graduates who invest just two years to earn their Associate Degree will also find lots of well-paid third tier job opportunities in the medical and health-care job market. Job examples include dental hygienist, physical therapy assistant or radiologic technologist.
While the health care field illustrates the many job opportunities waiting for the holder of an Associate Degree, it is not the only job sector where graduates can anticipate earning above-average pay. Depending on the kind of degree there are two general types of Associate Degree with specific degrees ranging from the Associate in Technology degree to the Associate of Applied Science degree grads can find work in many high-paying professions. Job titles may include computer technician, hotel or restaurant manager, heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration technician, water-treatment plant operator or registered nurse.
In addition to the chance for a secure career path with a well-paid job, there are excellent secondary grounds for considering a two-year degree program. In most cases, high school grads can get their diploma within easy driving distance from home at a nearby community college, junior college or technical school. Along with saving on living expenses, they also benefit from the generally lower fees found at community colleges or local technical schools.
For those who want to work full-time and get their Associate Degree part-time, distance learning may be an option worth taking a look at especially for adults still holding a full-time job. Many of the country's top online universities offer two-year degree programs in addition to their traditional four-year Bachelor Degrees. One place to begin researching this option is the nations biggest online university, the University of Phoenix Online. The University of Phoenix Online offers several different kinds of Associate Degree programs through its sister university, Axia College of University of Phoenix. Take a look at the resource box that follows this article for links to websites that will help you find more information about this topic.
Matt Paolini works from home as a distance learner. Visit University of Phoneix online degrees or University of Pheonix online degrees for free distance learning info.
