AA vs AS vs AAS Degree: Which Should You Earn?

If you’re considering pursuing an associate degree, you have a few options – the main ones being an Associate of Arts (AA) Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS). But what’s the difference, and which one is right for your goals?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare AA, AS and AAS degrees to help you determine the best path.

Overview of Associate Degrees

First, let’s quickly define each type of associate degree:

• AA (Associate of Arts) – Liberal arts-focused program with general education requirements. Prepares students for bachelor’s degree programs or careers in fields like business, communications, education, social sciences.

• AS (Associate of Science) – Math and science-focused program with more electives in those subjects. Prepares students for bachelor’s degrees or careers in STEM, health sciences, or technical fields.

• AAS (Associate of Applied Science) – Career-focused program with technical and hands-on coursework. Prepares students to enter the workforce immediately in skilled trades or technical roles.

While all three are 2-year programs, their focus and outcomes can be quite different. Keep reading to understand the key distinctions.

Primary Differences Between AA, AS and AAS

There are several major ways that AA, AS and AAS degrees differ:

1. Transferability

• AA and AS – Designed for transferring credits to 4-year bachelor’s degree programs. Most core credits should transfer seamlessly.

• AAS – Not designed for transfer. Credits rarely transfer to bachelor’s programs due to technical focus. Best for entering workforce after graduation.

2. Coursework Focus

• AA – Broad liberal arts curriculum with emphasis on general education. Communications, social sciences, humanities.

• AS – General education but more focus on math and natural sciences. More electives in those subjects.

• AAS – Hands-on technical and job-specific training. Less general education.

3. Career Outcomes

• AA – Prepares graduates for careers or further study in education, journalism, social work, counseling, administrative roles.

• AS – Prepares graduates for technical careers or bachelor’s programs in engineering, health sciences, computer science.

• AAS – Prepares graduates to enter technical jobs like nursing assistant, automotive tech, IT specialist, graphic design immediately after graduation.

Overlap Between AA, AS and AAS

While there are clear differences, AA, AS and AAS degrees also share some common traits:

• All are typically 2-year programs requiring 60 credits for completion

• All require general education coursework like English, writing, math, lab science, and social sciences

• All award an associate’s degree upon completion

• All provide affordable access to higher education, often at community colleges

So no matter which you choose, you’ll get many of the foundations needed to build an education or career.

Which Degree Do Employers Prefer?

In most cases, employers don’t prefer one type of associate degree over another. The right degree depends on the industry and job role.

For example:

• Computer science jobs may prefer an AS since it requires technical coursework.

• Business roles may prefer an AA since it builds communication skills.

• Nursing assistant jobs may want an AAS to ensure clinical knowledge.

Some tips:

• Research standard education for your desired career field – that should guide your degree choice.

• Attending a reputable school may matter more to employers than which type of degree you earn.

• If undecided on a career, an AA or AS offers the most flexibility.

The most important factors are picking a program that aligns with your goals and graduating from an accredited institution.

How Do Salaries Compare?

Salaries can also vary significantly by industry and specific job role. However, here are some generalizations:

• AA degrees prepare graduates for fields like business, communications, education, and social services. Average salary around $45,000.

• AS degrees prepare graduates for technical fields like engineering, IT, and healthcare. Average salary around $55,000.

• AAS degrees prepare graduates for technical/trade skills like dental hygiene, graphic design, IT specialist. Average salary around $40,000.

Of course, salaries can differ drastically based on location, company, experience, and position. But generally AS degrees lead to higher initial salaries due to focus on technical, high-demand fields.

Which Fields Might Each Degree Suit?

Here are some examples of fields where each degree may be a fit:

AA Degree Fields

• Communications
• Education
• Journalism
• Marketing
• Business Administration
• Early Childhood Education
• Human Resources
• Public Relations

AS Degree Fields

• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Mathematics
• Forensics
• Health Sciences
• Information Technology
• Radiology
• Dental Hygiene

AAS Degree Fields

• Nursing Assistant
• Automotive Tech
• Construction Management
• Criminal Justice
• Paralegal Studies
• Graphic Design
• Medical Assistant
• Physical Therapist Assistant

These are common options, but not exhaustive lists. Many other fields accept applicants with any type of associate degree, so don’t limit yourself strictly based on degree name.

Which Degree Offers the Most Affordable Tuition?

Associate degrees are extremely affordable compared to bachelor’s or master’s programs, no matter which type you choose.

That said, here are some high-level tuition averages:

• AA degrees – Full program tuition around $8,000 at community colleges, $14,000 at 4-year public schools

• AS degrees – Full program tuition around $11,000 at community colleges, $15,000 at 4-year public schools

• AAS degrees – Full program tuition around $9,500 at community colleges, $13,500 at 4-year public schools

So AA degrees appear to be the most affordable at community colleges, while AAS degrees are cheapest at 4-year institutions. But all three options come at a fraction of the cost of bachelor’s programs.

How Should You Choose Between AA, AS and AAS?

When selecting which type of associate degree to pursue, consider your career goals and interests.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want to transfer and pursue a bachelor’s later? AA or AS.

• Do I want job-specific technical skills for immediate employment? AAS.

• Do I know my career field? Match degree accordingly.

• Do I prefer hands-on or classroom learning?

• Am I undecided on my career? AA or AS allow flexibility.

Also research the typical requirements and common degree types for your intended career. That can provide direction.

Discussing your options with a college admissions counselor can provide additional guidance as you choose your program.

Key Takeaways

• AA degrees focus on general education in arts and humanities. AS focuses more heavily on math and natural science courses.

• AAS degrees are very career-specific and hands-on. AA and AS lean more academic and theoretical.

• AA and AS transfer well to 4-year bachelor’s programs. AAS credits rarely transfer.

• All associate degree types can lead to strong careers and continued education if paired with the right major.

No matter which associate degree you choose, completing one at an accredited school can help you land your first job in your desired field or continue your studies. Allow your specific career aspirations to guide which program suits you best.