Overview
As of 2021, the average cost of a four-year public college is $27,330, while the average cost of a four-year private college is $55,800.
Earning an associate’s degree while in high school can be a great way to save money on college tuition and get a head start on your career.
Benefits of Earning an Associate’s Degree in High School
There are many benefits to earning an associate’s degree while in high school, including:
- Save money on college tuition. The average cost of tuition for an associate’s degree is around $3,500, compared to $27,330 for a four-year public college.
- Get a head start on your career. Many associate’s degrees lead to careers that are in high demand, such as nursing, business, and information technology.
- Increase your earning potential. Workers with an associate’s degree earn an average of $7,000 more per year than workers with only a high school diploma.
- Be more competitive in the job market. In many fields, employers prefer to hire candidates with an associate’s degree or higher.
- Prepare for a four-year college. Taking college courses while in high school can help you get a head start on completing your bachelor’s degree.
How to Earn an Associate’s Degree in High School
There are two main ways to earn an associate’s degree while in high school:
- Through a dual enrollment program: Dual enrollment programs allow high school students to take college courses for both high school and college credit. This is the most common way to earn an associate’s degree in high school.
- Through an early college high school: Early college high schools are schools that offer both high school and college courses. Students who attend early college high schools typically earn an associate’s degree or a high school diploma with college credits.
Which Type of Program is Right for You?
The best way to determine which type of program is right for you is to talk to your high school counselor. They can help you assess your academic goals and needs and make a recommendation.
Tips for Success
If you are considering earning an associate’s degree in high school, here are a few tips:
- Start early. The sooner you start taking college courses, the more time you will have to complete your degree.
- Talk to your teachers and counselors. They can help you choose the right courses and make sure you are on track to graduate with an associate’s degree.
- Be prepared to work hard. College courses are more challenging than high school courses. You will need to be prepared to put in the time and effort to succeed.
- Take advantage of resources. Many schools offer support services for dual enrollment students, such as tutoring and academic advising.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you are struggling with a class, don’t be afraid to ask your teacher or a tutor for help.
Conclusion
Earning an associate’s degree while in high school can be a great way to save money on college tuition, get a head start on your career, and increase your earning potential. If you are considering this option, talk to your high school counselor to learn more about the programs that are available.
Additional Information
In addition to the information above, here are some additional things to consider if you are thinking about earning an associate’s degree while in high school:
- Not all high schools offer dual enrollment programs. If your high school does not offer a dual enrollment program, you may be able to take college courses through a local community college or online.
- You may need to pay for college courses. If you take college courses through a dual enrollment program, you may need to pay for the cost of tuition and fees. However, in some cases, you may be able to get financial aid to help cover the cost.
- You will need to meet the admission requirements for the college. Before you can take college courses, you will need to meet the admission requirements for the college. This may include taking certain high school courses, achieving a certain GPA, or taking an entrance exam.
If you are willing to put in the work, earning an associate’s degree while in high school can be a great way to get a head start on your future.
