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How does two years of college compare to four?

How does financial life after four years of college compare to only two years of college. Do people hiring care a significant amount about the amount of years you have gone to college if you have skill?

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Anika’s Answer

Hi Alexandra,
The financial life and career opportunities can vary significantly between those who complete a two-year college program (typically an associate degree) and those who complete a four-year college program (typically a bachelor's degree). Here are some key comparisons:

Financial Life After Two Years of College

Pros:

Lower Cost: Two-year programs are generally much cheaper than four-year programs, resulting in less student debt.
Earlier Entry into Workforce: You can enter the workforce sooner, which means you start earning money earlier.
Practical Skills: Many associate degree programs are designed to provide specific technical or vocational skills that can be immediately applied in the job market.
Cons:

Lower Earning Potential: On average, people with associate degrees earn less than those with bachelor’s degrees.
Limited Career Advancement: Some higher-paying jobs and career advancement opportunities require at least a bachelor's degree.
Financial Life After Four Years of College

Pros:

Higher Earning Potential: On average, people with bachelor’s degrees earn more over their lifetimes compared to those with associate degrees.
Better Career Opportunities: Many professional and managerial positions require a bachelor’s degree.
Broader Education: A four-year degree often provides a broader education, which can be beneficial for adapting to different career paths and job opportunities.
Cons:

Higher Cost: Four-year programs are more expensive, potentially leading to more student debt.
Longer Time to Enter Workforce: You spend more time in school before you start earning money.
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Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Alexandra !

There are actually four academic durations if you want to know about what the difference is and how much it matters. It's all conditional and depends on many things. You would need to obtain the degree for your selected career. Upon reading information about the career you choose, you will learn if you need a college degree or a diploma from a Vocational School. It all will weigh upon which career you choose and how much you do or do not like school.

For an Associates Degree (two years of college), many professionals do well with this degree in Photography, the Performing and Fine Arts, Cosmetology, Web Developer, Dental Hygienist, Registered Nurse, Diagnostic Imaging, Radiological and MRI Technician, Respiratory Therapist, Paralegal and Legal Assistant and Real Estate Agent just to name a few.

With a Bachelors Degree (4 years of college) there are many positions you can obtain. Some of them are Engineer, Marketing Manager, Architect, Human Resources Manager, Database Administrator, Finance Manager, Computer and Information Systems Analyst, Accountant, Economist, Software Developer, and Health Services Manager managing the business end of health services. Those are just a very few for example that require a Bachelors Degree.

When people go for their Masters Degree (two more years) it is because the career requires it or they want to enhance and advance their college experience. So a two year degree can be just as satisfying as a four year degree, it just depends on your specific career goal and your career choice. Employers will read a resume and if the job requires a Bachelors Degree, they hope that people that have that degree apply.

No one can say who makes more money because that depends on too much as well. It will depend on the city, state or town you work in, the career or vocation, if you work one job or two at the same time, whether or not you work at a company or freelance for yourself. For example, a nurse with a Bachelors Degree in West Virginia could be making less or the same as a nurse in New York City who has an Associates Degree. My advice is not to worry about salaries, think about what you really love and want to do in your future. Also, pay rates would be very different by the time you start your career as things change all the time.

For right now, you can start out by determining how much you like school, studying, reading, writing, participating in class and working on assigned projects. If you are really passionate about school, you can decide on how many years you'd like to attend. If you are reluctant about school, there are vocational schools at which the duration can be from months to two years. Do give it some time to think about as you should make this decision knowing what you exactly want to do.

Employers sometimes choose resumes that only have a college degree that they want in an applicant. Anyone that has put in time at college, training and getting experience in the field they are applying to will have skill. The Degree is something that reflects certain things to employers. They may believe the person has sharpened communication skills, presentational skills, writing skills and organizational skills and experience working on pertinent projects. Not that a non-degreed person wouldn't also have these qualities, but the resume is a quick glance and criteria such as education is selected.

I hope that you will ask more questions so that we can help you in whatever you may be wondering about for college and career. I wish you all the best !
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Nancy’s Answer

Hello there! Remember, every step you take, no matter how small, is a step towards reaching your goals. There's a wide array of jobs out there that only require a two-year college education. Plus, you'll have a head start over those who can't attend college. So, keep fueling your dreams and pushing forward.

To get started, why not create a LinkedIn profile? It's a great platform to showcase your skills and connect with potential employers. Also, don't forget to explore Indeed for entry-level job opportunities.

Moreover, consider gaining additional experience through internships or volunteering while you're in college. It's a fantastic way to enhance your resume and learn new skills.

Keep going, you're doing great. Good luck!
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