Is an Associate Degree in Business Administration Worth It? Breaking Down ROI and Career Growth

The field of business management is constantly expanding. In fact, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that there will be 1.1 million new openings annually between 2024 and 2034, making management one of the fastest-growing roles across industries.
Still, many who are interested in the business management field wonder: “Is an associate degree in business administration worth it?” To answer this question, it’s important to consider both personal goals and potential career outcomes. Discover what you need to know about earning this entry-level degree and whether it can truly help you support your long-term professional goals.

What an Associate Degree in Business Administration Covers

The University of Arkansas Grantham’s Associate Degree in Business Administration and Management is the first step in building foundational knowledge and skills needed for success in business.

Program coursework includes an overview of business and office management and operations fundamentals. You’ll also be introduced to critical topics in marketing strategies, human resource management, and business ethics.

The program also includes several general education requirements, including psychology, math, economics, and technical writing. The two-year, 60-credit-hour program ensures students have a well-rounded education that prepares them to marry theoretical knowledge with real-world concepts.

It’s important to note that this online degree program offers an Associate of Arts, focusing on humanities and social science courses. Alternatively, an Associate of Science pathway focuses more on science, technology, engineering, and math.

Who an Associate Degree in Business Administration May Be a Fit For

UA Grantham’s Associate of Arts in Business Administration and Management is designed with flexibility in mind, which means various types of learners can find value in earning one.

Those entering higher education with a high school diploma can use it as a stepping stone in a dynamic career in a growing field, while working adults seeking entry-level business knowledge can earn a degree and start a career in less time than it would take them to complete a four-year program.

Associate degree holders who wish to enter the business arena can use the program to build business skills and acumen before advancing into a new role. Additionally, individuals planning to transfer credits into a four-year bachelor’s degree program can take prerequisites to create a solid foundation and possibly shorten their path to completion.

Career Paths and Entry-Level Roles to Consider

Those earning an Associate of Arts in Business Administration and Management often go on to build dynamic and flexible careers. Just a few of the entry-level roles commonly associated with business administration education include:

• Administrative assistant
• Office management support roles
• Store manager or assistant store manager roles, depending on employer requirements
• Entry-level roles in operations or project management support

Though job opportunities vary by employer, location, and prior experience, the good news is that the foundational business skills you’ll acquire in your degree program can apply across industries, such as healthcare, retail, and real estate.

Many employers seek candidates who understand operational management, strategic planning, communication, leadership, and finance, all of which are included in your business administration and management curriculum.

Understanding ROI and Earning Potential

Typically, degrees are considered “worth it” when they bring a tangible return on investment for students once they graduate. However, what constitutes ROI will vary for each individual student. Commonly, those considering an associate degree program evaluate factors like:

• Time to completion
• Comparative cost
• Applicability of skills
• Occupational context

For example, many appreciate the fact that an Associate of Arts in Business Administration and Management takes just two years to complete, which can result in lower educational expenses compared to a four-year degree. Additionally, the broad curriculum allows for transferable skills like strategic planning and data analysis that can be applied across industries.

Finally, many business management roles are experiencing growth (for example, demand for human resources managers is expected to outpace that of all occupations by 2% in the next decade), which can mean greater earning potential.

Still, it’s important to remember that earning potential varies and is influenced by many factors beyond degree level, including skill level, experience, and physical location.

Associate Degree vs. Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration

Many students consider whether to go for a bachelor’s degree or consider an associate degree program. While the latter is a two-year program, the bachelor’s typically takes four years to complete.

You’ll need to complete 60 credit hours to earn your associate degree, while the bachelor’s requires 120. Still, your bachelor’s program will allow you to specialize, giving you more room to go in-depth on topics like entrepreneurship.

It’s important to consider the fact that an associate degree can also serve as a starting point for learners who later pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Those who wish to pursue advanced or specialized roles or expand earning potential may consider continuing into a bachelor’s degree program or beyond.

Is an Associate Degree in Business Administration Worth It?

Before you enroll in an Associate of Arts in Business Administration and Management program, consider your educational and professional intentions and whether the curriculum offered will align with your future goals.

Aligning your education choices with personal and professional objectives is a crucial step on your journey, as it ensures that your time, money, and effort are invested in learning information that directly contributes to achieving your goals.

Additionally, think about the career you want to build and ensure the coursework you take will help you build the skills you need for success in your target industry and role. You may also want to consider the potential time commitment and flexibility you may need to balance your education with other responsibilities.

Is an associate's degree in business administration worth it? Ultimately, the answer will depend on your individual circumstances and whether it helps you build the life you envision for yourself.

Taking the Next Step With UA Grantham

UA Grantham’s associate degree in business administration allows students to complete courses online over eight-week terms with structured weekly deadlines. This ensures a high degree of flexibility for adult learners who need to fit their education around their busy lives.

Because our associate degree programs help you build foundational knowledge and skills, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to continue into our bachelor’s degree programs after completion. Request info to learn more about how a UA Grantham degree can help you achieve your goals. Apply now to start work toward your career objectives.