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Is an associate degree in graphic design worth it?

Question:

Is an associate degree in graphic design worth it?

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Answer:

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, graphic designers earn an average annual salary of $52,110, and the potential for growth in the industry is about 3%, which is a bit below average, so there may not be many prospects. Because an associate's degree only requires two or fewer years of college education, the equivalent of about 60 credit hours, it is much more affordable than a bachelor's degree, which is a degree requirement that is necessary for many professions that average this rate of salary. So as far as the financial and time investment in the degree for the salary benefit, it seems to be a reasonable exchange. However, many graphic designers will need a minimum of a bachelor's degree to be employed, so it may be necessary to obtain that degree to be fully qualified. Because a bachelor's degree takes an average of four years to earn 120 credits, it will take significantly longer and cost more for tuition and other expenses, including taking longer to get a full-time job. There are accelerated degree options available for some programs that can be completed in three years, so that could be something worth exploring.

For more information about education for graphic design careers, check out this article.

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