associate degree
noun
variants
or less commonly associate's degree
: a degree that is given to a student who has completed two years of study typically at a community or junior college in the U.S.
Examples of associate degree in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Among associate degree students, that share rises to 56%, with 15% giving it serious consideration.
—
Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 7 Apr. 2026
Through the post-secondary program, Tran will also graduate from Dakota County Technical College with an associate degree in construction management, while Sonterre will complete a sales specialist certificate at DCTC.
—Elliot Mann, Twin Cities, 5 Apr. 2026
The opportunities extend beyond associate degrees, with some universities offering full bachelor's programs tailored to specific correctional populations.
—CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
The state law dictated at least 10 graduates for an associate degree program; 15 for a bachelor’s; seven for a master’s; and three for a doctorate program or an education specialist degree typically held by superintendents.
—Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
Those enrollment quotas are 10 graduates for an associate degree, 15 for a bachelor's, seven for a master's and three for a doctorate or education specialist degree.
—Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 1 Apr. 2026
Simmons joined the Air Force in 2017 and earned an associate degree from the Community College of the Air Force.
—ABC News, 15 Mar. 2026
Enrollments in undergraduate certificate and associate degree programs both grew by about 2% in fall 2025, while enrollment in bachelor's degree programs rose by less than 1%, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.
—Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 8 Mar. 2026
But the per-unit cost to earn a two-year associate degree is $46, and most classes are three units each.
—Phil Blair, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026
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Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 7 Apr. 2026
Through the post-secondary program, Tran will also graduate from Dakota County Technical College with an associate degree in construction management, while Sonterre will complete a sales specialist certificate at DCTC.
—Elliot Mann, Twin Cities, 5 Apr. 2026
The opportunities extend beyond associate degrees, with some universities offering full bachelor's programs tailored to specific correctional populations.
—CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
The state law dictated at least 10 graduates for an associate degree program; 15 for a bachelor’s; seven for a master’s; and three for a doctorate program or an education specialist degree typically held by superintendents.
—Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
Those enrollment quotas are 10 graduates for an associate degree, 15 for a bachelor's, seven for a master's and three for a doctorate or education specialist degree.
—Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 1 Apr. 2026
Simmons joined the Air Force in 2017 and earned an associate degree from the Community College of the Air Force.
—ABC News, 15 Mar. 2026
Enrollments in undergraduate certificate and associate degree programs both grew by about 2% in fall 2025, while enrollment in bachelor's degree programs rose by less than 1%, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.
—Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 8 Mar. 2026
But the per-unit cost to earn a two-year associate degree is $46, and most classes are three units each.
—Phil Blair, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Associate degree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/associate%20degree. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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