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
Vocational training, certificate or associate degree programs allow job seekers to enter the field more quickly and can earn six figures.
—
Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 21 Jan. 2026
For students with associate degrees, the split of manageable debt to no debt is about 60% to 30%.
—Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 19 Jan. 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%, the report found.
—Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 15 Jan. 2026
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Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 21 Jan. 2026
For students with associate degrees, the split of manageable debt to no debt is about 60% to 30%.
—Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 19 Jan. 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%, the report found.
—Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 15 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Associate degree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/associate%20degree. Accessed 26 Jan. 2026.
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