According to the College Board, as of 2010, the average cost of tuition for a two-year associate's degree is $2,544 per year. Some associate's degrees will cost more than this, while others cost less. This price estimate also doesn't include possible awards, scholarships, grants or other financial assistance.
Overall, two-year associate's degrees from community colleges are much more affordable than four-year degrees. The College Board cites the average in-state tuition cost for a public four-year college as $7,020 per year, while the average cost for out-of-state students is $11,528 per year. For private universities, the average annual cost of tuition is $26,273.
Associate's degrees are less versatile than degrees from four-year colleges and not suitable for all professions. Some positions require four-year degrees. Obtaining an associate's degree rather than a bachelor's degree is better suited for vocational fields of study and entry-level positions.