An associate degree in fine arts usually requires an average of two years, or four semesters, to complete, while a bachelor's takes an average of four years, or eight semesters. You can get an associate's degree at community colleges, two-year art schools or even four-year schools, but you can only get a bachelor's degree at a four-year college, university or art school.
Associate degrees are offered mostly at community colleges, which have drastically lower tuition costs than four-year universities. Usually students attend colleges in their home states, which means they can pay in-state tuition. It's also possible to pay in-state tuition at public four-year universities, but private schools cost vastly more than either of these.
An associate degree generally covers broader, more basic courses in fine arts than a bachelor's degree does. A two-year art academy associate degree program provides more specialized training than what is usually offered at a community college. Both associate and bachelor's degrees usually require courses in art history, graphic design, performing and studio arts and art theory and criticism. However, a Bachelor in Fine Arts requires more studio art classes and possibly even a sub-discipline outside the student's major.
Generally, it is easier to get accepted to an associate program in fine arts than to a bachelor's program. Associate's programs at community colleges usually require transcripts and letters of recommendation for admission. They do not always require a portfolio or audition, while bachelor's programs almost always do. No matter which degree you choose, you will have a better chance of getting accepted if you create a portfolio early.