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College and Career Counseling Page
This site is designed to help students and families explore 2-year associate degree programs and understand how they can lead directly to careers or serve as a pathway to a 4-year college or university.
Associate degrees are affordable, flexible, and career-focused—making them a strong option for many students.
What Is an Associate Degree?
What Is an Associate Degree?
An associate degree is a 2-year college degree typically earned at a community college or technical college.
Most programs require 60 credit hours and can be completed in 2 years or less.
Common Types of Associate Degrees
Common Types of Associate Degrees
AA (Associate of Arts) – Often transfer-focused
AS (Associate of Science) – STEM or health-related pathways
AAS (Associate of Applied Science) – Career & technical programs designed for immediate employment
Why Choose a 2-Year Program?
Why Choose a 2-Year Program?
Lower cost than 4-year colleges
Smaller class sizes
Career-ready skills
Flexible scheduling (day, night, online)
Ability to transfer to a 4-year university
Opportunity to explore careers before committing long-term
Career-Focused Associate Degree Programs
Career-Focused Associate Degree Programs
These programs are designed to prepare students for immediate employment after graduation.
Popular Career Pathways
Popular Career Pathways
Nursing (RN)
Radiologic Technology
Dental Hygiene
Physical Therapist Assistant
Computer Information Systems
Cybersecurity
Welding
HVAC
Automotive Technology
Construction Technology
Culinary Arts
Criminal Justice
Early Childhood Education
Transfer Associate Degrees (2+2 Pathway)
Transfer Associate Degrees (2+2 Pathway)
Many students earn an associate degree and then transfer to a 4-year university.
How the 2+2 Pathway Works
How the 2+2 Pathway Works
Complete an AA or AS degree at a community college
Transfer credits to a 4-year university
Earn a bachelor’s degree in 2 additional years
Benefits of Transferring
Benefits of Transferring
Save money on tuition
Stay close to home
Smaller classes for general education courses
Admissions Requirements
Admissions Requirements
Requirements vary by college, but often include:
High school diploma
Placement testing (ACT, Accuplacer, or similar)
Application for admission
FAFSA (for financial aid)
Cost & Financial Aid
Cost & Financial Aid
Typical Costs
Typical Costs
Tuition is usually significantly lower than 4-year universities
Many programs qualify for financial aid and scholarships
Financial Aid Options
Financial Aid Options
FAFSA
A+ Program (if eligible)
Scholarships
Grants
Workforce development funding
Local & Regional 2-Year Colleges
Local & Regional 2-Year Colleges
Jefferson College
St. Louis Community College
State Technical College of Missouri
Mineral Area College
East Central College
How to Get Started
How to Get Started
Research programs of interest
Visit college websites
Attend campus tours or open houses
Apply to the college
Complete FAFSA
Meet with your school counselor
Helpful Resources
Helpful Resources
College websites
FAFSA: https://studentaid.gov
Missouri A+ Program
Career interest inventories
Need Help?
Need Help?
If you have questions about associate degree programs or how they fit into your postsecondary plan, please contact:
Andrea Reed
College & Career Counselor
Windsor High School
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