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#What Kinds of College Degrees Are There?

Article Summary

What is the difference between undergraduate and graduate degrees?

Undergraduate (associate and bachelor) degrees give you a general foundation plus a basis in your field. Graduate (master's and doctorate) degrees specialize in a specific field.

Where do I get an associate degree, and how much does it cost?

• From: community or junior colleges, and trade or professional schools
• Time: 60 hours (2 years)
• Average cost: $8,000

Where do I get a bachelor's degree, and how much does it cost?

• From: 4-year colleges or universities
• Time: 120 hours (4 years)
• Average cost: $21,000 (standard public college) or $40,000 (private college) (including tuition, room and board)

Where do I get a master's degree, and how much does it cost?

• From: public or private university
• Time: 40-60 additional hours (2 years)
• Average cost: $24,000 (public university) or $35,000 (private university)

Where do I get a doctorate, and how much does it cost?

• From: public or private university
• Time: 64 or more hours (4+ years, 3 for law)
• Average cost: $25,000 (public university) or $36,000 (private university)

About the Author

Brian O'Connell is a Bucks County, Pa.-based best-selling business book author and a regular contributor to Street.com, Yahoo Finance, and MSN.Money. A former Wall Street bond trader, O'Connell is also author of the books "Free Yourself From Student Loan Debt" and "The Career Survival Guide."