Getting an Associate Degree in Finance: Admission Requirements, Career Benefits, Salaries & More

An associate degree in finance stands out for its unique blend of focused education and practical applicability, offering distinct advantages that set it apart from other degrees. 

You’re equipped with skills that are immediately applicable to entry-level positions in banking, investment firms, credit analysis, financial planning, and more. The tailored education ensures that you’re job-ready at the earliest.

While associate degrees are terminal degrees, i.e. they can stand alone as a credential, they also often serve as stepping stones to higher education. 

Many universities offer seamless transfer pathways, allowing you, with an associate degree in finance, to transition smoothly into bachelor’s programs in related fields if you wish to pursue advanced education and career opportunities in the future.

Among all finance degrees, an associate degree in finance is a two-year undergraduate academic program that gives you a foundational understanding of financial concepts and practices. Community colleges, technical schools, and some universities typically offer it.

The curriculum covers various topics, including financial accounting, managerial accounting, economics, investments, personal finance, financial management, business mathematics, and more.

While an associate degree might not open the same range of opportunities as a bachelor’s or higher degree, it can still provide a foundation for entry-level roles such as financial assistants, accounting clerks, bank tellers, credit analysts, and other positions. 

Types of Associate Degrees in Finance:

Associate of Science (AS) in Finance: 

Imagine diving into the math and logic behind money decisions. With an AS in finance, you’ll explore how investments, markets, and financial tools work. You’ll learn how to analyze numbers to make smart choices about money. This degree can set you up for roles like financial analyst, where you help companies make sense of their finances.

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Finance: 

An AAS in finance focuses on real-world skills you’d use in finance jobs. You’ll learn about banking, customer service, and managing financial services. It’s like a toolkit for working in banks, credit unions, and places where people manage money daily.

Associate of Arts (AA) in Finance: 

You’ll learn about financial concepts with an AA in finance while exploring arts and humanities. It’s like blending the art of understanding people with the science of managing money.

Associate Degree in Business Administration (Finance): 

With this degree, you’ll get a taste of everything in business, like management, marketing, and accounting, with a focus on finance. It’s like gaining a versatile toolkit for understanding how money moves in business.

Associate Degree in Accounting and Finance: 

Picture yourself as a financial detective. This degree combines tracking money with understanding how to manage it. You’ll learn about financial statements, analyzing data, and making financial decisions. It’s a great start if you’re curious about finance and the nuts and bolts of accounting.

Associate Degree in Banking and Finance: 

You’ll dive into how banks work, the rules they follow, and how they help people manage their money. You’ll learn about loans, investments, and the behind-the-scenes of financial institutions.

Associate Degree in Real Estate and Finance: 

This degree explores the world of real estate and how money is tied to it. You’ll study property values, real estate transactions, and financing options for buying and selling properties. 

The average salary for someone in business and financial operations occupations is $96,920. Here are some common associate degree in finance jobs and roles that you can pursue:

Teller

You’ll be working at the frontlines of banks and financial institutions. Your primary responsibility will be handling various financial transactions for customers. This includes processing deposits, withdrawals, and loan payments accurately and efficiently.  

Average salary: $46,350 (Source)

Accounting Assistant

Support accounting departments by recording financial transactions, reconciling accounts, and assisting in preparing financial statements.

Average salary: $37,429 (Source)

Financial Services Representative

Work in financial institutions, such as credit unions or investment firms, assisting clients with account management, investment options, and financial planning.

Average salary: $50,358 (Source)

Collections Specialist

Work for businesses or financial institutions to manage overdue accounts, negotiate payment plans, and ensure timely collection of outstanding debts.

Average salary: $53,380 (Source)

Junior Auditor

Assist in auditing financial records, ensuring compliance with regulations, and identifying discrepancies or potential areas of concern.

Average salary: $58,816 (Source)

Claims Adjuster

Investigate and evaluate insurance claims, determining the validity of claims and negotiating settlements with policyholders.

Average salary: $62,082 (Source: Indeed)

Tax Preparer

Assist individuals and small businesses in preparing and filing tax returns, ensuring compliance with tax regulations.

Average salary: $48,250 (Source)

Bookkeeper

Maintain financial records, process invoices, manage accounts payable and receivable, and assist in reconciling financial statements.

Average salary: $43,536 (Source: Indeed)

Payroll Clerk

Process payroll for organizations, calculate wages, ensure accurate deductions, and address payroll-related inquiries.

Average salary: $49,630 (Source)

Financial Clerk

Manage tasks like invoicing, accounts payable/receivable, data entry, and record keeping. You ensure accurate financial records, assist in reporting, and support transactions, contributing to an organization’s financial operations and integrity.

Average salary: $47,130 (Source)

The curriculum for an associate degree in finance can vary between institutions, but here’s a general overview of the types of courses you might study in any similar program:

Introduction to Finance

An overview of financial concepts and the role of finance in business and the economy.

Financial Accounting

Introduction to accounting principles, financial statements, and how financial data is recorded and reported.

Managerial Accounting

Focuses on using accounting information for decision-making within organizations.

Principles of Investments

Introduction to investment types, risk assessment, and strategies for building and managing investment portfolios.

Financial Markets and Institutions

Exploring different financial markets (e.g., stock markets, bond markets) and the institutions that facilitate financial transactions.

Personal Finance

It covers topics relevant to managing personal finances, including budgeting, saving, investing, and retirement planning.

Business Mathematics

Mathematical concepts relevant to business and finance, including calculations involving interest, percentages, and basic statistical analysis.

Financial Management

Principles of managing a company’s finances, including capital budgeting, financial planning, and risk management.

Business Ethics and Law

Examination of ethical considerations and legal aspects relevant to finance and business operations.

Economics

Introduction to economic principles, including microeconomics and macroeconomics, and how they impact financial decisions.

Risk Management and Insurance

Exploration of risk assessment and strategies for managing risk, including insurance options.

Business Communication

Focuses on practical communication skills in a business and financial context.

Financial Analysis

Techniques for analyzing financial data, assessing company performance, and making informed decisions based on financial information.

International Finance

Introduction to financial concepts related to global markets and international business transactions.

Business Law

Overview of legal concepts that apply to business operations, contracts, and financial transactions.

Please check the specific admission requirements of the institutions you’re interested in, as they vary widely. You can typically find this information on the college or university’s official website or by contacting their admissions office directly. Here are some common admission requirements for you:

Educational Background

Generally, you’ll need a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification like a GED (General Educational Development) certificate. Some institutions also accept students who are in the process of obtaining their high school diploma.

Application

You will need to submit an application to the college or university offering the associate degree in finance. This may include providing personal information, educational history, and sometimes a statement of purpose or essay.

Transcripts

You will likely need to submit your high school transcripts or any previous college transcripts if you’ve taken courses elsewhere.

Personal Statement

Some colleges require you to write a personal statement or essay explaining why you’re interested in pursuing an associate degree in finance and how it fits into your academic and career goals.

Earning an associate degree in finance can offer several benefits that can help you kickstart your career. Here are some of the key advantages:

Faster Entry into the Workforce

An associate degree typically takes about two years to complete, allowing you to enter the workforce more quickly than a bachelor’s degree. This can be especially advantageous if you’re looking to start your career sooner.

Cost-Effectiveness

Associate degree programs are more affordable than bachelor’s degree programs. This can be a cost-effective way to gain foundational knowledge and skills in finance without incurring the higher tuition costs associated with a four-year degree.

Foundational Knowledge

An associate degree in finance provides a solid foundation in key financial concepts, principles, and practices. You’ll learn about financial accounting, investments, risk management, and personal finance.

Career Opportunities

While an associate degree might only qualify you for some finance-related positions, it can open the door to entry-level roles in banking, credit analysis, financial services, insurance, and more. 

Transferable Credits

If you decide to continue your education later, many of the credits you earn during your associate degree program can be transferred to a bachelor’s degree program. 

Skill Development

Associate degree programs often focus on practical skills immediately applicable in the workplace. You’ll likely gain skills in financial analysis, data interpretation, financial software, and communication that can be valuable in various financial roles.

Pathway to Bachelor’s Degree

If you need more clarification on committing to a full bachelor’s degree program, an associate degree can serve as a stepping stone. You can start with an associate degree, gain work experience, and then decide if you want to pursue a higher degree while working.

Personal Finance Knowledge

An associate degree in finance can also equip you with skills to manage your finances better. Understanding budgeting, investing, and retirement planning can significantly benefit your life.

Employer Demand

The financial sector is constantly evolving and in demand for skilled professionals. An associate degree in finance demonstrates your commitment to the field and your willingness to learn, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

If you need more certainty about committing to a full four-year bachelor’s program, an associate degree can be a flexible way to start your career in finance. 

You can enter the workforce after completing the associate degree or use it as a stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree in finance or even higher-level certifications (such as Chartered Financial Analyst) to access more senior roles and higher earning potential.