What it is
The Associate of Arts (AA) is a two-year transfer degree emphasizing liberal arts and general education. It's designed to cover the first two years of a bachelor's, then transfer — often via a "2+2" agreement — into a BA program.
The degrees & designations
The AA is broad and transfer-oriented:
How long it takes
About two years of full-time study (~60 credits); part-time takes longer, and evening/online options are common.
What you study
Mostly general education — writing, math, humanities, social and natural sciences — matched to a transfer pathway, with some introductory major coursework.
Getting in
Community colleges are often open-enrollment with a high school diploma or GED; some programs (e.g., health) are competitive with prerequisites.
Cost & funding
Associate degrees are typically the lowest-cost path in higher education; aid, grants, and (in some states) tuition-free community college apply.
Where it leads
An AA is built to transfer into a bachelor's (usually a BA), saving cost on the first two years. It can also support entry-level roles.
How it compares
Versus the AS, the AA is broader (humanities/social science transfer); versus the AAS, it's academic/transfer rather than job-ready.
Is it right for you?
An AA fits students who want an affordable start toward a bachelor's in the arts, humanities, or social sciences.
Explore further
This is a reference guide. Keep exploring:
Key facts
- WhatA two-year liberal-arts transfer degree
- PurposeFirst two years of a bachelor's, then transfer
- EmphasisGeneral education / humanities / social science
- Vs AS/AASBroader than AS; academic vs job-ready AAS
- CostLowest-cost path
Where to learn more
Keep exploring the resource: