Associate's Degree Programs
Associate Degree Programs in Chicago -
Start Here. Go Anywhere.
Since 1904, Generations College has been helping students take their first professional step with confidence — and we’ve built our associate’s degree programs around that mission. Whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time, pivoting to a new career, or starting your path toward a bachelor’s degree, our two-year programs are designed to get you there.
With seven programs available online and on-campus, we offer the flexibility, affordability, and personalized support that working students and first-time college students need — and deserve.
Generations College offers seven associate’s degree programs — seven distinct paths to a career, a credential, and a stronger future.
Build the business fundamentals that employers look for: financial literacy, operations management, team leadership, and strategic thinking. Our Business Administration associate’s degree prepares you to enter the workforce ready — or continue to our bachelor’s program.
Available: Online | On-Campus
Be ready for the technology reshaping every industry. Our AI associate’s degree gives students a foundational understanding of artificial intelligence concepts, tools, and applications — and how to apply them in real professional settings.
Available: Online Only
Have a vision? Build the skills to make it real. Our Entrepreneurial Studies program gives you the fundamentals of venture creation, small business management, marketing, and financial planning — ideal for aspiring business owners or innovators.
Available: Online | On-Campus
Explore the systems, laws, and institutions that shape justice in our communities. Our Criminal Justice program is ideal for students pursuing careers in law enforcement, corrections, legal administration, or social services.
Available: Online | On-Campus
Prepare for a career in the legal field as a paralegal, legal assistant, or law office professional. Our Paralegal Studies program covers legal research, document preparation, litigation support, and professional ethics.
Available: Online | On-Campus
Develop a broad foundation in law, legal systems, and the principles that govern civil and criminal matters. Legal Studies is ideal for students pursuing legal careers or continuing to law-related bachelor’s programs.
Available: Online | On-Campus
Build a specialized, in-demand skill set in one of the legal profession’s most critical support roles. Our Court Reporting program develops speed, accuracy, and professional knowledge required for courtroom and deposition work.
Available: Online | On-Campus
LEARN THE WAY THAT WORKS FOR YOU - ONLINE OR ON-CAMPUS
Your life is unique. Your learning format should match it. All of our associate’s degree programs (except AI, which is online only) are available in two formats — so you can choose how to learn without compromising where you’re going.
Experience the energy of downtown Chicago in a small, supportive classroom setting. Our on-campus programs offer direct faculty relationships, peer community, and walk-in access to student services.
📍 29 E. Madison St., Chicago, IL 60602
- In-person instruction
- 25:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Access to CAPPE advising, tutoring, and career services
Complete your degree from anywhere with our flexible, fully online associate’s programs. Asynchronous coursework means you choose your hours — without sacrificing academic quality or support.
💻 Flexible, asynchronous format
- All 7 programs available online
- Full access to advising, career services, and financial aid
- Same HLC-accredited credential
Why Choose Generations College for Your Associate's Degree?
Tuition Frozen for 15+ Years
We made a decision long ago: affordability is non-negotiable. Our tuition hasn’t increased in over 15 years, making Generations College one of the most financially accessible accredited colleges in Illinois.
HLC Accredited Since 1904
We’re Illinois’ oldest fully accredited private nonprofit college — and one of the oldest in the nation. Our accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) means your degree is recognized and respected.
95% Graduate Placement Rate
Over 95% of our graduates enter the workforce or continue their education within their field. We measure success the way you do: outcomes, not just credentials.
Small Classes, Real Faculty
Our 25:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures you’re never lost in a crowd. Instructors are invested in your success — because they actually know who you are.
Flexible Paths
Whether you need full-time, part-time, online, or on-campus options, we build schedules that accommodate real lives — jobs, families, commutes, and everything in between.
Transfer-Ready
Your associate’s degree at Generations College isn’t a dead end — it’s a launchpad. Graduates can continue directly into our bachelor’s programs, with up to 61 credits transferred automatically.
The 2+2 Pathway — Your Associate's Degree Is Just the Beginning
Continue to Your Bachelor's at Generations College
Starting in 2026, Generations College now offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in Business Administration and Entrepreneurial Studies. And we’ve built the path to make your transition as seamless as possible.
If you earn your associate’s degree at Generations College, you can apply up to 61 credits directly toward your bachelor’s program. That means:
✅ Year 1–2: Earn your Associate’s Degree
✅ Year 3–4: Complete your Bachelor’s Degree
✅ Total: A full four-year education — same institution, continuous momentum
This is the 2+2 Pathway. Stay with the community you know. Build on the credits you’ve already earned. And walk away with a bachelor’s degree from a college that’s invested in you every step of the way.
[Learn About Our Bachelor’s Programs →]
Paying for Your Associate's Degree
At Generations College, we’re committed to making your two-year degree as financially manageable as possible — because affordability is part of our mission, not an afterthought.
- Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) — As an HLC-accredited institution, our students are eligible for federal Pell Grants, subsidized and unsubsidized loans, and federal work-study. Submit your FAFSA at studentaid.gov.
- Institutional Scholarships — We offer merit-based and need-based scholarships to qualifying students. Ask your admissions counselor what’s available for your program and enrollment term.
- Payment Plans — Flexible semester payment plans help spread tuition costs and make each term more manageable.
- Employer Tuition Assistance — Many employers cover part or all of employee tuition costs. Our financial aid team can provide official documentation for your employer’s HR or benefits department.
Frequently Asked Questions About Associate's Degree Programs
Q1: How long does it take to earn an associate’s degree at Generations College?
Our associate’s degree programs at Generations College are designed to be completed in two years of full-time study. Part-time options are also available for students who need more flexibility.
Q2: Are associate’s degrees from Generations College accredited?
Yes. All of our associate’s degree programs are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), one of the nation’s most respected regional accrediting bodies. Our HLC accreditation has been continuous since 1904.
Q3: Can I transfer my associate’s credits to another college?
Yes. Many students transfer Generations College associate’s credits to four-year institutions. Transferability is ultimately determined by the receiving institution. For the smoothest path, consider our own 2+2 Pathway — transfer up to 61 credits directly into a Generations bachelor’s program.
Q4: What programs are available online?
All seven associate’s degree programs are available online — Business Administration, Entrepreneurial Studies, Criminal Justice, Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies, Court Reporting, and Artificial Intelligence. Six of these are also available on-campus (AI is online only).
Q5: Does Generations College offer financial aid for associate’s degree students?
Yes. Students enrolled in any associate’s degree program may be eligible for federal financial aid (including Pell Grants and federal loans) as well as institutional scholarships. Contact our financial aid office or submit your FAFSA at studentaid.gov to get started.
Q6: Can I continue to a bachelor’s degree after my associate’s at Generations?
Absolutely — and we encourage it. Graduates of Generations College associate’s programs can apply up to 61 credits toward our bachelor’s degree programs in Business Administration or Entrepreneurial Studies. This is our 2+2 Pathway.
Q7: Who is an associate’s degree right for?
Our associate’s programs serve a wide range of students: recent high school graduates entering the workforce, working adults looking to build credentials or change careers, first-generation college students building a path to professional life, and students planning to transfer to a four-year program.
Q8: How do I apply?
Contact us by submitting your information at generations.edu/apply-now. Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. Contact our admissions team for help with your application at any stage.
Your Two-Year Degree. Your First Step Forward.
At Generations College, we’ve been doing one thing for over 120 years: helping students launch into better lives. Whether you’re ready to enter the workforce, advance in your career, or lay the groundwork for a bachelor’s degree — your associate’s degree starts here.