The Diploma vs Degree controversy has been on the spotlight in recent years, particularly with soaring education expenses and evolving needs in the job market. Most students are asking themselves these days which avenue presents better value, faster readiness for employment, or long-term career development. In this blog, we deconstruct the main differences, advantages, and considerations to guide you into choosing which best suits your aspirations—a diploma or a degree.
While a degree can lead to academic and research positions, a diploma is usually best for getting hands-on skills in a shorter period. Your decision should be based on your career ambitions, finance, and how soon you wish to get into the working world.
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A diploma refers to a certificate awarded by a reputable college or university to acknowledge that a student has successfully completed a specific course of study. The diploma duration is generally shorter than a degree, with a special focus on equipping students with practical skills and technical expertise. These programs are designed to deliver comprehensive knowledge about a specific study area.
While you have understood the basic meaning of what a diploma is, it's time to discover general types of diplomas that offer focused training in specific fields.
These are the most popular types of diploma courses available to students. Moreover, you can use our college finder tool to discover the top colleges near you offering these diploma programs. Furthermore, in the next section, let’s explore the details of the degree program.
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The degree is a long-term academic program designed by universities and colleges to deliver strong theoretical knowledge in a particular field of study. These programs are typically carried out over 3 to 4 years and are more prevalent in professions such as medicine and engineering. So, it doesn't matter if you choose to study in UK, USA, or India; a degree is beneficial because of its broader scope, allowing students to explore various subjects.
A degree also signifies a student's educational credentials, in a similar manner to a diploma. However, various degrees reflect the study level and length of the program. The different levels of degree programs include-
These are various levels of degrees, ranging from associate to doctoral levels. However, students struggle to differentiate between associate's and bachelor's degrees. Therefore, we'll focus on outlining the differences between the two qualifications.
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Category |
Associate Degree |
Bachelor’s Degree |
Program Duration |
Generally completed in 2 years |
Requires 3 to 4 years to complete |
Program Focus |
Provides general studies or technical skills in a particular study area |
Offers detailed study in specific electives and wide general studies. |
Earning potential |
Average starting salary INR 2 LPA to INR 5LPA |
Average starting salary INR 2.5 LPA to INR 10 LPA |
Program Cost |
Less expensive than a bachelor’s degree |
The cost of pursuing a bachelor’s degree is higher because of the added coursework and elective studies. |
Career Prospects |
Qualifies for entry-level job |
Leads to advanced job roles and qualifies for post-graduate studies. |
These are common differences between associate's and bachelor's degrees. However, it is crucial to have a contest of diploma vs degree to know which can be a better career prospect. In the next section, let's explore the key differences between the two credentials.
After learning about the basic meaning of both educational qualifications, it’s time for a degree vs diploma contest. In this section, you will learn about the top areas in which these qualifications differ from each other. So, let's have a closer look into the differences and settle the contest between diploma vs degree which is better for your career?
Category |
Diploma |
Degree |
Eligibility |
A student with a high school certificate is eligible to study for an undergraduate diploma. Meanwhile, after a UG diploma, you can apply for a postgraduate-level diploma. |
To study a degree program, you need to possess at least a high school or degree certificate. |
Duration |
The duration of a diploma program is usually a six-month period to two years. |
The duration can range from three to four years to complete a Bachelor’s degree. However, a Master’s degree requires two years. |
Career prospects |
The entry-level job openings are available for you once you finish your diploma program. |
A vast majority of job opportunities are available for degree graduates. |
Knowledge |
The diploma program majorly focuses on practical, and hands-on skills. |
The degree program majorly focuses on providing the theoretical and academic skills of a subject area. |
Cost/ tuition fees |
Are you also interested to know what is less costly in the contest between a diploma vs degree? So, the cost of pursuing a diploma program is comparatively less than a degree. |
The expenses that you need to incur for your degree will be higher than a diploma program. |
Pay level |
It depends on the type of diploma you are pursuing. However, at the undergraduate level, you will get entry-level jobs where the pay level is comparatively lower. |
In the debate of diploma vs degree salary level, a degree holder is expected to earn more even with the entry-level jobs because of the advanced level studies. |
Flexibility |
The diploma program is more flexible as it is designed as per a specific study area. Further, the online programs offer part-time options. |
The programs here are less flexible. If you are pursuing a degree it is often completed within fixed schedules in a traditional classroom setting. |
These are the key differences that distinguish the two credentials from one another. However, you might still be thinking, are these differences enough to make a final career decision? No worries; we will provide insights into the benefits of both qualifications to help you solve the remaining doubts.
Don't you think the debate between diploma vs degree needs to be settled quickly so that you can make the final decision? Here is a brief breakdown of the benefits offered by both qualifications.
Benefits of Degree
Benefits of Diploma
Apart from this, the diploma vs degree decision is also influenced by some personal factors. So, in the next section, discover some factors that students often consider while making a final judgement.
Also Read: Best Degree Courses after 12th: Eligibility & University
With the help of our detailed studies on what is diploma vs degree is, you might be able to choose which one is the better career choice. However, your decision must also be influenced by personal factors that overall guide the educational journey. So, let's have a closer look at some factors that can help you choose between a diploma and a degree.
Before making the final decision between a diploma vs degree, thoroughly consider your career goals. Determine which educational qualification is suitable to kick-start your career and future advancement. Further, look for the skills that will be required in your chosen study area and which credentials will help you develop these skills. However, to seek professional advice, you can connect with a study abroad consultant, which can help you plan your higher studies effectively.
Your learning style and personal preferences also play a key role, as a diploma will be a perfect option if you're looking for a practical approach and hands-on training. However, if your learning style is more of a theoretical academic approach or in-depth studies, consider choosing a degree. Moreover, to choose a perfect course for you, use our course finder tool, which is an AI tool that provides details regarding the various courses and programs.
These are the factors that you must consider in a debate of degree vs diploma. It will help you make a more informed and sound decision for your career.
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To sum up, till now, you might have decided ona diploma vs degree which is better for you and can help you achieve a successful career. Both of these educational qualifications are different, but they can lead to better career prospects. However, if you are confused about choosing one, seek advice from our expert counsellors. They can help you make the right choice after evaluating your career goals and study preferences.
Yes, generally, a degree (Bachelor's, Master's or Doctorate) is considered higher than a diploma. These programs are longer in duration, deliver a detailed study and offer a variety of career opportunities.
The four different types of degrees are:
A 2-year degree is commonly referred to as an associate degree. These degrees are offered by community colleges or technical schools, helping to enter the workforce or create a base for a bachelor's degree.
A doctorate (PhD) generally takes between 3 and 7 years to complete, depending upon the field and program. Some of these include programs in engineering or computer science.
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