The Associate in Science Degree: A Comprehensive Analysis of Career Pathways, Economic Value, and Strategic Positioning

Anatomy of the Associate in Science (A.S.) Degree

The Associate in Science (A.S.) degree represents a distinct and increasingly strategic credential in the landscape of higher education.

It functions as a powerful dual-purpose qualification, serving as both a direct ramp into technical professions and a meticulously designed pathway toward a four-year baccalaureate degree.

A comprehensive understanding of its structure, curriculum, and positioning relative to other associate-level credentials is foundational to appreciating its full value.

Defining the Associate in Science (A.S.) Degree

At its core, the Associate in Science is an undergraduate degree typically completed in two years of full-time study, comprising a minimum of 60 to 61 semester hours of college-level coursework.¹

While often referred to as a “two-year degree,” its primary design purpose is to provide the foundational knowledge for students who intend to transfer to a four-year university and earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree.¹

This transfer-oriented nature is its defining characteristic.

Simultaneously, the A.S.

degree equips students with the essential skills to enter the workforce directly in certain high-demand fields.⁴

To serve this dual mission, the curriculum is structured to foster fundamental competencies in reading comprehension, written and oral communication, quantitative reasoning, and basic computer literacy.¹

These skills form a versatile base valued by both academic institutions and employers.

The STEM Foundation: A Comparative Analysis of Associate Degrees

The specific value of an A.S.

degree becomes clearest when compared to other associate-level credentials, namely the Associate of Arts (A.A.) and the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.).

The distinctions between these degrees have profound implications for a student’s academic and career trajectory.

The Associate in Science (A.S.) is narrowly focused on providing the foundational coursework for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) majors.⁶

Its curriculum is quantitatively rigorous, often requiring a sequence of mathematics through Calculus I and beyond, as well as laboratory science sequences in biology, chemistry, or physics.⁶

In contrast, the Associate of Arts (A.A.) provides a broad, liberal arts-based education.

It is well-suited for students planning to major in fields such as education, psychology, social work, or humanities.⁶

While it includes math and science requirements, they are generally less intensive than those in an A.S.

program, and the degree offers significantly more flexibility in elective choices.⁵

The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) is fundamentally different from both the A.S.

A.D.A.A.

It is a vocational degree designed primarily for immediate entry into the workforce.⁵

The curriculum emphasizes hands-on, job-specific skills rather than theoretical knowledge for transfer.¹⁰

While some pathways exist to transfer A.A.S.

credits, the process is often complex and can result in significant credit loss compared to the seamless transfer designed for A.S.

graduates.¹¹

Table 1: A.S. vs. A.A. vs. A.A.S. Degrees: A Comparative Overview
Degree Type	Primary Focus	Typical Curriculum	Transferability	Ideal Candidate
Associate in Science (A.S.)	Transfer to a 4-year B.S. program	STEM-focused; intensive math (Calculus I/II) and lab sciences (Physics, Chemistry).6	High; designed for seamless transfer under articulation agreements.1	A student planning to major in engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, or other STEM fields.
Associate of Arts (A.A.)	Transfer to a 4-year B.A. program	Liberal arts-focused; broad general education in humanities, social sciences, and communications.6	High; designed for seamless transfer under articulation agreements.15	A student planning to major in liberal arts, education, business, or social sciences; also good for undecided students.5
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)	Immediate entry into the workforce	Vocational and technical; hands-on training for a specific career (e.g., automotive repair, culinary arts).5	Limited; not primarily designed for transfer, though some specialized agreements may exist.11	A student seeking job-ready skills for a specific technical trade or profession with no immediate plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

Inside the A.S. Curriculum: A Blueprint for a B.S. Degree

An analysis of the A.S.

curriculum reveals that it is not merely a collection of introductory courses.

Instead, it is a carefully structured program that mirrors the first two years of a rigorous B.S. degree.

This structure is typically composed of two main components: a general education core and intensive STEM coursework.

• General Education Core: A.S. programs include a substantial general education block of approximately 33 credit hours.³ This core covers foundational skills in areas such as written and oral communication, arts and humanities, and social and behavioral sciences.³ These courses are often part of statewide transfer frameworks, such as the North Carolina Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA) or the Ohio Transfer 36, which guarantee their acceptance at public four-year institutions.¹
• Intensive STEM Coursework: The defining element of the A.S. degree is its deep dive into advanced science and mathematics. This goes far beyond basic requirements. For instance, a sample pre-engineering curriculum includes not only Calculus I and II but also Calculus III and Differential Equations, alongside a full year of university-level, calculus-based physics with labs.⁷ These are precisely the courses that engineering and physics majors take in their sophomore year at a four-year university. The curriculum is intentionally designed to fulfill the demanding pre-major requirements of baccalaureate STEM programs.³

The very structure of the A.S.

degree, with its advanced coursework and alignment with transfer agreements, supports a critical conclusion: it is not a “lesser” degree but a strategically designed component of the B.S. pathway.

The curriculum is effectively reverse-engineered from the requirements of four-year STEM programs, allowing it to function as the first half of a bachelor’s degree delivered in the more accessible and affordable community college setting.

This reframes its value from that of a simple two-year credential to a cost-effective and strategic entry point to a four-year degree.

The A.S. Career Landscape: Opportunities and Outlook

While heavily geared toward transfer, the Associate in Science degree also serves as a direct credential for a range of well-compensated and high-demand careers.

These roles typically require a strong foundation in scientific principles and technical proficiency, making A.S.

graduates uniquely qualified candidates.

High-Demand Industries for A.S. Graduates

Analysis of labor market data reveals that A.S.

graduates are highly sought after in several key sectors of the economy:

• Healthcare: This is unequivocally the dominant industry for lucrative A.S. careers. The degree is the standard entry-level educational requirement for a multitude of licensed technologist, technician, and therapist roles, including dental hygienists, radiologic technologists, and respiratory therapists.¹⁸
• Technology and Engineering: With its strong emphasis on math and science, the A.S. degree provides the necessary foundation for technician-level roles in information technology, web development, and engineering support.⁹ These positions, such as aerospace engineering technician or web developer, leverage the practical and analytical skills honed in an A.S. program.²⁰
• Other Science-Based Fields: Opportunities also extend to other specialized fields that require a scientific background, such as geological and petroleum technician or funeral service manager.¹⁸

Lucrative and Growing Professions: A Data-Driven Analysis

A significant number of professions accessible with an A.S.

degree offer salaries well above the national median.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that STEM occupations will grow 8.8% by 2028, indicating a strong and sustained demand for individuals with these qualifications.²¹

Table 2: Top High-Demand Careers for A.S. Degree Holders
Job Title	Median Annual Salary (2023)	Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)	Top 10% Earner Salary (2023)	Relevant A.S. Specialization
Air Traffic Controller	$137,380	3% (As fast as average)	$200,990+	Air Traffic Management 18
Nuclear Technician	$101,740	-6% (Declining)	$128,700+	Nuclear Engineering Technology 18
Radiation Therapist	$98,300	3% (As fast as average)	$136,910+	Radiation Therapy 18
Nuclear Medicine Technologist	$92,500	-1% (Declining)	$123,910+	Nuclear Medicine Technology 18
Dental Hygienist	$87,530	9% (Much faster than average)	$118,400+	Dental Hygiene 18
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer	$84,470	11% (Much faster than average)	$116,300+	Diagnostic Medical Sonography 18
MRI Technologist	$83,740	6% (Faster than average)	$112,420+	MRI Technology 18
Respiratory Therapist	$77,960	13% (Much faster than average)	$104,480+	Respiratory Therapy 18
Aerospace Engineering Technician	$77,830	8% (Faster than average)	$113,970+	Engineering Technology 18
Web Developer	$73,760	Not specified	Not specified	Computer Information Technology 20

Note: Salary and growth data are based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as reported in the provided sources.

Some data points may vary slightly between sources due to different reporting dates.

Job Profile Spotlight: Dental Hygienist

• Daily Tasks: A dental hygienist is a licensed oral healthcare professional responsible for providing preventive care. Daily duties include removing tartar, stains, and plaque from teeth; applying sealants and fluorides; taking and developing dental x-rays; assessing patients’ oral health and documenting findings for the dentist; and educating patients on proper oral hygiene techniques.²²
• Required Skills: The role demands strong critical thinking to develop care plans, excellent communication skills for patient education, and exceptional dexterity and attention to detail for working in small, precise areas of the body.²²
• Career Advancement: With experience, dental hygienists can move into roles in public health, corporate sales, education, or research.²⁵

Job Profile Spotlight: Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technician

• Daily Tasks: These technicians work alongside aerospace engineers to build, test, and maintain equipment for aircraft and spacecraft. They operate and calibrate computer systems, install instruments, record test data, and ensure quality control in manufacturing processes to guarantee the safety and precision of aerospace vehicles.²⁶
• Required Skills: The job requires strong problem-solving skills to help troubleshoot design issues, mechanical aptitude, and clear communication skills to follow complex instructions from engineers and report issues effectively.²⁶
• Career Advancement: Experienced technicians can advance to supervisory roles or, with further education (often a bachelor’s degree), can transition into full aerospace engineering positions.²⁸

Job Outlook and Market Trends

The economic power of many A.S.

careers is not derived solely from the degree itself, but from the degree’s essential role as a gateway to mandatory professional licensure and certification.

For professions like dental hygienist or radiation therapist, the A.S.

degree is the required educational prerequisite to sit for state or national licensing exams.¹⁸

This regulatory framework creates a controlled supply of qualified professionals.

When coupled with high market demand, this scarcity drives wages significantly higher than they might be otherwise.

For students pursuing these fields, this means the choice of an accredited program that specifically prepares them for certification exams is as critical as the choice of major.

At the same time, a nuanced reading of the data is essential.

While some A.S.

careers are among the highest paying, they may not have the best long-term growth prospects.

For example, nuclear technicians and nuclear medicine technologists command median salaries over $90,000, yet the BLS projects a decline in the number of jobs in these fields.¹⁸

This paradox—high pay but shrinking opportunities—suggests that while existing professionals are well-compensated, new entrants face a riskier long-term outlook.

This highlights the importance for prospective students to analyze both salary data and job growth projections in tandem when making career decisions.

Economic Analysis: Salary, Cost, and Return on Investment (ROI)

A critical evaluation of the Associate in Science degree requires a thorough economic analysis of its costs, potential earnings, and overall return on investment.

The A.S.

presents a compelling financial proposition, particularly when viewed through the lenses of cost-effectiveness and strategic financial planning.

Earning Potential: A Granular Look at Salaries

On average, a worker with an A.S.

degree earns approximately $74,723 per year, which translates to about $36 per hour.²⁹

However, this aggregate figure conceals a wide distribution of outcomes.

Top-tier earners demonstrate the degree’s potential for significant income, with the 75th percentile earning $85,000 and the top 10% of earners exceeding $102,000 annually.²⁹

This indicates that with the right specialization, such as in high-demand healthcare or technology fields, an A.S.

degree can be a direct path to a six-figure salary.

When benchmarked against other educational levels, the A.S.

degree provides a clear financial uplift.

Table 3: Salary Benchmarking: A.S. vs. High School Diploma vs. Bachelor’s Degree
Educational Attainment	Median Weekly Earnings (2023)	Median Annual Earnings (Approx.)	Unemployment Rate (2023)
High School Diploma	$899	$46,748	2.7% (overall for associate degree) vs. 3.9% for high school diploma 9
Associate Degree	$1,058	$55,016	2.7% 30
Bachelor’s Degree	$1,493	$77,636	2.2% 31

Note: Data compiled from multiple sources.⁹

Weekly earnings are from BLS data reported in 2023.

Annual earnings are calculated from weekly figures.

As the table shows, associate degree holders earn significantly more than their counterparts with only a high school diploma and experience lower rates of unemployment.⁹

While they earn less on average than bachelor’s degree holders, this gap can be narrowed or even reversed in specific technical fields where the A.S.

is the primary credential for a high-paying licensed profession.¹⁸

The Cost-Effectiveness Proposition

The primary financial advantage of pursuing an A.S.

degree lies in its dramatic cost-effectiveness.

• Lower Tuition: The most direct saving comes from tuition. In the 2022-2023 academic year, the average annual tuition and fees for a public, two-year institution were approximately $4,000, compared to about $9,800 at a public, four-year institution.³⁰ This can result in upfront savings of more than $11,000 over two years.
• Reduced Ancillary Costs: Because most A.S. degrees are earned at community colleges, students are more likely to live at home, eliminating the substantial cost of room and board at a residential university.³³
• Opportunity Cost Advantage: By entering the workforce two years earlier than a bachelor’s graduate, an A.S. holder gains two full years of income-earning potential while avoiding two years of tuition payments.¹⁹ This opportunity cost is a major, yet often overlooked, component of the degree’s financial value.

Calculating the Return on Investment (ROI)

The combination of lower costs and strong earning potential leads to a rapid return on investment for many A.S.

graduates.

For some of the most popular programs, such as registered nursing, graduates can recoup the entire cost of their education in less than one year.³⁴

Across the board, an estimated 91% of associate degree programs provide a positive ROI within five years.³⁴

A more sophisticated analysis of long-term ROI reveals a crucial insight that challenges the conventional wisdom that a bachelor’s degree always yields a better financial outcome.

The standard comparison of lifetime earnings often fails to account for the two-year head start in earnings and investment that an A.S.

graduate can achieve.

For example, an A.S.

graduate who begins earning $55,000 per year for two years while their counterpart is still in a bachelor’s program accumulates $110,000 in earnings and avoids over $20,000 in tuition—a financial differential of more than $130,000 before the bachelor’s graduate even enters the workforce.

As one analysis notes, delaying entry into the workforce means delaying the opportunity to save and invest for the future, a delay that can have significant long-term consequences due to the power of compound interest.¹⁹

For a disciplined investor, this two-year head start can substantially narrow the perceived lifetime earnings gap.

Ultimately, the most financially optimized strategy for many is the “2+2” model: leveraging the low cost of an A.S.

degree for the first two years and then transferring to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor’s degree.

This approach captures the cost savings of the community college pathway while ultimately achieving the higher lifetime earning potential associated with a baccalaureate credential.³⁵

The A.S. as a Strategic Pathway to a Bachelor’s Degree

For a large number of students, the Associate in Science degree is not a final destination but a deliberate and highly efficient first step toward a bachelor’s degree.

State and institutional policies have created robust systems, often called “2+2 pathways,” to facilitate this transition, making the A.S.

a strategic entry point to advanced education.

The “2+2” Model and Articulation Agreements

The foundation of the 2+2 pathway is the articulation agreement.

These are formal partnerships between community colleges and four-year universities that guarantee the seamless transfer of credits.³⁷

Many states, including Florida, California, and North Carolina, have institutionalized these agreements into statewide systems that offer what is sometimes called a “Degree with a Guarantee”.¹⁴

Under these systems, a student who graduates from a community college with an approved A.S.

or A.A.

degree and meets a minimum GPA requirement (typically 2.0) is guaranteed admission with junior status to a public university within the state system.¹

The agreements ensure that a block of at least 60 credit hours will transfer, allowing the student to complete their bachelor’s degree with no more than an additional 60 credits, for a total of 120.¹

Recognizing the intensive, sequential nature of STEM curricula, some systems have created specialized transfer tracks.

For example, California’s “IGETC for STEM” pathway allows students to focus on their demanding math and science prerequisites at the community college level and defer some general education courses until after they transfer.¹⁴

This ensures they stay on track for a four-year graduation timeline in complex majors like engineering or physics.

Navigating the Transfer Process: A Student’s Guide

The success of a transfer student is not a matter of chance; it is the result of careful, proactive planning.

While articulation agreements provide the framework, the student must navigate it correctly.

The process is less about convincing a university to accept credits and more about diligently following the established protocol.

This shifts the challenge from one of persuasion to one of compliance with a clear set of rules.

Table 4: Checklist for Maximizing Credit Transferability
Stage	Action Item
Before You Enroll	Research community colleges and their specific articulation agreements. Identify potential four-year transfer destinations and their pre-major requirements.11
	Verify that both the community college and the target university are regionally accredited.12
During Your First Semester	Meet with an academic advisor at both your community college and your target university. This is the single most critical step.11
	With your advisors, create a semester-by-semester academic plan that aligns with the articulation agreement and your target major. Confirm specific course codes and prefixes.11
	Declare your intent to transfer and your target major as early as possible.16
Throughout Your Program	Earn a grade of “C” or better in all transfer courses and maintain the required overall GPA (usually 2.0 or higher).1
	Keep meticulous records. Save all email correspondence with advisors, signed academic plans, and, most importantly, the syllabus for every course you take. Syllabi can be essential for resolving credit disputes.11
Before Your Final Semester	Apply for admission to the four-year university by the published deadline. Submit all required transcripts and documents promptly.14
	Have your community college officially certify the completion of your transfer degree (e.g., ADT, CAA).14

Potential Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Despite the streamlined pathways, potential pitfalls exist.

The most common and costly mistake is confusing the highly transferable A.S.

degree with the vocational A.A.S.

degree.¹¹

Students who complete an A.A.S.

with the intent to transfer may find that very few of their specialized, hands-on credits are accepted by a four-year university, forcing them to retake foundational courses and losing significant time and money.¹²

Furthermore, while statewide articulation agreements are robust for transfers between public in-state institutions, moving to a private or out-of-state university can be more complex.⁸

These transfers typically require a detailed, course-by-course evaluation by the receiving institution, and guarantees are less common.

Proactive communication with the target institution’s admissions office is paramount in these situations.

A Balanced Perspective: Weighing the Advantages and Challenges

A comprehensive evaluation of the Associate in Science degree requires a balanced assessment of its compelling benefits against its potential limitations.

For the prospective student, making an informed decision depends on understanding not only what the degree is, but also what it is designed to do.

The Primary Advantages: A Synthesis

The A.S.

degree offers a powerful combination of benefits that make it a highly attractive option for a wide range of students:

• Affordability and Financial Efficiency: The most prominent advantage is the significant reduction in cost. Lower tuition at community colleges, coupled with the ability to enter the workforce two years sooner, dramatically reduces student debt and allows for earlier savings and investment.⁹
• Flexibility and Accessibility: Community colleges are often designed to serve non-traditional students, offering flexible part-time, evening, and online course schedules that accommodate work and family responsibilities.⁹
• Focused Career Training: A.S. programs provide practical, job-ready skills that are directly applicable in the workforce, particularly in technical and healthcare fields where the degree is the standard credential.¹⁹
• A Strategic “Stepping Stone”: The degree serves as a low-risk, low-cost platform to explore academic interests, build a strong GPA, and complete the first two years of a bachelor’s degree before transferring to a potentially more expensive or competitive four-year university.⁹

Potential Disadvantages and Mitigation Strategies

The limitations of an A.S.

degree are best understood not as inherent flaws, but as reflections of its intended purpose as a foundational credential.

• Limited Specialization: By design, the A.S. curriculum is foundational and broad, offering fewer opportunities for niche electives than a four-year institution.¹¹ This can be mitigated by pursuing specialized industry certifications (e.g., CompTIA, Cisco) alongside or after the degree to demonstrate deeper expertise in a specific area.
• Career Advancement Ceiling: In some corporate hierarchies, an associate degree may cap career progression at the technician or support level, with management roles requiring a bachelor’s degree.¹¹ The primary mitigation strategy is to leverage the A.S. to secure an initial job and then use employer tuition reimbursement programs to fund the B.S. needed for advancement.
• Market Perception: Some employers, particularly in non-technical fields, may hold a bias for bachelor’s degrees, potentially narrowing the job pool.¹¹ This can be overcome in technical fields with a strong portfolio of work, relevant certifications, and demonstrable hands-on experience, which often carry more weight than the degree level alone.⁴⁵
• Credit Transfer Hurdles: As detailed previously, this is a significant risk if the transfer process is not managed carefully.¹⁰ Diligent, early advising and strict adherence to established articulation agreements are the most effective mitigation strategies.

Debunking Common Misconceptions

Several persistent myths can cloud a student’s judgment about the value of an A.S.

degree.

• Myth: An associate degree is a “lesser” credential.
  Reality: In many high-demand technical and healthcare professions, the A.S. is the industry-standard requirement for entry and can lead to salaries that meet or exceed those of many bachelor’s degree holders.18
• Myth: A major determines one’s entire career.
  Reality: A major is a starting point, not a life sentence. The critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and problem-solving skills learned in an A.S. program are highly transferable. Career paths are fluid, and the connection between a specific major and a job ten years later is often minimal.46
• Myth: It’s best to get “general education” courses out of the way first.
  Reality: This can be a disastrous strategy. General education requirements, particularly in math and science, are often major-specific. Taking a non-technical science course, for example, will likely not count toward an engineering degree, forcing a student to retake courses and lose valuable time and money. Academic planning must be integrated and tailored to the target major from the very beginning.46

Strategic Frameworks for Decision-Making: The A.S. as a Career Launchpad

Ultimately, the decision to pursue an Associate in Science degree is a strategic one.

Moving beyond a simple pro-and-con analysis, it is helpful to frame the degree’s value using powerful analogies and real-world narratives that capture its role in building a successful and fulfilling career.

The A.S. as a “Launchpad” or “Base Camp”

One effective way to conceptualize the A.S.

degree is as a “launchpad” or “base camp” for a lifelong career expedition.⁴⁷

At this base camp, a student acquires essential gear (foundational knowledge and technical skills), acclimatizes to the terrain of higher education, and meticulously plans the route ahead.

From this well-prepared position, they have multiple options: they can embark on a direct expedition into the workforce, or they can begin the ascent toward a higher peak—a bachelor’s degree.

This analogy connects directly to the concept of “Launchpad Jobs.” Research from organizations like American Student Assistance identifies certain entry-level roles that set workers up for rapid career growth, respectable wages, and long-term stability.⁵⁰

An A.S.

degree in a field like healthcare technology, IT, or engineering technology provides direct qualification for precisely these types of jobs, giving graduates a powerful start to their professional trajectory.

The A.S. as a “Keystone” in a Career Arch

Another powerful analogy is that of the architectural keystone.⁵²

A keystone is the final, wedge-shaped stone placed at the apex of an Arch. It locks all the other stones into position, distributing weight and allowing the structure to become strong and self-supporting.⁵³

For many individuals—especially career-changers, adults returning to education, or those with disparate work experiences—the A.S.

degree can function as this critical keystone.

It takes their existing skills, ambitions, and informal knowledge and locks them into a coherent, stable career structure.

By providing a formal credential, it validates their expertise and gives their career path the strength and durability it needs to support future growth, whether through promotions or further education.

It is the essential piece that makes the entire structure of their career “work.”

Narratives of Success: From Associate Degree to Career Fulfillment

Statistics and analogies are brought to life through the stories of individuals who have successfully leveraged an A.S.

degree.

These narratives illustrate the degree’s transformative power.

• The Career Changer: One individual spent seven years in the baking industry before deciding to pursue a long-held interest in science. An associate degree served as the critical bridge, allowing him to re-engage with academia and ultimately gain acceptance into a Ph.D. program in biomedical sciences, demonstrating how the degree can facilitate a dramatic but successful career pivot.⁵⁵
• The Upwardly Mobile Professional: John Smith began his career working minimum-wage jobs, starting as a dishwasher. Determined to build a better life, he earned an associate degree. This credential was the key that allowed him to advance through the ranks to become a catering department manager overseeing 26 employees. He is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree with the goal of owning his own business, showcasing the A.S. as a catalyst for upward mobility.⁵⁶
• The First-Generation Trailblazer: Vinisia Eilo became the first person in her family to attend college when she enrolled at a community college. She recently graduated with an A.S. in Criminal Justice and now has her sights set on law school, creating a new legacy of educational and professional achievement for her family.⁵⁷

These stories, along with those of famous figures like astronaut Eileen Collins and Costco founder James Sinegal who also started with associate degrees, underscore a final, crucial point.⁵⁸

The most profound value of an associate degree may not be purely economic or academic, but psychological.

For many students who may have doubted their academic abilities, the A.S.

serves as a tangible, achievable milestone.

As forum posters have expressed, it provides an “I can do this!” feeling and marks a concrete point of progress.⁵⁹

This “win” can break a cycle of uncertainty and build the confidence and momentum needed for future success.

This psychological transformation is a powerful, if unquantifiable, return on investment, often serving as the true catalyst that propels a graduate toward a more ambitious and fulfilling future.

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