I planned on getting a 4 year degree, but am dropping out after 2 1/2 years, how can I get an associates degre

Question

To make matters worse, I´ve gone to three different colleges, RIT in NY, Mcpherson in Kansas and Napier in Edinburgh.

I´ve gotten decent grades, just above a 3.0 average, and I have lots of credits, but is there anyway that I can receive an Associates degree? I´´m more or less not affiliated with the colleges anymore and simply have lots of credits on a transcript...more than enough to receive an associates from a normal community college or university. What are my options???

Answer 1

You have two options to get a reputable degree quickly. As you suspect, one is to get an Associates. The other is to go to (yet another) school and complete your Bachelor's. As someone else said, there are schools that will give you diplomas based mostly on "life experience" or the credits you've obtained elsewhere, but these are to be avoided at all costs. They'll take your money, and you'll get a worthless piece of paper.

Before you do anything, think carefully about what's going on in your life. I don't know your reasons for having transferred so often, or dropping out now. But any degree you get is going to require some sort of additional coursework, and if the things impacting your ability to graduate are still affecting your life, then you may benefit from taking some time off and working through those things first.

What others have told you is true. Any reputable degree program will require you to complete a certain number of credits with them. But I suspect that a lot of your credits will transfer. You'll need to discuss your situation with the schools you end up considering.

Look into getting an associates with your local community college. Set up an in-person meeting with an admissions counsellor. Bring unofficial copies of your college transcripts from all three schools to that meeting. See what your options are. If an AS isn't possible, then look into any certificates they offer that have high employment rates, post-grad. Things like some of the computer certifications can work out well even if you don't have a degree (think A+ certification, lower-level nursing and healthcare, possibly office administration, HVAC, EMT, and some other fields.)

Also look at entering one of the "accelerated" programs at local four year schools. A lot of schools offer accelerated programs for adults who have college credits. In my area, Berkley College offers such a program. It's targeted only to adults and non-traditional college students, and it's designed to help you graduate as quickly as possible. See what's available in your region, then make an appointment with an admissions counsellor, bring those transcripts, and discuss your options.

Lastly, and a real option for you, is for you to return to RIT. I don't normally recommend online degree programs, but they are an extremely reputable school with a longstanding online degree program. And since you already have credits from them, that may be a good option for you. Some of the credits you got from your other schools may transfer back to RIT. I've linked, below.

Answer 2

These days more students take longer to graduate. My university gives you 6 years to get everything you need to graduate. (At least 6 years with a guarantee you wont have to change your degree requirements) It's much less stressful to take a little longer and in my opinion you get a better education because you don't have to cram as much in at once. I'll probably end up taking this long to graduate as well. I've just learned it's better to take 12-15 hours than the full load of 19. My degree requires 120hrs, so if I only take 12 a semester (which is officially full time) then that puts me on a 10 semester or 5 year plan. Don't feel guilty. Just be glad that you are making the most of your education.

Answer 3

i dont recognize the names of those schools since i'm from texas, but if they are public schools, more than likely their credits can transfer. All you have to do is get a degree plan from your local community college (CC) and find out what classes are needed to get an associates and figure out yourself if you have taken the courses required for it.

Or you can request all the colleges you went to, to send a copy of your transcript directly to the CC. It will cost only a small fee for each copy sent. Then talk to a counselor at the CC and find out if you have all the required classes for the Associates degree. You might have a to take a few classes there to meet the requirements, but it shouldnt be much if you have taken as many classes as you claim.

If the schools you went to were private it might be more difficult, but worth a try. And as for some of the advice you have been given, i havent heard of a university/college grant associates if they grant bachelor degrees yet. And employers will never know about you quitting in the middle of college of you dont tell them. All they have to know is that you got an AD.

Some advice though, if i were you i would try to finish an actual bachelor's because although i have an associates and bachelors, no one really care about my associates when i was looking for a job. Well at least not the type of jobs i was looking to get.

Answer 4

I think the best you can do is to finish a 4 year degree course since you are almost there. Don't settle for an associate degree. You can still work part-time and at the same time go to school. This ensures you better financial benefit afterwards and you will never regret it. Just be patient and deligent and have focus in what you do. It is always nice to dream big things and little by little try to grab them.

Answer 5

Check with the last college you attended--they may be able to help you.

But frankly, it's not worth the trouble unless you go ahead and finish your 4-year degree. An associate's degree doesn't get you very far with potential employers. They will look at your record and conclude you don't finish what you start--and that won't sit well with them.

Sorry to be so blunt--but that's the way things work. Think about it--and good luck!

Answer 6

Do either of those colleges grant associates degrees in your field? I think that would be your best option. Otherwise, you would need to submit your transcripts to yet another college and have them evaluated, and that college would tell you what they wanted you to do in addition to what you have already done to get an associates degree from them. I don't think it is likely that a fourth college would grant an associates degree based solely upon what you have already done, when you haven't done any courses with them. I think your best bet is to try to qualify for an associates degree from a school you have already attended.

I do know there are places that offer those "life experience" degrees and so on, but from what I have heard I don't think they are given much credibility.

Best of luck. I hope you can get something sorted out.

Answer 7

Consider going back to one of the colleges/universities mentioned above (preferably the one you took the most courses from or are located nearest to) and seeing if they offer an AD, and whether they will accept transfer credits from the other institutions. You won't be able to transfer all credits to a new program and graduate without taking any more courses. Normally a university/college will only allow you to graduate with their name beside your degree if you have taken the majority of courses at that school.

Good luck!

Answer 8

You only have 1 1/2 years left. If I was you, I would go ahead and finish it.