How many credits do you need for an associate’s degree?

Seeking Advice Forum
1

I keep hearing different things about associate degrees… anyone know how many credits you actually need? Is it worth it if you’re looking to save money and time? Just trying to figure this all out and see if it’s something I should go for.

2

It’s usually 60 credits, but some schools have different requirements. Depends on what degree you’re going for, too. I did an Associate of Science and mine was exactly 60.

3

Amelia said:
It’s usually 60 credits, but some schools have different requirements. Depends on what degree you’re going for, too. I did an Associate of Science and mine was exactly 60.

Same here… mine was for healthcare, and it was 60 credits as well. So it’s pretty common for that to be the number.

4

@EdwardGenesis
Thanks for sharing! Does anyone know if these credits can transfer if you decide to go for a bachelor’s later?

5

Yes, you can transfer credits, but check with the school first. Some credits transfer smoothly, especially between community colleges and certain universities.

6

Oseah said:
Yes, you can transfer credits, but check with the school first. Some credits transfer smoothly, especially between community colleges and certain universities.

Good point. I used a website called Transferology to see what would transfer… it helped a lot!

7

Oseah said:
Yes, you can transfer credits, but check with the school first. Some credits transfer smoothly, especially between community colleges and certain universities.

Oh cool, I’ve heard of that site. I’ll have to check it out. Do all colleges have to accept credits, or is it like a case-by-case thing?

8

@Andrian
Case-by-case mostly. Some colleges are picky, so it’s always best to call and ask directly.

9

My associate’s took me about 2 years, but I was only part-time. If you’re full-time, you could finish it quicker.

10

KodhekMike1 said:
My associate’s took me about 2 years, but I was only part-time. If you’re full-time, you could finish it quicker.

That’s good to know. I’m working too, so part-time might be my only option. Did it feel manageable?

11

@SkillDeveloper2
Yeah, it was manageable. Just takes longer, but it worked with my schedule. Don’t stress it!

12

If you’re worried about cost, look at community colleges. Lots of states have affordable or even tuition-free programs now.

13

Amalia said:
If you’re worried about cost, look at community colleges. Lots of states have affordable or even tuition-free programs now.

Oh really? I didn’t know some states offered free tuition. That might be a game changer for me.

14

@Brianna
Definitely worth looking into! I had my tuition covered, which helped a ton.

15

If you already have credits, they should transfer over, but definitely ask the school you want to go to. They usually have guides online to help with that.

16

LizCampbell said:
If you already have credits, they should transfer over, but definitely ask the school you want to go to. They usually have guides online to help with that.

Yup, most schools have a transfer guide, or you can call them. My credits all transferred without an issue.

17

LizCampbell said:
If you already have credits, they should transfer over, but definitely ask the school you want to go to. They usually have guides online to help with that.

I’ve heard that some schools don’t take every credit, though, so just double-checking with them is smart.