How Long Does It Take to Get an Associate Degree?

Key takeaways

An associate degree is often referred to as a two-year degree because that's how long it takes to earn when you attend full-time. 

• It typically takes two years to earn an associate degree if you study full-time or up to 72 months if you study on a part-time basis. 

• Other factors, including dropping classes or changing your major, may impact the amount of time it takes to get your degree 

• You can enter the workforce after completing your associate degree, or you can transfer to a bachelor's degree program.

Learn more about the factors that can accelerate how long it takes to earn your associate degree, including the different advantages of attending either full-time or part-time.

How long does it take to get an associate degree?

The biggest factor determining how long it takes to get an associate degree is whether you attend school full-time or part-time. The timeline may also vary by program and school.

Full-time student timeline

As a full-time student, you can expect to earn your associate degree faster than if you were a part-time student. The average amount of time it takes is around two years. However, getting an associate degree in 12 to 18 months is possible if your school offers an accelerated associate program.

Advantages of attending full-time

The biggest advantage of going to school full-time is the potential to finish your degree faster. If you take 15 credit hours per semester, sometimes known as a full course load, you can complete your requirements in four semesters. Other advantages of full-time schooling include:

• Increased access to scholarships: Many scholarships require applicants to be enrolled full-time to qualify.

• Greater completion rates: According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average completion rate for full-time students is 77.9 percent, a marked increase from the rate of 46.9 percent for part-time students [1, 2].

• More robust campus experience: If you plan to attend in person rather than enroll in an online associate degree program, many schools require you to be a full-time student to live on campus. By living on campus, you might have greater access to other learning opportunities and activities.

Part-time associate degree timeline

If you have family obligations, work, or prefer a lighter schedule, you might pursue an associate degree as a part-time student, a popular option among community college attendees. According to the American Association of Community Colleges, 67 percent of students attend part-time [3]. Studying part-time, it may take you anywhere from 48 to 72 months to earn an associate degree.

Advantages of attending part-time

One of the biggest advantages of a part-time schedule is greater flexibility. Because you're taking fewer classes every semester, you have more free time, which may be a good option if you're working or have family obligations. In addition to that flexibility, other advantages of going to school part-time include:

• Income while still in school: Going part-time gives you the freedom to work while you pursue your degree.

• Lower tuition: The more courses you take each semester, the more you spend. But by going part-time, you’ll have a lower financial commitment at any one time and may be able to spread out the cost over a longer period of time.

Is an associate degree worth it?

An associate degree offers a practical way to gain specialized knowledge in your chosen field within a shorter timeframe. It provides a structured educational foundation that can prepare you to transfer into a four-year degree program or transition directly into the workforce, giving you the flexibility to choose the path that best fits your goals. Completing your associate degree can help you develop relevant skills and credentials valued by employers. With a streamlined program, you can build your qualifications efficiently, reduce time in school, and begin advancing your career sooner. 

How many credit hours is an associate degree, and what other factors affect timing?

While different schools may have different requirements, most require 60 to 68 credits in order to graduate with an associate degree. Here are a few other factors that may lengthen the timeline:

• Completing the program might take longer if your school requires more credit hours. 

• If you change majors or switch to a different school, some of your completed credit hours may not transfer to your new school or program.

• If you drop classes, you reduce the number of credit hours you are completing during that semester.

How to accelerate your associate degree program

If you’re motivated and have the time, you can speed things up and graduate in under two years. Here are a few steps that might help you earn your associate degree faster:

• Use high school to your advantage: Earn college credits in high school that you can apply to your associate degree program.

• Take a heavier course load: Take more credits per semester or attend an educational institution with a semester format that enables you to complete more credits throughout the year.

• Be strategic about “extra” semesters: Beyond the fall and spring semesters, take advantage of summer or any additional, accelerated periods where you can take a course or two and earn credit. 

Learn more: 10 High-Paying Jobs You Can Get with an Associate Degree

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