How Many Credits Is a Bachelor’s Degree After an Associate Degree?

Many students begin their path to higher education with an associate degree before transitioning into a bachelor’s degree program. This approach can be both cost-effective and efficient, allowing students to complete foundational coursework before moving into more advanced studies.

However, understanding how credits transfer from an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree is an important step. It ensures a smooth transition and helps minimize time and financial investment.

Credit transfer policies vary by institution, and factors such as accreditation, program alignment and articulation agreements all play a role in determining how many credits will be accepted. Strategic planning and choosing the right institution can help maximize transfer credits and speed up degree completion.

How Many Credits Do You Need for a Bachelor’s Degree?

A typical bachelor’s degree requires between 120 and 130 credit hours. These credits are divided among general education requirements, major-specific courses and electives, providing students with a comprehensive education that balances broad knowledge with specialized expertise.

Sarah Lathrop, program chair for Applied Management and Associate of Applied Science degrees at Franklin University, explains the distinction between associate and bachelor’s degree coursework: “Associate degrees consist primarily of 100 and 200 level coursework and often focus on general education requirements and/or technical career-related skills. In contrast, bachelor's degrees include upper-division or 300 and 400 level courses with a broad general education and a strong focus on major-specific, in-depth study.”

For students transferring from an associate degree program, the number of credits needed to complete a bachelor’s degree depends on how many previously earned credits are accepted by the new institution.

How Many Credits Can You Transfer From an Associate Degree?

Most associate degree programs require 60 to 65 credit hours (approximately 20 classes), covering general education courses and introductory coursework in a specific field. In many cases, students can transfer the entire 60 to 65 credits into a bachelor's program, particularly if their associate degree closely aligns with their intended bachelor’s major.

Many institutions offer 2+2 transfer agreements, allowing students to seamlessly transition into a bachelor's degree program with junior standing. These agreements ensure that students can complete their bachelor’s degree in approximately two additional years.

However, credit transfer depends on the receiving institution. Lathrop clarifies, saying, “The transferability of coursework is determined by the receiving institution. For example, if you're transferring to Smith University, Smith University will decide which credits will transfer, how they will transfer and how they will apply to your degree requirements. Many institutions have agreements with community colleges to make this process seamless.”

If the associate degree coursework doesn’t align with the bachelor's degree requirements, students may need to take additional general education or prerequisite courses, potentially extending their time to graduation.

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Factors That Affect Credit Transfer

Several factors influence how many credits will transfer from an associate to a bachelor’s degree program, including:

• Accreditation. Credits from institutionally accredited schools or programs are more likely to be accepted. Students are also more likely to qualify for federal student aid when accreditation is present.
• Articulation Agreements. Many universities partner with community colleges to maximize credit transfer. Lathrop notes, “Many states have statewide transfer agreements that outline the terms, set standards and drive relationships between two-year and four-year institutions. For example, the Ohio Transfer 36 provides guaranteed transfer of general education coursework among Ohio's public institutions.”
• Program Alignment. The more closely related the associate and bachelor’s degree programs are, the more credits will transfer. As Lathrop explains, “Ultimately, transferability comes down to whether the outcomes of the courses you took match the outcomes of the courses you're getting credit for, ensuring you’re prepared for subsequent courses.”
• Course Grades. Many institutions require a minimum grade, often a C or higher, for transfer eligibility.

How Long Will It Take To Complete a Bachelor’s After an Associate Degree Program?

The time required to complete a bachelor’s degree after earning an associate degree depends on how many credits transfer. If a student successfully transfers 60 to 65 credits from their associate degree, they may complete their bachelor's degree in two additional years of full-time study.

However, several factors can impact this timeline. If some credits do not transfer, students may need to take additional courses, extending their degree completion time.

Additionally, students who enroll part-time due to work or personal obligations may take longer to finish. Lathrop expands on this, saying, “The biggest challenges that may cause students to take longer than two years to finish include balancing work and personal responsibilities and financial constraints.” This is why finding a program that will work alongside a student's responsibilities is important.

Popular Bachelor’s Degree Paths After an Associate Degree

To maximize credit transfer, many associate degree holders choose to earn a bachelor’s degree that aligns with their associate degree. Common pathways include:

• Business Administration. Ideal for students with an associate degree in business or management.
• Healthcare Administration. An excellent fit for those with an associate degree in allied health or medical assisting.
• Information Technology (IT). Perfect for students with an associate in IT, computer science or cybersecurity.
• Education. Well-suited for those studying early childhood or elementary education or who hold an associate degree in what they hope to teach (mathematics, science, language arts, etc.)
• Psychology or Social Sciences. Works well for students with a two-year degree in human services or social work.

Progression to a four-year degree is a common route to take. Many students like the additional educational and professional pathways that earning an undergraduate degree provides. It's especially beneficial for those considering pursuing their master's degree, as a bachelor's degree is a common requirement.

In addition, advancing a degree also provides an opportunity for financial growth. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that bachelor's degree holders earn more on average ($80,236 per year) than those with only associate degree holders ($57,148 per year), making it an attractive option for many.

Choosing the Right Bachelor’s Degree Program After Your Associate Degree

Selecting the right bachelor’s program ensures a smooth transfer process and a successful educational experience. Factors to consider include:

• Universities with strong credit transfer policies to maximize previously earned credits
• Programs that offer flexible learning options, including online or hybrid formats
• Career outcomes and degree requirements to ensure the program aligns with long-term goals

For students balancing work or personal responsibilities, flexibility is key. Lathrop advises, “If you need to balance work or personal commitments, check if part-time or flexible scheduling is available. Evaluate how the class schedule fits your lifestyle and whether the program offers evening or weekend classes if necessary.”

Finish Your Bachelor’s Degree Faster at Franklin University

Maximize your hard-earned credits and complete your associate and bachelor’s degrees efficiently with Franklin University. Whether advancing your career or fulfilling personal goals, Franklin makes it easy to apply associate degree credits toward a bachelor’s degree and finish faster.

With a strong reputation for supporting adult learners and transfer students, Franklin University ensures students can transition seamlessly from an associate to a bachelor’s degree while receiving the support and resources needed to succeed.

Learn more about Franklin’s various associate degree programs by requesting more information. Or, if you're ready to get started, apply today to start down the path to a recognized degree.
 

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