Keep in mind it would cost at least 2k for an associates through the big 3 due to residency fees. I don't know where you live, but where I live community college is cheap. Most community colleges require only 15 credits residency to earn an associates degree. It might be a cheaper option to earn an associates through a local community college than the big three. Also, if that community college has special articulation agreements with the local University you could save even more money. Some 3 to 1 agreements you could earn a degree from a local University when only taking 1 year of actual classes there.
I personally earned two associates degrees from a community college by taking 66 credits of courses and 4 CLEPs. The cost after scholarships was about 6k for everything for two years. I took out no loans and paid as I went while working. I can also say from experience an Associate in General Studies doesn't really help much in terms of employment, it would be nice to get a degree in something. Or at the very least, have a specialized area of study. Because I took only one math, one science, one English, one graphic design, etc. it doesn't really add to my skills or make me more qualified for any job.
I also earned a certificate in general education agreement. That entitles me to go any college or University in my state (public or private) and have all or most of gen eds done, even if the specific courses I took don't transfer there.
I personally earned two associates degrees from a community college by taking 66 credits of courses and 4 CLEPs. The cost after scholarships was about 6k for everything for two years. I took out no loans and paid as I went while working. I can also say from experience an Associate in General Studies doesn't really help much in terms of employment, it would be nice to get a degree in something. Or at the very least, have a specialized area of study. Because I took only one math, one science, one English, one graphic design, etc. it doesn't really add to my skills or make me more qualified for any job.
I also earned a certificate in general education agreement. That entitles me to go any college or University in my state (public or private) and have all or most of gen eds done, even if the specific courses I took don't transfer there.
![[-]](https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/images/collapse.png)
