Frequently Asked Questions about Associate Degrees

Concurrent enrollment/dual credit courses cost $75 per credit in the state of Idaho. An associate degree with 60 credits typically costs $4,500. The Idaho Advanced Opportunities Program provides $4,625 to every Idaho public school student grades 7-12 to use towards Advanced Opportunities, which covers the majority of the cost of an associate degree. If a student takes an on-campus or online class directly through Boise State, there may be textbook or additional class fees associated with the class that are not covered by Advanced Opportunities funding. 

Students should expect to take one to two summer courses each year while also keeping track of the credits they earn with your Associate Degree advisor. A Concurrent Enrollment advisor will assist students in documenting credits earned on a degree planning sheet.

For students who work outside of school or participate in multiple activities, it may be difficult to maintain a strong academic standing in their college-level courses. Please be aware that advising is critical to a student’s success while pursuing an associate degree with Boise State University. That said, students should set aside time to meet with a high school counselor and Concurrent Enrollment advisor as needed to stay up-to-date on their progress.

Possessing an associate’s degree can lead to a variety of careers, depending on one’s future profession. Students can also transfer credits earned in an associate’s degree program towards a bachelor’s degree. It is best for students to work with a college and career advisor to learn about more options related to their professional goals.

Boise State’s Associate Degree option combines University Foundations (F) courses with major requirement courses in a chosen field. Foundations courses are required by the institution to provide a student with general knowledge. Examples are English, science and mathematics. Major requirement courses fulfill specific degree requirements, such as those associated with a specific degree.

Graduates with an associate degree can either transfer their credits to a bachelor degree program or enter the workforce. The associate of arts or science degree is equivalent to the first two years of college and is accepted at Idaho public universities and most colleges and universities across the United States.

Although other college and universities will accept the degree, individual courses may not transfer seamlessly. Parents/guardians and students are encouraged to research the policies at their future college/university of interest to learn more about the transfer process.

Students will need to complete around 60 credit hours, or roughly 20 courses, to earn an associate degree with Boise State. Much of the coursework will fulfill general education and Boise State’s Foundations program requirements, which will include math, arts, English composition, social science and humanities courses. After completing general education courses, students will fulfill major concentration requirements or take electives in their preferred area of study.

Some college level courses contain mature and sensitive content. These courses may include class discussions that might be uncomfortable for certain students.

Additionally, 15 of the 60 credits a student earns to receive Boise State’s associate degree must be taken aligned with Boise State. Students planning to earn a Boise State associate degree need to meet the requirements of the catalog that is in effect when first enrolled or of any subsequent catalog year.