Earn Your Associate Degree
Graduate from high school with an associate degree!
What is the Associate Degree Option?
The Concurrent Enrollment Associate Degree option allows students to complete an associate degree by the time they graduate from high school-a significant milestone in their academic career. An associate degree is an undergraduate academic degree awarded by colleges and universities upon completion of approximately 60 credits. Achieving this milestone requires an investment of a student’s time and commitment.
Boise State offers an associate degree in arts (AA) and science (AS) which provides an academic foundation for a future major. Students will work closely with a Concurrent Enrollment advisor to choose courses and determine how their intended college will accept the credits earned toward their associate degree.
Benefits of the Associate Degree Option
Personalized Degree Planning
You will work with a Concurrent Enrollment advisor to create a degree plan based on your personal goals and degree interests, to guide you in making a seamless transition to college.
Reduced Summer Tuition
Once an Associate Degree plan and agreement have been completed and approved, participating students are eligible to take college summer courses on the Boise State campus at the reduced Sophomore Start rate of $75 per credit while in high school. Once students graduate from high school they are no longer eligible for the reduced rate. Students are also responsible for any additional costs and fees that may apply, including textbooks, online fees, and lab fees.
Transferrable Credits
Credits eligible for the Associate Degree option include transferable concurrent enrollment/dual credit courses offered from Boise State and other colleges, transfer courses, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests.
Who can participate in the Associate Degree option?
To participate in Boise State’s Concurrent Enrollment Associate Degree option, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a freshman or sophomore in high school.
- Attend Centennial, Eagle, Meridian, Mountain View, Owyhee, or Rocky Mountain High School.
- Have a goal to complete a minimum of 60 college credits while in high school.
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
- Have signed permission from a parent or guardian.
- Be willing to take summer dual credit courses in either the online or in-person format.
What are the requirements to participate in the Associate Degree option?
Once a student decides to participate in the Associate Degree option, and meets eligibility criteria, they must complete the following requirements:
- Complete an agreement of participation.
- Meet with a Concurrent Enrollment advisor at least once per school year to outline and stay current on your degree plan. Only students with an advisor approved degree plan are eligible to take Boise State summer classes at the reduced Associate Degree rate of $75 per credit.
- Be admitted and actively enrolled in dual credit or on campus courses throughout your participation in the option.
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) and remain in good academic standing.
Get Started
The Associate Degree application is currently closed. We will accept new applications beginning October 1, 2024.
For additional information regarding the Associate Degree option, please email ceadvising@boisestate.edu.
How to Prepare
As a freshman, be sure to prepare yourself for this option throughout the year. Set yourself up for academic success by doing the following:
Focus on your grades
You must maintain a 3.0 GPA to participate in the Associate Degree option.
Take prerequisite classes
Many of the concurrent enrollment/dual credit courses you will need to attain an associate degree have prerequisites. Take them ahead of time so you can seamlessly enroll in the necessary dual credit courses during your sophomore, junior and senior year.
Take dual credit courses early
If possible, be sure to participate in whichever dual credit courses are available to you. By taking dual credit courses early, you’ll reduce the academic requirements necessary to earn an associate degree.