Don’t Lose Your Credits: How Reverse Transfer Scores You a Degree
‘LPT: If you started college at a 2 year school, then transfer to a 4 year school and dropped out without a degree, contact the 2 year school about Reverse Transfer Programs, you may have already earned an Associates Degree that you are not getting credit for’
You might already qualify for an associate’s degree, giving you a valuable credential for your efforts.
This tip works because reverse transfer programs recognize your hard-earned credits. First, many students transfer to four-year schools before completing an associate’s degree. Reverse transfer lets you combine credits from both institutions to meet associate’s degree requirements, as outlined by programs like those at ReverseTransfer.org. Second, it’s practical—schools like CUNY or SUNY evaluate your four-year school credits to award the degree retroactively, often at no cost.
Third, it’s a safety net; if life interrupts your bachelor’s, you still have a marketable credential. For example, a Reddit user shared how this led to a raise after earning their associate’s degree years later. This process ensures your time and money spent aren’t wasted, boosting your resume instantly.
It also opens doors. An associate’s degree can improve job prospects, increase earnings by $4,600-$7,200 annually, and even waive general education requirements if you return to school.
Have you explored reverse transfer to claim an associate’s degree? What’s your experience with college credits, or how would you handle finding out you’re eligible for a degree you didn’t know about?
Dropping out of a four-year college can feel like a dead end, but the Reddit post’s reverse transfer tip offers a second chance at a credential. The original poster (OP) addresses a common issue: students who transfer from two-year to four-year schools often leave without any degree, unaware their combined credits might qualify for an associate’s. This gap between effort and reward frustrates many, especially when life derails degree plans.
This issue ties into a broader challenge: underutilized academic credits. The National Student Clearinghouse reports that 36% of students who start at two-year colleges transfer to four-year schools, but nearly half don’t complete a bachelor’s (Source). Reverse transfer programs, like those at ReverseTransfer.org, bridge this gap by combining credits from both schools to award associate’s degrees, often free of charge.
Higher education expert Dr. Sara Goldrick-Rab, in a 2023 Chronicle of Higher Education article, notes, “Reverse transfer is a lifeline for non-completers, turning credits into credentials that boost employability” (Source). Her insight validates the OP’s tip: an associate’s degree can increase earnings by $4,600–$7,200 annually, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For the OP’s audience, this means past coursework isn’t wasted—it’s a resume-ready asset.
To explore this, contact your two-year college’s registrar or check ReverseTransfer.org for eligibility. Provide transcripts from both schools, and confirm degree requirements. What’s your experience with college credits? Share in the comments to inspire others to claim their degrees!
Let’s dive into the reactions from Reddit:
Reddit’s community dished out a mix of gratitude, skepticism, and quirky flexes, proving this tip hit a nerve. Here’s what they had to say about reverse transfers:
![[Reddit User] − conversely as someone who just finished 2 years in a 4 year school, is there a way to reverse transfer just to get an associates and then transfer back in to get my bachelor's?](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/244718cm-11.png)
These are Reddit’s raw reactions, but do they ring true? From degree collectors to dropouts finding hope, the comments blend practical advice with personal triumphs. It’s a lively debate about the value of second chances in education.
The Reddit post’s tip is a game-changer: reverse transfer programs can turn your college credits into an associate’s degree, giving your efforts the recognition they deserve. It’s a no-brainer for dropouts or anyone with a partial four-year stint. Have you uncovered a degree through reverse transfer or faced credit transfer hurdles? What’s your advice for making the most of college credits? Drop your stories below and let’s spark ideas for academic wins!
