Do I need to graduate community college before transferring?

Is it necessary to earn my associate's degree at my community college if I plan to transfer to a four-year university, or can I transfer before graduating?

You certainly can transfer from a community college to a four-year university without completing your associate's degree. In fact, many students choose this path because it allows them to start taking upper-division courses earlier. They essentially complete their general education or lower-division courses at the community college then apply those credits towards their bachelor's degree program at the university.

However, doing so also has its trade-offs. Firstly, if you were to leave the community college without an associate's degree, and for some reason could not finish your bachelor's degree, you'd be without any degree. Having that associate's degree gives you a credential along the way, which may be helpful in the job market.

Secondly, some states in the U.S. have articulation agreements, which may guarantee admission to public universities in that state for community college graduates with an associate's degree. These agreements can make the transfer process much smoother and can take a lot of the guesswork out of course planning.

Ultimately, the decision will depend on your personal circumstances, academic goals, and the transfer policies of the four-year Institution you're aiming for. It would be wise to speak with a guidance counselor at your community college who is familiar with transfer requirements and processes, and they can guide you based on your individual goals and situation.