Associate in a year

The Associate in Arts in a Year Program is an affordable, customized, and efficient opportunity to earn your AA degree in one year. The price of the program is capped at $1,500 for NC residents ($500 per semester). Students must be in good Financial Aid standing to qualify. Financial support may be available through the Financial Aid office.

All materials are online. Classes are pre-selected and offer a flexible schedule that meets the needs of people from all different backgrounds, from students fresh out of high school to full-time professionals.

Classes in AA in a Year are paired to highlight common themes and ideas between subjects. Collaboration between the faculty offer creative and extraordinary learning experiences that enforce engagement and reveal surprising lessons. For example, you can learn about America’s Hispanic heritage while taking American Literature alongside Elementary Spanish I.

AA in a Year is also a learning community. Students in the program take a year of classes together, which allows them to support each other and form meaningful bonds. Group members lift each other up, and thereby lift themselves up. The community model in AA in a Year embodies the famous quote from Booker T. Washington: “If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.”

The Associate in Arts in a Year Program offers an accessible, unique, and enriching college experience that gets you on the fast-track to achieving your future goals and dreams.

View the program advisor on the Charlotte Today Show:

I chose the AAY program because I knew it was an incredible new program that would help me achieve my future goals. Even though at the time, I wasn’t sure what those goals were. I was in a place where I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, and my educational career and current career plan were put on hold.

I knew I didn’t want to give up on my goals, but I also knew I didn’t want to be stagnant. When I heard about the opportunity to earn an Associate in Arts degree in just a year, I was very intrigued. I figured I would give it a shot. Perhaps I could earn this degree and transfer it to get a 4-year degree in a totally different field than I had anticipated. If nothing else, it would add to my educational repertoire.

I didn’t know if I would be able to manage this program, but I am so glad I made the decision to continue my educational path! I’m not sure where this program will take me, but I am glad that I am taking advantage of it. Not only is this an incredible opportunity time wise, but financially this program is unlike any other. This program has really helped me develop my time management skills, and I feel so accomplished every time I finish an accelerated course. I am very excited knowing I am getting closer and closer to earning my Associates degree. I know this program is opening many doors for my future!

-Miranda