In most cases, no.  Even if you dropped out years ago, core academic credits usually transfer over. Plus, work experience, military training, or industry certifications can often be converted into college credit through Credit for Prior Learning (CPL).

An associate degree requires roughly 60 college credit hours, but you do not need to take full-time daytime classes. Alamo Colleges offer flexible class scheduling for days, nights, weekends, and online course options. Check out the Alamo Colleges Program Finder to explore your options. If you already have 30–45 credits, you could be just a few hand-picked courses away from finishing. 

Interested in short-term training instead of a degree? Check out the accelerated training and certification opportunities available through the Alamo Technical Institute.

Returning to finish a degree shouldn't mean taking on high-interest loans.

San Antonio offers robust workforce grants, local scholarships, and programs that cover tuition costs. Many local employers also offer "Earn & Learn" tuition assistance, meaning you get paid while you finish. Browse Alamo College grants and scholarships, and click here to be connected to the Financial Aid office.

Official transcripts from accredited technical schools, out-of-state colleges, or other Texas institutions will be reviewed by the Alamo Colleges as potential transfer credit.

You are not locked into your old path. Changing your major is common, and you may not have to start over. Many core classes you may have taken previously, like English, History, and Math, count toward general education requirements. An academic advisor can run a degree audit for your target field to show you exactly how many of your past credits apply to the new path and lay out the shortest route to completion.

You don't need to figure out a 2-year plan today—you just need the next turn. The Alamo Colleges make it easy to pick up where you left off. Just follow their 10-step application guide, which walks you through each question and provides the information you need to apply (such as your county of residence, Social Security number, and personal email address). They also have Enrollment Coaches available if you have questions about the admissions process.

You might already qualify for a degree without taking more classes. Through Texas's Reverse Transfer program, credits you earned at a 4-year university (like UTSA, Texas A&M-San Antonio, or OLLU) or through workplace training may be sent back to Alamo Colleges to claim your associate degree.