How to Complete Your Bachelor's Degree at Regis College

If you have an incomplete college degree in your back pocket, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans have college credits, but have yet to earn a bachelor’s degree due to various life circumstances. In fact, according to the Center for Education Consumer Insights, “more than 31 million students over the last 20 years have enrolled in college, but left without receiving a degree or certificate.”

This is one reason why degree completion programs have become increasingly popular in recent years. It’s a great option for prospective students who want to go back to school without starting over. Additionally, these programs typically ensure their dedicated staff understands the unique burdens of degree completion students.

What Is A Bachelor’s Completion Program?

A bachelor’s degree completion program gives students with an associate’s degree, unfinished bachelor’s degree, or transferable college credits the opportunity to complete their bachelor’s degree. By accepting transferable, eligible college credits these programs eliminate possible barriers prospective graduates encounter when returning to school.

Completing Your Bachelor’s Degree at Regis College

Regis College offers a comprehensive and accessible degree completion program for those who fall into any of the above categories. Take the following steps to complete your degree at Regis College.

1. Determine your eligibility.

Like most higher education programs, it’s important to determine your eligibility before applying. You’re eligible for Regis College’s degree completion program if you fulfill at least one of these requirements:

You have an unfinished undergraduate degree
You have an associate’s degree
You’re a transfer student
You have previous college credit

Students looking to complete a bachelor’s degree at Regis can transfer up to 90 credits. Keep in mind that not all college credits are eligible for transfer depending on the school and program you’re applying to. So don’t rely on your existing credits to accelerate your degree completion program without first researching prerequisites. Make sure you choose a program that allows you to apply most of your past education toward your future degree.

Regis College also accepts the MassTransfer block. Students who opt for this unconventional path earn their prerequisite courses from a community college their first two years of a four-year degree program. From there, you’re able to transfer those credits to complete your final years at a university or state college. This option is particularly beneficial for students looking for more cost effective pathways to their degree.

2. Select your program.

Just like eligibility, each school also varies in the types of concentrations they offer in their degree completion program. For example, Regis College offers degree completion for the following programs

Make sure the schools you’re considering offer an area of study that aligns with your previous credits. This is particularly important since this determines what degree you’ll earn at the completion of the program.

3. Evaluate your financial aid options.

Completing a degree, at any stage, is an enormous financial investment. Before furthering your education you must ensure you have the financial means to sustain your lifestyle while in school. In many cases this also includes the financial well-being of students’ family members. Take the time to research what kind of financial aid options are available to you and be realistic with what you can afford. Regis College offers several financial aid options to degree completion program admitants. Check out their financial aid resources to see if you’re eligible. Another source of aid students can consider is federal and state grants.

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4. Apply to the schools of your choice.

Once you pinpoint your eligibility and financial aid status, it’s time to apply. This part of the process often takes some time, so make sure to plan accordingly. Don’t start your application too close to the due date. Give yourself enough time to ensure your inquiry is accurate and professional. If your time and finances allow, consider applying to more than one program. This may offer more options, as well as some flexibility in your final decision.

5. Maintain your status.

Getting into a program is just the start of this process. Once you’re accepted, it’s important to maintain the status needed to continue in the program.

Unlike those who complete their bachelor’s degree during their initial enrollment, degree completion students face different challenges that can act as obstacles to earning their degree. Some hindrances that can affect degree completion program students outside of the classroom include:

Working to financially support themselves and/or family
Raising children
Adhering to other personal, financial, or family obligations

If managing your time is a concern, then make sure to find a program that offers flexibility. This could mean online courses, a hybrid option, or even part-time enrollment.

Regis College offers flexible programming for bachelor’s completion, as well as part-time options. To be considered a part-time student, the individual can take between one to two courses (three to six credits) per semester. While this is an excellent option for those who are juggling multiple personal obligations, students must maintain six credits per semester at all times to retain financial aid eligibility. If you’re dependent on aid to continue your education, reach out to your financial aid office to make sure your plans don’t affect your assistance.

6. Complete the residency requirements.

Residency requirements are the number of credits that must be completed through the university you complete your education and receive your diploma. For example, students at Regis College must complete 30 credits to be in compliance with residency requirements. Once you complete your residency requirements, and all of the degree credit requirements for graduation, you’ll be eligible to graduate. These residency requirements will also affect how long it takes to receive your diploma, so keep this in mind when choosing a program as well.

Why Regis College?

Considering all the factors that come with a degree completion program, it’s clear that picking the right program is essential to your success both in school and in the future. These completion programs are meant to provide an easier path to earning your diploma, while also giving you much needed skills to succeed in your chosen field.

Regis College’s bachelor’s degree completion program is an excellent option for students who need flexibility to accommodate their hectic lives. It offers adjustable course formats and program modalities. Many fields of study also offer online and/or hybrid courses, as well as a part- or full-time option.

Consider meeting with an admission counselor or attending an information session to see if Regis College is the right fit for you and your educational goals.

It’s Never Too Late

It’s never too late to return to school to complete your bachelor’s degree. Like many people, life may have gotten in the way the first time, but there are so many options for you to finish what you started. Let an institution, like Regis, help you in your journey to becoming a degree holder.