Associate of General Studies

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Associate of General Studies degree?

The Associate of General Studies (AGS) is an associate degree with no specific required courses. You choose 62 credit hours of courses that fit your personal or career goals.

What are the requirements for the AGS degree?

You need 62 semester credit hours, with at least 56 in non-activity courses, and a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher. At least 16 of your final 32 credits must be completed at an Iowa Valley college. Developmental courses don't count toward the degree.

Can credits from a career program count toward the AGS?

Yes. The AGS is designed in part for students who complete career programs shorter than two years, so those credits can count toward the 62 required.

Will the AGS transfer to a four-year university?

The AGS is not designed for transfer. Individual courses may transfer, but universities typically evaluate them course by course. If a bachelor's degree is your goal, an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science transfer degree is the better fit.

How much does the AGS degree cost?

For 2026-2027, tuition and fees are $243 per credit hour for Iowa residents, about $15,100 for the full 62-credit degree before financial aid. The Associate of General Studies is not on Iowa Valley's 2026-2027 Last-Dollar Scholarship program list, but you may qualify for federal and state grants and Iowa Valley scholarships. Start by completing the FAFSA.