252 former U of I students finish what they started, join Vandal alums
Associate degrees awarded to hundreds of students who previously attended U of I but didn't graduate
June 12, 2024
MOSCOW, Idaho — More qualified Vandals are available to Idaho industries after a unique program helped 252 former students receive associate degrees — degrees that they had already qualified for during their time as students.
Through Vandal Finish, an initiative launched to help former, non-graduating University of Idaho students complete degrees they had previously started, more than 1,400 former students were notified they already qualified for associate degrees. U of I began offering associate degrees in 2023. Some of those students are now choosing to complete a full bachelor’s degree by taking online or in-person classes.
For example, Jon McKenzie of Coeur d’Alene graduated with his two children this spring, finishing a degree he began 20 years ago. McKenzie obtained a GED and started college at Spokane Community College in 2001. After several stops and starts while trying to complete his education, he finally attended online classes at U of I in 2023 and graduated last month with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies.
U of I is hoping to help more former students complete their degrees – both those who have already met degree requirements and those who are close to finishing and want to benefit from greater marketability and higher wages that come from earning a diploma.
“Helping Idaho’s working adults finish their degrees is not only fulfilling but also speaks to the foundational mission of Idaho’s land-grant university,” said Traci Craig, College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences associate dean. “We know that a college degree results in myriad financial, personal and health benefits over a graduate’s lifetime.”
To qualify for an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree, former students must have completed 60 credits, including all general education requirements. To qualify for a bachelor’s degree, students must have 120 credits, including all general education requirements.
To learn more, email degreedoctor@uidaho.edu.
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Media contact
Traci Craig
Associate Dean
College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences
208-885-5254
tcraig@uidaho.edu