LaGuardia RISE
Readiness, Inspiration, Support, Employment
Your associate degree is closer than you think: LaGuardia’s RISE Program paves the way for students who’ve gained experience in our Division of Continuing Education’s non-degree programs to enroll in one of LaGuardia’s 60+ associate degree programs. When you’re ready and inspired to turn your experience into a degree, RISE will provide the support you need to achieve your academic and employment goals.
The RISE program allows Continuing Education students and alumni to transition seamlessly into degree programs that build on what they’ve already accomplished. Experience the following benefits and more when you work with us to enroll in an associate program at LaGuardia:
- Our Office of Credit for Prior Learning can evaluate your experiences outside of the classroom for credits toward your degree. Learn more here.
- We offer personalized one-on-one support to help you meet your goals.
- LaGuardia makes higher education affordable. Our Student Financial Services office helps you pay for college through financial aid packages and the Bursar’s Office has payment plans that suit your needs. Learn more here.
- Earning an associate degree can open the door to higher-paying job opportunities. Even more opportunities may become available if you choose to earn a bachelor’s degree as well.
How it Works
The RISE program is designed for the following individuals:
- Current and former students in LaGuardia’s Continuing Education programs
- Students who enrolled in, but did not complete, a degree program
- Anyone with non-credit education seeking a college degree
The RISE program makes it easy to enroll in an associate degree program at LaGuardia. Here’s how you can get on the path to an associate degree through the RISE program:
- Connect with us: Schedule a meeting with a NextStep advisor who will guide you through the process from start to finish. You can meet with us in person or remotely—whichever fits your schedule.
- Create your plan: During your meeting with a NextStep advisor, we’ll create a personalized education plan based on your background, interests, and career goals. We’ll help you find the right degree program for you, developing a plan that includes:
- Credit pathway options
- Financial aid opportunities
- Course scheduling that fits your busy life
- Support services that will ensure your success
- Enroll with support: We’ll guide you through the application process, waiving the application fee and providing you with the support you need to complete your application, gather the necessary paperwork for financial aid, register for courses, and prepare for your degree program.
Pursuing an associate degree is an excellent way to take the next step forward in your career. As a LaGuardia student, you’ll have access to a network of on-campus support systems that help you succeed, such as:
Eligibility
The RISE program is designed for students who have taken a course or training program within LaGuardia’s Division of Continuing Education. You are eligible for advising through the RISE program if you have completed or are currently enrolled in a Continuing Education program and are interested in going on to enroll in a degree program at LaGuardia.
Getting Started
The RISE program makes it easy to enroll in an associate degree program at LaGuardia. Here’s how you can get on the path to an associate degree through the RISE program:
- Connect with us: Schedule a meeting with a NextStep advisor who will guide you through the process from start to finish. You can meet with us in person or remotely—whichever fits your schedule.
- Create your plan: During your meeting with a NextStep advisor, we’ll create a personalized education plan based on your background, interests, and career goals. We’ll help you find the right degree program, developing a plan that includes:
- Credit pathway options
- Financial aid opportunities
- Course scheduling that fits your busy life
- Support services that will ensure your success
- Enroll with support: We’ll guide you through the application process, waiving the application fee and providing you with the support you need to complete your application, gather the necessary paperwork for financial aid, register for courses, and prepare for your degree program.
Ongoing Support
Pursuing an associate degree is an excellent way to take the next step forward in your career. As a LaGuardia student, you’ll have access to a network of on-campus support systems that help you succeed, such as:
From Continuing Education to an Associate Degree: Our Pathways
Many students go on to pursue their associate degrees at LaGuardia after completing ESL courses here. The RISE program offers:
- Specialized advising for multilingual students
- ESL courses that count toward your degree
- Initial advising and support through RISE, plus access to LaGuardia’s advising services.
If you earned your GED at LaGuardia, you can take the next step with:
- Guided transition to college-level coursework
- Academic readiness assessment and support
- First-year experience courses designed for HSE/GED graduates
- Study skills workshops and learning communities
Your workforce certificate can be the first step toward a related degree:
- Stackable credentials that build toward a degree
- Career-focused advising to align education with employment
- Industry partnerships that support working students