How to Return to College After Dropping Out (Step-by-Step Guide)

A master woodworker does not simply grab the first piece of lumber they see. They run their hands over the grain, checking for knots and moisture. They understand that the foundation of a chair determines if it will hold weight for decades or collapse under pressure. Choosing a bachelor’s degree is an act of academic craftsmanship. If you select a foundation that does not align with your natural strengths or your long-term goals, the structure of your college career may begin to warp. I have spent 14 years helping students understand that a “comeback” often starts with picking the right wood—the right degree type—before the first saw even touches the board.

Understanding Bachelor’s Degree Options

A bachelor’s degree is a four-year undergraduate credential that serves as the primary gateway to most professional careers. It typically requires 120 credit hours of study, divided between general education, core major requirements, and elective courses. Understanding the different bachelor’s degree options helps you build a stable academic path.

When I first started my own undergraduate journey, I felt like I was standing in front of a massive wall of labels. I saw BA, BS, BFA, and BSN, and I had no idea what they actually meant for my daily life. I chose a program because the name sounded prestigious, not because the curriculum fit my learning style. Within two years, I felt burnt out and considered leaving school entirely. I realized later that I wasn’t failing; I was just in the wrong type of degree for my goals.

Choosing the best bachelor’s degree for your specific needs requires looking past the title of the major. You must look at the “bones” of the degree. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), nearly 30% of undergraduates change their major at least once. Many of these changes happen because students don’t realize how different a Bachelor of Arts is from a Bachelor of Science, even when the subject matter is similar.

• Total Credits: Usually 120 to 128 semester hours.
• Time to Completion: Typically 4 years for full-time students.
• Structure: A mix of “Gen Eds,” Major courses, and Electives.
• Outcome: Preparation for entry-level professional roles or graduate school.

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) vs. Bachelor of Science (BS)

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) are the two most common degree foundations in higher education. While both are equally respected by employers, they differ significantly in their course requirements and the “flexibility score” they offer for double majors or minors.

Choosing a bachelor’s degree often comes down to this specific fork in the road. I remember mentoring a student named Sarah who was passionate about Psychology. She was enrolled in a BS program but was struggling deeply with the advanced statistics and lab science requirements. She felt like she was failing at her dream. We sat down and looked at the BA in Psychology at her school. It traded those heavy lab sciences for more social science electives and a foreign language requirement.

Defining the Bachelor of Arts (BA)

The Bachelor of Arts is a degree focused on a broad liberal arts foundation, emphasizing critical thinking, communication, and theoretical knowledge. It usually requires a significant number of credits in the humanities, social sciences, and often a foreign language. This degree type is designed for maximum flexibility.

In a BA program, you typically have more “free electives.” This means you can take classes outside your major just for fun or to build a minor. For a student who has a wide range of interests, the BA is often the best bachelor’s degree because it doesn’t lock you into a rigid, narrow path.

• Breadth over Depth: You learn a little bit about many things.
• Language Requirement: Most BA programs require two years of a foreign language.
• Flexibility: High. It is much easier to add a second major or two minors.
• Common Majors: English, History, Communications, Sociology, and Fine Arts.

Defining the Bachelor of Science (BS)

The Bachelor of Science focuses on technical, mathematical, or scientific applications within a specific field. It prioritizes “depth” over “breadth,” requiring more credits directly related to the major and fewer general electives. This degree is ideal for students who want a highly structured, specialized education.

If you are a student who loves knowing exactly what classes you will take for the next four years, the BS might be for you. However, keep in mind that the “rigidity” of a BS can make it harder to catch up if you fail a class or decide to change directions later. I’ve seen many “comeback” students prefer the BS because it provides a very clear, step-by-step map to a specific career.

• Depth over Breadth: You take many more classes in your specific major.
• Technical Focus: Expect more math, data analysis, and laboratory work.
• Flexibility: Lower. There are fewer slots for “fun” electives or extra minors.
• Common Majors: Biology, Engineering, Computer Science, and Nursing.

Comparison of BA and BS Foundations

Specialized Bachelor’s Degree Pathways

Specialized bachelor’s degrees are “professional” degrees designed to prepare students for a specific license or industry immediately upon graduation. These programs, such as the BFA or BSN, often have very strict accreditation requirements that dictate almost every class you take.

I often tell high school seniors that specialized degrees are like high-performance sports cars. They are incredible at doing one specific thing, but they aren’t great for a cross-country move with lots of luggage. If you are 100% certain about your career, these are excellent. If you are still exploring, they can feel restrictive.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

The Bachelor of Fine Arts is a professional degree for students in the visual or performing arts. Unlike a BA in Art, which is 50% liberal arts, a BFA is often 70% to 80% studio or performance work. It is an intensive, “hands-on” degree foundation.

• Practice-Based: Most of your time is spent in the studio or on stage.
• Portfolio Focused: Your “grade” is often your body of work rather than exams.
• Time Commitment: Very high; often requires more than 120 credits.

The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

The Bachelor of Business Administration provides a broad foundation in all aspects of business, including accounting, marketing, and management. It is more specialized than a BA in Economics but more versatile than a BS in Accounting. It is a popular choice for those seeking corporate leadership.

• Core Curriculum: Includes “Business Core” classes like Finance and Law.
• Networking: Often includes mandatory internships or professional seminars.
• ROI Indicator: High early-career employment rates according to the BLS.

How to Select the Right Foundation

Selecting the right foundation involves matching your personal learning style and career goals with the specific credit requirements of a degree. It requires looking at a “degree audit” or “major map” before you even apply to the college. This prevents the overwhelm of choosing among hundreds of bachelor’s options.

When I work with transfer students who are making a “comeback” after a break, we start with a “Flexibility Audit.” We look at how many credits they’ve already earned and see which degree type accepts the most of them. Sometimes, switching from a BS to a BA can shave a full year off your graduation timeline.

1. Identify Your “Why”: Are you going to school for a specific license (like Nursing) or to develop your mind (like Philosophy)?
2. Check the Math: Look at the highest level of math required. If you struggle with Calculus, a BS in a social science might be a barrier.
3. Count the Electives: If you want to study abroad or play a sport, you need a degree with more elective space (BA).
4. Use the College Scorecard: Look up the median salary and debt for that specific degree at your target school.

Metrics for Successful Degree Completion

Success in an undergraduate program is often measured by “time-to-degree” and the “credit-to-major ratio.” Students who graduate on time usually have a clear understanding of their degree requirements by the end of their freshman year. Understanding these metrics helps you stay on track.

Data from the NCES shows that the 6-year graduation rate for first-time, full-time undergraduate students is about 64%. One major reason students take longer is “credit creep”—taking classes that don’t actually count toward their degree foundation.

• Average Credit Requirement: 120 semester hours.
• Major Concentration: 30–60 credits depending on BA vs. BS.
• General Education: 36–42 credits.
• Recommended Pace: 15 credits per semester to graduate in 4 years.
• Transfer Success Rate: Students with a clear BA/BS choice transfer 20% more credits successfully.

Tools for Major Exploration and Planning

Modern students have access to digital tools that make choosing a bachelor’s degree much easier than it was a decade ago. These resources provide data on everything from what a major actually covers to how much you can expect to earn after graduation.

I always recommend that my mentees use at least three different sources before declaring a major. Relying only on a college brochure is like buying a house based only on the front door. You need to see the floor plan.

1. College Board BigFuture: Excellent for comparing different majors and their typical course loads.
2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Occupational Outlook Handbook): Shows which degrees are actually in demand.
3. College Scorecard: Provides real data on what graduates from specific programs actually earn.
4. Focus2Career: An AI-driven tool many colleges use to match your personality with specific degree types.
5. O*NET OnLine: A detailed tool for seeing what skills are needed for specific jobs.

Avoiding Common Mistakes in the Early Journey

Many students make the mistake of choosing a degree based on “prestige” or “parental pressure” rather than their own academic reality. This often leads to a “false start” where a student feels forced to drop out or change schools because the workload doesn’t match their interests.

One of the biggest mistakes I see is the “BS Trap.” Students assume a Bachelor of Science is always “better” than a Bachelor of Arts. This isn’t true. For many employers, a BA with a high GPA and a great internship is much more valuable than a BS with a low GPA and no outside experience.

• Don’t ignore the “Fine Print”: Read the course descriptions for the junior and senior years.
• Don’t skip the Advisor: Meet with an academic advisor before you declare.
• Don’t fear the “BA”: A Bachelor of Arts is a powerful, flexible tool in the modern job market.
• Don’t over-commit: Avoid double-majoring in two BS programs unless you plan on staying in school for 5 or 6 years.

Your Action Plan for Confidence

Confidence comes from having a plan that you actually understand. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the hundreds of options, focus on the foundation first. Once you know if you are a “BA person” or a “BS person,” the list of majors becomes much smaller and more manageable.

• Step 1: Take a career aptitude test (like Focus2) to see your natural leanings.
• Step 2: Download the “Degree Audit” for three different majors at your top school.
• Step 3: Compare the number of required math and science courses in each.
• Step 4: Talk to a junior or senior in that program about their daily workload.
• Step 5: Map out a “sample” four-year plan to see if you have room for your other interests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Bachelor of Science better than a Bachelor of Arts?

Neither is inherently “better.” A BS is more technical and specialized, making it ideal for STEM careers. A BA is more flexible and focuses on critical thinking, making it ideal for law, communications, or leadership roles. The “best” degree is the one that aligns with your career goals and learning style.

Can I get into medical school with a Bachelor of Arts?

Yes. Medical schools do not care if your degree is a BA or a BS. They only care that you have completed the specific “pre-med” science prerequisites (like Organic Chemistry and Biology) and have a strong GPA and MCAT score. Many pre-med students choose a BA to have more time for volunteering.

How many credits do I need to graduate?

Most bachelor’s degrees require 120 semester credits. This usually breaks down to 40 classes of 3 credits each. Some specialized programs, like Engineering or Architecture, may require up to 128 or even 150 credits, which can extend your time in school.

What is the difference between a major and a degree?

A degree is the broad category (e.g., Bachelor of Arts), while a major is the specific subject you study within that category (e.g., History). You graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in History. The degree type determines your general requirements, while the major determines your specific subject classes.

Does my degree type affect my salary?

Initially, some BS degrees (like Engineering or Computer Science) have higher starting salaries. However, long-term data shows that BA graduates in leadership or management roles often close that gap. Your skills, internships, and networking often matter more than the letters on your diploma.

Can I switch from a BA to a BS later?

Yes, but it can be difficult. Because a BS has more specific, sequential math and science requirements, switching into one late in your college career might add a year or more to your graduation timeline. Switching from a BS to a BA is usually much easier.

What are “General Education” requirements?

These are foundational classes that every student must take, regardless of their major. They usually include English composition, college algebra, a natural science, a social science, and humanities. They typically make up about one-third of your total credits.

Is a BFA harder than a BA?

A BFA is not necessarily “harder” intellectually, but it is more time-consuming. BFA students often spend 4-6 hours a day in studio or rehearsal classes on top of their regular homework. It requires a very high level of dedication to a single craft.

Should I double major?

Double majoring is a great way to add value to your degree, but it works best within a BA foundation. Because BA programs have more elective space, you can often “overlap” requirements. In a BS program, double majoring often requires taking extra semesters.

What if I don’t know what I want to do yet?

If you are undecided, a Bachelor of Arts (BA) is usually the safest starting point. It allows you to complete your general education requirements while exploring different subjects through electives without falling behind on a rigid technical schedule.

(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Matthew Ellison. Visit our Meet the Team page to learn more about the author and their expertise.)