I've come around to seeing at least monetary value in earning college credits in High School. So, I guess if you can take that all the way to an Associates and thereby spend less time in college and less on tuition/housing and get into a career earlier, it makes financial sense.

But your questions indicate you share at least a portion of my thinking. College should be a meaningful experience, not just a credential. The goal is to learn, grow, and maybe develop important relationships. Some of that takes time and can't happen without *being there.* I'm not encouraging my kids to skip steps there.

And if you are getting a Bachelor's, I really see no benefit to the credential of an Associates. Really, zero. Just my opinion, of course.