Four‑year institutions are rolling out two‑year associate programs to broaden access for first‑generation and low‑income students. Campuses such as Boston College’s new Messina College pilot residential associate degrees with wraparound supports to improve transfer and completion pathways. At the same time, research shows many community‑college students switch majors—often because coursework is harder than expected, transfer rules confuse planning, or students discover new interests—underscoring the need for clearer advising and aligned program pathways across institutional types.