I’m a 34 yr old returning student looking to complete an Associates Degree online then planning to transfer to a more respected University to receive my Bachelor’s because of difficulty getting admitted into a 4yr to start. I was considering U of P – though I know they are expensive – because I can easily be admitted into their program and for their quick course cycles that will allow me to graduate faster than attending a local community college. I’m from NYC if that helps. Any advice?

Not at all if get an Associates degree what transfers is the degree itself not the individual credits therefore in your new college you just need to take classes above the Associates level towards the Bachelors.