Fastest Bachelor’s Degrees You Can Get Online
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Key Takeaways: Why Get an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree?
- Enter the workforce sooner by cutting your time to earn your degree in half.
- You can qualify for the same financial aid in an accelerated bachelor’s degree program as a traditional bachelor’s.
- Use whatever college credits you’ve previously earned and apply them to your degree to shorten how long it will take you to earn it.
Sometimes, four years of college can feel too long when you’re eager to get out into the workforce. Or maybe you’re looking for a way to complete that degree you never finished.
An accelerated bachelor’s degree program allows you to earn that four-year degree in as little time as possible, sometimes cutting that time in half or more. The time it takes to complete the fastest accredited online degrees varies by program. It also depends on how many credits you have from a previous institution or through work experience. This guide will help you find the fastest bachelor’s degree options for your educational journey.
What Is an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Program?
There are two common types of accelerated degrees: a degree-completion program and a condensed program that shortens your total timeline.
Degree-Completion Programs
- Utilizes credits from previous associate or bachelor’s degree enrollments, typically requiring 30-60 credits to apply
- Sometimes counts prior work experience as academic credit
- May allow you to earn master’s degree credits while pursuing your bachelor’s
Accelerated Programs
- Typically offers shorter semesters to work through required courses quickly
- Often includes rolling admissions, allowing you to start at various points of the year
- Tends to be an asynchronous online format, allowing you to learn at your own pace
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Note: The following programs may or may not offer accelerated options for degree-seeking students.
List of Accelerated Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Accelerated and degree-completion bachelor’s programs typically require 120 total credits. Here are some of the fastest accredited online degrees with or without incoming credits.
Each school on this list maintains institutional accreditation and is a nonprofit or public institution. They all offer fast accredited online degrees in multiple subjects.
| School Name | Subjects | Program Length | Cost | Degree Completion (Yes/No) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Business (Communication), Psychology, Marketing, Economics, Criminal Justice | ~3 years with 7.5-week terms | $580 per credit | No |
| Purdue University Global | Business, Information Technology (IT), Health Sciences, Criminal Justice, Nursing | ~2-3 years via ExcelTrack | $4,062 per term (nursing), $2,500 per term (all others) | Yes |
| Western Governors University | Business, IT, Health Science, Education, Nursing | Self-paced, typically 2.5 years | $3,000-$4,000 per 6-month term (varies by program) | No |
| Colorado State University Global | Business Management, IT, Healthcare Administration, Computer Science, Cybersecurity | ~2-3 years, 8-week courses, monthly starts | ~$375 per credit | No |
| Indiana Wesleyan University | Post-Licensure Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Business Administration, Communication | ~1.5-2 years | ~$455 per credit | Yes |
How Long Does It Take to Get an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree?
Typical # of Credits
120 Credits
Typical Program Length
2-3 Years
Despite the program length being faster than average, you still typically have to finish the same 120 credits as a traditional bachelor’s degree. Sometimes, the time to graduate will depend on how many transfer credits you bring into your program from dual enrollment in high school or community college.
Many online programs also have systems to accept credit for prior learning (CPL). This may allow you to earn college credit for prior work experience or other nonacademic endeavors.
How Much Does an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Cost?
Bachelor’s Degree Avg. Tuition & Fees, 2022-23
Public, In-State
$9,750
Public, Out-of-State
$28,297
Private
$35,248
Source: NCES
The average in-state tuition and fees nationally at public colleges is $9,750, as of the 2022-23 school year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
The total cost of attendance will likely depend on how many credits you already have when you enroll. The more incoming credits you have, the less your degree may be since you won’t need to pay for as many courses and take as many semesters, which can rack up more fees on top of tuition.
Meanwhile, some institutions charge a flat rate by semester, meaning you could save money if you complete coursework at a fast pace.
With financial aid, you can bring that cost even lower. If you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or apply for in-state financial aid, you may qualify for grants, scholarships, and loans. These opportunities are open to online students as well as in-person students.
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Is an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Worth It?
The shortened length is one of the biggest pros of an accelerated online bachelor’s degree program. Typically, they’re 1-2 years shorter than a traditional bachelor’s program. So, if you’re in a hurry to graduate and have the time to dedicate to a condensed program, this may be for you.
Sometimes, the workload can be too much to handle while working full time, so consider your commitments before choosing an accelerated bachelor’s program.
“A heavier course load means potentially more stress, as there can be crucial time demands when taking an accelerated degree program,” says Norma Feriz-Gordon, a college and career success coach. “More credits means additional assignments and more demands on time, which can interfere with social obligations, financial commitments, and even working full time.”
An online accelerated bachelor’s program may be for you if you’re looking to finish your degree from home or finish quicker than a traditional four-year degree program.
“Time is money, and if you can finish faster, you can begin to make more money sooner,” says Feriz-Gordon.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fast Bachelor’s Degrees
Enrolling in an online accelerated bachelor’s degree program is typically the quickest way to get your degree, regardless of the subject you study. These programs can cut four years of study down to just two or three years, depending on the program’s requirements and whether you’ve earned any college credits already.
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