Fastest Bachelor’s Degrees You Can Get Online
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Key Takeaways
- BestColleges data shows students pursuing accelerated bachelor’s programs value completion speed most, with most aiming to graduate in under three years.
- Affordability and accreditation follow closely, with learners prioritizing clear tuition structures and trusted, aid-eligible institutions.
- This guide uses BestColleges data to help you find fast, accredited, and cost-effective online bachelor’s programs tailored to your goals.
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. So you can start your career as soon as possible.
How fast you graduate depends on the type of degree you pursue and how many credits you’re transferring in from a past college. By maximizing the credits you bring into your new program you’ll be able to graduate as fast as possible.
In this guide you’ll learn how long an accelerated bachelor’s degree takes, how much it will cost you, and different degrees you can pursue.
What Is an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Program?
There are two common types of accelerated degrees: a degree-completion program meant for adult learners who’ve completed some college before, and a typical accelerated degree which is a condensed program that shortens your total timeline.
Degree-Completion Programs
- These programs utilize credits from previous associate or bachelor’s degree enrollments, typically requiring 30-60 credits to apply and can allow up to 90 credits.
- You may be allowed to transfer prior work experience as academic credit through exams like the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP).
- Some programs may allow you to earn master’s degree credits while pursuing your bachelor’s.
Accelerated Programs
- Accelerated programs offer shorter more intensive semesters condensing a semester’s worth of classes in about half the time.
- These programs often include rolling admissions, allowing you to start at a few points during the year instead of the traditional spring and fall semesters.
- They can be in an asynchronous online format, allowing you to learn at your own pace within a certain timeframe.
Both are designed to graduate you in anywhere from one to three years instead of the traditional four. While you may graduate faster, these programs are best suited for students who can commit a lot of time to their studies since the classwork is shortened into intensive smaller semesters. An accelerated degree might require you to be at least part-time or pause your career entirely while you take your classes.
If you have to pause work during your degree, filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or applying for in-state financial aid can qualify you for free student aid like scholarships and grants to pay for your studies. You can also apply for separate scholarships on websites like the College Board, ScholarshipOwl, and Scholarships.com.
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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
If you’re looking for accelerated degree programs and you don’t have a lot of prior credits, here are four schools that condense the 120 credit hours you need into just two to three years.
If you’re looking to transition into a new career or finish your bachelor’s, Indiana Wesleyan University offers nursing and business programs that take as little as 1.5 years.
| 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 |
| 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. How fast you actually finish your degree will depend on how many transfer credits you bring in from a prior college experience, dual enrollment, or a community college.
You can also look for credits in other ways by taking “credit for prior learning” (CPL) exams like the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) to convert your work, military, and extracurricular experience into college credit.
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.
Get Financial Aid for Your Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree
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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