Best Accelerated Online Bachelor's Degrees
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An August 2023 LendingTree report shows that Americans' student loan debt grew over 1% in 2022, topping $1.77 trillion. Fortunately, many strategies to avoid debt exist — including accelerated bachelor's degrees.
The fastest bachelor's degrees can help you save money by awarding credit for professional experience or charging lower tuition and fees. You may also qualify for federal grants and loans to help you pay for your bachelor's degree.
The ranked schools in this article offer online accelerated bachelor's degrees. Interested in a different program? You can also check out accelerated bachelor's-to-master's programs.
Featured Bachelor's Programs
Note that these schools may not offer accelerated programs.
Best Accelerated Online Bachelor's Degrees of 2024
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Accelerated Online Bachelor’s Degrees
Arizona State University
Scottsdale, AZ - 4 years
- Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $714
Out-of-State | $714
Credits to Graduate: 120
Arizona State University's fast-track bachelor's degrees include programs in accountancy, business communication, and computer information systems. The heavy class loads prepare you to graduate in about three years. ASU degree-seekers interested in an accelerated program should first consult their academic advisor.
Prospective first-year students must hold a high school diploma. You also need to submit standardized test scores if you did not graduate in the top 25% of your high school class. ASU's financial aid resources can help you fill out the FAFSA and apply for private scholarships.
#2 Best Accelerated Online Bachelor’s Degrees
California State University-Fullerton
Fullerton, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $425-$500
Out-of-State | $425-$500
Credits to Graduate: 120
If you already hold an associate degree, you can consider a bachelor's-completion program at California State University, Fullerton. Learners can enroll in the business administration, humanities and social sciences, or sociology program. These degrees feature an asynchronous curriculum, and you can take up to three years to graduate.
Admission requirements include a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA and good academic standing at your previous college. CSUF also requires you to complete prerequisites in communication, critical thinking, and mathematics. Submitting the FAFSA may qualify you for Stafford Loans, Pell Grants, or Cal Grants.
#3 Best Accelerated Online Bachelor’s Degrees
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Term:
In-State | $2,250
Out-of-State | $2,250
Credits to Graduate: 120
University of Wisconsin's accelerated bachelor's-completion programs include business administration, biomedical science, and RN-to-BSN programs. The competency-based assignments let you skip what you already know and graduate quickly. New classes start monthly, another advantage if you want to earn a degree as soon as possible.
Application requirements include either an associate degree or significant undergraduate credit. You may also need to meet a GPA cutoff. UW's All-You-Can-Learn tuition rate charges per term rather than per class or credit, potentially saving you thousands on your degree.
#4 Best Accelerated Online Bachelor’s Degrees
National University
San Diego, CA - 4 years
- Online
Cost per Term:
In-State | $13,284
Out-of-State | $13,284
Credits to Graduate: 180
Degree-seekers at National University can participate in an accelerated program in any major. Eligible learners take 18 or more credits per term. Eligibility requirements include maintaining a minimum 3.5 undergraduate GPA and approval from NU's Committee on the Application of Standards.
Meet with your NU academic advisor to learn more about accelerated study options. You must express interest at least 60 days before the term start date. Other requirements may apply, depending on your major.
#5 Best Accelerated Online Bachelor’s Degrees
South Texas College
McAllen, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $160
Out-of-State | $250
Credits to Graduate: 120
South Texas College's online bachelor's degrees use seven-week classes and competency-based assessments. Accelerated programs include organizational leadership, medical health sciences, and technology management. All degrees also offer a self-paced curriculum option.
South Texas College's five-step admissions process helps you enroll in the right English and math classes and create a graduation plan. In-district learners pay the most affordable tuition rate. The college's scholarship database lets you research and apply for the latest financial aid opportunities.
#6 Best Accelerated Online Bachelor’s Degrees
Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Term:
In-State | $2,500
Out-of-State | $2,500
Credits to Graduate: 180 quarter credits
Earn your degree in less time with the ExcelTrack option from Purdue Global. These accelerated programs offer a personalized learning path based on your transfer credits and career experience. You can major in analytics, business administration, criminal justice, or information technology. Or you can choose a nursing or healthcare administration major.
The competency-based classes charge a flat rate and use a self-paced model so you can finish courses quickly. You’ll need at least three years of work experience to join an ExcelTrack program.
#7 Best Accelerated Online Bachelor’s Degrees
Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $449
Out-of-State | $449
Credits to Graduate: 127
The accelerated degrees at Bellevue University stand out by offering a cohort learning model. You stay with the same group of like-minded degree-seekers from your first day until graduation. This experience can help you form personal and professional relationships lasting well beyond your time at BU.
Accelerated bachelor's degrees include criminal justice, cybersecurity, and professional psychology. BU requires a high school or GED diploma. You need to submit only one form to apply for all institutional scholarships.
#8 Best Accelerated Online Bachelor’s Degrees
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,396
Out-of-State | $1,396
Credits to Graduate: 120
Research Jefferson University's accelerated bachelor's-completion programs if you already hold an associate degree or at least 30 transferable credits. You can select from 10 degrees, including building and construction studies, information technology, and health services management. Jefferson offers a hybrid option for learners living near the university's Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, campus.
Application steps include creating a MyJefferson account and submitting official transcripts. Jefferson bases institutional scholarship decisions on past academic performance. Some institutional financial aid programs require a separate application.
#9 Best Accelerated Online Bachelor’s Degrees
Indiana University-Bloomington
Bloomington, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $250-$350
Out-of-State | $365-$455
Credits to Graduate: 120
Indiana University offers seven accelerated online bachelor's degrees, including business administration, criminal justice, and mathematics. Classes last eight weeks, and success coaches provide personalized academic and career advice. Optional badges and micro-credentials can help you further improve your resume.
Applicants with fewer than 12 transferable credits must also submit high school transcripts. Per-credit tuition varies by program, and extra fees may apply. Apply for institutional aid by submitting the IU General Scholarship Application by the fall deadline.
#10 Best Accelerated Online Bachelor’s Degrees
The University of Texas Permian Basin
Odessa, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $362
Out-of-State | $362
Credits to Graduate: 120
The accelerated bachelor's degree programs at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin comprise eight-week classes. Some degree-seekers graduate in only eight months. Options include humanities, finance, and sociology. Because tutors and academic resources are available 24/7, you can schedule your academic requirements around other responsibilities.
First-year application materials include high school transcripts and standardized test scores. UTPB uses a 2.0 undergraduate GPA cutoff for transfer credit. Institutional scholarships require a separate application and award up to $40,900 over four years.
How We Chose These Schools
At TheBestSchools, we pride ourselves on our proprietary ranking methodology to help prospective students like you find the best fit. Our ranking system uses official government data to present schools without bias, taking into account key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability.
Learn more about how our formula works on our ranking methodology page.
Popular Accelerated Bachelor's Programs Online
These fastest degrees align with many well-paying careers. Work with your school's academic and career advisors to select the program that meets your unique needs.
1. Accounting
Want to launch your accounting career quickly? Enroll in an accelerated bachelor's degree in accounting. You'll sharpen your analytical skills while learning how to create and evaluate financial documents.
After graduation, you can work as an accountant or auditor. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these roles pay a median annual salary of $79,880.
Featured Online Bachelor's in Accounting Programs
2. Business Administration
Did you know that a business degree can prepare you for over 50 business careers? And an accelerated program can fast-track your business education. Work in marketing, finance, human resources, or another field with a bachelor's in business administration.
Business and finance careers also report above-average salaries, with a median pay of $79,050 per year (BLS, May 2023).
Featured Online Bachelor's in Business Programs
3. Computer Science
Tech is a growing field, with computer and IT occupations growing much faster than average over the next 10 years. An accelerated computer science degree can help get you on the job market faster. After strengthening your programming, web development, and analytical skills, you'll qualify for in-demand tech careers like software development.
In addition to strong demand, software developers report a high median annual salary of $132,270 (BLS).
Featured Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Programs
4. Education
You can become a teacher with an accelerated bachelor's degree in education. You can also work in early childhood education or pursue other education careers.
Elementary school teachers earn a median annual salary of $63,680 (BLS, May 2023). You can boost your earning potential by moving into administrative roles.
Featured Online Bachelor's in Education Programs
5. Healthcare Administration
Curious about nonclinical careers in healthcare? An accelerated healthcare administration degree might be a good fit. You'll study healthcare finances and learn how to manage healthcare data.
With a healthcare administration degree, you can work as a health information technician, medical office administrator, or nursing home manager. Medical and health services managers make a median annual salary of $110,680 (BLS, May 2023).
Featured Online Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration Programs
6. Marketing
Sharpen your research and analytical skills with an accelerated bachelor's degree in marketing. You'll study competitor analysis, consumer research, and pricing strategy as you prepare for exciting marketing careers.
As a marketing major, you can qualify for jobs like public relations specialist and market research analyst. On top of having high job demand, market research analysts make a median annual salary of nearly $74,680 (BLS, May 2023).
Featured Online Bachelor's in Marketing Programs
7. Nursing
Fast-track your nursing career with an online BSN program. If you're already an RN, accelerated programs can take as little as one year.
After graduation, you'll qualify for specialized nursing careers in acute care, pediatrics, and primary care. RNs report median wages of $86,070 per year, making a nursing degree a potentially worthwhile career investment (BLS, May 2023).
Featured Online Bachelor's in Nursing Programs
8. Psychology
Dive into the human psyche as a psychology major. You'll study human development, behaviors, and personality disorders during your accelerated psychology degree.
With this degree, you'll qualify for careers for psych majors in social services, the nonprofit sector, and analytical fields. Alternatively, you can continue your education to become a psychologist.
Featured Online Bachelor's in Psychology Programs
Pros and Cons of an Accelerated Degree
What are the pros and cons of an accelerated bachelor's degree? If you want a bachelor's degree fast, make sure you're OK with the potential drawbacks of enrolling in an accelerated program.
Pros of an Accelerated Degree
-
Possible lower degree cost -
Earn your degree faster than usual -
Get a headstart on your career -
Increase your earning potential sooner
Cons of an Accelerated Degree
-
Heavier course load -
Higher potential for stress -
More demanding of your time and energy -
Requires extensive time management
Accelerated Degrees vs. Degree-Completion Programs: What's the Difference?
Accelerated bachelor's degrees and bachelor's-completion programs help you graduate faster than your peers in traditional bachelor's programs. But that doesn't mean they offer the same things.
Accelerated Programs | Degree-Completion Programs |
---|---|
Class sessions condense the information and last only 5-10 weeks. | Most classes in a degree-completion program last the entire spring or fall academic term. |
Some accelerated programs accept applicants without any prior college experience. | Incoming degree-seekers already hold an associate degree or significant transfer credit. |
A typical accelerated bachelor's degree takes about three years to complete. | Some students can earn an online bachelor's degree in just six months. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Accelerated Online Bachelor's Degrees
What is the fastest way to get a bachelor's degree?
An accelerated online bachelor's program is usually the quickest way to earn a bachelor's degree. You can take more credits at once and graduate earlier — sometimes 1-2 years earlier. However, most bachelor's programs take about four years to complete, and part-time online programs can take much longer.
Is an accelerated bachelor's degree worth it?
Yes, accelerated programs can definitely be worth it. These programs shorten the completion time for a bachelor's degree to two years or less, allowing you to earn credits quicker than usual.
A bachelor's degree can provide you with higher earning potential, better job opportunities, and enhanced job security.
How long does an accelerated bachelor's degree take?
An accelerated bachelor's can take as little as one year to complete. That said, the exact length depends on the school, program, and how many credits you take.
Can I get a bachelor's degree in six months?
Yes, with enough transfer credits and accelerated classes, you can finish a bachelor's degree in months rather than years. At many colleges, the fastest bachelor's degree requires 90 transfer credits. These colleges offer bachelor's degrees that last 6-12 months for eligible students.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by TheBestSchools. Page last reviewed December 11, 2023.
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