Earning a bachelor’s degree can take four or more years of study, but not everyone has the time or money to commit to a traditional four-year program.
Accelerated online bachelor’s degree programs are designed to be completed in less time, with flexible course schedules and self-paced learning options.
These programs can be especially appealing to working professionals, adult learners, and those who have already earned some college credits.
Here are ten of the best accelerated online bachelor’s degree programs available in 2024 according to ZDnet. (Information for this article has been gathered from a variety of sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, College Scorecard, and the websites of each school. For public universities, the average annual net cost noted is applicable to in-state students. Prices for out-of-state students may vary and should be researched separately. Additionally, data and figures are accurate as of the June 13 2022, and may be subject to change.)
1. The Ohio State University – Columbus, Ohio
Ohio State University offers three-year bachelor’s degree plans on campus in various fields like arts and sciences, business, communications, and education. With examinations, prior coursework, or military training, students can qualify for 30 or more credits toward their degrees. Students can complete their degrees in as little as three years.
- Acceptance rate: 68%
- Graduation rate: 77%
- Fastest time to completion: Three years
- Enrollment periods per year: Two
- Course delivery method: On-campus
- Accreditation: The Ohio State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
2. Western Governors University – Salt Lake City, Utah
WGU’s accelerated online programs include accounting, cybersecurity and information assurance, information technology, IT management, and marketing. Students can complete their degree in under four years with a competency-based, self-paced format.
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Graduation rate: 54%
- Fastest time to completion: 21 months
- Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous
- Accreditation: Western Governors University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
3. University of Missouri – Columbia, Missouri
Mizzou offers accelerated learning online and within its on-campus bachelor’s degree programs. On-campus accelerated study is primarily for students who already hold one bachelor’s degree and want to earn a second bachelor’s. Students can complete their degree in as little as 15 months.
- Acceptance rate: 82%
- Graduation rate: 68%
- Fastest time to completion: 15 months
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery method: On-campus; asynchronous
- Accreditation: University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
4. University of West Florida – Pensacola, Florida
UWF online offers accelerated bachelor’s degree options that can be completed in 24 months in clinical lab sciences, criminal justice, and nursing. Other programs, like accounting, business, and supply chain management take 24-48 months to complete.
- Acceptance rate: 58%
- Graduation rate: 52%
- Fastest time to completion: 24 months
- Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous; nursing includes in-person clinicals
- Accreditation: University of West Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
5. Thomas Jefferson University – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Jefferson’s accelerated bachelor’s degree completion program allows learners with college experience to transfer 30-87 credits at reduced tuition rates and finish their degrees. Students can complete their degree in as little as 12 months. Majors include business, health, IT, and leadership in emergency services.
- Acceptance rate: 70%
- Graduation rate: 75%
- Fastest time to completion: 12 months
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery method: Online; hybrid; on-campus
- Accreditation: Thomas Jefferson University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
6. Indiana University Indianapolis, Indiana
Indiana University in Indianapolis, Indiana, offers online bachelor’s degree programs that provide students with the opportunity to finish their degree in as little as one to two years, depending on the number of credits they transfer. The university offers a variety of programs in fields such as applied science, business, computing and technology, health, and labor studies. Some programs require an associate degree or a specific number of transferable credits.
- Acceptance rate: 79%
- Graduation rate: 51%
- Avg. annual net price: $12,416
- Fastest time to completion: 12 months
- Average SAT range for admitted students: 500-600 critical reading; 500-590 math
- Minimum GPA: Not required
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous
7. University of North Alabama Florence, Alabama
About the school: UNA offers an accelerated online bachelor’s degree in integrated studies with a concentration in professional studies. This 120-credit degree takes about 16 months to complete, and it offers flexibility for working professionals.
- Acceptance rate: 69%
- Graduation rate: 47%
- Avg. annual net price: $12,777
- Fastest time to completion: 16 months
- Average SAT range for admitted students: 520-620 critical reading; 520-620 math
- Minimum GPA: Not required
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous; some courses require synchronous meetings
- Accreditation: the University of North Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
8. Florida International University Miami, Florida
About the school: FIU’s accelerated online bachelor’s degree completion program is intended for learners with previous college credits. The program’s 100% online classes are in fields such as business administration, communication arts, health services administration, and public safety management.
- Acceptance rate: 58%
- Graduation rate: 58%
- Avg. annual net price: $9,180
- Fastest time to completion: 12 months
- Average SAT range for admitted students: 500-610 critical reading; 510-620 math
- Minimum GPA: 2.0
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous
- Accreditation: Florida International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
9. University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette, Louisiana
About the school: ULL offers online, accelerated bachelor’s degree programs in health services, criminal justice, business administration, and interdisciplinary studies. Some degree plans, like the general studies program, allow students to customize their curriculum.
- Acceptance rate: 56%
- Graduation rate: 48%
- Avg. annual net price: $14,714
- Fastest time to completion: 12 months
- Average SAT range for admitted students: 520-600 critical reading; 520-590 math
- Minimum GPA: Not required Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous
- Accreditation: University of Louisiana at Lafayette is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
10. University of Maryland Global Campus Adelphi, Maryland
About the school: UMGC’s online bachelor’s degree programs include accounting, business, communication studies, computer science, criminal justice, data analytics, information systems management, and psychology. Some degree plans include multiple specializations.
- Acceptance rate: Not reported
- Graduation rate: 15%
- Avg. annual net price: $15,910
- Fastest time to completion: 18 months Average SAT range for admitted students: Not required
- Minimum GPA: 2.0 Enrollment periods per year: Six
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous; some programs require synchronous sessions
- Accreditation: University of Maryland Global Campus is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
What are Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Programs?
Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Programs are a type of educational program that allows students to earn their bachelor’s degree in a shorter time frame than traditional four-year programs. These programs typically require students to take a higher course load and attend classes during the summer, allowing them to complete their degree in as little as two or three years. The three most important things to know about Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Programs are:
- They offer a faster route to earning a bachelor’s degree.
- They often require students to take a higher course load and attend classes during the summer.
- They may be more intensive than traditional four-year programs, requiring students to be highly motivated and committed to their studies.
What are the Benefits of an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Program?
There are several benefits to pursuing an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Program, including the ability to enter the workforce sooner and save money on tuition and other expenses. Additionally, these programs may offer students the opportunity to take advanced courses and engage in hands-on learning experiences. The three most important things to know about the benefits of an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Program are:
- Students can enter the workforce sooner.
- Students may save money on tuition and other expenses.
- Students may have the opportunity to take advanced courses and engage in hands-on learning experiences.
What Types of Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Programs are Available?
There are several types of Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Programs available, including traditional accelerated programs, degree completion programs, and dual degree programs. Traditional accelerated programs allow students to complete their bachelor’s degree in a shorter time frame, while degree completion programs are designed for students who have already completed some college coursework. Dual degree programs allow students to earn two degrees at the same time, such as a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. The three most important things to know about the types of Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Programs are:
- Traditional accelerated programs allow students to complete their degrees in a shorter time frame.
- Degree completion programs are designed for students who have already completed some college coursework.
- Dual degree programs allow students to earn two degrees at the same time.
Who is a Good Candidate for an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Program?
Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Programs are ideal for students who are highly motivated, have a clear career path in mind, and are committed to their studies. These programs require a significant amount of time and dedication, so students who are not prepared to work hard and manage their time effectively may struggle. The three most important things to know about who is a good candidate for an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Program are:
- Highly motivated students are ideal candidates for these programs.
- Students who have a clear career path in mind may benefit from an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Program.
- Students must be committed to their studies and prepared to work hard to succeed in these programs.
What Should I Consider Before Enrolling in an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Program?
Before enrolling in an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Program, there are several factors to consider. These include the program’s requirements and course load, the cost of tuition and other expenses, and the potential impact on your career goals and future opportunities. The three most important things to consider before enrolling in an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Program are:
- The program’s requirements and course load.
- The cost of tuition and other expenses, including any financial aid options that may be available.
- The potential impact on your career goals and future opportunities.
When considering the requirements and course load of an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Program, it’s important to ensure that you have the time and resources to commit to the program. These programs may require you to take a higher course load or attend classes during the summer, which can be challenging for some students.
The cost of tuition and other expenses is also an important consideration, as these programs may be more expensive than traditional four-year programs. However, it’s important to remember that the accelerated timeline can also lead to significant cost savings in the long run.
Finally, it’s important to consider the potential impact on your career goals and future opportunities. Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Programs can be a great way to enter the workforce sooner, but it’s important to ensure that the program you choose will prepare you for the career you want to pursue.
In summary, Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Programs can be a great option for highly motivated students who are committed to their studies and have a clear career path in mind. However, it’s important to carefully consider the program’s requirements and course load, the cost of tuition and other expenses, and the potential impact on your future career goals before enrolling.
Sources & Resources
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC): https://www.hlcommission.org/
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU): https://nwccu.org/
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC): https://sacscoc.org/
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE): https://www.msche.org/
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS): https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds
- College Scorecard: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
