Best Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees Online of 2025
Earning a college degree can be costly, with students turning to loans to cover the expense: According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, as of 2024, U.S. student loan debt totaled $1.62 trillion. Fortunately, a variety of program options can help you graduate faster — and with less debt.
One way to optimize savings and start your career sooner is by pursuing an accelerated bachelor’s degree online. You can earn college credits on your own terms from anywhere in the world and at a faster pace than a traditional four-year program.
Our rankings below cover some of the best online accelerated bachelor’s degrees.
10 Best Online Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
At Southern New Hampshire University, you can choose from more than 200 online degree programs, including six accelerated bachelor's-to-master's pathways with online delivery options. SNHU offers competitive online tuition rates, generous credit transfer policies, and an extensive lineup of practical, career-focused majors.
Things We Love:
- The Plus loan program can save you even more on the SNHU's already low costs.
- You can pursue accelerated Faster Master's options in six fields: accounting, communications, finance, marketing, nursing, and sport management.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- To enter the accelerated degree program, you need a minimum of 90 credits, which is about 75% of the requirements for a typical bachelor's degree.
- The school does not require SAT, GMAT, or GRE scores to apply to any of its programs.
- Tuition rates increased by 7% between the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years.
- In-State$15,000
- Out-of-state$15,000
- In-State$18,900
- Out-of-state$18,900
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled164,091
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
Georgia Highlands College
- Rome, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Georgia Highlands College caters exclusively to undergraduates with its online degree and certificate programs. It is one of the more affordable Georgia colleges — especially if you're a state resident. GHC's in-state tuition rates fell by 12% between the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years, while out-of-state students received tuition relief of 4.1%.
Things We Love:
- In-state, full-time undergraduate students paid just under $3,000 in tuition and fees for the 2023-2024 school year.
- You can accelerate your graduation timeline with generous, easily accessible transfer credit policies.
- GHC offers eight-week and 10-week classes in select programs and an accelerated Nights Online Weekends (NOW) program for working adults.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Retention rates for first-time, full-time students (58%) and six-year bachelor's degree graduation rates (21%) are relatively low, which may be influenced in part by transfers.
- Not all online courses are available in the compact eight- and 10-week formats.
- In-State$2,280
- Out-of-state$8,632
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled4,768
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment74%
- AccreditationYes
University of Hawaii-West Oahu
- Kapolei, HI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
The University of Hawai'i-West O'ahu delivers a unique learning experience that prioritizes student engagement. Its tuition rates fall well below statewide averages, especially for out-of-state students, and the school offers accelerated alternatives to its standard 15-week terms.
Things We Love:
- Compared to the average Hawaii tuition rates for the 2023-2024 school year, in-state students paid around 28% less, and out-of-state students paid 37% less.
- The school offers a virtual extension of its Office of Student Life, which engages online learners in the school community.
- Unique distance-learning formats include courses taught through interactive television feeds that serve residents of neighboring Hawaiian islands.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- You must have at least two years of eligible college transfer credits to enroll in an online bachelor's program.
- Benchmarking data indicates below-average graduation rates and full-time retention rates compared to peer institutions.
- In-State$7,344
- Out-of-state$20,304
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled2,913
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment96%
- AccreditationYes
University of Maine at Presque Isle
- Presque Isle, ME
- 4 year
- Online
What You'll Like:
The University of Maine at Presque Isle hosts a small, close-knit learning community. UMPI has a high concentration of students in online courses, with two-thirds of undergraduates taking some or all of their classes online in convenient asynchronous formats. Through UMPI's YourPace online bachelor's programs, you can complete your degree in as little as 12 months.
Things We Love:
- Accelerate your education while saving money by enrolling in the accelerated online program option that includes flat-rate tuition with no course limit.
- Degree completion students can choose from six start dates throughout the year.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- If you're not a degree completion student, you can only pursue fully online bachelor's degrees in English, history, or psychology.
- You do not need SAT or ACT scores to apply as an undergraduate.
- In-State$7,350
- Out-of-state$12,120
- In-State$12,000
- Out-of-state$12,000
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance Rate97%
- Students Enrolled1,847
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
- Durant, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Southeastern Oklahoma State University combines affordability with a varied and creative lineup of online programs, all of which support accelerated learning pathways. The school engages online undergraduate students particularly well: 45% are enrolled exclusively in distance courses.
Things We Love:
- You can choose from a diverse selection of online degree and certificate programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
- The school has high enrollment rates for a public college. In fall 2023, more than half of all admitted applicants enrolled.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Part-time students transfer out at high rates.
- SE offers an intimate learning environment; 92% of classes have 39 or fewer students.
- In-State$6,420
- Out-of-state$15,360
- In-State$4,734
- Out-of-state$11,070
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance Rate74%
- Students Enrolled5,479
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment89%
- AccreditationYes
Empire State University
- Saratoga Springs, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Empire State University is a State University of New York member school. SUNY is the largest integrated public higher education system in the United States.
SUNY Empire offers programs with accelerated options in 23 subject areas, and the school's open admission policy makes a SUNY Empire education readily accessible. The university also has generous credit transfer policies which can help you save money.
Things We Love:
- SUNY Empire's accelerated Spring Express Term option cuts the typical 15-week term to just eight weeks.
- You can choose from numerous accelerated courses in nearly two dozen subject areas.
- Nearly 90% of SUNY Empire alumni report that their degree increased their earning potential.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- The school has a low six-year graduation rate of only 29%.
- You are limited to eight credits per Spring Express Term.
- In-State$7,070
- Out-of-state$16,980
- In-State$11,310
- Out-of-state$23,100
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled9,407
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment83%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas Permian Basin
- Odessa, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
At the University of Texas Permian Basin, you can choose from 18 fully online undergraduate programs. Many have accelerated formats comprised of eight-week courses, with program completion timelines as short as eight months.
Things We Love:
- UT Permian Basin offers compact terms year-round.
- Many online programs are self-paced, allowing you to complete your studies on your own schedule.
- The university is a designated Hispanic-serving institution and has a diverse student body.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Online UT Permian Basin students receive only modest tuition breaks compared to on-campus students.
- The university retains only 35% of part-time first-year students.
- In-State$6,692
- Out-of-state$18,962
- In-State$4,948
- Out-of-state$8,194
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled5,899
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment85%
- AccreditationYes
University of Arizona
- Tucson, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
The University of Arizona offers a vast lineup of 100% online programs. You can choose from more than 150 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and certificate options. Online bachelor's programs offer compact five- and six-week terms that accelerate your time to degree completion.
Things We Love:
- Flexible pricing policies include pay-per-credit options and in-state tuition rates for online out-of-state students.
- Ninety percent of Arizona Online students say they'd recommend the school to others.
- More than 60% of online students receive financial aid.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Your transfer credits might only cover elective or general education courses.
- Undergraduate application deadlines vary by program.
- If you apply as an online student, you cannot take campus-based courses.
- In-State$11,210
- Out-of-state$35,628
- In-State$12,348
- Out-of-state$32,290
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled53,187
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
Los Angeles Pacific University
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 year
- Online
What You'll Like:
Los Angeles Pacific University specializes in online education. This distance-only school offers 20 career-oriented undergraduate and graduate degree programs, along with self-paced certificate programs and developmental courses for upskilling professionals.
Things We Love:
- Flexible learning pathways offer many options to assess prior education, achieve advanced standing, and reduce graduation timelines.
- Online degree programs are available at the associate, bachelor's, and master's levels.
- An open admission policy makes it easy to pursue an accredited LAPU degree.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- You can only apply transfer credits toward lower-division coursework.
- LAPU has low first-to-second-year retention rates among both full-time (25%) and part-time (20%) students.
- In-State$11,400
- Out-of-state$11,400
- In-State$11,340
- Out-of-state$11,340
- Retention Rate25%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled1,895
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentNot provided
- AccreditationYes
Thomas Jefferson University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Philadelphia's Thomas Jefferson University offers a varied lineup of accelerated programs featuring compact eight-week terms. You can also choose from six online health sciences bachelor's-to-master's programs that lead to dual undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Things We Love:
- Transfer up to 87 credits to reduce your graduation timeline to as little as one academic year.
- You may be able to use professional experience to qualify for advanced academic standing.
- Most undergraduate students (88%) receive a scholarship or grant, with the average amount of aid awarded exceeding $25,000.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Only 9% of Jefferson students are enrolled solely in distance-learning courses.
- Certificate programs comprise the school's largest category of online offerings.
- Jefferson charges relatively high online tuition rates compared to the other online colleges on this list.
- In-State$43,100
- Out-of-state$43,100
- In-State$22,509
- Out-of-state$22,509
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled8,315
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
Reality Check: Why Should I Do My Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Online?
Earning an accelerated bachelor’s degree online comes with an array of benefits. For one, you can complete your degree from the comfort of your home, which gives you greater flexibility in managing your schedule and completing courses when it works best for you. This setup can also save you money on housing, relocation, and transportation costs. According to CollegeBoard, in the 2024-25 school year, the average cost of college students’ room, board, and transportation exceeded $15,000. You may also save on tuition, as some schools charge lower tuition for online programs compared to on-campus options.
What Is an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Program?
An accelerated bachelor’s degree program is an educational pathway that allows you to graduate faster than the traditional four-year timeline. These degrees require heavier course loads and more rigorous study.
Students in these programs learn the same material as other enrollees, but usually in a shorter timespan — without transfer credits, some learners complete their degree in 2.5-3 years instead of four years of full-time study. For students with previous credits or an associate degree, some schools offer degree completion programs that learners can finish in six months or a year.
Some colleges also offer accelerated combined bachelor’s and master’s degree programs — also known as dual degree programs — which award graduates both credentials in 4-5 years.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor’s Degree?
Bachelor’s degrees traditionally require four years of full-time study, but some schools offer alternative pathways that reduce program length. These include faster-paced accelerated options and degree completion programs for students with transfer credits from other accredited institutions.
So, just how fast can you get a bachelor’s degree? Below, we’ll cover the four most common bachelor’s degree completion timelines.
Six-Month Bachelor’s Degree
Some schools offer pathways leading to graduation with a bachelor’s degree in as few as six months. While rare, these degree completion programs typically combine a maximum transfer credit allowance with a fast-paced format. Earning your six-month bachelor’s degree online may suit you best if you’re looking to optimize flexibility or balance your studies with work or other commitments as you finish your education.
Bachelor’s Degree in a Year
You can also pursue a one-year bachelor’s degree online. These programs are also limited in availability, but they may be a viable option if you bring the maximum possible number of transfer credits.
Many institutions, such as SNHU and Purdue Global, allow students to bring up to 90 transfer credits. This represents three-quarters of the 120 credits normally required for a bachelor’s degree, reducing the completion timeline from four years to one.
In addition to SNHU and Purdue Global, there are several other online colleges that accept max transfer credits and actively support you in finishing your bachelor’s degree.
Bachelor’s Degree in Two Years
Some schools offer two-year timelines for bachelor’s degrees to applicants with the right prerequisites. You can pursue this accelerated path if you hold an associate degree or if you have at least 60 eligible transfer credits.
If you’re interested in a school’s online program, but don’t see any mention of accelerated options, consider contacting the admissions office or an academic advisor to see if one is available.
Bachelor’s Degree in 3-4 Years
While you can earn an online bachelor’s in two years, timelines in the three- to four-year range are more common. You have several options for pursuing this path, including:
- Using transfer credits to reduce the number of credits you need to graduate
- Overloading a full-time semester schedule with extra classes
- Following a standard program structure in addition to summer coursework
5 Popular Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees Online
The following degrees are some of the most common majors available in an accelerated format. Work with your school’s academic and career advisors to see what accelerated degrees they offer, and choose the program that best meets your needs.
1. Business Administration
Did you know that a business degree can help prepare you for over 25 different business careers? An accelerated business program can fast-track you into one of these professions. You can work in marketing, finance, human resources, or another field with a bachelor’s in business administration.
Business and finance careers also earn higher-than-average wages, with a median annual salary of $80,920 (BLS, May 2024) for workers in this field.
2. Computer Science
Tech is a developing sector, with many computer and IT occupations projected to grow faster than average from 2023 to 2033. An accelerated computer science degree can help you join the job market faster. After earning your degree, you can qualify for in-demand tech subfields like software development.
In addition to strong demand, software developers earn a higher-than-average median annual salary of $133,080 (BLS, May 2024).
3. 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-related careers. Elementary school teachers earn a median annual salary of $62,310 (BLS, May 2024). You can boost your earning potential by moving into administrative roles.
4. Nursing
An online accelerated bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree program can help you fast-track your nursing career. Look for online BSN programs to earn credit for work experience or previous credentials, such as licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN).
If you’re an RN, you can complete an accelerated nursing program in as little as one year. If you’re an RN looking to obtain an MSN, consider an accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s program.
After graduating from an accelerated BSN program, you can qualify for specialized nursing careers in acute care, pediatrics, and primary care. RNs make a median annual wage of $93,600 (BLS, May 2024).
5. Psychology
Dive into the human psyche as a psychology major. You’ll study human development, behaviors, and personality disorders during your accelerated psychology degree program.
With this degree, you can qualify for careers for psych majors in social services, the nonprofit sector, and analytical fields. You can also continue your education to become a psychologist, a role that earns a $94,310 median annual wage (BLS, May 2024).
How Do I Find Online Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Programs?
Accelerated bachelor’s programs are uncommon and can be tricky to find. Be aware of alternative names, such as fast-track or direct-entry programs, and add these terms to your search queries. Note that schools sometimes use branded language for their accelerated formats: For example, Purdue Global calls them “ExcelTrack” programs.
To get started, check out the list above: It explores top-ranked bachelor’s degree pathways with compact completion timelines. Also, it can be worth contacting prospective colleges and universities to ask if they offer any acceleration options not covered in their standard program descriptions.
Finally, check with the biggest accredited online colleges. Because these larger, more popular online schools often cater to students with diverse needs, they’re more likely to offer accelerated programs and other nontraditional formats that appeal to students with unique learning preferences.
Is an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Online Right for You?
If your goal is to enter the workforce quickly or enroll in a dual bachelor’s-master’s program, an accelerated degree is one of the best ways you can reach your goals sooner. However, these options require drive and determination since you’re condensing the workload into a shorter timespan.
You’re most likely to succeed in an online accelerated bachelor’s degree program if you’re self-motivated and possess strong time management skills, especially in online environments with less rigidly structured asynchronous coursework.
Consequently, getting an accelerated bachelor’s degree online isn’t for everyone. If you’re not looking for a faster program or you require more support and structure to succeed, an online accelerated degree may not be a good fit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees
Yes, accelerated degree programs can be worth it if you can handle condensed workloads and wish to earn your degree at a faster pace. Earning an accelerated bachelor’s degree can help you enter the workforce in three years or fewer. Not only do these programs allow you to enter the job market faster, but they can also save you money on college costs since you pay for fewer semesters of tuition.
