More than 43 million Americans have started college, but never finished their degree, according to the National Student Clearinghouse. If you're one of them, a degree completion program can help you pick up where you left off and move forward with new career opportunities, or even graduate school.
Degree completion programs let you apply previous college credits, an associate degree, or relevant experience toward a bachelor's degree. Designed with adult learners in mind, these online programs often feature flexible, asynchronous formats that let you work on your own schedule while shortening your time to graduation and lowering costs.
Explore the best online degree completion programs, their benefits, how they work, and whether they're a good fit for you.
5 Best Bachelor's Completion Programs Online
What Is a Degree Completion Program?
Degree completion programs are designed to help students with college credits finish their bachelor's degree programs. Most programs require 30-60 credits to apply, and some accept up to 90 credits toward the degree, allowing you to finish a bachelor's program in 1-2 years.
| Factor | Degree Completion Program | Traditional Degree Program |
|---|---|---|
| Average Length of Time to Complete | 1-3 years, depending on the number of transfer credits you have | Four years |
| Transfer Credits Required for Admission? | Yes | No |
| Number of Transfer Credits Required for Admission | 30-60 (number varies by school and program) | None |
| Total Credits Required to Earn Bachelor's Degree | 120 | 120 |
| Degree Earned Upon Graduation | Bachelor's degree | Bachelor's degree |
Many degree completion programs also offer part-time options or accelerated programs to fit your schedule and professional goals. Depending on the program, you may pursue a specific major like English, economics, or psychology. Some programs offer broader options, such as a general studies degree.
How Does a Degree Completion Program Work?
Degree completion programs admit students with prior college experience. You'll receive transfer credit for previous courses you finished at other schools. You'll then take the courses required to earn a bachelor's degree.
While many online colleges offer degree completion programs, you can also earn your degree with any bachelor's program that accepts transfer credits. You'll submit transcripts for a transfer credit evaluation to determine how many credits you'll need to graduate.
Benefits of Online Degree Completion Programs
A bachelor's degree can help you advance your career and increase your earning potential. Many career paths require a bachelor's degree for entry-level positions, and 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics marks a difference of over $27,000 a year between the annual salary of a person with a bachelor's degree and a person who has some college but no degree.
Earning a bachelor's degree is an investment, and finishing it online can be a more flexible way to reach that payoff.
5 Reasons You Should Complete Your Bachelor's Degree Online:
Complete the degree on your schedule.
Reduce the total costs of your bachelor's degree by earning your degree faster.
Use previously earned credits to advance your career.
Learn from anywhere on a flexible schedule.
Increase your earning potential after graduation.
Removing Barriers to Earn a Degree
The National Center for Education Statistics reports that as of 2024, 61% of undergraduate students earned their bachelor's degree within six years, meaning 39% did not complete their bachelor's program. Some students leave college because of work or family obligations, while others face financial barriers. A degree completion program can help these students use prior college credits to earn their degrees.
Is an Online Degree Completion Program Right for You?
If you have credits from a previously unfinished degree or you have an associate degree, an online bachelor's degree completion program may be a great fit for you. Many online degree completion programs let you complete coursework and classes on your own schedule, making them especially appealing if you have work and family obligations.
Online degree completion programs can also help you save money. By pursuing a bachelor's degree online, you can compare schools nationwide to find the most affordable option. Just make sure the degree completion program is fully accredited so you can qualify for federal financial aid opportunities.
Are You a Good Fit for a Degree Completion Program?
Yes, If You…
Have earned an associate degree and wish to pursue a four-year degree
Started a bachelor's degree but did not finish it
Have years of career and life experience that can be converted into credits
Are a veteran or service member wanting to convert your experience into credits
If you fall into any of these categories, a completion program may be a great fit for you.
No, If You…
Have few or no prior college credits (or very little work experience)
Have college credits from an unaccredited school (these credits are non-transferable)
Have previous college credits, but prefer a normal pace and a structured learning environment
Have previous college credits, but your desired degree (and career path) requires specialized prerequisites or training
If you fall into any of these categories, a completion program may not be a good fit for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Degree Completion Programs
Accelerated degree programs allow you to graduate sooner by taking a higher course load or taking courses year-round. Unlike degree completion programs, accelerated programs typically do not require you to hold and transfer previously earned credits.
Some accelerated degree programs also combine a bachelor's and master's degree, allowing you to earn both credentials in around five years. In contrast, a degree completion program allows you to transfer previously earned college credits or to utilize an associate degree to earn a bachelor's degree faster.
