Best Online Degree Completion Programs of 2025
If you hold college credits or an associate degree, you may be able to finish your college education quickly and efficiently through an online bachelor’s degree completion program.
These degree programs feature generous transfer credit policies, flexible study options, and a short path to graduation.
The National Student Clearinghouse reports that as of July 2022, 41.9 million Americans had college credit but no degree. If that’s your story, a degree completion program may help you advance in your workplace, launch your dream career, or qualify for graduate or law school admission.
10 Best Bachelor’s Completion Programs Online
Northeastern University
Boston, MA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
You can choose from 10 online bachelor's degree completion programs at Northeastern University. The school's flexible programs allow you to move through your studies at your own pace, accelerating or slowing down as you see fit.
Things We Love:
- Many of the online programs still include hands-on, real-world experiences for practical learning.
- As an NU student, you gain access to a community with lifelong learning and professional networking opportunities.
- NU offers several scholarship opportunities designed specifically for you as a degree completion student.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Science and writing lab courses feature higher per-credit tuition rates than standard courses.
- You still pay campus recreation and student fees as an online student.
- In-State$59,100
- Out-of-state$59,100
- In-State$26,715
- Out-of-state$26,715
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate6%
- Students Enrolled38,760
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment25%
- AccreditationYes
New York University
- New York, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
The professional studies department at New York University offers three degree completion programs in the fields of social sciences, leadership and management studies, and information systems management. Depending on the number of transfer credits you have, you could complete your bachelor's degree in less than two years.
Things We Love:
- As an online student, you'll have access to career development resources, including career coaching, mock interviews, and a robust job database.
- You're eligible to transfer up to 80 credits when entering a bachelor's degree completion program.
- Many of the synchronous classes run during the evenings to accommodate work schedules.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Some classes feature synchronous sessions with scheduled class times.
- For admission, you need a gap of at least one semester between high school graduation and enrollment.
- In-State$55,384
- Out-of-state$55,384
- In-State$37,332
- Out-of-state$37,332
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate9%
- Students Enrolled57,335
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment31%
- AccreditationYes
Adams State University
- Alamosa, CO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
At Adams State University, you can earn your BA in elementary education in as few as five semesters with the degree completion program. Adams State offers discounts to Colorado residents as part of the College Opportunity Fund; nonresidents pay the same rate. Ultimately, all online students pay a similar price regardless of where they live.
Things We Love:
- Adams State reports that 99% of graduates find employment within 90 days of graduation.
- Adams State's partnership with TEACH Colorado could help you with advice, scholarship opportunities, and application fee reimbursements.
- If you qualify, the Adams Promise Scholarship could provide you with free tuition for up to four years.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- You need an associate degree for admission into the program.
- The program features in-person requirements that you must complete at a school or facility in your area.
- Adams State prefers you have at least 24 transfer credits and a minimum 2.3 GPA.
- In-State$6,072
- Out-of-state$15,120
- In-State$7,704
- Out-of-state$10,440
- Retention Rate56%
- Acceptance Rate31%
- Students Enrolled3,141
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment58%
- AccreditationYes
Northeastern State University
- Tahlequah, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Northeastern State University offers more than 20 online bachelor's degree completion programs. The school's accommodating transfer credit policy allows you to complete one of these bachelor's programs in about two years.
Things We Love:
- NSU offers substantial student services, including health and wellness resources, learning support, financial services, and academic advising.
- At NSU, 94% of students receive financial aid, and 65% receive government grants or scholarships.
- You can pursue accelerated tracks that provide graduate credit during your bachelor's program.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Out-of-state students pay more than twice the in-state tuition rate.
- Some online programs and courses may feature synchronous class sessions.
- You must complete at least 46 general education credits by the time you reach 90 total credits.
- In-State$6,623
- Out-of-state$15,743
- In-State$4,802
- Out-of-state$10,697
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate99%
- Students Enrolled6,409
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment78%
- AccreditationYes
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology
- Okmulgee, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology offers one online bachelor's program: an online bachelor of technology in information technologies, with four concentrations within that major. This degree completion program allows you to complete your degree in less than two years, depending on the number of transfer credits you have.
Things We Love:
- OSU boasts a nearly 100% job placement rate for recent graduates.
- Practical and hands-on experiences are built into the program.
- The IT program is programmatically accredited by ABET's Computing Accreditation Commission.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- If you choose a concentration like cybersecurity and digital forensics, the program may require you to complete an in-person internship.
- Out-of-state students pay nearly two times the in-state tuition rate.
- In-State$4,574
- Out-of-state$10,184
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance Rate57%
- Students Enrolled2,357
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment83%
- AccreditationYes
Boston University
- Boston, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Along with several part-time on-campus degree completion programs, Boston University allows you to complete a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies in 15-36 months entirely online. This program gives you the freedom to choose what you study and when you study.
Things We Love:
- As an online student, you pay a lower tuition rate than traditional on-campus students and can receive financial assistance if needed.
- You can transfer up to 80 credits to reduce your time toward graduation.
- You can customize your own courses and specialization within the degree program.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- You need a minimum of 40 transfer credits for admission.
- You must satisfy the BU Hub general education course requirements to qualify for graduation.
- Some courses charge a $200 undergraduate lab fee.
- In-State$61,050
- Out-of-state$61,050
- In-State$61,050
- Out-of-state$61,050
- Retention Rate95%
- Acceptance Rate11%
- Students Enrolled36,624
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment14%
- AccreditationYes
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Florida International University offers many online degree programs designed for working professionals. If you have transfer credits, FIU may allow you to cut your bachelor's degree completion time in half — or more.
Things We Love:
- Some degree completion programs offer an accelerated track, allowing you to work toward your bachelor's and master's degrees at the same time.
- As an FIU student, you are automatically considered for many scholarship opportunities.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Online classes may feature scheduled synchronous components.
- You can expect to spend 8-12 hours per week on readings and assignments for a three-credit course.
- In-State$6,168
- Out-of-state$18,566
- In-State$911
- Out-of-state$2,003
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate59%
- Students Enrolled54,085
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
University of Maryland Global Campus
- Adelphi, MD
- 4 year
- Online
What You'll Like:
University of Maryland Global Campus features more than 30 online bachelor's degree programs, and the school's generous transfer credit policy can help you earn your degree in less than two years.
Things We Love:
- The school awards up to 90 transfer credits to put toward your degree.
- Receive transfer credit not only for prior coursework but also for professional and military experience.
- UMGC offers students lifetime access to its career support services.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Depending on your chosen program, you may need an associate degree for admission.
- You will likely pay higher tuition rates if you live and study out of state.
- In-State$7,488
- Out-of-state$11,976
- In-State$9,252
- Out-of-state$11,862
- Retention Rate43%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled55,838
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment96%
- AccreditationYes
California State University-Long Beach
- Long Beach, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
California State University-Long Beach offers two bachelor's degree completion programs: a two-year BA in psychology and a one-year RN-to-BSN program. The two full-time programs include a summer session to expedite your studies while allowing you to take fewer classes each semester.
Things We Love:
- You have the option to fast-track your degree and streamline your admission into a graduate program.
- California residents pay considerably lower tuition rates than out-of-state students.
- You can join a cohort for the length of your program to increase classroom interaction and networking possibilities.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- The programs require a minimum of 60 transfer credits for admission.
- Along with asynchronous classes, you may need to attend scheduled synchronous classes on some weekday mornings.
- If you live out of state, you may not qualify for entry into these programs.
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$16,038
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate47%
- Students Enrolled38,190
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Edinburg, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
At the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, you can earn a bachelor's degree in about two years with the degree completion program in multidisciplinary studies. You can pursue several other fully online bachelor's programs via the Finish@UT program, which grants you access to studies from other University of Texas System schools.
Things We Love:
- If you qualify, the UTRGV Tuition Advantage program could cover the cost of your tuition.
- You can build your own program by choosing three minors, allowing you to focus your studies on your areas of interest.
- UTRGV allows you to add certificates to your bachelor's degree studies.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- You need a minimum of 60 undergraduate credits to enter this program.
- Some of your courses may feature scheduled class times.
- In-State$7,857
- Out-of-state$20,097
- In-State$7,002
- Out-of-state$14,562
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled31,559
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
What Is a Degree Completion Program?
| Factor | Degree Completion Program | Traditional Degree Program |
|---|---|---|
| Average Length of Time to Complete | One to two 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 | 30-90 (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 |
Degree completion programs are designed to help students with college credits finish their bachelor’s degree programs. Most degree completion programs accept 60 to 90 credits toward the degree, allowing you to finish a bachelor’s degree program in one to two years.
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.
Many degree completion programs allow you to complete the degree program online, offering greater flexibility. Many also offer part-time options or accelerated programs to fit your schedule and professional goals.
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.
5 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 $30,000 a year between the annual salary of a person with a bachelor’s degree and a person who holds a high school diploma.
Earning a bachelor’s degree is an investment, and finishing it online can be a more flexible way to reach that payoff.
Why 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 2021, 64% of undergraduate students earned their bachelor’s degree within six years, meaning 36% 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.
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.
