If you’re considering going back to school to earn a degree, you may be looking for a program that allows you to earn your degree quickly. Fortunately, many accredited universities offer accelerated online degree programs that can help you achieve your educational goals in a fraction of the time it would take to complete a traditional degree program. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the fastest accelerated online degrees, including the types of programs available, the benefits of earning an accelerated degree online, and the best schools offering fast degrees.
What are Accelerated Online Degrees?
Accelerated online degree programs allow students to earn a degree in a shorter amount of time than traditional programs. These programs are designed for students who want to complete their education quickly, either to advance their careers or to save time and money. Accelerated online degree programs typically offer flexible schedules, which allow students to complete coursework at their own pace and from anywhere with an internet connection.
How Long do Accelerated Degree Programs Take to Complete?
The length of time it takes to complete an accelerated degree program depends on the type of program and the school. However, most accelerated programs take anywhere from 12 to 24 months to complete, compared to traditional degree programs, which typically take four years to complete. Some schools offer even faster timelines, with programs that can be completed in as little as six months.
What are the Benefits of Earning an Accelerated Degree Online?
There are several benefits to earning an accelerated degree online, including:
Time and Cost Savings
Accelerated online degree programs can help students save time and money. By completing coursework more quickly, students can graduate and enter the workforce sooner, which can lead to higher earning potential. In addition, online programs often cost less than traditional programs, and students can save money on transportation, room and board, and other expenses.
Flexibility
Online programs offer students the flexibility to complete coursework from anywhere and at any time. This allows students to balance their education with work, family, and other responsibilities. Many online programs also offer asynchronous coursework, which means that students can complete assignments on their own schedule, rather than having to attend live lectures or discussion sessions.
High-Quality Education
Many online programs are offered by accredited universities and offer the same level of education as traditional programs. In addition, online programs often use the latest technology and instructional methods to deliver high-quality education to students.
Importance of Finding the Fastest Program
While there are many benefits to earning an accelerated degree online, it’s important to find a program that is reputable, affordable, and offers a timeline that works for you. Here are some factors to consider when searching for the fastest accelerated online degree program:
Accreditation and Reputation
Make sure that the program you choose is accredited by a recognized agency, such as the Higher Learning Commission or the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. In addition, research the reputation of the school and program to ensure that it is well-regarded in the industry.
Cost
Compare the cost of the program to other online and traditional programs to ensure that you are getting a good value for your investment. In addition, look for programs that offer financial aid and scholarships to help offset the cost of tuition.
Program Timeline
Choose a program that offers a timeline that works for you. Consider how many courses you can take at once, whether the program offers accelerated coursework, and whether you can complete the program at your own pace.
So, how do online accelerated degrees work? It is simple. You will spend roughly 16 weeks completing one course in a traditional college setting. In an accelerated online college course, you will learn the same curriculum. However, you will do it in 10 weeks. Classes are faster-paced, forcing you to learn more quickly but also graduate sooner. Because of these facts, it is crucial that you research course requirements, and time constraints before you commit to going back to school.
Popular Online Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Jump To:
Overview | Associates | Bachelors | Masters | Doctorate
We have compiled a list below of the top accelerated degrees online. We have sorted this list by degree type, the fastest completion time, and cost.
Fastest Accelerated Online Degrees
Top 5 Fastest Associate Degree Online Programs
In a traditional college setting, it takes approximately two years to complete an associate degree. Choosing an accelerated online course allows you to complete your degree in as little as one year.
Online Associate’s That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Macomb Community College
Completion Time: 16 months
Tuition Cost: Macomb County Resident $6,200
Michigan State Resident: $11,532
Out of State: $14,694
You can earn your accelerated online degree at Macomb Community College in as little as 16 months. You will need to complete 62 credit hours. However, you can transfer previous credits with approval from the school. The Psychology degree program is great if you are planning a career in the mental health field. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Macomb Community College.
Bryant and Stratton College
Completion Time: 16 months
Tuition Cost: $36,390
Bryant and Stratton offer an online accelerated associate degree, which you can earn in as little as 16 months. There are several concentrations available for this associate degree. In this program, you will learn communications for business, accounting principles, laws regarding business, and more. This degree prepares you for jobs in fields such as real estate, insurance, financials as well as other fields. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredits Bryant and Stratton.
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Completion Time: 18 months
Tuition Cost: $6,535
If you choose to earn a cheap accelerated online degree fast, Florida State can get you through a business degree program in about 18 months. The cost of the business administration program is roughly $6535. You will attend courses on entrepreneurship, how to manage a business and basic business operations. Classes last eight weeks, and you can choose between a fully online program or a hybrid program. Florida State holds accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools.
Columbia College
Completion Time: 20 months
Tuition Cost: $22,500
Columbia College offers you the chance to earn your accelerated online associate degree in as little as a year and a half. You have your choice of several different concentrations from which you may choose. These programs include computer science, science, business, nursing, and criminal justice, to name a few. Columbia College is accreditated by the Higher Learning Commission. However, specialized programs hold their accreditation from specific sources.
Gwynedd Mercy University
Completion Time: 24 months
Tuition Cost: $18,240
Earning your accelerated associate degree online at Gwynedd Mercy University takes about 24 months to complete. Choosing the associate degree in business provides you with the education you need to correctly solve business-related issues, use ethics in your problem-solving skills as well as communicate on a business level properly. Gwynedd Mercy University holds accreditation from the Middle State Commission on Higher Education.
Top 6 Fastest Bachelor’s Degree Online Programs
A traditional bachelor’s degree takes approximately four years to complete. However, by attending an accelerated online program, you can have your degree in as little as sixteen months. Just be prepared for a lot of study time.
Online Bachelor’s That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Rochester University
Completion Time: 16 months
Tuition Cost: $45,390
Rochester University allows you to complete your accelerated online bachelor’s degree in as little as 16 months. However, the listing of programs that Rochester offers in its accelerated plan is limited. When working for your bachelor’s degree, your choices include management, Christian studies, strategic leadership, and childhood studies. The Higher Learning Commission accredits this accelerated online university. Additionally, Rochester also holds department-specific accreditations.
Rasmussen College
Completion Time: 18 months
Tuition Cost: $18,810
Earning your accelerated Bachelor’s Degree online at Rasmussen College will take you about 18 months. You have plenty of fields to choose from when enrolling at this online educational institution. You can go into business management, health management, criminal justice, computer science, and much more. The accelerated business management degree prepares you to find work in project management, general management, human resources, and more. Rasmussen College holds the Higher Learning Commission accreditation. Likewise, it holds department-specific accreditations.
Western Governors University
Completion Time: 18 months
Tuition Cost: $43,200
Western Governors University provides you the opportunity to earn your online accelerated bachelor’s degree. However, the only program it currently offers as an accelerated program is its Bachelor of Science in Nursing. To be eligible for this curriculum, you must live in Utah, Texas, Indiana, California, or Florida. WGU has partnerships with healthcare employers in these states, which will help you to get the hands-on experience you need to earn your fast-track degree in nursing. This program is accreditated by the American Association College of Nursing.
Neumann University
Completion Time: 20 months
Tuition Cost: $75,000
Earning your accelerated bachelor’s degree online at Neumann University establishes exciting career potential for yourself. We evaluated the BS in Public Safety Administration Course, which provides you education in homeland security, public information, financial business information, and more. If you have previous education, your credits may transfer to this fast-track bachelor’s degree program. Before you begin, the school will evaluate all of your financial details, and provide the actual cost of your tuition. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredits Neumann University. Each distinct division holds its specific accreditation as well.
Herzing University
Completion Time: 36 months
Tuition Cost: $59,940
Earning your accelerated bachelor’s degree online at Herzing University will fall just under $60K. This program will also take about three years to complete. To be eligible for this program, you will have to adhere to several rules which include taking at least 16 credit hours each semester, maintaining a passing grade in each course, sticking to each class schedule and holding a GPA of at least 2.0. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Herzing University. It also holds specialized accreditations for specific concentrations.
Regis University
Completion Time: 36 months
Tuition Cost: $123,045
Regis University offers you the chance to earn your bachelor’s degree at an accelerated pace. Moreover, you can earn this fast-track diploma in about 36 months. If you have previously earned college credits, you may be able to transfer them to this program, cutting down your completion time. The accelerated program at Regis uses an eight-week model. This school also offers a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree program, which will save you time and money. The New England Commission of Higher Education accredits Regis University.
Top 5 Fastest Master’s Degree Online Programs
When earning your master’s degree, you can plan on spending about two years in a traditional program. It is equally important to note that this is on top of the four years you have already spent earning your bachelor’s degree. In contrast, by choosing an accelerated online option, you can graduate in as little as one year, depending on your concentration.
Online Master’s That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Trine University
Completion Time: 12 months
Tuition Cost: $16,500
Earning your accelerated online master’s degree with Trine University imparts you with a feeling of accomplishment. It will also help you to land a better job in just about a year. You will take courses all online, and new classes begin about every eight weeks. Trine offers accelerated online master’s degrees in business administration, science in leadership, engineering, and more. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Trine University. Similarly, it also holds several niche accreditations.
Walden University
Completion Time: 12 months
Tuition Cost: $20,000
Walden University provides you the chance to earn your master’s degree online, in an accelerated format. Courses are eight weeks long, and you are required to take two at a time. You can plan on spending about 35 hours per week studying. The accelerated MBA program gives you the skills you need to make informed and socially responsible decisions for businesses. You can also choose to concentrate on marketing, human resources, or project management. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Walden University. Additionally, specific concentrations hold additional accreditations.
University of North Texas
Completion Time: 14 months
Tuition Cost: $21,086
Earning an accelerated master’s degree online at the University of North Texas will take you around 14 months. Correspondingly, you will shell out approximately $21K for tuition charges. However, this online university offers several courses from which you may choose. Some of these concentrations include marketing, supply chain management, and human resource management, to name a few. Each course runs for eight weeks. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accredits UNT. It also holds accreditation for specific concentrations.
Southern New Hampshire University
Completion Time: 15 months
Tuition Cost: $22,572
Southern New Hampshire University offers you an online fast-track program to earn your master’s degree. You have a few options, depending on your specified concentration. However, we found that the quickest program is 15 months. This is to earn a degree in management accounting. Terms at this school last ten weeks and you have online access to courses 24/7. The New England Commission for Higher Education, Inc accredits SNHU. Each particular program also holds specialized accreditations.
Purdue University
Completion Time: 18 months
Tuition Cost: $18,000
Earning your accelerated online master’s degree from Purdue University allows you to advance your career. ExcelTrack allows you to earn your MBA quicker and more reasonably than at other schools. Each credit in this fast-track online college program discusses one idea. This setup allows you to concentrate on one subject at a time, allowing the idea to cement in your mind before moving to another one. Purdue holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. Each concentration also holds a specified accreditation.
Top 5 Fastest Doctorate Degree Online Programs
On average, it takes about eight years to earn a doctorate using the traditional method. Instead, by taking an online, accelerated doctorate course, you can have your degree in as little as 15 months, depending on your prior experience.
Online Doctorate Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Frontier Nursing University
Completion Time: 15 months
Tuition Cost: $16,800
Attending Frontier Nursing University gives you the option to earn your doctorate in an accelerated program. You may be able to complete this program in just 15 months. In this course, you will learn how to run a personal practice, health policies, organization, and more. The Southern Association of Colleges of Schools Commission on Colleges accredits FNU. In a like manner, specific departments also hold dedicated accreditations.
Bowling Green State University
Completion Time: 36 months
Tuition Cost: $23,420
Bowling Green State University offers an accelerated doctorate program that you can complete in 36 months. In this course, you will learn about communications, how to handle the media, social change, and more. You should complete your course studies in the first two years. This schedule leaves the final one to two years to do your preliminary exam and your dissertation. Both of these components are needed to complete your fast-track online degree. The Higher Learning Commission accredits BSGU. Each distinct division holds its own accreditation.
Liberty University
Completion Time: 36 months
Tuition Cost: $35,700
Liberty University provides several options for earning your online accelerated doctorate. Some of the concentrations include business courses, music, education, and government, to name a few. Liberty is a Christian university and is also non-profit. This accelerated doctorate course offers eight start dates a year and does not require that you log in at certain times to complete your assignments. Each department holds specified accreditation. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accredits LU.
Northcentral University
Completion Time: 39 months
Tuition Cost: $53,762
Earning your accelerated online doctorate at Northcentral University will help you to land that dream job in no time. In this program, you will learn how to come up with solutions to difficult problems while getting a genuine business-like experience with instructors. This non-profit online college also offers weekly start dates, allowing you to begin the program without waiting. Each division of this school holds its particular accreditation. Similarly, WASC Senior College and University Commission accredits the whole university.
Georgia State University
Completion Time: 60 months
Tuition Cost: Georgia Resident $46,800 – Non-Resident $142,120
Georgia State University has several concentrations from which you may choose for your online accelerated doctorate. You can choose to study astronomy, accountancy, counseling, and more, This electronic college also allows you to earn a dual degree. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accredits all of GSU.
Further Resources
