Fast online degree programs are revolutionizing the education landscape. Distance learning is becoming increasingly popular among many students, particularly adult learners and professionals because they complement their busy schedules. And the rise of accelerated online degree programs gives students an even better reason to acquire the skills required in their career of choice by pursuing a college degree.
Data from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Forum on Education Statistics reveal that the quality of online education has dramatically improved over the years. Proof positive of this fact are your many options to earn your degree faster than usual whether you are a freshman, a professional looking for career advancement, or a degree holder who wants to go back to school. Online institutions provide various opportunities to fast-track your degree and let you save on expenses, too! And as a prudent consumer, every student must verify that their online school meets accreditation standards.
The below-featured schools, listed in alphabetical order, offer accelerated online degrees across numerous fields of discipline. We urge you to check out the fastest online degrees featured in each of the 29 colleges and universities on our list and determine the most viable option for you.
In this index, we explore the 29 Fastest Accredited School Online Degree Programs for 2021 based on the following points:
- Provides top-rated Fast-Paced degree programs at various degree levels,
- Ensures proper Accreditation requirements,
- Provides coursework options through a 100% Online or Hybrid program format,
- Displays a wide array of degree program options; all relevant and in alignment with today’s workforce opportunities,
- Utilizes Asynchronous and Synchronous class formats, as well as exceptional Learning Management Systems for easy access to courses and learning materials,
- Sharpens skills in critical-thinking and time management due to an accelerated degree time frame,
- Offers Financial Aid opportunities; the same as traditional degree programs,
- Some programs may be offered as degree completion programs.
To learn more, please see our Methodology page.
Albertus Magnus College
Albertus Magnus College is a quaint college campus that sits on 50 acres of land. Located in New Haven, Connecticut, the beautiful pastoral landscape is a suburban dream to students. The college offers over 50 undergraduate programs in various branches of study, including social sciences, humanities, management, and the arts. Among the these are eight online bachelor’s degrees offered through its Online & Flex Pprograms.
The college’s Online & Flex Programs are innovative, accelerated courses designed for working adults seeking to advance their skills or acquire new competencies. Students can earn 30 credits within a year by taking up to three courses in either six- or eight-week terms. Credit transfers of up to 90 credit hours are allowed as well.
Earn your associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or post-master’s certificate through the Online & Flex Programs. With a 1:14 faculty to student ratio, Albertus Magnus College promises top quality and fast online education.
Arkansas Tech University
Arkansas Tech University lies on top of the Ozark Mountains. It is Arkansas’ fastest-growing university with almost 12,000 students that offers distance learning in the associates, bachelor’s, and certificate levels.
Arkansas Tech’s online learning focuses on business, technology, healthcare, and education. The Department of Professional Studies, the division that caters to working professionals seeking options to earn or complete a fast online degree, offers an accelerated bachelor’s program in the discipline. The specialty or concentration options include Agriculture Business, Applied Leadership, Child Development, Criminal Justice, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Interdisciplinary Studies, Public Relations, and Workforce Technology.
Community college graduates should take advantage of the accelerated programs for degree completion. To find out more, visit their website.
Becker College
Becker College’s School of Graduate and Professional Studies offers online degrees that can be completed in five, seven or 15 weeks. To get your degree fast, you can opt to enroll in a summer team or winter intersession. The program also runs a generous credit transfer program and accepts up to 90 credits.
Becker College is an excellent choice for anyone seeking to earn a degree in an online learning environment. Choose from bachelor’s and associate’s degree programs, certificate and graduate programs, as well as executive and professional development classes. Never miss the opportunity to gain more professional and skill competencies. Apply today.
Benedictine University
Benedictine University is a Catholic university located in Lisle, Illinois. The university offers up to 81 fast online undergraduate degree programs aimed at helping working adults complete their bachelor’s degree. Benedictine University’s School of Graduate, Adult and Professional Education offers fully online adult undergraduate and graduate programs that students can pursue at their convenience. They can also choose to enroll in the program part-time to boost their skills without compromising work-life balance.
Get hands-on learning online, and earn a degree in management or organizational leadership in approximately 20 months. Easily request for assistance from your classmates, or from the IT support team that is dedicated to helping you achieve your academic goals.
Campbell University
Campbell University runs an adult and online education program featuring fast options for completion of bachelor’s and associate’s degrees or certificate. The online certificate and undergraduate program offerings include accounting, business administration, Christian studies, liberal arts, and psychology. Fostering an inclusive Christian learning environment for their 7,000 students, Campbell University features 8-week accelerated bachelor’s program.
Campbell University prides itself as a military-friendly community. Those with military service and training can transfer up to 12 credits for speedy completion. Explore these programs by visiting their website.
Charter Oak State College
Charter Oak State College is an online college in Connecticut. Providing quality education since 1973, it now offers completion and accelerated distance learning options. Enroll in business administration, criminal justice, health care administration, psychology, or sociology. Transfer up to 87 credits earned from an accredited institution and You can easily earn a bachelor’s degree in five to six weeks.
Charter Oak college also created the Women in the Transition program. It is dedicated to helping single mothers who are supporting their dependent children in earning a college degree.
Capella University
Capella University offers the fastest way to earn a bachelor’s degree. Located in Minneapolis, it offers a four-year undergraduate degree that can be completed in less than a year. Through Capella’s Flexpath system, you can enroll in two courses at the same time and get access to your coursework before the start of the 12-week academic period.
Enroll in the free one-week trial course for you to get a feel of the system before you decide to pursue a degree in Capella. On top of the Flexpath option, you can convert your relevant work experiences and training into class credits to shorten your stay in college.
Colorado State University-Global Campus
Colorado State University-Global Campus is one of the country’s leading online education provider. The first independent and completely online institution, it provides students with flexibility in schedules while maintaining an extensive choice of degree programs. You can fast-track your college graduation by taking advantage of their alternative credits.
Partnering with Sophia Learning, CSU-Global lets students earn credits for free on a flexible setup. CSU-Global allows you to transfer up to 90 credits. If we do the math right, that is 75% of your entire degree! You can finish your degree in business, biology, sociology, or engineering faster than expected. Visit the university website to learn more.
Columbia College
Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri started as a two-year women’s college in 1851. Today, the nonprofit institution offers co-educational liberal arts and sciences programs in an accelerated format. It is home to almost 17,000 students enrolled in professional and humanities degrees. Majors include history, nursing, literature, and political science.
The college offers 15 online bachelor’s degree programs that you can quickly finish in six semesters or less. Credit transfer of up to 90 credits is allowed, and students with military service and training enjoy a unique transfer credit system. Check the complete list of degree programs by visiting the college’s website.
Concordia University – Chicago
Concordia University-Chicago has dedicated 20 years to develop and deliver opportunities for adult learners to complete or earn a college degree. The school’s accelerated degree program (ADP) is a specialized 100% online program featuring flexible schedules, accelerated courses, and a 16-month completion period.
Concordia’s accelerated online degree programs can be completed faster with or without transfer credits. To be eligible for the accelerated degree programs, you must have two years of full-time work experience. Explore your choices and choose from health care management, organizational management, human resource management, and public safety administration. Enroll and earn your degree fast at Concordia.
Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University is a fully accredited, comprehensive university with fast online programs that focuses on career-specific instruction and allows for unlimited transfer credits from accredited institutions. Online students must comply with the 32-credit requirement to earn their degree and significantly reduce the time required for completion. They are given the same sets of instruction as on-campus students and supervised by competent professors. Students complete the coursework in as fast as eight weeks.
Start exploring the extensive EKU curriculum where you can choose from corrections and juvenile justice studies, fire, arson & explosion investigation, fire protection administration, fire protection, and safety engineering technology, general studies, homeland security, occupational safety, paralegal studies or paralegal science, police studies, and psychology degrees.
Fisher College
Fisher College prides itself as a military-friendly institution. Located in Boston, Massachusetts, the college offers an online program that pushes for students’ professional advancement. They proudly spread their hashtag #FisherFits emphasizing their array of fast and flexible online programs.
Fisher College’s accelerated program is available through the division of Accelerated & Professional Studies. You can have your application processed and approved quickly. You can submit your free application today and start your term anytime and earn a degree in eight weeks. Students can take advantage of the Prior Learning Assessment or PSA option to convert prior professional and technical training into course credits. Transfer up to 90 credits through the degree completion program.
Explore your fast online college degrees at Fisher College.
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Florida State College at Jacksonville Online (FSCJ) features fast-track career-specific degrees and certificate programs for their students’ professional growth. There are several ways to accelerate your bachelor’s degree at FSCJ. You can choose between advanced placement or dual enrollment course options. You can also present your documented work experience, military service or training, certifications or licenses. Working adults who have acquired Post-secondary Adult Vocational (PAV) courses can transfer these credits to hasten their degree completion at FSCJ.
Indiana Wesleyan University
Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU), an evangelical Christian university, is home to about 3,000 residential students and the largest member of the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities. It offers a flexible and fast online bachelor’s program that is ideal for working adults.
The degree completion program in IWU allows students to work towards earning a bachelor’s degree. Students have the option to transfer up to 90 credits and finish the entire course in as early as 10 months. The university gives special discounts to the military, their spouses, veterans, and reservists, and national guards.
You can enroll in IWU’s continuing education and choose from business, educational leadership, and service leadership.
King University
King University is committed to providing career-centric programs with every student’s well-being in mind. The accelerated online undergraduate degrees at King University—including programs in business, healthcare, and information technology—prepare students for professional competence. Industry-specific skills are on-demand in today’s highly industrial economy, and you can be sure to get a “king difference” when you enroll at King University.
What was then King College, founded in 1867, offers 11 fast-track online bachelor’s degrees. With an option to transfer up top 76 credits, students can complete their coursework in about 16 months. Owing to its quality programs, King College is hailed as one of the top online Christian colleges and universities in the country.
You can send in your application via this link.
Lamar University
Lamar University welcomes students who opt to pursue a fast undergraduate degree via its Online Program and choose from 13 degrees. An accelerated 8-week program is available to those who want to finish college and get ahead in their employment. Another accelerated option offered by the Texas-based school is its array of dual-credit courses.
The fast-track online degree programs are best suited to those who are eyeing professional advancements. Complete an application and experience the diversity as you find your home at Lamar University!
LeTourneau University
A leader in engineering and innovation, LeTourneau University (LETU) is a premier Christian polytechnic university in the country with online degrees covering a wide range of disciplines. LETU’s hybrid and online options are available in the Dallas and Houston areas.
LETU prepares online students for success in multiple areas of practical knowledge. Choose from aviation, biblical studies, business and management, criminal justice, communication, cybersecurity, education, engineering, human services, science, psychology, kinesiology, computer information systems, and many more. Speed up your graduation by taking dual credit courses and take advantage of the credit transfer option. Transfer up to 90 credits, and finish at least 25% of coursework at LETU to earn an undergraduate degree faster.
Visit their website for the application details.
Liberty University
Liberty University is a Christian institution located in Central Virginia. Founded in the year 1971, the school runs a fast-track online degree program that numerous students have opted for. The school runs the Experience Plus Portfolio program that lets students earn college credit by submitting their professional portfolio.
Liberty University allows their online professional students to transfer up to 75% of their degree from a previous accredited school. Another great option is LU’s online degree completion program for those who are missing a few credit points for graduation. Visit their website to know more.
Limestone College
Founded in 1845, Limestone College is a private institution that is focused on providing support to individuals with limited access to traditional higher education.
The online instruction format under their Extended Campus Online division is handled by their on-campus faculty. Students enrolled in online courses can finish their degree on an 8-week term, or they have the option to take two courses per semester. Remarkably, students can also opt to finish a 36-credit hour in just a year. Plus, you can transfer up to 66 credits from an accredited two-year school or up to 91 credits from a four-year college.
Enroll in Limestone College’s online and evening programs here.
Northeastern University
Northeastern University considers scores from proficiency exams and into your college courses to speed up your degree completion. Under its online degree completion programs, you will only need to complete 50% of your degree.
While known for its comprehensive online degree programs, NU also takes pride in its hands-on training for on-campus and hybrid courses to prepare graduates for the many challenges they will soon be dealing with in their careers.
Click here to enroll.
Notre Dame College
In 1922, the Sisters of Notre Dame founded Notre Dame College which would become a four-year liberal college specially built for women. Today, NDC students can choose to earn a fast online degree in business, criminal justice, education, nursing, and psychology fields.
NDC welcomes transfer students from accredited colleges and universities and requires them to complete 50% of the major coursework. Another requirement is that they take at least 32 credits from NDC. In particular, Notre Dame College accepts credits through the American Council on Education (ACE) alternative credit project. This gives students the opportunity to accumulate and transfer online college-level class credits.
Park University
Park University owes its long-standing academic tradition to its founding father, George S. Park, a heroic Texas War of Independence veteran who fought to provide education to residents in Kansas City, Missouri. The university is a four-year liberal arts college that offers the accelerate online programs on numerous degrees and degree levels.
Committed to helping online students earn a degree faster and more efficiently, Park University accepts transfer credits. Students can transfer up to 75 credits from previous military training or service and pursue and eight-week-term bachelor’s degree.
Request further information or apply today.
Philadelphia University
A student-centered institution, Philadelphia University prioritizes its student’s welfare and development. What used to be a textile school now offers diverse online degree programs that can be completed quickly.
Philadelphia university’s accelerated bachelor’s degree completion program covers accounting, behavioral and health services, building and construction studies, business management, health sciences, health services management, human resource management, information technology, law enforcement leadership, leadership in emergency services, leadership in homeland security, and organizational leadership. To graduate in no time, students should transfer up to 72 credits from an accredited institution. You can finish your college degree in an eight-week fall semester, or spring and summer semesters.
Visit the admissions page and explore your options.
Rochester College
Rochester Hills in Michigan is home to Rochester College, a four-year liberal arts institution that offers fast online bachelor’s degree programs including management, early childhood studies, nursing, strategic leadership, mass communication, and associate of arts. Adult learners can finish their degree through an eight-week academic term. New students are granted up to 90 credit transfers to pursue an accelerated degree. At Rochester College, you can earn your bachelor’s degree in just 16 months.
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis University was founded under the Jesuit faith and established in the year 1818. Its yearly student enrollment reaches 10,000, and each of them has access to the SLU online program.
During admission, students receive the official list of coursework and academic plan. An academic adviser assists and guides students in navigating the university’s various degree programs in management, psychology, and computer information systems. Finish your undergraduate degree in five eight-week terms, and begin as soon as possible. SLU accepts applicants for the accelerated degree programs in January, March, June, August, and October.
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University has an online student population of more than 80,000. With a wide selection of undergraduate programs, there is no doubt that SNHU is one of the fastest growing universities in the country. The university is devoted to helping students achieve their optimum potential in the fastest way possible
SNHU offers 114 online undergraduate degrees ranging from accounting to sociology. You can fast-track your degree by transferring up to 90 credits from an accredited school. Start your Southern New Hampshire University experience by applying today.
University of Indianapolis
The University of Indianapolis has been opening doors of opportunities for students since 1902. It offers a selection of online accelerated degree programs for undergraduates through the School of Adult Learning. This program is designed for working professionals who seek to earn an undergraduate degree from a reputable institution fast.
Check out the Admissions page to learn more about the University of Indianapolis’ fast online degree programs.
Upper Iowa University
Upper Iowa University is a premier academic institution with five satellite campuses in the country and two in Hong Kong and Malaysia. The university’s online and accelerated programs enable students to earn a degree in just eight weeks.
A self-paced degree program is available for UIU students who might find the traditional set-up inconvenient. Plus, you can start practically any time; just choose from five start dates each year. Enroll and earn a degree in accounting, criminal justice, graphic design, liberal arts, marketing, software engineering, and a lot more.
Western Governors University
Western Governors University is an online university that offers around 28 bachelor’s degrees you can earn fast. Degrees are awarded based on competency, not credit hours. Students do not need to sit through hours of lectures or complete their coursework on-campus. A personal mentor is assigned to each student for guidance and encouragement during the entire university experience. This will allow students to finish their degree quickly.
WGU, a leader in online university innovation, caters to nearly 65,000 online students yearly. Earn your online bachelor’s degree from Western Governors University and excel in your career of choice.
What is an accelerated degree?
Accelerated programs address a student’s need to earn their degree at a faster rate than usual. While a bachelor’s degree traditionally takes four years to finish, and some even longer, an accelerated bachelor’s program takes much less. In this practical educational option, students can earn their diploma in as early as two years. The same principle applies to fast-track associate degrees, master’s degrees, and doctorates.
Students who take on accelerated degree programs must have the motivation to meet the demands of the curriculum. A shortened time for degree completion calls for rigorous coursework; you need to be very well prepared for it.
What benefits do I get from enrolling in an accelerated degree program?
Accelerated degree programs allow students to obtain their diploma fast, but there’s more to it than that. Less time spent schooling means fewer expenses on tuition and, for those who attend on-campus classes, less room and board costs. Another benefit of an accelerated program is the structure that it follows. There are no long breaks in between terms, so students gain the same amount of learning in a shorter amount of time.
Consequently, earning a degree in an as fast as two years brings in employment opportunities fast. You will be entering the workforce while minimizing lost income you start earning soon. Plus, you do not have to pay off a lifetime of student debts.
Should an accelerated program be a factor for choosing a college or degree?
While there are benefits to enrolling in a fast-track degree program, it is essential to consider the “why” in making that decision. In many cases, students of accelerated programs are adult learners who need to earn their degree fast to advance their career. That said, speed should not be the only deciding factor when choosing an accelerated degree program. The quality of education, the college’s accreditation status, and the relevance of the courses to your career path are some of the things you need to consider.