30 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, workers who have a bachelor’s degree earn approximately $24,000 more per year than high school graduates. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that full-time workers age 25 and older earn nearly double the annual salary of those with only a high school diploma. Earning a bachelor’s degree can help you make more money, be better prepared for the workforce, and help you gain promotion faster. A bachelor’s degree is a four-year college degree that opens the door to new career opportunities and is required before attending a graduate school or earning a professional degree. You could have a better chance to support your family, pay off your mortgage faster, and retire earlier with a bachelor’s degree.

There is little doubt that it is essential to have a bachelor’s degree in hand, but what about those who don’t have the time, flexibility, or finances to be able to attend college for four years? For the working adult, stopping life to go back to school can be impossible, especially for those with families. What do you do? Look for the quickest bachelor degree. The fastest way to get bachelor’s degree credentials is an online degree. Online degrees are becoming increasingly popular, even with those straight out of high school. The cost of attending college has risen 500% since 1982, and young people are cringing at the price tag.

Featured Schools

With the explosion of online degrees over the last ten years, there are more options than ever to help those on the higher education pathway. An online degree is more affordable and convenient than an on-campus degree, and an accelerated program can drastically reduce the cost of our degree—both in tuition and time. The shortest degree can be as little as 10 months! There are several ways schools cut down on the time it takes to finish your degree. Schools can:

Transfer of credits earned at other institutions.
Allow you to complete courses at your own pace.
Offer life experience credits, such as volunteer work, employment experience, etc.
Allow you to “test out” of certain classes.

The fastest way to get a bachelor’s degree is to find fast-track opportunities that take less time and requirements. An online school that offers the fastest bachelor degree programs may have offerings in:

computer science
healthcare management
information systems
human resource management

Methodology: Finding the Quickest Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Earning your bachelor’s degree online from the comforts of your own home not only saves time and money but working from home reduces stress. This list is a compilation of the fastest online bachelor’s degrees available today. The fastest bachelor degree program schools were chosen and ranked based on the number of accelerated online bachelor’s degrees they offer. Each program provides a way to get the finish line faster and more conveniently. The cost per credit and annual return on investment are calculated into the ranking. All statistics were gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics, payscale.com, and school websites. Calculations were made based on the following percentages:

Cost per credit – 40%
Number of online bachelors degrees available – 40%
Annual return on investment – 20%

You may also be interested in the fastest bachelor’s degree for military learners. Veterans and active-duty military looking for the quickest way to get a bachelor’s degree have a lot to choose from.

Liberty University

Location: Lynchburg, VA
Total Undergraduate Students: 47,050
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:19
Degrees Offered: Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate’s degree, Two but less than four years certificate, Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship, Doctor’s degree-professional practice
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges as well as numerous other accrediting bodies.

Liberty University is the most extensive private, nonprofit university in the nation and the largest university in Virginia. Founded in 1971, Liberty is home to over 110,000 students and offers approximately 550 programs of study.

There are 79 different online bachelor’s degree options available at Liberty. These programs are offered in areas such as Business, Education, IT, Criminal Justice, Medical Office Assistant, Psychology, and Religion. A unique aspect of an online Liberty education is that students can use their former schooling, training, military or on-the-job experience to earn additional credit toward an undergraduate degree. This significantly cuts down on time it takes to complete a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, Liberty allows students to transfer up to 75% of previously earned credits. These two options make Liberty University one of the fastest degree completion schools on the list. Classes are offered in 8-week sessions with no set login times ensuring students ultimate flexibility. Flexibility, ample options, and a low cost of only $390 per credit hour place Liberty at the top of the list.

Cost per Credit: $390
Program Website: www.liberty.edu/online/degrees/bachelors/

Lamar University

Location: Beaumont, Texas
Total Undergraduate Students: 9,308
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:18
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship, Doctor’s degree-professional practice
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges as well as numerous other accrediting bodies.

Lamar University is one of the fastest growing colleges and universities in the state of Texas and a member of the Texas State University System. Over 15,000 students in a highly diverse student body are currently pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in over 100 programs of study.

There are 13 bachelor’s degrees available in the Lamar University online program. Students can take their classes in traditional 15-week semesters or accelerated eight-week courses depending on their professional and personal needs. Lamar University also offers dual credit courses for high school students. This means that qualified students can take online classes through Lamar and receive both high school and college credit. Application of dual credit is the responsibility of the student, who must contact their high school for specific requirements and restrictions. These accelerated options, the low cost of $248 per credit, and Lamar’s commitment to diversity make this online program an excellent choice.

Cost per Credit: $248
Program Website: https://www.lamar.edu/lu-online/undergraduate/index.html

Colorado State University-Global Campus

Location: Greenwood Village, Colorado
Total Undergraduate Students: 8,168
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:32
Degrees Offered: Less than one year certificate, Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Founded in 2007 by the Colorado State University System Board of Governors, Colorado State University-Global Campus is the first independent and entirely online state university in the United States. Over eight thousand students are currently pursuing undergraduate degrees in 14 different disciplines.

CSU-Global offers both traditional 4-year degrees and degree completion options with a considerable degree of flexibility. Students can transfer up to 90 credit hours from another college toward the 120 hours needed to earn a degree. Classes start every four weeks, terms last only eight weeks each, and with no time or location requirements, you can complete your 100% online degree entirely on your schedule. The cost of $350 per credit hour, combined with no student fees and a tuition guarantee that a student’s rates will not increase as long as they stay enrolled, mean that you can earn your degree affordably and quickly.

Cost per Credit: $350
Program Website: https://csuglobal.edu/

Western Governors University

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah (distance learning only)
Total Undergraduate Students: 63,961
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:41
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree
Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Western Governors University is a private, nonprofit university founded in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors from the Western Governors Association. With nearly 64,000 undergraduate students from around the country and 28 bachelor’s degrees to choose from, Western Governors is leading the way in online university innovation.

Degrees at Western Governors University are awarded for competency, not based on credit hours, meaning students don’t have to sit through classes or homework covering things they already know. If they can prove they know the information, they move on to the next assignment or course. With these options, motivated students can earn their degree quickly. Each student is assigned a personal mentor to guide, encourage, and teach them during their university experience. Students also have access to a vast full-text online library while they’re enrolled. Western Governors is fully accredited, widely respected, and at $290 per credit one of the most cost-effective accelerated online colleges available.

Cost per Credit: $290
Program Website: https://www.wgu.edu/about_WGU/WGU_different

Florida State College at Jacksonville

Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Total Undergraduate Students: 24,078
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:22
Degrees Offered: Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate’s degree, Two but less than four years certificate, Bachelor’s degree
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

With a physical campus located in the heart of beautiful Jacksonville, Florida, Florida State College at Jacksonville Online allows students from any state to take advantage of FSCJ’s degree and certification programs. FSCJ Online also offers many career-specific associate’s degrees.

The emphasis at FSCJ Online is on vocational skills and skills training, making this an excellent option for those already working within a given field. Students looking to earn a bachelor’s degree at FSCJ Online start by earning an Associate of Arts degree, which they can complete in as little as 18 months. From there, they apply for one of 13 bachelor’s degrees. There are several ways to accelerate both degrees, including advanced placement and dual enrollment courses in high school, examinations like CLEP or DSST, documented work experience, military training and service, and eligible certifications or licenses. Working adults can also get credit for Post-Secondary Adult Vocational (PSAV) courses.

Cost per Credit: $218
Program Website: https://www.fscj.edu/academics/schools-of-learning/online-learning

Columbia College

Location: Columbia, Missouri
Total Undergraduate Students: 15,588
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:33
Degrees Offered: Less than one year certificate, Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc., Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Missouri State Board of Nursing

Started in 1851 as a two-year women’s college, Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri is now a private, nonprofit four-year coeducational liberal arts and sciences college boasting 16,431 students. Unlike many online institutions, Columbia College offers both professional and humanities degrees in subjects like History, Literature, and Political Science.

A total of 15 online bachelor’s degrees are offered in many fields. There are six-term schedules each year, making it easy for new students to jump in when they’re ready and easy for continuing students to keep going year-round to finish as quickly as possible. With the session schedules offered at Columbia College, a new student could complete an entire bachelor’s degree program in as little as three years and five months. Students can transfer as many as 90 credits toward a bachelor’s degree at Columbia, and up to 60 of those can come from non-college credit, including military service, CLEP tests, and professional training. At $305 per credit tuition is low—roughly half the national average for four-year private schools.

Cost per Credit: $305
Program Website: https://www.ccis.edu/online.aspx

Park University

Location: Parkville, Missouri
Total Undergraduate Students: 9,857
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:15
Degrees Offered: Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc., Missouri State Board of Nursing

A four-year liberal arts college whose physical campus is located in the greater Kansas City, Missouri area, Park University has a rich academic tradition going all the way back to its founding in 1875. Today, it continues that tradition with its accelerated online program that offers a range of majors and minors for every interest and career.

Park University’s eight-week online terms begin five times a year in January, March, June, August, and October. Students can transfer up to 75 credits from a two- or four-year college, and military personnel can use military training and service as transfer credit. Park provides a number of services and special programs for military veterans and current Active Duty, Reservist, and National Guard military personnel. For traditional undergraduate students, credit hours are $399 apiece, while for qualifying military personnel the rate is $250 per credit hour ($339 per credit for veterans). All students can expect a high level of faculty engagement—Park’s 1:15 faculty to student ratio means classes are just the right size for student-to-student and student-to-faculty interaction.

Cost per Credit: $399
Program Website: https://www.park.edu/admissions/online-admissions/

King University

Location: Bristol, Tennessee
Total Undergraduate Students: 2,343
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:15
Degrees Offered: Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree-professional practice
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Occupying 135 forested acres just outside Bristol, Tennessee, King University is a doctoral-level comprehensive university offering over 90 majors to 2,804 students. Since it began as King College in 1867, the university has focused on preparing students for meaningful careers.

King offers 11 online bachelor’s degrees. Students can transfer up to 76 credits toward their completed bachelor’s degree. Adult students who already have 30-45 credits can enroll in The Pathway program. The Program prepares students for a professional studies degree by taking up to four major-specific classes of their choosing per semester. Active military personnel can seek transfer credits by submitting documentation of military training and service for evaluation. Major coursework can be completed in as few as 16 months, meaning that students with the maximum number of transfer credits will complete their degree in under two years. Many organizations have recognized King University for the quality of its programs, including being ranked in the Top 25 Online Christian Colleges and Universities 2017 by Christian Universities Online.

Cost per Credit: $305
Program Website: https://online.king.edu/online-degree-programs/

Eastern Kentucky University

Location: Richmond, Kentucky
Total Undergraduate Students: 14,293
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:16
Degrees Offered: One but less than two years certificate, Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree-professional practice
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges as well as numerous other accrediting bodies.

Eastern Kentucky University is a comprehensive, fully accredited university located in Richmond, Kentucky. They emphasize “quality of instruction, quality of scholarship, and quality of service” as they seek to equip students to be excellent citizens and societal contributors.

With an online bachelor’s degree program ranked in 2017 as one of the best in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, EKU offers several career-specific bachelor’s degrees. There is no limit to the number of credits students may transfer from another institution, though students must earn a minimum of 32 credits at EKU to complete their degree, thus significantly reducing the time needed to graduate. EKU emphasizes the fact that students in the online program learn from the same excellent professors and teachers as students attending the physical campus. The difference is that online students can complete their degrees on their own time, taking advantage of accelerated eight-week terms and a personalized graduation plan to take the next step in their life and career as soon as possible.

Cost per Credit: $409

Upper Iowa University

Location: Fayette, Iowa
Total Undergraduate Students: 3,991
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:16
Degrees Offered: Less than one year certificate, Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Through its main campus in Fayette, Iowa, 25 satellite campus centers in the U.S., two campus centers in Hong Kong and Malaysia, and its online programs, Upper Iowa University has been offering academic and professional training since 1857. It is a private, nonprofit comprehensive university dedicated to “Integrity, Excellence, Accessibility, Respect, Stewardship.”

Upper Iowa’s online program offers eight-week terms that start five times per year. For those unable to devote the time required by a traditional degree program, UIU also offers a Self-Paced Degree program. Self-paced classes start on the first day of each month, and students have six months from the start date to finish the material. This allows those with other work and life obligations to continue to pursue their degree without putting everything else on hold. The wide range of fully online bachelor’s degrees available at UIU includes Graphic Design, Liberal Arts, Accounting, Criminal Justice, Marketing, Software Engineering, and many more. Online students also have access to a variety of resources, such as tutoring services and online libraries.

Cost per Credit: $441
Program Website: https://uiu.edu/online/

Southern New Hampshire University

Location: Manchester, New Hampshire
Total Undergraduate Students: 54,150
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:30
Degrees Offered: Less than one year certificate, Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree-research/scholarship
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

While Southern New Hampshire University’s physical campus is home to over 3,000 students, their online program boasts more than 80,000 students. Over 200 degrees are available to both on-campus and online students, and SNHU is recognized as one of the fastest growing and most innovative universities in the United States.

SNHU demonstrates its devotion to helping students earn degrees as quickly as possible from the beginning—they promise to send an application decision within 30 days. There are 114 online bachelor’s degree options at SNHU, and most interests and career paths are represented on the list. Six undergraduate term start dates per year in September, October, January, March, May and July mean that students can begin right away and continue studying throughout the year. SNHU accepts up to 90 transfer credits to help students finish as quickly as possible. A variety of online student services, such as tutoring, a writing center, technical support, and career services, enable students to overcome any obstacles they might encounter.

Cost per Credit: $320
Program Website: https://www.snhu.edu/online-degrees/bachelors/bs-in-nursing/nursing-bs-advanced-pathway-rn-to-msn-option-online

Fisher College

Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Total Undergraduate Students: 1,996
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:17
Degrees Offered: One but less than two years certificate, Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education

Situated in the Back Bay area of Boston, Massachusetts, Fisher College has been identified as a Military Friendly Institution for seven years in a row by GI Jobs Magazine. With a focus on career and professional training, Fisher seeks to meet the needs of its already busy students.

Sporting the hashtag #FisherFits, the college provides several programs for those too busy for a traditional classroom setting. The Division of Accelerated & Professional Studies offers terms that start every eight weeks, a free application, and an expedited application review process (24-72 hours). With Prior Learning Assessment, students can receive college credit at Fisher for professional experience, military service, organizational membership, volunteer work, community service, and more. Students can transfer up to 90 credits, and with the Degree Completion Program they can finish up a degree with little hassle. With several bachelor’s degrees to choose from, Fisher offers a professional jumpstart to those who need it.

Cost per Credit: $369

Northeastern University

Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Total Undergraduate Students: 13,473
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:14
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship, Doctor’s degree-professional practice, Doctor’s degree – other
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, as well as numerous other accrediting bodies.

Northeastern University is a private comprehensive research university in downtown Boston, Massachusetts with a 120-year history of academic excellence. The university emphasizes experiential learning as the key to success, helping students apply what they learn in the real world.

Northeastern currently offers ten online bachelor’s degrees in Finance and Accounting Management, Health Management, Human Services, Information Technology, Leadership, Liberal Studies, Management, Political Science, Professional Communication, and Psychology. There are two semesters per year with an additional summer term. Particular emphasis is placed on student-to-student and student-to-faculty interaction, with both live and recorded options available depending on schedule demands. One of the premier services offered at Northeastern is the Professional Advancement Network, which helps students improve their professional knowledge and skills and extend their network around the world. This is primarily a way to help students and professionals stay on the bleeding edge of technology and progress to remain relevant, competitive, and effective.

Cost per Credit: $378

LeTourneau University

Location: Longview, Texas
Total Undergraduate Students: 2,253
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:12
Degrees Offered: Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

An inventor and manufacturer of earthmoving equipment, R.G. LeTourneau founded LeTourneau University in 1946 as LeTourneau Technical Institute to provide an education to the men working in his factories. Today, LeTourneau University is a coeducational university with six schools offering over 90 programs in the sciences and liberal arts.

Online students learn from the same faculty who teach at LeTourneau’s physical campuses, as well as from part-time faculty who are experts and leaders in their professional fields. The university emphasizes practical, hands-on learning, believing that education is only worthwhile if it translates to real-world value. Students can transfer in up to 90 credits, as long as 25% of coursework, including 18 degrees within their chosen major, is completed at LeTourneau. A dual credit program for high school students allows teens to get a jump start on their college education. Ninety percent of LeTourneau students receive some form of financial aid, meaning that more students can take advantage of the university’s academic excellence and reputation.

Cost per Credit: $475
Program Website: http://www.letu.edu/_Academics/Graduate_Online_Residential/Online.html

Arkansas Tech University

Location: Russellville, Arkansas
Total Undergraduate Students: 11,053
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:19
Degrees Offered: Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc., Commission on English Language Program Accreditation, National Association of Schools of Music, Commission on Accreditation

Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Arkansas is a comprehensive public university with nearly 12,000 students and over 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Nestled in the beautiful Ozark Mountains, Arkansas Tech is one of the state’s fastest-growing universities.

eTech is Arkansas Tech’s online branch offering certificates, associate’s degrees, and bachelor’s degrees in professional fields including Business, Education, Healthcare, and Technology. The Department of Professional Studies offers a Bachelor of Professional Studies Accelerated Degree Program which allows busy professionals to pursue degree completion in a chosen field. The Professional Studies Degree is ideal for community college graduates, adults who work full-time and have families, adults who began but never finished a bachelor’s degree, and those with credit hours that don’t relate to a specific major. Those not wanting or able to pursue a full degree can earn a limited 15-credit certification. eTech classes are available to residents of every state except Massachusetts.

Cost per Credit: $452
Program Website: https://www.atu.edu/etech/

Indiana Wesleyan University

Location: Marion, Indiana
Total Undergraduate Students: 6,970
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:14
Degrees Offered: One but less than two years certificate, Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship, Doctor’s degree-professional practice
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools as well as numerous other accrediting bodies.

Indiana Wesleyan University’s modern campus sits on 350 acres in Marion, Indiana, and is home to approximately 3,000 residential students. As a private comprehensive university, there are over 80 undergraduate degrees, 38 graduate degrees, and five doctoral degrees to choose from at Indiana Wesleyan.

Bachelor’s degrees are available in a range of fields. There is also a degree completion program which allows students to transfer up to 90 credits toward a bachelor’s degree, enabling them to finish their coursework in as little as ten months. All active duty military personnel and their spouses, including Reservists and National Guards, are eligible for discounts, as are veterans, enabling them to start sooner than they would without assistance. The IWU online program features limited class sizes and high levels of student-to-student collaboration. With a 95% admission rate, this is a definite choice for many looking to juggle a busy schedule while earning a degree.

Cost per Credit: $432
Program Website: https://www.indwes.edu/adult-graduate/online/

Limestone College

Location: Gaffney, South Carolina
Total Undergraduate Students: 2,946
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:16
Degrees Offered: Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, National Association of Schools of Music, Commission on Accreditation

Currently, more than 3,500 students are enrolled at Limestone College, an independent four-year liberal arts college in South Carolina founded in 1845. As of Fall 2016, the college had the highest undergraduate enrollment rate among all private accredited colleges in South Carolina.

Online courses at Limestone College include the same content as the on-campus version of those classes. With six 8-week terms per year during which students can take two courses at a time, it is possible to complete up to 36 credit hours per year. Students can transfer up to 66 credits from an accredited two-year college, and up to 92 credits from an accredited four-year college. Limestone goes to great lengths to help its students—98% of students receive some form of financial aid, and the process for transferring credits is flexible. Limestone’s success in online education is shown by the fact that 58% of living Limestone alumni are graduates of its online and evening class programs.

Cost per Credit: $441

Charter Oak State College

Location: New Britain, Connecticut (distance learning only)
Total Undergraduate Students: 1,533
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:12
Degrees Offered: Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education

Charter Oak State College, based in Connecticut, is a public state online college that has offered degree completion and distance learning options since 1973. Their motto, “Degrees Without Boundaries,” illustrates their commitment to helping the underprivileged complete their college education to improve their circumstances.

The list of available bachelor’s degrees reflects current in-demand professional careers—Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Cyber Security, Health Care Administration, Public Safety Administration, and Sociology to name a few. Charter Oak offers both five-week and eight-week courses, accepts up to 87 transfer credits from accredited community colleges, and recognizes a number of credit alternatives, including credit for prior learning, standardized testing, training, credentials, and more. Military service members and veterans can receive credit for previous military training and occupational experience, and receive a substantial discount for overall tuition. The unique Women in Transition program provides financial aid to single mothers with dependent children who want to finish an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

Cost per Credit: $392
Program Website: https://www.charteroak.edu/finishcollege/

Campbell University

Location: Buies Creek, North Carolina
Total Undergraduate Students: 4,560
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:17
Degrees Offered: Less than one year certificate, Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Doctor’s degree-professional practice, Doctor’s degree – other
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges as well as numerous other accrediting bodies.

The mission of Campbell University located in Buies Creek, North Carolina states that “We equip students with exemplary academic and professional skills that prepare them for purposeful lives and meaningful service.” Described as an inclusive Christian university with 6,800 students, Campbell offers more than 150 programs across the academic spectrum.

Campbell’s Adult and Online Education program offers 20 bachelor’s degrees, eight associate’s degrees, and one certificate program, many of which can be completed 100% online. Online classes are offered in convenient eight-week periods. Terms start in August, October, January, March, and May. Students from an accredited two-year college can transfer 64 credits, but for students coming from an accredited four-year college or university there is no maximum limit for credit transfers. As a military-friendly school, Campbell provides Veteran and Tuition Assistance and Go Army Ed assistance. The Campbell Online Military Benefit is a reduced tuition rate for qualifying military personnel, and students with a military service transcript can transfer a minimum of 12 credits toward their degree based on previous military service and training.

Cost per Credit: $425
Program Website: https://aoe.campbell.edu/

Albertus Magnus College

Location: New Haven, Connecticut
Total Undergraduate Students: 1,220
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:14
Degrees Offered: Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education

The 50-acre campus of Albertus Magnus College in suburban New Haven, Connecticut provides a beautiful pastoral setting for the many residential students who call it home. Over 50 undergraduate programs cover everything from art therapy to organizational leadership.

Albertus Magnus College’s online program is oriented toward degree completion and professional development. Students take one, two, or three courses per six-week or eight-week term, thus earning up to 30 credits per year. Up to 90 credit hours from an accredited four-year college or university can be transferred into an Albertus Magnus online bachelor’s degree, and up to 45 credits for “prior learning.” Classes are small, students receive personal guidance and assistance from faculty. Addtionally, the College ensures students are connected to internship opportunities, career assessments, employer networks, and more. Several discounts through various nonprofits, state agencies, and other organizations help make Albertus Magnus affordable.

Cost per Credit: $510
Program Website: http://www.albertus.edu/adult-accelerated-degrees/

Rochester College

Location: Rochester Hills, Michigan
Total Undergraduate Students: 1,155
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:13
Degrees Offered: Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

According to a study in 2017, Rochester Hills, Michigan is near the top of the list for best places to live in the United States. It’s also the home of Rochester College, a four-year liberal arts college founded in 1959 by members of the Churches of Christ.

Online bachelor’s degree programs available at Rochester College are Early Childhood Studies, Christian Ministry, Strategic Leadership, and Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Courses are taught in eight-week terms, and students have the freedom to participate in a live online setting or by watching and making recordings. Incoming students can transfer up to 90 credits toward an accelerated degree, meaning that a bachelor’s degree could be earned in as little as 16 months at Rochester College. This speed and flexibility, combined with many financial aid options, payment plans, and the possibility of employer reimbursement, make Rochester a safe choice for many seeking professional advancement.

Cost per Credit: $396

Concordia University – Chicago

Location: River Forest, Illinois
Total Undergraduate Students: 1,530
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:15
Degrees Offered: Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, National Association of Schools of Music, Commission on Accreditation

Concordia University-Chicago is a Lutheran-affiliated liberal arts university in River Forest, Illinois. The university mainly offers graduate and doctoral degrees in education and business, and bachelor’s degrees in various aspects of health science.

Students at Concordia University Chicago can study entirely online or to divide their education between online and on-campus. Online learning is flexible, with students able to study anytime and anywhere their schedule demands or allows. Students can transfer up to 32 credits toward an undergraduate degree. For adult students looking to complete a degree they’ve already started (or to turn unrelated credits into a viable degree), the Accelerated Degree Program allows them to take major-related courses in five-week terms and general education and elective courses in 5-8-week terms. These shortened and accelerated classes enable students to complete their primary coursework within 16 months, less than a year and a half. With more and more people moving toward entirely online education, Concordia University-Chicago is a time-honored choice.

Cost per Credit: $505
Program Website: https://gradschool.cuchicago.edu/academics/accelerated-bachelors-degree-completion/

Becker College

Location: Worcester, Massachusetts
Total Undergraduate Students: 2,178
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:17
Degrees Offered: Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc., American Physical Therapy Association, Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education

The charter for what would become Becker College was signed by John Hancock and Samuel Adams in 1784. Today the campus is in central Massachusetts, though the college prides itself on preparing its students for global citizenship.

The Becker College Center for Accelerated & Professional Studies offers classes that are 5, 7, or 15 weeks in length. These classes are held one night per week either on campus or online to enable those with full-time jobs or other obligations to fit their schooling into their schedule. A summer term and winter “intersession” provide further opportunity for faster degree completion for both traditional students and adult learners. Those looking to finish a degree started elsewhere can transfer up to 90 credits toward their degree, as long as they complete at least 30 credits at Becker (15 of which must be directly related to their major). Work experience can also count toward transfer credit, making Becker a genuinely flexible accelerated learning environment.

Cost per Credit: $430

Immaculata University

Location: Immaculata, Pennsylvania
Total Undergraduate Students: 1,555
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:8
Degrees Offered: Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship, Doctor’s degree-professional practice
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education as well as numerous other accrediting bodies.

Occupying 373 wooded acres on the edge of Philadelphia, Immaculata University is a Catholic coeducational institution considered to be the birthplace of women’s modern college basketball. With over 60 undergraduate degrees and 80 full-time faculty, academic instruction is personal and focused.

Immaculata is dedicated to preparing students for successful careers. Students can transfer up to 72 credits into a bachelor’s degree. In the accelerated program, major-specific degree requirements can be completed in just two years, though more time may be required to fulfill liberal arts and elective requirements. Online classes are asynchronous, meaning you don’t need to log in at specific times or on particular days. Students don’t need to worry about falling behind, either—services like the online writing lab help establish success. There are some states that don’t allow students to enroll in Immaculata’s online program, so be sure to visit their site to see if your state is one of them before you apply.

Cost per Credit: $540

California Baptist University

Location: Riverside, California
Total Undergraduate Students: 6,937
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:18
Degrees Offered: Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission as well as numerous other accrediting bodies.

California Baptist University Online was explicitly created to meet the needs of non-traditional students working to complete a degree while balancing the demands of full-time work and family life. In 2017, U.S. News and World Report rated CBU Online no. 8 in the nation for best online bachelor’s programs.

Classes at CBU Online begin every eight weeks, and with three semesters per year, students can complete their program coursework faster than usual. Up to 100 credits can be transferred toward a degree, with no more than 30 upper division units and no more than 70 community college units in that number. Students who transfer in the equivalent of an associate’s degree and who take two classes at CBU Online year-round can complete a bachelor’s degree in two years; those who transfer more credits can finish even faster. With 24 bachelor’s degrees to choose from, a faculty that utilizes the most cutting-edge technologies, and a flexible approach to scheduling, CBU Online is sure to get a degree into your hand as quickly as possible.

Cost per Credit: $566
Program Website: https://www.cbuonline.edu/

Notre Dame College

Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Total Undergraduate Students: 1,802
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:14
Degrees Offered: Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Founded in 1922 by the Sisters of Notre Dame as a four-year liberal arts college for women, the Catholic institution became coeducational in 2001. The goal of the college is to train people to be critical thinkers, successful professionals, and healthy global citizens.

One hundred and twenty credits must be earned to complete a bachelor’s degree at Notre Dame College. Transfer students are required to obtain at least 32 credits and 50% of their major coursework from NDC, meaning that students can transfer up to 88 credits from another school or program. Also, NDC accepts credits through the American Council on Education (ACE) Alternative Credit Project, which allows students to accumulate and transfer no-cost and low-cost online college-level credits. Adult students seeking degree completion can make use of the Finn Center for Adult, Graduate & Professional Programs which provides support and coaching to help students navigate their online learning experience without lagging behind.

Cost per Credit: $475
Program Website: http://www.notredamecollege.edu/online/admissions

Post University

Location: Waterbury, Connecticut
Total Undergraduate Students: 7,059
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:19
Degrees Offered: Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate’s degree, Two but less than four years certificate, Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education

Post University began in 1890 as the Mattoon Shorthand School which provided occupational training for clerical skills like bookkeeping and business writing. Today, the university seeks to train students for a variety of skills and professions ranging from Applied Mathematics to Equine Studies to Sports Management.

Up to 75 qualifying credits can be transferred from a two-year or four-year college. Additionally, Post University will accept up to 90 transfer credits earned in military training and experience as recommended by the American Council on Education and dependent on a review of the applicant’s Joint Service Transcript. Non-military students can make use of the ACE Alternative Credit Consortium, which gives non-traditional students low-cost and free options for acquiring college transfer credits online. Online courses at Post are available in eight-week modules six times per year, with most students enrolling in two courses per module. At this rate, a student who transfers outside credits to Post should be able to complete their bachelor’s degree in no more than two to three years.

Cost per Credit: $570
Program Website: http://post.edu/academics/evening-and-weekend-programs

Saint Louis University

Location: Saint Louis, Missouri
Total Undergraduate Students: 11,779
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:9
Degrees Offered: Less than one year certificate, Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship, Doctor’s degree-professional practice
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission as well as numerous other accrediting bodies.

Saint Louis University, a Jesuit-founded university established in 1818 and consistently ranked among the top 100 research universities in the U.S., boasts nearly 13,000 students and a satellite campus in Madrid, Spain. These students hail from all 50 states and 78 foreign countries and are served by more than 3,000 faculty members.

An academic year in Saint Louis University’s online program includes five eight-week terms during which students can take one or more courses. These accelerated terms start in January, March, June, August, and October so you can begin as soon as possible and keep studying throughout the year, potentially earning 30 credits per year. SLU accepts up to 64 transfer credits from two-year colleges and up to 90 transfer credits from traditional four-year colleges. Students can also transfer as many as 30 ACE credits or U.S. Department of Defense DSST examinations toward a bachelor’s degree. Students can also prove mastery of a subject for transfer credit through Prior Learning Assessment, such as a CLEP test.

Cost per Credit: $640
Program Website: https://www.slu.edu/online/becoming-a-student/

Philadelphia University

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Total Undergraduate Students: 2,701
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:13
Degrees Offered: Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship, Doctor’s degree – other
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education as well as numerous other accrediting bodies.

According to its mission statement, “Philadelphia University is a student-centered institution that prepares graduates for successful careers in an evolving global marketplace.” This is in keeping with the original founding of the university in 1884 as a vocational school for textile workers and managers.

In addition to accepting up to 72 transfer credits from another institution, Philadelphia University also offers scholarships to students who have earned an associate’s degree from a participating college within three years of enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program at Philadelphia. For Philadelphia city employees, there is a 25% tuition rate discount for Philadelphia University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science Degree Completion Program, as long as such employees have at least 30 credits to transfer. Students are eligible for financial aid as long as they take at least six credits per enrollment period. An enrollment period consists of two eight-week modules per fall, spring and summer semester. This level of financial aid makes obtaining one of the university’s ten online bachelor’s degrees potentially a much quicker process.

Cost per Credit: $605
Program Website: http://www.philau.edu/acceleratedBachelors/majors/index.html

Benedictine University

Location: Lisle, Illinois
Total Undergraduate Students: 3,171
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:13
Degrees Offered: Less than one year certificate, Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission as well as numerous other accrediting bodies.

Located in the Lisle, Illinois suburb of Chicago, Benedictine University is a Catholic university founded in 1887. There are currently 56 undergraduate degrees and eight accelerated adult undergraduate majors.

Benedictine offers two online bachelor’s degrees—one in Management, and another in Organizational Leadership, both of them part of the adult degree completion program. Students can transfer up to 90 credits from another institution, and the asynchronous online courses comfortably fit into even the busiest work-life schedule. Benedictine emphasizes student and faculty interactions, utilizing highly interactive course designs that involve regular discussions and feedback, virtual webinars, online student groups, live chat, and more. Hands-on learning is also a significant part of a Benedictine online degree and involves internships, practicum, business simulations, etc., all of which provide an immediate return on investment for professionals balancing coursework and full-time jobs. Flexibility is highly valued at Benedictine, and many resources (including IT support and an online writing lab) help students achieve academic success.