Getting an advanced degree takes a significant time commitment for most traditional on-campus programs. However, there are now several accelerated online degree options that allow motivated students to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in less time compared to a traditional program.
In this post, I’ll discuss the 5 fastest online degree programs based on time to completion. For each program, I’ll provide an overview, admissions requirements, cost and financing options.
Let’s get started by exploring the first program on our list.
1. Western Governors University – Bachelor’s Degrees in 2 Years or Less
Western Governors University (WGU) is a nonprofit online university that offers several accelerated bachelor’s degree programs that can be completed in as little as 12 months or 24 months for most students studying full-time. Some key points about WGU’s bachelor’s programs:
Accreditation: WGU is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Programs: Popular programs include Business, IT, Teacher Education and Healthcare degrees. WGU also has a College of Health Professions and College of Information Technology.
Competency-Based: Degrees are completed by demonstrating competency through course assessments rather than seat time. Students can accelerate by testing out of material they already know.
Cost: Around $6,000-$7,000 per 6-month term for most programs. Financial aid is available.
Admissions: Have a high school diploma or GED. Some programs require relevant work experience or prerequisites to be completed first.
Overall, WGU stands out as one of the best options for completing an accredited bachelor’s degree quickly through competency-based learning. The flexible model allows motivated students to potentially finish a 4-year degree in just 2 years or less by maximizing their pace.
2. Western Colorado University – Accelerated BS in Business in 16 Months
Western Colorado University offers a unique accelerated program – the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration that can be completed fully online in only 16 months. Here are some key facts:
Accreditation: WCU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Program: This program focuses on core business topics like accounting, finance, management and marketing.
Accelerated Format: Courses are 8-weeks long and three courses are taken at a time in 5 academic terms over 16 months.
Cost: Total tuition is around $31,000 which is very affordable for an accelerated program. Financial aid eligibility.
Admissions: High school diploma or GED plus minimum 2.5 GPA. No GMAT or GRE required.
For students seeking a business degree in the shortest time possible through an accredited program, WCU’s 16-month online BS in Business stands out. The intense accelerated schedule challenges students but allows completion in just over a year.
3. Purdue University Global – Accelerated Bachelors in 12 Months
Purdue University Global offers several accelerated bachelor’s degree options that can be completed in as little as 12 months thanks to their innovative year-round schedule. Here’s an overview:
Accreditation: Purdue University Global is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Available Programs: Popular accelerated options include a B.S. in Business Administration, IT, Psychology and Health Science.
Accelerated Format: Year-round schedule with 5 terms per year. Students take 1 course at a time, 5 days per week.
Cost: Tuition is around $10,000-$13,000 per year. Financial aid options make costs affordable.
Admissions: High school diploma or GED with minimum 2.5 GPA. Some programs have additional requirements like work experience.
Purdue University Global’s flexible accelerated model allows busy adults to complete a bachelor’s degree in just one year while maintaining a busy schedule. The year-long intensive study challenges students but truly stands out for shortest completion time.
4. National American University – Accelerated Bachelors in 23-30 Months
National American University offers some unique accelerated bachelor’s degree programs for working adults that aim to be completed in 23-30 months depending on the program. Here are the key facts:
Accreditation: NAU has regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Available Accelerated Programs: Popular options include BS in Business Administration, Computer Science, Criminal Justice and Healthcare Management.
Format: Accelerated term-based schedule with 8-week courses and between 6-8 courses taken at once. Up to 3 terms per year.
Cost: Total cost for accelerated programs ranges between $30,000-$36,000 which is comparable to other options. Financial aid available.
Admissions: High school diploma and 2.0 GPA minimum. Many accelerated programs require some previous credits or work experience.
While not the fastest at 12 months, NAU’s accelerated programs still stand out by aiming for completion in under 3 years. Their term-based accelerated format is conducive for working professionals seeking an accredited degree.
5. Southern New Hampshire University – Online Master’s in 1 Year
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has developed an accelerated Online Master’s Degree Pathway that allows most programs to be completed in just 1 year of full-time study. Let’s review the key details:
Accreditation: SNHU is regionally accredited by NEASC. Popular graduate programs include an MBA, MSCIT, Counseling and Education.
Format: Intensive year-round schedule through 6 sessions per year. 3 semester hours per week. Full-time status.
Cost: Tuition runs around $16,000 for the entire program which is very affordable for a master’s.
Admissions: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program plus minimum 2.5 GPA for most programs.
SNHU’s accelerated master’s pathway delivers a top accredited 1-year timeline that many working professionals require. Their intense schedule maintains reasonable costs that compare well to other convenient online options.
Comparing the Fastest Online Programs
To summarize the fastest online degree programs we’ve covered:
- Bachelor’s Degrees – Western Governors University leads at 2 years or less. Purdue University Global does it in just 1 year.
- Accelerated Bachelor’s – Western Colorado U’s BS in Business takes only 16 months. National American U targets 23-30 months.
- Master’s Degrees – Southern New Hampshire University provides a fully online Master’s in just 1 year.
All programs listed are from regionally accredited, reputable nonprofit or public universities. Completion timelines range from 12 months up to 2.5 years depending on the program – making them far accelerated over traditional 4-year bachelor’s or 2-year master’s degrees.
Cost, admissions requirements and program structures vary so it’s important to research which option best fits your specific needs and situation. But for many motivated students, these accelerated programs offer a convenient path to completing a degree quickly while balancing work, family and other commitments.
Conclusion
Choosing the right accelerated online degree program requires careful consideration of your goals, any prerequisites needed, and overall fit. Here are a few final tips when deciding:
Consider Your Field – Certain programs may have a stronger reputation or transferability in your career field of interest. Research program ratings.
Evaluate Costs – Compare total costs including tuition, fees and books, as well as financial aid eligibility between programs.
Check Prerequisites – Some accelerated options require previous college credits completed before starting while others have no prerequisites at all.
Test the Pace – An accelerated year-long schedule is intensive. Make sure the format matches your ability to commit significant time each week.
Assess Admissions Requirements – From standardized tests to GPAs, ensure you meet all requirements for your target accelerated program.
With over 4,000 schools offering online programs, researching, comparing and choosing the optimal accelerated option requires careful diligence.
But for motivated students, these faster online degree programs can save both time and money on the path to career advancement.