[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a college degree can be costly, with students turning to loans to cover the expense: According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, as of 2024, U.S. student loan debt totaled $1.62 trillion. Fortunately, a variety of program options can help you graduate faster — and with less debt.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]One way to optimize savings and start your career sooner is by pursuing an accelerated bachelor’s degree online. You can earn college credits on your own terms from anywhere in the world and at a faster pace than a traditional four-year program.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Our rankings below cover some of the best online accelerated bachelor’s degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]10 Best Online Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How We Chose These Schools”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At TheBestSchools, we use trusted data from the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools without bias. Our ranking methodology helps prospective students from various backgrounds find the best fit. We consider key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability, so every type of student can find the best fit for them.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This ranking is from 2025. Learn more about how our formula works on [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/ranking-methodology/”]our ranking methodology page[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Program?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An accelerated bachelor’s degree program is an educational pathway that allows you to graduate faster than the traditional four-year timeline. These degrees require heavier course loads and more rigorous study.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students in these programs learn the same material as other enrollees, but usually in a shorter timespan — without transfer credits, some learners complete their degree in 2.5-3 years instead of four years of full-time study. For students with previous credits or an associate degree, some schools offer degree completion programs that learners can finish in six months or a year.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some colleges also offer accelerated combined bachelor’s and master’s degree programs — also known as [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-dual-masters/”]dual degree programs[/hen-ui-link] — which award graduates both credentials in 4-5 years.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor’s Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Bachelor’s degrees traditionally require four years of full-time study, but some schools offer alternative pathways that reduce program length. These include faster-paced accelerated options and degree completion programs for students with transfer credits from other accredited institutions.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]So, just how fast can you get a bachelor’s degree? Below, we’ll cover the four most common bachelor’s degree completion timelines.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Six-Month Bachelor’s Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some schools offer pathways leading to graduation with a bachelor’s degree in as few as six months. While rare, these [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/online-degree-completion-programs/”]degree completion programs[/hen-ui-link] typically combine a maximum transfer credit allowance with a fast-paced format. Earning your six-month bachelor’s degree online may suit you best if you’re looking to optimize flexibility or balance your studies with work or other commitments as you finish your education.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Bachelor’s Degree in a Year[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can also pursue a one-year bachelor’s degree online. These programs are also limited in availability, but they may be a viable option if you bring the maximum possible number of transfer credits.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many institutions, such as SNHU and Purdue Global, allow students to bring up to 90 transfer credits. This represents three-quarters of the 120 credits normally required for a bachelor’s degree, reducing the completion timeline from four years to one.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to SNHU and Purdue Global, there are several other [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/transfer-credits-online-colleges/”]online colleges that accept max transfer credits[/hen-ui-link] and actively support you in finishing your bachelor’s degree.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Bachelor’s Degree in Two Years[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some schools offer two-year timelines for bachelor’s degrees to applicants with the right prerequisites. You can pursue this accelerated path if you hold an associate degree or if you have at least 60 eligible transfer credits.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re interested in a [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/online-colleges/start-anytime/”]school’s online program[/hen-ui-link], but don’t see any mention of accelerated options, consider contacting the admissions office or an academic advisor to see if one is available.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Bachelor’s Degree in 3-4 Years[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While you can earn an online bachelor’s in two years, timelines in the three- to four-year range are more common. You have several options for pursuing this path, including:[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Overloading a full-time semester schedule with extra classes[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Following a standard program structure in addition to summer coursework[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]5 Popular Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees Online[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following degrees are some of the most common majors available in [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/what-is-an-accelerated-program/”]an accelerated format[/hen-ui-link]. Work with your school’s academic and career advisors to see what accelerated degrees they offer, and choose the program that best meets your needs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/accelerated/#business-administration”]Business Administration[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/accelerated/#computer-science”]Computer Science[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/accelerated/#education”]Education[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/accelerated/#nursing”]Nursing[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/accelerated/#psychology”]Psychology[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]1. Business Administration[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Did you know that a [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/degrees/business-degrees/”]business degree[/hen-ui-link] can help prepare you for over 25 different [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/business-jobs/”]business careers[/hen-ui-link]? An [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/business/accelerated/”]accelerated business program[/hen-ui-link] can fast-track you into one of these professions. You can [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/marketing-degree/”]work in marketing[/hen-ui-link], finance, [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/human-resources-specialist/”]human resources[/hen-ui-link], or another field with a bachelor’s in business administration.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/” target=”_blank”]Business and finance careers[/hen-ui-link] also earn higher-than-average wages, with a median annual salary of $80,920 (BLS, May 2024) for workers in this field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]2. Computer Science[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Tech is a developing sector, with many computer and IT occupations projected to grow [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm” target=”_blank”]faster than average[/hen-ui-link] from 2023 to 2033. An [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/computer-science/accelerated/”]accelerated computer science degree[/hen-ui-link] can help you join the job market faster. After earning your degree, you can qualify for in-demand tech subfields like software development.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to strong demand, software developers earn a higher-than-average [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm#tab-5″ target=”_blank”]median annual salary of $133,080[/hen-ui-link] (BLS, May 2024).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]3. Education[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can become a teacher with an accelerated [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-education/”]bachelor’s degree in education[/hen-ui-link]. You can also work in early childhood education or pursue other [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/careers/career-guide/education/”]education-related careers[/hen-ui-link]. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm” target=”_blank”]Elementary school teachers[/hen-ui-link] earn a median annual salary of $62,310 (BLS, May 2024). You can boost your earning potential by moving into administrative roles.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]4. Nursing[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An online accelerated bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree program can help you fast-track your nursing career. Look for [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-nursing/”]online BSN programs[/hen-ui-link] to earn credit for work experience or previous credentials, such as licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re an RN, you can complete an accelerated nursing program in as little as one year. If you’re an RN looking to obtain an MSN, consider an [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/accelerated/bachelors-to-masters/”]accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s program[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After graduating from an accelerated BSN program, you can qualify for specialized nursing careers in acute care, pediatrics, and primary care. RNs make a median [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm” target=”_blank”]annual wage of $93,600[/hen-ui-link] (BLS, May 2024).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]5. Psychology[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Dive into the human psyche as a psychology major. You’ll study human development, behaviors, and personality disorders during your accelerated [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-psychology/”]psychology degree[/hen-ui-link] program.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With this degree, you can qualify for [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/psychology-degree-jobs/”]careers for psych majors[/hen-ui-link] in social services, the nonprofit sector, and analytical fields. You can also continue your education to become a psychologist, a role that earns a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm” target=”_blank”]$94,310 median annual wage[/hen-ui-link] (BLS, May 2024).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Do I Find Online Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Programs?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accelerated bachelor’s programs are uncommon and can be tricky to find. Be aware of alternative names, such as fast-track or direct-entry programs, and add these terms to your search queries. Note that schools sometimes use branded language for their accelerated formats: For example, Purdue Global calls them “ExcelTrack” programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To get started, check out the list above: It explores top-ranked bachelor’s degree pathways with compact completion timelines. Also, it can be worth contacting prospective colleges and universities to ask if they offer any acceleration options not covered in their standard program descriptions.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Finally, check with the [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/online-colleges/popular-online-colleges/”]biggest accredited online colleges[/hen-ui-link]. Because these larger, more popular online schools often cater to students with diverse needs, they’re more likely to offer accelerated programs and other nontraditional formats that appeal to students with unique learning preferences.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Is an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Online Right for You?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If your goal is to enter the workforce quickly or enroll in a dual bachelor’s-master’s program, an accelerated degree is one of the best ways you can reach your goals sooner. However, these options require drive and determination since you’re condensing the workload into a shorter timespan.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You’re most likely to succeed in an online accelerated bachelor’s degree program if you’re self-motivated and possess strong time management skills, especially in online environments with less rigidly structured asynchronous coursework.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Consequently, getting an accelerated bachelor’s degree online isn’t for everyone. If you’re not looking for a faster program or you require more support and structure to succeed, an online accelerated degree may not be a good fit.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Online Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Are accelerated degrees worth it?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, accelerated degree programs can be worth it if you can handle condensed workloads and wish to earn your degree at a faster pace. Earning an accelerated bachelor’s degree can help you enter the workforce in three years or fewer. Not only do these programs allow you to enter the job market faster, but they can also save you money on college costs since you pay for fewer semesters of tuition.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the fastest way to get a bachelor’s degree?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An accelerated bachelor’s program is usually the quickest way to earn a bachelor’s degree. You can take more credits at once and graduate earlier — sometimes 1-2 years faster than average. Most accelerated bachelor’s programs take around three years to complete, but with prior credits or associate degrees, it is possible to finish a bachelor’s in just a year.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can you get a bachelor’s degree in two years​?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, you can get a bachelor’s degree in two years if you already have an associate degree or a substantial number of transfer credits. Without prior coursework, it may be possible to finish your bachelor’s degree in two years in an accelerated format.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This option is very demanding: You’ll need to complete the same amount of coursework but in far less time — about 60 credits per year, or about 20 credits per semester, including 20 credits each summer. Some schools may not offer all required courses on a calendar that accommodates this course load, so research prospective institutions to see if this plan is viable.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you already have an associate degree or transfer credits, a degree completion program is likely a better fit for you. These programs typically take between six months and two years to finish, depending on how many credits you completed elsewhere.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does an accelerated bachelor’s degree take?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An accelerated bachelor’s degree typically takes 2.5-3 years to complete for students with no transfer credits. Degree completion programs can take as few as six months or up to two years. The exact length of these options depends on the school, how many credits you take, and whether you have an associate degree or transfer credits.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can you get a bachelor’s degree in six months​?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With enough transfer credits and the right program format, it’s possible to get a bachelor’s degree in six months, but it’s certainly not common. You need to find a school that offers a degree completion program on this short timeline and ensure you have enough transfer credits. At many institutions, the fastest bachelor’s degree completion programs require 90 transfer credits, so students can finish in 6-12 months.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Discover More College Resources” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”112,23654,24286″][/hen-ui-article-row]