Best Accelerated Online Bachelor's Programs in Alabama 2025

Completing an accelerated bachelor's degree online is an option for everyone, not just those with prior college coursework. Many colleges offer accelerated options for completing bachelor's degree programs, with decreasing required coursework and accelerated semester formats.

Students can complete online degree programs in various fields in less time � from elementary education to healthcare to human resource management and more. Some of the top institutions in Alabama with accelerated online bachelor's degree programs are discussed below. Continue reading to find out what programs are available, and how you can complete a bachelor's degree online in less time.

How Long Does It Take To Earn an Online Bachelor's Degree in Alabama?

The length of time required to complete a bachelor's degree program is traditionally four years, but it can vary based on the program. Most bachelor's programs require about 120 credit hours to be completed, for students with no coursework beyond high school (or a GED). The quickest way to get a bachelor's degree can involve shorter courses and/or transfer credits.

Students with prior coursework can decrease the number of credits required, and online students can usually complete more credit hours within a year than on-campus students. Accelerated online bachelor's degree programs can be completed in around two to three years, depending on enrollment and prior coursework.

Accelerated Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Alabama

There are multiple accelerated online bachelor's degree programs in Alabama that allow students to complete their program in significantly less time. Accelerated options generally accept credits to replace some from the degree program, decreasing the number of classes that are needed. These replacement credits can be for prior coursework, life experiences, military experience, or adequate scores on an equivalency test.

1. Athens State University

Athens State University (ASU) offers several routes for accelerated online bachelor's programs, including potential credits for life experiences through the Adult Learner Services Office. ASU also accepts transfer credits with a grade of D or better, as well as credits earned through prior learning assessments (PLAs), College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests, and DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSSTs).

ASU students can choose from programs in several different fields, including computer science, accountancy, education and cybersecurity.

Average in-state tuition: $256 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $512 per credit hour

Time to completion: Two to four years, depending on credits transferred

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Columbia Southern University

Columbia Southern University offers transfer credit opportunities through traditional higher education coursework (D or better), as well as through military, CLEP, DSST, and PLA assessments. Students can transfer in up to 75% of the degree requirements, potentially decreasing a 120-credit program to only 30 credits.

Online bachelor's programs are offered in dozens of fields, including health sciences, information technology, and criminal justice.

Average in-state tuition: $270 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $270 per credit hour

Time to completion: One to four years

Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Faulkner University

The online structure of coursework at Faulkner University allows students to complete programs faster than normal, and students can choose from bachelor's programs in fields such as:

• counseling
• psychology
• legal studies
• humanities
• biblical studies
• business

Faulkner University accepts traditional college transfer credits, up to 60% of the degree program, as well as up to 60 non-traditional transfer credits from DSST, CLEP, military and other sources.

Average in-state tuition: $350

Average out-of-state tuition: $350

Time to completion: Two to four years

Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Huntsville Bible College

Huntsville Bible College offers a small-school community while providing interactive and high-quality online programs. The school allows up to 70% of required credits to be transferred in from prior coursework; it also offers a PLA so students can earn credits for previous experience.

Online bachelor's programs are available in social work, pastoral ministry, Christian education, and mission and evangelism.

Average in-state tuition: $185 to $190

Average out-of-state tuition: $185 to $190

Time to completion: Two to four years

Accreditation: Association for Biblical Higher Education Commission on Accreditation (ABHE)

5. Samford University

Samford University offers accelerated online bachelor's programs through two avenues: the acceptance of transfer credits with a grade of C- or better and through its eight-week course structure. The accelerated course format enables standard full-time students (12 credits per semester) to complete 36 credits per year instead of 24 through traditional semester structures.

Online students can choose from programs such as family science, nursing, leadership, and public health.

Average in-state tuition: $382 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $382 per credit hour

Time to completion: Two to three years

Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Spring Hill College

Spring Hill College allows students to transfer up to 96 credit hours into a bachelor's program, as well as qualifying credits from DSST or CLEP. Online bachelor's programs include options in:

• organizational leadership
• interdisciplinary studies
• supply chain management
• theology

Spring Hill College utilizes its nearly 200 years of experience to create interactive, innovative, and high-quality programs for online learners.

Average in-state tuition: $420 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $420 per credit hour

Time to completion: One to three years

Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Troy University

Troy University offers students the flexibility to complete an accelerated online bachelor's program through nine-week course formats. It also enables up to 75% of coursework to be transferred in from military, work and academic experiences.

Students can pursue an online bachelor's degree in dozens of fields, including those in healthcare, business, psychology, and various social sciences.

Average in-state tuition: $424 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $424 per credit hour

Time to completion: One to three years

Accreditation: SACSCOC

Other Accelerated Online Bachelor's Degrees in the U.S.

While accelerated online bachelor's programs in Alabama can offer lower tuition rates and a close-to-home feeling, other colleges across the U.S. offer comparable programs with equally valuable experiences. Below are a few of the top accelerated online bachelor's degree programs.

Cornerstone University

Cornerstone University is a non-profit institution that applies decades of experience to its flexible online degree programs. The online bachelor's programs include:

• Bachelor of Science (BS) in ministry leadership
• BS in business administration & leadership
• BS in marketing
• BS in business data analytics
• BS in psychology

Students can transfer as much as 75% of their program through academic credits, PLAs, and other sources.

Average in-state tuition: $395 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $395 per credit hour

Time to completion: One to three years

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Liberty University

Liberty University (LU) offers a wide variety of online programs structured in an eight-week course format, enabling students to complete more courses per year. With a variety of options for focus areas, students can choose from hundreds of online bachelor's programs and online certificate programs. LU allows transfer credits for military and work experience, as well as up to 90 credits for prior college coursework.

Average in-state tuition: $250 (military), $390 (standard full-time), or $455 (part-time) per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $250 (military), $390 (standard full-time), or $455 (part-time) per credit hour

Time to completion: One to three years

Accreditation: SACSCOC

University of Michigan-Flint

University of Michigan (UM) at Flint offers four accelerated online bachelor's degree programs that can be completed more quickly than standard programs. Students can choose from degrees in:

• psychology
• business administration
• healthcare management
• interdisciplinary studies

UM-Flint also allows students to transfer in prior college coursework and relevant work and life experiences, such as citizenship and leadership contributions.

Average in-state tuition: $568 per credit hour ($122 per credit beyond 12)

Average out-of-state tuition: $568 per credit hour ($122 per credit beyond 12)

Time to completion: Two to three years

Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

To compile a list of the most relevant and excellent schools, our team reviews specific criteria for each potential school. We want to ensure that you are presented with the most applicable program options that fit your needs, along with key information about costs and duration. The primary criteria reviewed for determining the top accelerated online bachelor's programs in Alabama includes:

• Accreditation: Featured schools have all been awarded accreditation at the institutional level, which requires meeting educational quality and outcome standards.
• Program length: The programs discussed above can be completed in less time than standard programs, through transfer credits (academic and otherwise) as well as shortened course lengths.
• Program reputation and quality: Each program maintains academic quality integrated with accessibility and flexibility so that students develop the same understanding as they would through in-person learning.
• Tuition cost: Schools ranked in the list above have tuition rates that are lower than average to average so that students can explore options that are more affordable and accessible.

FAQs About the Fastest Bachelor's Degrees in Alabama

When thinking about enrolling in an online bachelor's degree program, especially one that is accelerated, there are a few key considerations that you should keep in mind. These aspects are discussed below.

What Is the Quickest Way To Get a Bachelor's Degree in Alabama?

The fastest way to complete an online bachelor's degree in Alabama is to transfer credits into your program and take more courses each year. If you can transfer an associate's degree into your program, you typically would only need to complete half of the bachelor's degree coursework. In this instance, you turn a four-year program into a two-year program.

If you are a registered nurse (RN), you can complete an RN-to-BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) at several schools in and outside of Alabama, which takes an average of two years to complete. If you have other professional certifications or licenses, several schools on this list (and many others) will issue credits towards a degree for related coursework.

If your schedule permits, taking more than the traditional 24 credits within a year drastically reduces your program time as well. Programs with shorter class terms are excellent for this route because they utilize summer months as equal semesters. An eight-week format would allow you to complete 36 credits in one year (instead of the traditional 24), which decreases your program length from four years to just over three.

Are There Any One-Year Online Bachelor's Degrees in Alabama?

If you are interested in a one-year bachelor's degree online, look for programs or schools that will maximize your transfer credits while offering shortened semesters. If you have an associate's degree and enroll in shorter semesters, the other credits required could be completed in just over a year.

Any relevant experience or knowledge you have could also be applied as transfer credits through options such as the CLEP, DSST, or PLA. These can decrease the amount of coursework that you need to complete as well. Enrolling in a program with shortened semesters will enable you to complete any remaining coursework 50% faster if you take 12 credits per semester.

If you can take more than 12 credit hours in a semester, you can complete your program in less time. For example, taking 15 credits per semester across three semesters per year can nearly cut your program time in half. Many of the the best bachelor's degrees online offer flexible enrollment options for accelerated completion times.

What Is the Cheapest Online Bachelor's Degree in Alabama?

The cost of your program is comprised of tuition and fees, with tuition being the primary cost. Although tuition rates vary by school, the more credit hours you need to complete, the higher your tuition cost. To complete your program for less, look for more affordable tuition rates, as well as schools that give you the best transfer credit opportunities.

Explore Online Bachelor's Degrees

There are a multitude of online bachelor's degree programs available, and Learn.org has researched hundreds of them to create lists of the best available. Discover more top programs through our ranked lists, and reach out to the schools that offer programs that appeal to you.