Accelerated Online Bachelor's Programs in Arizona 2026

Multiple colleges and universities based in Arizona offer accelerated online bachelor's degree programs to students who have completed an associate degree or similar college-level coursework and want to further their education.

Completing an accelerated bachelor's degree online may be beneficial to working professionals who want to save time and money. Because these types of learners are enrolled in programs that are flexible to their schedule, they can earn their degree as soon as 12 months via accelerated online bachelor's degree programs. Accelerated programs offer learners the opportunity to earn degrees in various fields, such as business, information systems, general education studies, nursing, and psychology.

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

Depending on whether or not you've already completed an associate degree or other college-level coursework and transferred those credits, a bachelor's degree typically takes about four years to complete.

Enrolling in an accelerated program is the quickest way to get a bachelor's degree. Although accelerated degree programs allow learners to earn a bachelor's degree in less time than a traditional, in-person bachelor's degree program, the average time it takes to complete the program varies according to factors such as state, institution, and amount of transfer credits accepted.

Accelerated Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Arizona

Those seeking a faster path to earning their bachelor's degree can find several quick online degree options in the state of Arizona and beyond. Below, we've highlighted the top accelerated online bachelor's degree programs to help you start your search.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) offers over 200 accelerated bachelor's degree programs in business administration, criminology and criminal justice, health care administration and policy, information technology, including cybersecurity, and other disciplines. Those who enroll in one of ASU's accelerated programs can earn a bachelor's degree in three years or earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as little as five years.

Program format, including online learning options, varies by area of study. Learners can also apply for financial aid and transfer credits earned at other institutions. Arizona State University is just one school offering the best bachelor's degrees online.

Time to completion: 12 months to three years (for accelerated bachelor's degrees) or five years (to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree)

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. University of Arizona Global Campus

University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC) offers over 50 associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees with accelerated online classes. The program is designed to be flexible for working professionals and other learners whose schedules are unable to accommodate a traditional, in-person learning experience.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees in business administration, organizational management, and early childhood education are the top three most requested degrees included in the program. In addition, learners who enroll in this program can earn credit for their work or life experience, or military service.

Time to completion: Four years

Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

3. Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University (NAU) offers an online accelerated degree program where learners can earn a bachelor's to master's degree in education, justice studies, or public administration. Through this program, students can complete 18 units of coursework in undergraduate status, with 12 units of coursework applying to both their bachelor's and master's degrees.

According to nau.edu, U.S. News & World Report ranked Northern Arizona University's online degree program in the top 14% of the best online bachelor's degree programs.

Time to completion: As few as 12 months

Accreditation: HLC

4. University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix (UOPX) offers online undergraduate degrees in areas such as information technology, social work, and accounting. The program also offers an RN-to-BSN option that can be completed in 14 months by transferring an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or another eligible associate degree from a school with an approved accreditation.

Credits transferred from another institution could cover up to 75% of a bachelor's degree obtained via University of Phoenix's online program. Students can earn a bachelor's degree via University of Phoenix's online courses in four years or less, depending on whether they have previously completed an associate degree and transferred any relevant credits.

Time to completion: As few as 14 months

Accreditation: HLC

5. Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University (GCU) offers an accelerated 3+1 program that allows students to earn their bachelor's degree in three years and their master's degree in one year. Students who are interested in pursuing an accelerated degree can enroll in the university's summer accelerator track or earn credit for college courses while still in high school via dual enrollment programs.

Besides the accelerated 3+1 program, Grand Canyon University offers traditional, on-campus, and online courses in areas such as business management, cybersecurity, and entrepreneurial studies.

Time to completion: 16 months to three years

Accreditation: HLC

6. Prescott College

Prescott College (PC) offers an online accelerated program where students can earn their Bachelor of Arts in psychology. Students can use this degree across various career paths such as counseling, psychotherapy, and wellness programs. Students can also use this degree to earn their accelerated master's degree in counseling (MS) or school counseling (MEd).

Transfer students who have already earned 60 or more credits at another institution may complete the program in two to three years.

Time to completion: Two to three years

Accreditation: HLC

7. Aspen University

Aspen University (ASPU) offers 100% online completion options in education, nursing, and business administration to learners who have already earned an associate degree or 60 credits via another institution. Depending on the area of interest chosen, learners can earn their degree in as little as 12 months to two years.

The eight-week courses offered via the online program are designed to be flexible for working professionals.

Time to completion: 12 months to two years

Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

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

Students who are looking for an accelerated online bachelor's degree program are not limited to programs based in Arizona. Accelerated bachelor's degree programs are also offered at other institutions, including fully online colleges.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers accelerated online bachelor's degree programs in digital photography, business administration, psychology, liberal arts, and more. This online college also offers a bachelor's to master's degree option in which students can take up to four graduate courses at the undergraduate tuition rate. The accelerated bachelor's to master's program can help learners achieve their career goals more quickly and help them stand out in the competitive job market.

Students interested in enrolling at Southern New Hampshire University can transfer up to 90 credits from previous college courses or other work or life experience.

Time to completion: Two to three years

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) allows students to transfer course credits or an associate degree received at a community college to count toward completion of a bachelor's degree via its online program. The university has partnerships with various community colleges to make the process of earning a degree less time-consuming and more affordable. On average, students who enroll in Western Governors University finish their college degree in two years.

Students who enroll at Western Governors University can earn degrees in business, education, technology, and health and nursing fields. Specific concentrations related to each degree include human resources, special education, data analytics, and public health, among others.

Time to completion: 12 to 24 months

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Capella University

Capella University (CU) offers a FlexPath option in which online students can finish a bachelor's degree in 22 months or earn a master's degree in 15 months. Students participating in the FlexPath option set their own deadlines and move at their own pace. Capella University also offers a trial course via its website so students can gain familiarity with the program ahead of potential enrollment.

Capella allows students to transfer previous college credits to cover up to 75% of select bachelor's degrees. Students can earn health care administration leadership, public health, social work, general information technology, and RN-to-BSN degrees via the FlexPath option.

Time to completion: Nine to 19 months

Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

To find the best online accelerated bachelor's degree programs, including programs based in Arizona, we focused on:

• Accreditation: All schools included in the list are accredited by the HLC or a similar entity.
• Program length: We focused on accelerated programs that offer five- to eight-week courses and allow learners to complete their college degree in the shortest time frame.
• Program reputation and quality: We focused on programs offered by top universities and online schools, including those ranked among the best by U.S. News & World Report.
• Tuition cost: We focused on schools that provide affordable tuition options, including the ability to cut overall education costs by transferring associate degrees or other college-level coursework obtained at another institution.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

How To Accelerate Your Bachelor’s Degree in Arizona

There are many ways to accelerate your bachelor's degree and graduate early. Let's take a look at three of these strategies.

• Maximize your credit transfers: Transfer credits toward your degree to cut down your graduation timeline. Most universities accept 60 to 90 transfer credits, shaving off at least a year or two from your degree.
• Take your prerequisites online: Online course providers like Study.com help students complete their general education requirements faster. This is because online courses are more flexible and accessible compared to traditional courses.
• Enroll in summer and winter classes: You can complete coursework faster by taking courses during summer and winter. This also allows you to earn more credits in a year.

FAQs About the Fastest Bachelor's Degrees in Arizona

Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about accelerated online bachelor's degree programs based in Arizona.

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

Yes, you can earn your bachelor's degree in a year at some schools in Arizona. For example, Aspen University offers a nursing completion program in which RNs can obtain their Bachelor of Science in nursing online in as little as 12 months. The program is aimed at individuals who already have an associate degree or diploma in nursing and are looking to further their education with a flexible online program.

Are There Part-Time Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Options?

Yes, there are part-time accelerated bachelor's options. These include enrolling in online or asynchronous accelerated programs and leveraging credit-by-exams (CBE). These strategies can help expedite your studies while still offering flexibility.

In addition, there are part-time accelerated programs that cater to working students and busy adults. Unlike standard accelerated programs, part-time accelerated degrees are less intensive with a moderate schedule. They may take longer to complete, but they are still shorter than a standard four-year course.

Do Accelerated Bachelor’s Programs Accept Prior Learning Credit?

Yes, you can transfer prior learning credits toward most accelerated degree programs. However, some schools limit the number of prior learning credits you can put towards your degree. Often, the maximum transfer credits is set at 75% of your degree's total requirements.

There are various types of prior learning credits. Some of them are transfer credits (from previous college coursework) and credit-by-exam. Military transcripts are also an accepted form of prior learning credit.

Are Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees Respected by Employers?

Yes, most employers put a high value on accelerated bachelor's degrees. They see graduates of these programs as driven and disciplined because of the heavy coursework associated with them. Furthermore, accelerated degree programs are fast-paced, and completing them is a testament to your time management skills.

In addition, employers focus on the degree you earned instead of its timeframe. As long as the program you completed is regionally accredited, you should have no problems.

Explore Online Bachelor's Degrees

Looking to complete an accelerated online bachelor's degree? Explore options on Learn.org and reach out to individual schools to request information on financial aid options, available payment plans, and more.