Best Accelerated Online Bachelor's Programs in Iowa 2025

Looking to earn your degree faster? Iowa offers a range of accelerated online bachelor's degree programs designed for motivated students. These flexible programs help you complete your education in less time than a traditional four-year program � often in two years or less.

Keep reading to find an accelerated bachelor's degree online that fits your ideal timeline. We'll highlight top options offering flexibility and convenience for online learners.

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

The time it takes to earn an online bachelor's degree in Iowa varies by program structure and transfer credit policies. If you're looking for the fastest way to get a bachelor's degree, you'll want to consider programs with accelerated course options.

While traditional programs require around four years to complete 120 credits, accelerated options can significantly shorten that timeline. With sufficient transfer credits, some students finish in just 12 to 24 months.

Accelerated Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Iowa

If you're looking for accelerated online bachelor's degree programs, there are several options to consider in Iowa. Below, we'll cover universities offering affordable and flexible learning opportunities.

1. Upper Iowa University

Upper Iowa University, established in 1857, is a private, nonprofit institution in Fayette. It offers several remote undergraduate and graduate degrees, which may be accelerated and self-paced.

The course schedule consists of eight-week sessions and one six-week summer session. Courses are delivered asynchronously, allowing students to fit online classes into busy schedules.

The university's generous transfer policy allows up to 90 credits, including experiential learning, to be applied toward a degree. While learning is independent, students still have access to instructors and can receive one-on-one attention.

Average in-state tuition: $350 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $350 per credit hour

Time to completion: varies

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Mount Mercy University

Mount Mercy University, a private Catholic school in Cedar Rapids, offers flexible, accelerated online bachelor's degree programs tailored for working adults. With online courses available in five and 10-week blocks, students can balance education with personal and professional commitments. Programs include:

• applied management
• business
• healthcare administration
• human resource management
• RN-BSN
• marketing

The university accepts up to 93 transfer credits, and 100% of undergraduates receive financial aid, often reducing tuition costs by at least half.

Average in-state tuition: $1,329 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,329 per credit hour

Time to completion: varies

Accreditation: HLC

3. Iowa State University

Iowa State University in Ames is a public research institution committed to providing accessible and flexible education through various online degree programs.

Iowa State's online bachelor's degree completion programs, such as the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), early childhood education program, and the Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLS), are tailored for students with prior college credits. These programs offer asynchronous coursework, allowing learners to study at their own pace while balancing other commitments.

Average in-state tuition: $387 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $387 per credit hour

Time to completion: 30 months

Accreditation: HLC

4. Allen College

Though it has a campus in Waterloo, Allen College also offers online degrees in nursing and health sciences. Allen College's Bachelor of Health Sciences in medical imaging is designed for students with prior associate-level imaging education or certification and can be completed in only one year. Students must earn their general education requirements at another accredited institution and complete 33 required credits at Allen College.

Average in-state tuition: $718 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $718 per credit hour

Time to completion: 12 to 24 months

Accreditation: HLC

5. Simpson College

Simpson College in Indianola offers flexible online bachelor's degree programs tailored for adult learners balancing work, family, and education. The college provides six start dates annually and allows students to progress at their own pace through accelerated eight-week online courses. Programs include:

• criminal justice
• marketing communications
• management
• management information systems

The school is transfer-friendly and accepts life experience as college credits.

Average in-state tuition: $465 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $465 per credit hour

Time to completion: varies

Accreditation: HLC

6.Buena Vista University

Buena Vista University in Storm Lake offers flexible online programs in business, education, human services, and healthcare administration. With six start dates per year and eight-week course terms, students can progress at an accelerated pace.

Additionally, the university's partnerships with Iowa community colleges facilitate seamless credit transfers, allowing students to complete their degrees efficiently.

Average in-state tuition: $495 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $495 per credit hour

Time to completion: varies

Accreditation: HLC

7. Grand View University

Grand View University offers flexible online and evening bachelor's degree programs tailored for working adults and nontraditional students. Enrollees can progress at an accelerated pace, with classes starting every eight weeks. Undergraduate degrees are available in fields such as business administration, psychology, human services, and accounting.

Average in-state tuition: $495 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $495 per credit hour

Time to completion: Varies

Accreditation: HLC

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

There are many accelerated online bachelor's degrees located throughout the U.S. Iowa students can enroll in any one of these accredited institutions offering quality remote learning programs. Below, we'll highlight several options with low tuition rates and flexible learning formats.

Capella University

Capella University offers high-quality distance education programs that are perfect for those who thrive in independent learning environments. It offers a FlexPath learning format, where students can study and complete courses at their own pace.

As a competency-based learning format, motivated and knowledgeable students can finish their courses quickly. Each 12-week billing session allows students to complete as many courses as they can, potentially accelerating degree completion.

Average in-state tuition: $2,575 to $3,530 per 12-week term

Average out-of-state tuition: $2,575 to $3,530 per 12-week term

Time to completion: varies

Accreditation: HLC

Indiana University

Indiana University is a public research institution that offers many distance learning programs. Through its online learning platform, students can pursue accelerated degrees in fields like business administration, criminal justice, and nursing. Coursework is typically asynchronous, allowing students to study whenever works for them.

Average in-state tuition: starting at $257.23 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: starting at $378.10 per credit

Time to completion: one year

Accreditation: HLC

Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University offers fully online bachelor's degree programs with accelerated course options. Additionally, with multiple start dates throughout the year, students can get started on their degree sooner.

Students can major in programs such as organizational leadership, global supply chain management, and political science. These programs are structured to accommodate up to 90 transfer credits, allowing students to potentially complete their degrees in as little as 12 months.

Average in-state tuition: $282 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $282 per credit hour

Time to completion: 12 months

Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

When evaluating accelerated online bachelor's degree programs, we consider a range of important factors to help students make informed decisions. Some of our ranking factors include:

• Accreditation: We only include schools recognized by a regional accrediting body, such as the HLC.
• Program length: We select bachelor's programs that can be completed faster than traditional four-year degrees.
• Program reputation and quality: Our selections reflect programs with strong academic standards, student support, and positive outcomes.
• Tuition cost: We highlight schools with competitive pricing or generous financial aid opportunities.

FAQs About the Fastest Bachelor's Degrees in Iowa

Here are answers to some of the most common questions students have when considering accelerated online bachelor's degree programs in Iowa.

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

The fastest way to earn a bachelor's degree in Iowa is by choosing an accelerated online program that accepts prior learning credits and transfer credits, or offers self-paced options. These flexible formats can shorten your time to completion � some students graduate in under two years.

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

While rare, a one-year bachelor's degree online may be possible in Iowa if you transfer in the maximum number of credits and commit to a full-time, accelerated schedule. Certain programs � especially in healthcare and business � offer flexible, fast-track formats for motivated students. For instance, Allen College provides a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Imaging that can be completed in just 12 months.

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

Upper Iowa University offers one of the most affordable online bachelor's degree options in Iowa, with tuition at $350 per credit hour. Generous transfer credit policies and financial aid packages can further reduce overall costs for eligible students.

The state of Iowa offers several scholarships and grants for undergraduates pursuing a bachelor's or associate degree. For example, the Iowa Tuition Grant awards up to $8,500 to students attending an eligible private university.

Explore Online Bachelor's Degrees

Explore accredited online bachelor's degrees options on Learn.org to find an option that fits your goals. Contact any school that interests you for more information on enrollment policies and financial aid opportunities.