Best Accelerated Online Bachelor's Programs in Rhode Island 2025

If you are looking to complete your degree quickly, several schools in Rhode Island offer accelerated online bachelor's degree programs designed for busy adults, transfer students, and others who value flexible higher education.

These accelerated online bachelor's degree programs combine flexibility, speed, and quality to help you graduate faster than a traditional four-year program. Whether you're starting fresh or returning to school, you can find an accelerated bachelor's degree online that fits your academic timeline.

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

Earning an online bachelor's degree in Rhode Island typically takes between two and four years. Accelerated programs � especially those offering condensed eight-week courses and generous transfer credit policies � can significantly reduce completion time.

In contrast, traditional formats with 16-week semesters and limited course loads generally take closer to four years. The pace ultimately depends on the school's structure and the student's availability.

If you're looking for the fastest way to get a bachelor's degree, choosing an accelerated program with year-round learning can help you get through your studies quickly.

Accelerated Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Rhode Island

Accredited online bachelor's degrees offer convenience and affordability. Below, we'll explore remote learning options in Rhode Island that offer a faster path to degree completion.

1. University of Rhode Island

The University of Rhode Island in Kingston is the largest four-year school in the state, with about 14,670 undergraduates according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Students can complete bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in various disciplines on campus and remotely.

Its online undergraduate degrees are completion programs, so students must transfer in enough credits to be considered for admission. Programs include:

• strategic communication
• early childhood education
• interdisciplinary studies
• RN to BS

Courses are delivered in an accelerated seven-week schedule. Though learners enjoy some flexibility with their coursework, they must meet weekly and term deadlines.

Average in-state tuition: Starting at $610

Average out-of-state tuition: Starting at $610

Time to completion: Varies

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

2. Johnson & Wales University

Johnson & Wales University in Providence is a private, non-profit school providing in-person and online bachelor's and master's degrees. In addition to traditionally paced programs, the school offers accelerated learning opportunities. In particular, students can complete a Bachelor of Science (BS) in baking and pastry arts and food service management or a BS in business studies in only two years.

Average in-state tuition: $495 per credit hour

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

Time to completion: Two years

Accreditation: NECHE

3. New England Institute of Technology

New England Institute of Technology is a private, career-focused university in Rhode Island, known for its accelerated degree programs that prepare students for in-demand industries. Some programs can be completed online, including the automotive service management program, which features a 10-week quarter system with four terms per year, allowing for rapid progression while balancing other commitments.

Average in-state tuition: $700 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $700 per credit hour

Time to completion: Two to three years

Accreditation: NECHE

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

While there may not be many accelerated online options in Rhode Island, prospective students can look outside the state to find quality schools. Below, we'll discuss several accredited programs available to students studying from anywhere.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University has a reputation for quality distance learning programs. Undergraduates may choose from over 100 majors, including popular areas of study like criminal justice, computer science, and cybersecurity.

Online courses are delivered in accelerated eight-week terms, allowing students to progress quickly through their degrees. Additionally, the school accepts up to 90 transfer credits, which can significantly speed up the degree timeline.

Average in-state tuition: $330 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $330 per credit hour

Time to completion: Varies

Accreditation: NECHE

Capella University

Capella University is exclusively a distance learning institution. It offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in in-demand fields, including healthcare, business, and education.

Program participants can progress through their degrees at their own pace through the FlexPath format. This competency-based learning model lets students finish courses as soon as they've mastered the material. They can complete as many courses as they're able within each 12-week term, accelerating their path to graduation.

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: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Western Governors University

Western Governors University is a nonprofit, fully online university known for its competency-based education model that allows students to progress through their undergraduate programs at their own pace. With a flat-rate tuition of $3,755 per six-month term, students can take as many courses as they can handle, potentially reducing both time and cost to graduation. For instance, the RN to BSN program can be completed in as little as one year.

Average in-state tuition: $3,755 per six-month term

Average out-of-state tuition: $3,755 per six-month term

Time to completion: Varies

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Upper Iowa University

Upper Iowa University is a private school in Fayette that offers flexible learning opportunities to nontraditional and distance learners. The university's self-paced program allows students to start courses on the first of any month, with up to six months to complete each course.

Available in web-based and paper-based formats, this model enables learners to accelerate their degree completion by enrolling in multiple courses simultaneously and progressing at their own speed. Students can transfer up to 90 credits and earn their degrees in under two years.

Average in-state tuition: $350 per credit hour

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

Time to completion: Varies

Accreditation: HLC

Indiana University

Indiana University is a renowned public research institution offering a wide range of academic programs across its multiple campuses, including several online accelerated degrees. Majors include:

• business administration
• criminal justice
• data science
• informatics
• mathematics
• psychology

Courses are six- or eight-week long, with multiple start dates throughout the year, allowing for a more flexible and quick learning experience.

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

Southern Utah University

Southern Utah University in Cedar City offers flexible and affordable online learning designed to accelerate student success. The university's Speedway Bachelor of General Studies program enables students to earn a degree in as few as three years. Courses are delivered 100% online in seven-week sessions, with multiple start dates throughout the year.

Average in-state tuition: $119 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $119 per credit hour

Time to completion: Three years

Accreditation: NWCCU

Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University is a public research institution offering on-campus and remote degrees in various fields. Students can complete their degrees quickly thanks to a generous transfer policy of up to 90 credits. Additionally, online programs, like the general studies major, feature accelerated coursework and several start dates throughout the year.

Average in-state tuition: $282 per credit hour

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

Time to completion: Varies

Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

Our school rankings are based on essential factors that help students find high-quality programs that fit their needs. Our ranking factors include:

• Accreditation: Schools must be accredited by recognized agencies to ensure legitimacy and academic standards.
• Program length: We chose online schools that offer bachelor's programs that can be completed in less than four years.
• Program reputation and quality: We chose online colleges with reputations for quality academics and excellent student support.
• Tuition cost: The schools on this list offer low tuition rates or accept financial aid.

FAQs About the Fastest Bachelor's Degrees in Rhode Island

Are you thinking about completing your bachelor's degree? Check out some of the most common questions about accelerated programs in Rhode Island to help you find the best and fastest path forward.

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

The fastest route to earning a bachelor's degree in Rhode Island typically involves enrolling in an accelerated online or hybrid program. These programs often offer shorter course terms � such as five- to eight-week sessions � and multiple start dates throughout the year. Students who transfer previous college credits, take heavier course loads, or choose competency-based formats can significantly shorten their time to graduation.

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

Students seeking a one-year bachelor's degree online may have to look at schools outside of Rhode Island. One-year bachelor's degrees typically require extensive credit transfer or a previous bachelor's degree.

For example, Western Governors University's RN to BSN program can be completed in only one year. These intensive programs require a full-time commitment and often cater to adult learners or working professionals.

What Is the Cheapest Online Bachelor's Degree in Rhode Island?

Johnson & Wales University, according to NCES data, offers the cheapest tuition rate in Rhode Island at $495 per credit hour. Scholarships and grants can further lower the total cost of a college degree, so it's essential to consider potential schools' financial aid packages.

Explore Online Bachelor's Degrees

Start browsing the online degree programs listed on Learn.org. If a school interests you, reach out to their enrollment team for more information on financial aid and online policies.