10 Best Accelerated Online Degree Programs in 2025

On average, bachelor's degrees take four years to complete. However, many schools offer accelerated online programs that allow students to finish their degrees in less time.

Although accelerated programs can be intense, they enable students to begin their careers sooner. Keep reading to discover the best schools that offer online accelerated degree programs.

Accelerated Online Bachelor Degree Programs

Several colleges and universities offer accelerated online degrees. There are a few different ways these schools fast-track their programs, such as running short, condensed course schedules, holding courses in the summer term, and accepting a high number of transfer credits.

Below, we've highlighted some of the top online colleges with accelerated bachelor's degree programs, as well as graduate degrees.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public research institution in Tempe, AZ. It offers numerous undergraduate and graduate degrees online in fields such as:

• business administration
• criminal justice
• computer science
• liberal arts

Online courses at ASU run on accelerated, 7.5-week terms during the fall and spring and six-week terms in the summer, meaning students have six start dates to choose from. Transfer students can bring up to 64 credit hours for their bachelor's degrees.

2. Columbia College

At Columbia College, students can earn associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees online in different areas of study. These include business, humanities, social sciences, and tech.

The private college, based in Columbia, MO, offers its online degree options in eight-week terms with six start dates each year. In addition to being one of many online colleges that accepts transfer credits, students here can earn credit for other types of prior learning experiences, like military training, career certificates, and college-level exams.

3. Excelsior University

Online undergraduate and graduate degrees are available through Excelsior University. The private online institution is headquartered in Albany, NY.

The university has a generous transfer policy, allowing students to earn college credit for standardized exams, workplace and military training, and professional credentials and certifications. Courses are eight weeks long and six start dates are available each year.

4. Franklin University

Franklin University offers online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Areas of study include business administration, data science, information technology, and psychology.

Based in Columbus, OH, Franklin is a private institution built for working adults. It allows bachelor's degree students to transfer up to 94 credit hours and also offers credit for placement testing. Courses are offered in six-week terms with three start dates in the fall and spring and two each summer.

5. Herzing University

Herzing University is a private school headquartered in Milwaukee. Its online campus offers associate degrees through doctoral programs in fields like business, criminal justice, and healthcare.

Through Herzing's accelerated study option, full-time students can complete a Bachelor of Science degree in three years or less, even if they have no prior college coursework. Students with transfer credits may be able to finish even faster, and the university also offers credit for other types of prior learning experiences.

6. National University

Students at National University can pursue a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees online in areas of study such as education, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. Courses are offered in accelerated, four-week terms with year-round enrollment.

National University, a private institution, is based in San Diego. In addition to transfer credits, students can earn credits for military experience, career training, advanced high school courses, and more.

7. Southern New Hampshire University

Various associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees are available online through Southern New Hampshire University. SNHU is a private institution in Manchester, NH that's well-known for its online learning options.

Undergraduate degrees run on eight-week terms with six start dates each year. Additionally, the university allows students to transfer in up to 90 credit hours and earn credit for prior learning experiences.

8. Touro University Worldwide

Touro University Worldwide offers bachelor's and advanced degrees in business, behavioral sciences, health and human services, and more. These programs are offered in eight-week terms with several start dates each year.

The private Jewish university system is headquartered in New York City, but the Worldwide campus is based out of California. Online learners can transfer up to 90 credits and receive credit for military experience or college-level exams.

9. University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus is the online branch of the public University System of Maryland. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fields of study such as:

• business administration
• computer science
• healthcare
• liberal arts

Courses run on eight-week terms and several start dates are available each year. The university accepts up to 90 credits but also offers many 'fast paths to credit,' including credit for exams, vocational and military training, and professional courses.

10. University of Massachusetts Global

Through the University of Massachusetts Global, students can earn associate through doctoral degrees online. UMass Global is a private online affiliate of the public University of Massachusetts system. It's located in Aliso Viejo, CA.

Students can earn credit for various types of prior learning experiences. Most courses are offered in eight-week terms, however, UMass Global also offers a variety of programs in its self-paced MyPath format. This allows students to proceed through their degree as quickly as they'd like.

Our Selection Criteria

To choose the best accelerated online degree programs, our method was fairly simple. We focused on:

• Accreditation: All schools above hold regional accreditation.
• Type: We only considered four-year public and private nonprofit schools.
• Online Offerings: Each school offers numerous online bachelor's and master's degree programs, and most offer associate degrees and doctoral programs as well.
• Accelerated Pathways: All the schools on this list offer accelerated courses and have flexible transfer policies.

Pros and Cons of Accelerated Degree Programs Online

There are both pros and cons of accelerated degrees. The primary benefit of enrolling in an accelerated online education program is that you're able to finish your program in less time than usual. This allows you to not only complete your higher education faster but also to reach your career goals faster.

The biggest drawback is that these accelerated programs are often more intensive than more traditional programs, as courses are condensed into shorter terms. You also typically don't take a break in the summer, like you would for a regular online program.

How To Choose a Fast-Track Degree Program an Accredited Online College

As we mentioned above, many colleges and universities offer fast-track programs. So how do you choose the right one? There are several things to consider, including:

• Accreditation: The school you choose needs to be accredited, preferably regionally accredited.
• Degree Options: Not every college offers the major you want in an accelerated online format.
• Schedule: Accelerated programs can offer courses as short as four weeks, although some offer standard 12- or 16-week terms.
• Location: Public schools often offer tuition discounts to in-state residents.
• Costs: Tuition rates can vary between online colleges, and many offer financial aid to help students pay for their programs.

FAQs About Accelerated Bachelor's Degree Programs

Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about accelerated online degree programs.

Are Accelerated Degree Programs Worth It?

For many students, the hard work that goes into their accelerated degree program is worth it. By accelerating their education, they can enter the job market and reach their career goals faster.

How Much Does an Online Accelerated Bachelor's Degree Cost?

Of the programs above, tuition rates range from $324 per credit hour at UMGC to over $600 at ASU. However, many different things can impact the cost you pay for college, including the financial aid you receive.

What Is the Difference Between an Accelerated Degree and a Degree Completion Program?

Degree completion programs are specifically designed for students with an associate degree or a significant number of transfer credits. They're usually meant to be completed in about two years, although more accelerated options may be available.

Accelerated degrees often accept a good amount of transfer credits, but they also offer shorter, more condensed course schedules that allow students to move through the program more quickly.

Explore Online Bachelor's Degrees Today

Fast-track your higher education by exploring the accelerated online degrees featured on Learn.org. Contact individual schools to learn more about their accelerated learning options today.