Accelerated Online Bachelor's Programs in Kansas 2026

Updated on:

May 7, 2026

Several schools in Kansas offer accelerated options for online bachelor's degrees. Students can transfer credits and take heavy courseloads to graduate sooner.

Accelerated online bachelor's degree programs can be highly beneficial for self-motivated students. These types of programs can help them earn their degrees and pursue their career interests in a much shorter timeframe, potentially saving money along the way.

If you live in Kansas and are considering an accelerated online bachelor's degree, you may be wondering about your options. Keep reading as we explore several top schools in your state and beyond that offer accelerated bachelor's degrees online.

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

Bachelor's degrees consist of at least 120 semester credit hours, though the exact length can vary by school and program. Most full-time students earn their bachelor's degree in about four years; part-time learners may take six years or more.

The fastest way to get a bachelor's degree involves taking more courses at a time than usual, as well as studying year-round without breaks. If you have college credit from other sources, such as previous academic, test, or work experiences, you may be able to apply this to your program as well, saving you time and money. Depending on various factors, it is possible for some students in accelerated programs to finish their degrees in as little as one year.

Accelerated Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Kansas

Online learning is convenient for many nontraditional students, including those hoping to get their degrees fast. Read on for a list of some top schools in Kansas offering accredited online bachelor's degrees.

1. Kansas State University

Kansas State University is a large public school in Manhattan. It offers many online undergraduate and graduate programs, with bachelor's degrees in areas such as:

  • business administration
  • dietetics
  • professional aviation

Most online courses are asynchronous, allowing students to complete them on their own time. Additionally, students can take classes during summer and winter sessions to help them get ahead in their studies and can transfer credits to save time and money.

Time to completion: two years

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. University of Kansas

The University of Kansas is another large state university. It is located in Lawrence and provides online bachelor's and master's degrees in many fields. Online bachelor's programs include:

  • criminal justice
  • information technology
  • liberal arts

These programs are designed as degree completion programs for students already holding an associate degree or significant college credits. This, along with the fact that all coursework is asynchronous, makes it possible to finish them within a year or two.

Time to completion: as little as two years

Accreditation: HLC

3. Baker University

Baker University is located in Baldwin City and is the oldest four-year school in the state. Students can choose from various online degrees and certificate programs. Some of the bachelor's degrees include:

  • human resources
  • psychology
  • interdisciplinary studies

The school accepts transfer credits and provides flexible coursework that can help students fit school into their busy lives, allowing them to not only complete their education but do so in a faster timeframe.

Time to completion: as little as one to two years

Accreditation: HLC

4. Ottawa University

Ottawa University is a private school with locations in Ottawa and Overland Park. Its online campus, headquartered in Overland Park, provides various undergraduate and graduate degrees. Students can choose from many bachelor's degrees, such as:

  • accounting
  • healthcare management
  • addiction counseling

Courses are offered in accelerated eight-week sessions to help students progress more quickly through their studies. The school also features a generous transfer policy and allows students to study when it's convenient for them.

Time to completion: as little as one to two years

Accreditation: HLC

5. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University, located in Hays, is one of the best online schools in the state for affordability. It offers a wealth of online degrees, including:

  • health and human performance
  • tourism and hospitality management
  • agriculture

Programs feature flexible coursework and a variety of concentrations, and students can transfer credits into their program to finish faster. Several online student success resources are also available to help them succeed.

Time to completion: as little as one to two years

Accreditation: HLC

6. Friends University

Friends University is a private school located in Wichita. It offers various online degree programs, with bachelor's degrees that include:

  • general studies
  • cyber security
  • strategic leadership

Most of the school's classes are available in accelerated eight-week sessions and are highly flexible. Programs are designed for busy working adults, making them flexible and convenient enough to fit the needs of fast-track learners.

Time to completion: as little as 16 months

Accreditation: HLC

7. Rasmussen University

Rasmussen University is a private, for-profit university system with locations throughout the U.S., including Kansas. Many of its programs are available online, including:

  • data analytics
  • graphic design
  • nursing (RN to BSN)

The school has a generous transfer policy and allows students to 'test out' of some courses to advance more quickly. Courses are flexible and accelerated as well, making it easy for students to get their education on their terms.

Time to completion: as little as one to two years

Accreditation: HLC

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

Students in online education programs can study from anywhere even if their school is located across the country. With that in mind, let's look at some top out-of-state online colleges that provide accelerated undergraduate degrees.

Western Governors University

Western Governors University is a private, nonprofit online university based in Utah. Some of its many bachelor's degrees include finance, communication, and educational studies.

Students have full control over the pacing of their studies and are allowed to advance as soon as they've mastered a particular class. Tuition is charged per term instead of per credit hour, so those who opt for an accelerated study timeframe can save lots of money on their degrees.

Time to completion: as little as one year

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University Global is a public online university providing flexible degree programs for nontraditional students. Some of the bachelor's degrees available include:

  • marketing
  • human services
  • computer science

Students complete all coursework in convenient and accelerated eight-week sessions, and new start dates are available monthly. Students can also transfer up to 90 credits into their program of choice.

Time to completion: as little as one year

Accreditation: HLC

Liberty University

Liberty University is a large Christian school in Virginia. It offers hundreds of degrees and certificates at every program level, with online bachelor's programs including:

  • aviation management
  • creative writing
  • Biblical counseling

The school allows students to transfer up to 75% of their total credits from other sources, and eight-week course sessions are flexible and asynchronous. Full-time learners receive tuition discounts, which can be beneficial for those taking heavy courseloads.

Time to completion: as little as one year

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

How We Rank Schools

We strive to choose top colleges when creating our school rank lists. We used the following criteria when choosing the online programs featured above:

  • Accreditation: Each school is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency like the Higher Learning Commission.
  • Program length: Each program featured can be completed in under four years.
  • Program reputation and quality: All of the schools are known for providing high-quality learning experiences for both in-person and online students.
  • Tuition cost: Tuition varies from school to school, with average rates ranging from around $5,600 to nearly $34,000 per year.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

How To Accelerate Your Bachelor’s Degree in Kansas

Many universities in Kansas offer accelerated bachelor’s degrees that help students graduate in as early as one year. This allows them to enter the workforce immediately and start paying off their student debts.

However, applying for quick online degrees is not the only way to earn a diploma fast. Below are a few other ways to swiftly gain a bachelor’s degree:

  • Take AP or IB classes in high school: One way to start earning college credit in high school is to enroll in Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes. These courses are comparable to college introductory classes and may be a bit challenging. However, if you pass enough AP or IB exams, you may earn college credit to expedite your bachelor’s degree.  
  • Obtain professional certifications: Plenty of universities acknowledge the practical skills that you learn by earning professional certifications. For instance, an Amazon Web Services (AWS) or CompTIA certificate may be counted towards your degree requirements if your major is IT or programming. So, earning these certificates may help you skip certain coursework while still earning college credit.
  • Earn credits faster through online courses: Online course providers, like Study.com, offer accredited college classes that can help you earn credits faster. These courses are self-paced and accessible, which allows students to quickly complete coursework outside of normal school hours. Furthermore, you can transfer the credits you earn to any university of your choice.

FAQs About the Fastest Bachelor's Degrees in Kansas

If you're still unsure whether accelerated online bachelor's degree programs are right for you, you're not alone. Keep reading as we answer some common questions you may be wondering about.

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

Several schools in Kansas make it possible to earn one-year bachelor's degrees online. They do this by accepting large numbers of transfer credits, offering multiple yearly start dates, and allowing students a great amount of flexibility in their studies.

How Fast Can You Complete an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree?

You can finish an accelerated bachelor’s degree in one to three years, depending on a few factors. One of them is the strategy(s) you employ to accelerate your degree. Each of the methods we discussed earlier will have a different impact on how quickly you finish your degree.

Another factor to consider is the program you are enrolled in. If your program has a particular timeline, you’ll have to follow its duration. 

Can Financial Aid Be Used for Accelerated Degree Programs?

Yes, you can use financial aid with your accelerated bachelor’s program. If this is your first bachelor’s degree, you are eligible for federal grants. However, if you are on your second degree, you may only apply for federal loans.

Apart from federal aid, you should also consider applying for scholarships. Meanwhile, if you are a working student in a competitive field, you should check if your employers are willing to reimburse your academic fees.

Explore Online Bachelor's Degrees

If you're ready to start or continue your higher education journey, consider the schools featured on Learn.org. Contact any of the colleges or universities that interest you to find out more about their programs and to choose the best option for you.

AD