Best Accelerated Online Bachelor's Programs in New York 2025

For those eager to fast-track their education, New York offers a variety of accelerated online bachelor's degree programs tailored to meet diverse needs. Whether you're a working professional, a transfer student, or someone looking to re-enter academia, these programs provide flexibility and efficiency. By choosing an accelerated bachelor's degree online, you can achieve your academic goals more swiftly, transition into an online master's degree program, or reach your desired career goals sooner.

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

The duration of online bachelor's degree programs in New York varies based on the institution and the student's prior credits. Traditional programs typically span four years. However, accelerated online education programs can be the quickest way to get a bachelor's degree by reducing this timeframe to as little as two to three years. Transfer credits, course load, and program structure are pivotal in determining completion time.

Accelerated Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in New York

New York's educational institutions recognize students' evolving needs by offering accelerated online bachelor's degree programs combining quality education and flexibility. These programs are designed to accommodate various styles and schedules, allowing a personalized learning experience where students progress at a pace that suits them.

1. Empire State University

State University of New York's (SUNY) Empire State University offers a range of online bachelor's degree programs, such as their Bachelor of Science (BS) in public health, tailored for adult learners and working professionals. Their flexible learning model allows students to accelerate their studies by leveraging prior learning assessments and transfer credits. Transfer credits include traditional transfer credits and any assessed prior learning, such as credits earned through standardized exams, military credits, pre-evaluated professional learning (PLE), or individualized credit for prior learning (iCPL).

Additionally, Empire State University offers acceleration opportunities that allow students to earn more than the maximum of 16 credits in a single enrollment term.

Average in-state tuition: $295 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $353 per credit hour

Time to completion: as little as two years with maximum transfer credits

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

2. CUNY School of Professional Studies

The CUNY School of Professional Studies provides online undergraduate degree programs for students who have already earned 24 or more credits at a previous accredited institution. These accelerated degrees are offered in business, health information management, human relations, information systems, liberal studies, and more. Offered as both online courses and in-person classes, these programs meet the needs of adults who are looking for a fast way to finish their bachelor's degree.

Average in-state tuition: $305 per credit hour

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

Time to completion: approximately two to three years with full-time enrollment

Accreditation: MSCHE

3. SUNY Delhi

SUNY Delhi offers online bachelor's degrees in areas such as criminal justice, healthcare management, and nursing. Their programs are designed for flexibility, allowing students to progress at an accelerated pace through full-time study and transfer credits.

Average in-state tuition: $295 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $353 per credit hour

Time to completion: two to three years, depending on prior credits

Accreditation: MSCHE

4. Canton State University of New York

Canton State University of New York (SUNY Canton) provides online bachelor's programs in fields like cybersecurity and data analytics. Their accelerated courses and generous transfer policies enable students to complete degrees more quickly.

Average in-state tuition: $295 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $353 per credit hour (online)

Time to completion: as little as two years with transfer credits

Accreditation: MSCHE

5. State University of New York Plattsburgh

State University of New York Plattsburgh (SUNY Plattsburgh) offers online bachelor's degrees in fields such as social work and registered nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Their programs are structured to accommodate accelerated learning through full-time enrollment and credit transfers. Additionally, their 3+1 programs allow students to complete their bachelor's degree in three years at SUNY Plattsburgh, followed by one year at a partner institution.

Average in-state tuition: $3,535 per semester

Average out-of-state tuition: $4,240 per semester

Time to completion: approximately two to three years

Accreditation: MSCHE

6. SUNY Polytechnic Institute

SUNY Polytechnic Institute offers wholly online bachelor's degrees and certificate programs in concentrations like business administration and health information management. Their accelerated nursing education degree can be completed in as little as 18 months for students who already hold a registered nursing certification.

Additionally, SUNY Polytechnic Institute's Office of Distance Learning strives to engage community members to develop and implement collaborative programs and real-world initiatives to improve online student learning.

Average in-state tuition: $3,535 per semester

Average out-of-state tuition: $4,240 per semester

Time to completion: Two to three years with full-time study

Accreditation: MSCHE

7. Mercy University

Mercy University offers 4+1 programs that allow you to earn your bachelor's and master's degrees together in five years. The business administration MBA program allows students to first obtain a bachelor's degree in concentrations such as data analytics or management before going on to obtain their MBA in just one year. Their programs also offer multiple start dates and accelerated course formats to facilitate quicker degree completion.

Average in-state tuition: $892 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $892 per credit hour

Time to completion: approximately two years with prior credits

Accreditation: MSCHE

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

For students open to exploring options beyond New York, several institutions across the U.S. offer accelerated online bachelor's degree programs. These programs are designed to provide flexibility and expedited paths to graduation for online students nationwide.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers a wide array of online bachelor's programs with six eight-week terms annually, allowing students to progress rapidly. Their generous transfer credit policy enables students to transfer up to 90 credits in degrees like healthcare, liberal arts, and human resources.

Average in-state tuition: $330 per credit hour

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

Time to completion: as few as 12 months with maximum transfer credits

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

Liberty University

Liberty University offers online bachelor's degrees in fields like a BS in computer science and cybersecurity. Its eight-week course formats and multiple start dates throughout the year facilitate accelerated learning.

Average in-state tuition: $390 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $390 per credit hour

Time to completion: two to three years

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

University of Maine

The University of Maine offers competency-based online bachelor's programs in fields like education and social work. Their self-paced learning model allows students to progress quickly through coursework. Students can also choose between virtual coursework, in-person classes, or a hybrid schedule.

Average in-state tuition: $400 per credit hour (Maine and Canada Residents)

Average out-of-state tuition: $500 per credit hour

Time to completion: as few as one year

Accreditation: NECHE

How We Rank Schools

We rank schools based on a comprehensive evaluation of the following criteria:

• Accreditation: Each institution meets the quality standards of a recognized accrediting institution, such as the MSCHE.
• Program length: We focused on selecting schools with shortened program lengths and ranked them according to how quickly you can complete a degree.
• Program reputation and quality: Each college had to demonstrate dedication to academic excellence and student satisfaction.
• Tuition cost: These colleges offer affordable tuition and comprehensive financial aid options.

FAQs About the Fastest Bachelor's Degrees in New York

For those seeking expedited educational paths, New York offers several options to obtain a bachelor's degree swiftly through online programs.

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

The quickest way to earn a bachelor's degree in New York is through accelerated online bachelor's degree programs. They often feature condensed courses lasting five to eight weeks, generous credit transfer policies, and multiple start dates throughout the year. Schools like SUNY Empire State University and CUNY School of Professional Studies offer flexible, fast-paced formats ideal for working adults or transfer students.

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

Although rare, one-year bachelor's degree online programs exist in New York. They are especially easy to find for students with an associate degree or significant college credits. Accelerated programs demand a heavy course load, consistent study, and full-time enrollment. Schools like SUNY Empire State University offer degree completion programs that can be completed in 12 months with proper preparation and credit transfer, an ideal route for motivated learners eager to graduate quickly.

What Is the Cheapest Online Bachelor's Degree in New York?

The cheapest online bachelor's degree in New York can often be found through the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Schools like SUNY Empire State College and SUNY Canton offer online programs with tuition rates as low as $295 per credit for in-state students. These programs are affordable, regionally accredited, and flexible, making them ideal for working adults or transfer students.

Explore Online Bachelor's Degrees

Accelerated online bachelor's degree programs offer flexible, fast-paced options for completing your degree. Whether you're in New York or exploring options nationwide, these programs can help you reach your goals faster. Ready to start your journey? Explore the best bachelor's degrees online and find the right program for you.