Competency-Based Education: Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate

<p>Most traditional degree programs are structured to allow students to earn college credit upon completing designated coursework; for example, most bachelor's degrees are 120 credits over four academic years. However, this isn't the only way to earn a degree. </p> <p>Competency-based education (CBE) is a style of education that allows students to work through material at their own pace, including opportunities to move quickly through subjects that the student is already familiar with. </p> <p>Many top-ranking universities have begun offering CBE-formatted degrees alongside their traditional college programs. Learn more about these programs and how you can use work experience and previous knowledge to earn your college degree more quickly. </p> <h2 id="section---WhatIsCompetencyBasedEducation">What Is Competency-Based Education?</h2> <p>Competency-based education is a higher education format that focuses more on learning and proving skills as opposed to completing tests and assignments over time. This style allows learners to move more quickly through some lessons and focus more of their time on developing new skills and knowledge. CBE programs prioritize real-world skills over more academic lessons. </p> <h3 id="section---CompetencyBasedBachelorSDegreePrograms">Competency-Based Bachelor's Degree Programs</h3> <p>Competency-based bachelor's degree programs include similar lessons as a traditional degree, but in a more self-paced format. These programs especially focus on teaching individual skills as opposed to more general information. CBE online programs are highly beneficial to working adults for two main reasons. First, CBE degrees are highly flexible and allow professionals to work around their career obligations. Second, these programs utilize work experience and previous knowledge as transfer credits that can accelerate the degree program. </p> <h3 id="section---CompetencyBasedMasterSDegreeProgram">Competency-Based Master's Degree Program</h3> <p>Competency-based master's programs are very similar learning experiences to their undergraduate counterparts. Students will be able to apply their work experience to their degree program and speed through lessons about topics they've already mastered. Master's degrees usually involve a more focused approach than bachelor's degrees, which makes them a perfect match for this style of education. </p> <h3 id="section---CompetencyBasedDoctoralDegreeProgram">Competency-Based Doctoral Degree Program</h3> <p>Unlike bachelor's and master's degrees, doctoral degrees are usually more focused on research and projects to display understanding and expand your field with original information. As a result, CBE doctoral programs are far less common than undergraduate or master's degree programs. </p> <h2 id="section---TopCompetencyBasedDegreePrograms">Top Competency-Based Degree Programs</h2> <p>No matter what field of study or degree level you're after, there are competency-based learning programs available to help you reach your goals. Learn more about these individual programs to find the perfect CBE program to start or continue your higher education journey. </p> <h3 id="section---1.UniversityOfWisconsin">1. University of Wisconsin</h3> <p>The University of Wisconsin (UW) has a program called Flexible Option. This 100% online CBE program allows working professionals to complete a variety of degree and certificate programs based on their past experience or previously earned credits. Some of the bachelor's degrees available through this pathway include business administration, information science, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing RN-to-BSN bridge program. </p> <ul><li><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $2,250 flat-rate per subscription period </li><li><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $2,250 flat-rate per subscription period </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> UW students can submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and qualify for grants and scholarships. Students can also qualify for tuition reimbursement programs. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Higher Learning Commission (HLC) </li></ul><h3 id="section---2.WesternGovernorsUniversity">2. Western Governors University</h3> <p>All of the online degrees at Western Governors University (WGU) are available in self-paced, CBE formats. Students pay for six-month sessions as opposed to the traditional cost-per-credit-hour model. During these six-month sessions, students can complete as many courses as they choose to, allowing them to work quickly through subjects they already have mastery of. The competency-based education programs include both bachelor's and master's degrees in subjects such as criminal justice, computer science, and information technology. </p> <ul><li><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $3,955 per six-month session </li><li><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $3,955 per six-month session </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Students can submit their FAFSA and use federal grants and scholarships in addition to WGU's institutional financial aid packages. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) </li></ul><h3 id="section---3.UniversityOfMaineAtPresqueIsle">3. University of Maine at Presque Isle</h3> <p>The University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI) offers bachelor's and master's degrees through the YourPace learning format. These CBE programs have eight-week-long courses with flat-rate tuition. Students can choose from 22 undergraduate degrees and one Master of Arts in organizational leadership degree. Some of the bachelor's degrees available include healthcare administration, supply chain management, and accounting. </p> <ul><li><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $1,800 per eight week session </li><li><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $1,800 per eight week session </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> UMPI offers payment plans and accepts federal and state-based financial aid packages. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) </li></ul><h3 id="section---4.SouthCollege">4. South College</h3> <p>South College offers multiple CBE programs at the master's and doctoral levels. This provides unique opportunities, as most schools don't offer terminal degrees through the CBE delivery style. Learners can complete degree programs in five different fields of study, including business, ministry, and legal studies. Students pay for six-month sessions and can take as many classes as they want within these sessions. </p> <ul><li><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $6,000 per six-month-session </li><li><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $6,000 per six-month-session </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> South College has campuses in multiple states and has state-based scholarship opportunities. The school also accepts FAFSA-based federal aid. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) </li></ul><h3 id="section---5.WaldenUniversity">5. Walden University</h3> <p>Walden University (WU) has 26 total undergraduate and graduate degrees available through its Tempo Learning. Learners can enroll in a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Bachelor of Science (BS) in healthcare management, or an MS in criminal justice. Courses are delivered in three-month subscription packages, and students complete courses and assessments as they see fit. </p> <ul><li><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $2,760 per three-month learning session </li><li><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $2,760 per three-month learning session </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> In addition to scholarships and grants, WU provides a free subscription period after every fourth paid period, further reducing tuition rates. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC </li></ul><h3 id="section---6.SouthernNewHampshireUniversity">6. Southern New Hampshire University</h3> <p>Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers CBE programs through its Global Education Movement program. SNHU's offerings include associate degrees and bachelor's programs that utilize a series of courses called ''goals'' that correspond with a college credit system. Students can enroll in an associate degree in general studies or one of three bachelor's degrees in business, global healthcare perspectives, and logistics management. Students complete their SNHU through partnership universities. </p> <ul><li><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $6,000 per academic year (but this rate varies based on partner university) </li><li><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $6,000 per academic year (but this rate varies based on partner university) </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> SNHU and its partner universities accept FAFSA results, and many of these programs cost less than the yearly Pell Grant maximum. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> NECHE </li></ul><h3 id="section---7.CapellaUniversity">7. Capella University</h3> <p>Capella University's online programs include 14 degrees offered through its FlexPath format. FlexPath students pay for 12-week sessions and take as many CBE courses as they are able to complete. The available degrees include bachelor's, master's, and doctoral-level programs across popular fields of study, including nursing, information technology, and psychology. </p> <ul><li><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $3,110 per 12-week session </li><li><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $3,110 per 12-week session </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Capella offers no-cost general education courses, scholarships, and grants in addition to accepting FAFSA. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC </li></ul><h3 id="section---8.UniversityOfPhoenix">8. University of Phoenix</h3> <p>The University of Phoenix competency-based programs are delivered in four-month segments, which can result in a degree in a year or less, compared to the 27 months that a traditional degree takes. Students work closely with faculty who will unlock competency exams when the student is ready. Learners can choose from master's degrees in business administration, information systems, and health administration as well as an RN-to-BSN bridge program. </p> <ul><li><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $10,350 per program </li><li><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $10,350 per program </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> The University of Phoenix offers institutional scholarships and accepts prior learning experiences and federal financial aid. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC </li></ul><h3 id="section---9.EastTexasAMUniversity">9. East Texas A&amp;M University</h3> <p>There are 10 competency-based programs available online from East Texas A&amp;M University. Available degrees include criminal justice, human resource development, and public administration. Most learners complete these degrees in around two years with their competency-based coursework and transfer policies. Flat-rate tuition includes digital textbooks for the CBE programs. </p> <ul><li><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $1,000 per term </li><li><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $2,000 per term </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> East Texas A&amp;M accepts federal grants and scholarships from FAFSA as well as third-party scholarships. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </li></ul><h3 id="section---10.UniversityOfMassachusettsGlobalCampus">10. University of Massachusetts Global Campus</h3> <p>The University of Massachusetts Global Campus (UMass Global) has the MyPath program that offers self-paced, competency-based degrees in business and information technology at the associate, bachelor's, and master's levels. Even though all coursework is self-paced, UMass Global students have full access to mentoring and support services when they need them. </p> <ul><li><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $3,500 per 24-week session </li><li><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $3,500 per 24-week session </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> UMass Global offers degree-specific financial aid, as well as special programs for undergraduate and graduate students. The school also accepts FAFSA and federal aid. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) </li></ul><h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2> <p>We used three strict criteria to assemble this list. These guidelines ensure that each program will satisfy your desire to learn to start or advance your career at an affordable price. </p> <ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> We only selected accredited schools. This will ensure your degree meets academic standards and will be respected by employers, and can be used to apply for graduate school. </li><li><b>Affordability:</b> Each program on this list was chosen for its combination of low tuition rates and financial aid eligibility. </li><li><b>Program reputation and quality:</b> Accreditation is important, but we also looked at schools that receive additional awards and recognition as top-tier educational institutions. </li></ul><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutCompetencyBasedEducation">FAQs About Competency-Based Education</h2> <p>Competency-based education is becoming more popular, but it is still less common than traditional degree pathways. As a result, many students have questions about how these programs work, whether they can receive financial aid, and how long these programs take. </p> <h3 id="section---HowAreCompetencyBasedCoursesAssessed">How Are Competency-Based Courses Assessed?</h3> <p>Competency-based courses are generally assessed with a final exam that reflects the full knowledge that a student needs to be considered proficient in the subject. This singular exam model allows students with experience and previous knowledge to move more quickly through some subjects to get to new material. </p> <h3 id="section---CanIGetFinancialAidForCompetencyBasedEducation">Can I Get Financial Aid for Competency-Based Education?</h3> <p>Competency-based education generally qualifies for the same financial aid programs as traditional degree paths. This includes federal aid, like the <a href="https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell">Pell Grant</a>. Some schools even offer specific aid for students in CBE programs. In most cases, your total awards will be lower based on lower tuition rates for CBE degrees, but you can still receive funding. </p> <h3 id="section---HowLongDoesItTypicallyTakeToCompleteACompetencyBasedDegreeProgram">How Long Does It Typically Take To Complete a Competency-Based Degree Program?</h3> <p>It depends on a few key factors, including previous knowledge, work experience, and your program. Most CBE programs can be completed in less than two years, with some students completing their degree in less than one year. CBE programs are almost always quicker than traditional programs. </p> <h2 id="section---ExploreOnlineDegrees">Explore Online Degrees</h2> <p>Learn more about online CBE programs and traditional degrees with our articles and school profiles. Once you've found the best program for your schedule and career goals, use our resources to request information or start your application process today.</p>