10 Best Colleges That Offer 8-Week Online Courses in 2025

Going to college requires a lot of commitment, but many schools strive to make the process more accessible. One of these is by offering flexible, accelerated online courses in eight-week formats.

If you're looking for a school that offers these types of courses, keep reading. Below, we'll explore some top online institutions with 8-week online college courses and provide answers to related questions you may have.

What Are 8-Week College Courses Online?

Most colleges and universities follow a traditional semester format and offer 16-week course sessions. Schools with 8-week college courses divide each semester into two eight-week blocks, enabling students to complete each course within eight weeks instead of 16.

Eight-week courses provide flexibility, allowing learners to study at an accelerated rate, take time off if necessary, and complete coursework on their own time within the individual structure of each online class. Many schools have adopted this course schedule, especially for online programs, to make education more accessible for busy students.

10 Best Colleges That Offer 8-Week Courses Online

If you're ready to begin taking 8-week classes online, keep reading. Below, we'll look at some top schools throughout the U.S. offering these accelerated college classes.

1. Liberty University

Liberty University is a private school offering hundreds of degrees and certificates online and on campus. Some of the available programs include:

• commercial music
• fire administration
• human services

All of the school's degree programs offer eight-week course sessions. Students can choose to study part-time or full-time and have various yearly start dates to choose from, ensuring they complete their degrees on their own schedules.

• Estimated tuition cost: $390 per credit hour
• Financial aid: The school provides various scholarship programs and accepts external scholarships and financial aid.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private school primarily serving online learners. Students can choose from various popular degree programs, including:

• computer science
• accounting
• health information management

Undergraduate degree programs are offered in eight-week course formats, and students can transfer up to 90 credits from other institutions. The flexible learning model makes this an ideal school for busy working adults and those looking to attend college on their own terms.

• Estimated tuition cost: $342 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Learners can use scholarships, financial aid, and military and employee discounts to help pay for college.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

3. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University is a public school based in Virginia. It offers online programs through its remote campus, ODU Global. Some of the accelerated programs available include:

• nursing
• leadership
• occupational studies training

Students in accelerated programs complete condensed eight-week courses that make it possible for them to graduate sooner. The school also offers a generous transfer policy and multiple start dates, making it easier for students to personalize their study schedule.

• Estimated tuition cost: $268 to $444 per credit hour
• Financial aid: The school offers military benefits and scholarships along with standard scholarship programs and accepts federal financial aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University Global is a public online school in the University of Colorado System. It provides various career-focused degree programs, including:

• criminal justice
• legal studies
• project management

The school offers eight-week courses, with new courses starting monthly throughout the year. This highly flexible schedule allows students to study at their own pace and earn an education that fits their schedule.

• Estimated tuition cost: $375 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Various scholarships, corporate partnerships, and tuition discounts are available, and students can apply for federal aid.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

5. University of Texas Permian Basin

The University of Texas Permian Basin is a member of the University of Texas System. This public school is known for its affordable tuition rates and various online degree programs, which include:

• healthcare management
• political science
• industrial technology

These programs, and many more, are offered in an accelerated timeframe. Students complete eight-week courses and can begin new classes every eight weeks for a total of six yearly start dates, allowing for year-round study.

• Estimated tuition cost: $219.22 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can use internal and external scholarships, grants, loans, and other forms of aid to cover their costs.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University is a large public school in Lubbock, TX. As of the fall semester 2025, many of its online programs have transitioned to eight-week courses. Programs include:

• psychology
• business administration
• kinesiology

These new eight-week sessions allow students to streamline their education and enjoy increased flexibility. Courses are asynchronous, enabling learners to balance work and family life with their education.

• Estimated tuition cost: $415 to $500 per credit hour
• Financial aid: The school provides a wealth of scholarship opportunities, and students can also apply for federal aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Upper Iowa University

Upper Iowa University is a private school in Fayette, IA. It offers various online and distance education programs in various formats. Areas of study include:

• business analytics
• liberal arts
• supply chain management

Students can take eight-week courses during the spring and fall semesters, as well as an accelerated six-week session each summer. Year-round study options make it possible for students to study in whatever timeframe is convenient for them.

• Estimated tuition cost: $515 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can use federal aid, grants, and scholarships to help them afford their education.
• Accreditation: HLC

8. Indiana University

Indiana University is a public school system headquartered in Bloomington, IN. Various online degree programs are available, including:

• data science
• public health
• mathematics

These and other select programs feature accelerated study options, including six- and eight-week course sessions. New courses begin every couple of months, and students can pursue microcredentials as they study to increase their value in the workplace.

• Estimated tuition cost: $257.23 to $490 per credit hour
• Financial aid: A wealth of scholarships and financial aid opportunities are available, and students can also use employer or military benefits to graduate affordably.
• Accreditation: HLC

9. University of Massachusetts Global

The University of Massachusetts Global is a private online school affiliated with the University of Massachusetts System but headquartered in California. Some of its many online programs include:

• applied studies
• business administration
• cybersecurity

New classes start every eight weeks, with six yearly start dates to choose from. Students benefit from small class sizes and a blend of flexibility and structure in these degree programs.

• Estimated tuition cost: $500 per credit hour
• Financial aid: The school provides internal scholarships and accepts external scholarships and other funding opportunities.
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

10. University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus is a public, primarily online school belonging to the University of Maryland System. Some of its many programs include:

• artificial intelligence
• environmental health and safety
• graphic communication

Students in undergraduate degrees complete courses in eight-week sessions, allowing them to take fewer courses at a time or accelerate their studies with heavy courseloads. Students set their own study schedules and have opportunities to learn from world-class online faculty in these fully online programs.

• Estimated tuition cost: $330 to $499 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Scholarships, employer assistance, grants, federal aid, and payment plans are a few of the ways students can save on their education.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

How We Rank Schools

We strive to include only top programs in our school rank lists. We used the following criteria to select the online learning opportunities above:

• Accreditation: Each school is accredited by a nationally recognized agency such as the Higher Learning Commission.
• Program reputation: All of the colleges are known for offering high-quality degree programs for online students.
• Tuition cost: Each college provides affordable tuition rates and/or generous financial aid opportunities to help students cover educational costs.

Benefits of 8-Week Online Courses

One of the greatest benefits of eight-week courses is the flexibility they provide. Students in eight-week courses don't have to commit to an entire 16-week semester; instead, they can take classes for eight weeks at a time, taking breaks as necessary.

Most eight-week courses are asynchronous, meaning students can complete coursework at any time, day or night. This enables them to fit their education around work or family commitments without neglecting anything.

Finally, eight-week courses make it possible for students to study at an accelerated rate. With shorter course sessions, highly motivated learners can take on heavier course loads and study year-round to get their degrees as quickly as possible.

FAQs About Colleges With 8-Week College Courses

If you still have questions about pursuing degrees with eight-week class schedules, you're not alone. Keep reading as we answer some common questions.

Are 8-Week College Courses Hard?

Eight-week courses require dedication and hard work, as they are more condensed than 16-week classes. Some students consider them more intensive than traditional classes. That said, terms like ''hard'' and ''easy'' are subjective.

While some students may consider 16-week classes easier than eight-week classes, others find the accelerated timeframe and flexibility of eight-week courses to be more suited to their lifestyle and study habits.

Do 8-Week Courses Count the Same as 16-Week Courses?

Yes, eight-week and 16-week courses both cover the same content; they are simply offered in different formats. Eight-week courses simply condense the same content, allowing students and instructors to cover the same territory in half the time.

Can You Finish a Degree Faster With 8-Week Online Courses?

Most full-time learners complete a bachelor's degree in about four years, whether they take eight-week or 16-week courses. That said, the eight-week format does make it possible for accelerated learners to take heavier courseloads and progress at a faster pace. The eight-week format also allows students to study year-round, which can help them further accelerate their studies.

How Many Credits Is an 8-Week Course?

The number of credits in each course can vary regardless of whether it is an eight- or 16-week course. For a bachelor's degree, most eight- and 16-week courses are three credit hours. However, some courses may provide as few as one credit or as many as five credits. The number of credits depends on the course content, not the course length.

Can I Use Financial Aid for 8-Week Online Courses?

Yes, the majority of eight-week courses are eligible for financial aid just as 16-week courses are. The exception is for classes leading to non-financial aid-eligible certificate programs. Students enrolled in degree programs should be able to apply for aid regardless of their course length as long as they attend an accredited school that accepts financial aid.

Learn More About Online Accelerated Degrees

If you're ready to go back to school for an accelerated degree, explore the colleges featured on Learn.org. Contact any of the schools directly for more information about their programs and choose the right option for you.