10 Colleges That Offer a Second Bachelor's Degree Online 2027

A second bachelor's degree can help you change careers, qualify for a licensed field like nursing, or build skills your first degree didn't cover. Since you've already finished college once, you usually won't start from scratch. Many schools count your previous credits toward general education and electives, so you can focus on courses in your new major.

Below, you'll find 10 colleges that welcome second-degree students, including fully online options and two hybrid nursing programs built for people who already hold a bachelor's. You'll also learn how many new credits these programs usually require, how a second bachelor's compares with a master's or certificate, and how to pay for it when Pell Grants aren't available.

What Is a Second Bachelor's Degree?

A second bachelor's degree is an additional undergraduate degree in a different field from your first one. Schools typically require you to complete a minimum number of new credits after your first degree, often around 24 to 30 semester credits, and those credits must count toward the new major. You'll also need to meet every requirement for the new major, including prerequisites. If you're wondering whether this path makes sense, it helps to understand how to get a second bachelor's degree and what schools usually expect.

Because your first degree already covers much of a typical bachelor's curriculum, a second bachelor's often takes one to two years instead of four. Policies vary, though. Some schools waive general education entirely, while others ask you to meet their own general education requirements. Most also require the new major to be meaningfully different, so you usually can't earn two degrees in the same subject.

Colleges That Offer a Second Bachelor's Degree Online

The colleges below publish clear second-degree pathways or offer programs designed for students who already hold a bachelor's. Requirements change over time, so confirm details with an admissions advisor before you apply.

1. Oregon State University Ecampus

Oregon State University Ecampus offers one of the best-known online programs built specifically for second-degree students: a postbaccalaureate Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. The program requires 60 quarter credits of major coursework, or 15 courses, and you can finish in about a year at a full-time pace. It's open only to students who already have a bachelor's degree, so you skip general education entirely and focus on programming, data structures, and software engineering.

Courses are intense and fast-paced, but flexible academic plans let you choose how many classes to take each term. If you're comparing options, affordable online computer science bachelor's degrees can help you weigh costs. Oregon State is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), and you'll earn the same Oregon State degree as campus students.

2. University of Maryland Global Campus

University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) lets you earn a second bachelor's in a different major after completing a degree at UMGC or another accredited school. You'll need at least 30 new UMGC credits, and courses from your first major don't count toward that total. Your combined credits across both degrees must add up to at least 150.

UMGC offers a wide range of online majors in areas like cybersecurity, business, information technology, and psychology, though general studies and applied technology aren't available as second degrees. You'll need a 2.0 GPA and continuous enrollment, and UMGC recommends meeting with an advisor before you begin. The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

3. Arizona State University Online

With more than 300 online programs, Arizona State University gives second-degree students plenty of options. To earn a second bachelor's, you must complete at least 30 new resident credit hours at ASU after your first degree, and at least 30 unique credits must count toward the new major. You'll also need a 2.0 cumulative transfer GPA.

Some majors, such as business, engineering, and nursing, have higher admission requirements, and certain degree combinations aren't allowed. ASU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and online students earn the same diploma as campus graduates. Review the general studies requirements with an advisor to see how your previous coursework applies.

4. Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University Global (CSU Global) welcomes students who want a second bachelor's in a different major. You'll need at least 30 additional credit hours at CSU Global, along with all major and prerequisite course requirements. Courses run eight weeks with monthly start dates, which makes it easier to fit a second degree around full-time work.

If you earned your first bachelor's at CSU Global, you'll need to wait until it's conferred and plan for at least one term off before starting the second. The enrollment team can confirm which programs you qualify for. CSU Global is accredited by HLC.

5. Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University (TESU) has one of the lowest new-credit requirements on this list. A second bachelor's requires at least 24 additional credits, including the capstone for your new area of study. However, TESU requires a full set of general education requirements for the second degree, and no more than nine credits from your first area of study can count toward the second.

TESU is especially flexible about how you earn credit. Exams, prior learning assessments, and transfer credits can all help you meet requirements, and accelerated college credits through exams can shorten your timeline. If your first degree came from TESU, you'll need to reapply, but the application fee is waived. TESU is accredited by MSCHE.

6. Charter Oak State College

Connecticut's public online college, Charter Oak State College, offers second bachelor's degrees in majors other than general studies. You'll need at least 30 semester credits after your first degree, including 15 upper-level credits in the new major. No more than nine credits from your previous degree can apply to the new major.

Before you apply, you'll email the Director of Admissions to explain how the second degree differs from your first and why you want it. That approval step helps ensure your plan meets the college's requirements. Charter Oak is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and offers courses in accelerated five-week and eight-week terms.

7. Excelsior University

Excelsior University takes a flexible approach to second degrees. Up to three-quarters of the credits for your new degree can come from credits you've already earned, including credits applied to your first degree. At least one-quarter must be new credit in a program that's meaningfully different from your completed degree.

That policy can make Excelsior one of the faster routes to a second bachelor's, especially if you have extra credits from your first degree. Keep in mind that you can earn only one undergraduate nursing degree per level. Excelsior is a nonprofit university accredited by MSCHE and focuses on adult learners.

8. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) confirms that students can return for a second bachelor's degree, and its large catalog of online programs gives you many fields to choose from. SNHU is known for transfer-friendly policies, which can help your first degree count toward the second. Specific credit requirements depend on your program, so talk with an SNHU advisor about how your previous coursework will apply.

Many employers also partner with SNHU, and some cover tuition in full, so it's worth exploring companies that offer free tuition with SNHU if you're working. Courses run in eight-week terms with frequent start dates. SNHU is accredited by NECHE.

9. University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (UWO) Accelerated BSN is built for people with a non-nursing bachelor's degree who want to become registered nurses. You can earn your BSN in 12 months. Nursing theory courses are 100% online, while clinical rotations take place in or near your community, along with one two-week residency on campus that combines lab and clinical work.

Admission requires a bachelor's degree with at least a 2.5 GPA, a 3.0 GPA in nursing prerequisites, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification, and a background check. You must also live in one of the program's approved states. UWO is accredited by HLC, and its accelerated BSN has been running since 2003.

10. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) offers a Second Degree BSN designed for students who already hold a bachelor's in another field. The 12-month program blends online coursework with in-person, hands-on training at educational sites across Texas. It's a strong option if you live in Texas and want to move into nursing quickly.

Because the program is accelerated, expect a demanding schedule with little room for outside work. Applications open months before each start date, so plan ahead and complete prerequisites early. TTUHSC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university. For this list, we also reviewed each school's published second-degree policies, using the criteria below:

• Accreditation: Every school holds institutional accreditation from an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Second-degree pathway: Each school publishes a second bachelor's policy or offers a program designed for students who already hold a bachelor's.
• Online access: Programs are fully online or hybrid, with online coursework and limited in-person requirements.
• Credit efficiency: Schools that let students apply prior credits or require fewer new credits earned priority.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

Second Bachelor's Degree vs. Master's Degree or Certificate

A second bachelor's makes the most sense when your new field requires an undergraduate degree, such as nursing, or when you need foundational coursework to switch careers. It's also useful when a master's program in your new field expects a related bachelor's or prerequisite courses you don't have. Weighing whether two bachelor's degrees are worth it can help you decide.

In many fields, though, a master's degree or certificate may be a faster or more valuable choice. Many master's programs accept students from any undergraduate major, and fast, affordable online master's degrees can take about the same time as a second bachelor's. If you just need specific skills, certificate programs that pay well can get you there in months.

How Much Does a Second Bachelor's Degree Cost?

Since a second bachelor's often requires 24 to 60 new credits instead of 120, it usually costs far less than a first degree. At an online rate of about $250 to $700 per credit, 30 new credits would cost roughly $7,500 to $21,000 in tuition. Accelerated nursing programs tend to cost more because they include clinical training and lab fees.

Your total depends on how many of your previous credits transfer. Ask each school for an unofficial transcript evaluation before you apply, and review how to transfer online college credits so you know what to expect. Choosing online colleges with low tuition rates can lower your costs even further.

Financial Aid for a Second Bachelor's Degree

Financial aid works differently once you've earned a bachelor's degree. Pell Grants generally aren't available to students who already hold one, but you still have options:

• Federal Direct Loans: You may still qualify for federal student loans, as long as you haven't reached the aggregate borrowing limits for undergraduate students.
• Employer tuition assistance: Many companies that offer tuition reimbursement cover a second degree, especially when it relates to your job.
• Scholarships: Schools, professional associations, and healthcare employers offer scholarships for career changers and second-degree nursing students.
• Payment plans: Online colleges that offer monthly payment plans can help you spread tuition across each term.
• Military benefits: Unused GI Bill entitlement can often go toward a second degree at an approved school.

How To Choose a Second Bachelor's Degree Program

Second-degree policies vary more than most admissions requirements. These factors can help you find the right fit.

New Credit Requirements

Compare how many new credits each school requires after your first degree. Some schools ask for as few as 24, while others require 30 or more, plus any courses needed to finish the new major. A lower minimum can save you months and thousands of dollars.

General Education Policies

Ask whether your first degree satisfies general education requirements. Some schools waive them entirely for second-degree students, while others require you to meet their own general education standards. This one policy can make a big difference in how long your degree takes.

Online vs. Hybrid Format

Most second bachelor's programs can be completed fully online, but licensed fields like nursing require in-person clinical training. If you're considering a hybrid program, find out where clinicals take place and whether you'll need to travel for on-campus residencies.

Admission Requirements

Accelerated and competitive programs often require prerequisite courses, minimum GPAs, or certifications before you apply. Check these early, since completing prerequisites can add a semester or more to your timeline.

FAQs About Second Bachelor's Degrees Online

Second-degree students often have questions about credits, timing, and eligibility. These answers cover some of the most common ones.

How Long Does It Take To Earn a Second Bachelor's Degree Online?

Most second bachelor's degrees take one to two years, depending on how many credits you need and how many courses you take each term. Programs designed for second-degree students, like Oregon State's computer science postbacc or accelerated nursing programs, can take about 12 months. Part-time students may need two years or more.

Can You Earn a Second Bachelor's in the Same Field as Your First?

Usually not. Most schools require the second degree to be in a meaningfully different field. Some allow a second degree in the same broad area if the major or concentration is substantially different, such as a business degree with a new major.

Do You Have To Retake General Education Courses?

It depends on the school. Many colleges count your first degree toward general education, while others, like TESU, require a full set of general education requirements for the second degree. Ask for a transcript evaluation to see exactly what you'll need.

Can You Earn a Second Bachelor's at the Same School?

Yes, many schools let alumni return for a second degree. You'll typically need to reapply and complete the minimum number of new credits in a different major. Some schools, like CSU Global, ask you to wait until your first degree is officially conferred before starting.

Can You Earn a Second Bachelor's While Working Full Time?

Yes, most fully online programs are built with working adults in mind. Schools like UMGC, CSU Global, Charter Oak, and SNHU offer short terms and frequent start dates, so you can take one or two courses at a time. Accelerated nursing programs are the exception, since their 12-month pace and clinical schedules make full-time work very difficult.

Find a Second Bachelor's Degree Program Online

A second bachelor's degree can open the door to a new career without starting college over from the beginning. Browse programs through Learn.org and connect directly with schools to get personalized information about second-degree requirements, transfer credits, and start dates.