Top 10 Best Part-Time Bachelor's Degree Programs in 2025

Studies have shown that earning a bachelor's degree can be highly beneficial for those in the workforce. Still, there are often barriers for students wanting to pursue higher education. Choosing a part-time bachelor's degree can help to make the process easier.

Whether you're a working professional, have family to care for, a medical condition that limits your activity, or something else, a part-time degree allows you to progress through your program at a more manageable pace. Keep reading to learn more about part-time bachelor's degrees.

Can You Earn a Bachelor's Degree Part-Time?

Many universities offer part-time college programs for students pursuing a bachelor's degree. These are especially common for online programs, but many schools allow on-campus students to take courses part-time as well. Keep in mind that taking courses part-time could affect your financial aid.

How Long Does It Take to Finish a Part-Time Bachelor's Degree?

The amount of time it takes to finish a bachelor's degree part-time depends on multiple factors, including:

• how many credits you need
• how many courses you take each term
• whether you take courses in the summer or take summers off

If you're starting without any college courses and taking a traditional study path, you'll likely finish within six to eight years. Taking summer courses can allow you to finish faster on a part-time course load.

How Do Part-Time Undergraduate Programs Work?

Part-time bachelor's degrees work by allowing students to take fewer credit hours each term. Most schools require at least nine credit hours for a student to be considered full-time, but some require 12.

This usually translates to three to four courses per term. A part-time student may instead take one to two courses per term, for a load of three to six credits.

Many schools allow part-time students to take courses online or hold on-campus courses on evenings or weekends to accommodate busy schedules.

Best Part-Time Bachelor's Degree Programs

Many schools across the U.S., from top universities to flexible online colleges, offer part-time undergraduate programs. We've featured some of the best options for students wanting to study part-time.

1. Northwestern University

Northwestern University is a top private, nonprofit research university in Evanston, IL. It offers part-time undergraduate degrees on campus through evening classes and online at your schedule.

Online programs are available in areas such as health sciences, information systems, social sciences, and strategic communication. On-campus part-time options include bachelor's degrees in biological sciences, economics, English, psychology, and more.

• Estimated tuition cost: $68,322 per year
• Program length: Varies
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Syracuse University

At Syracuse University, students can choose from over 150 part-time degree options through its College of Professional Studies. The college also offers fully online bachelor's programs exclusively for part-time students.

Syracuse is a nonprofit research university in Syracuse, NY. Degree options include fields like business management, cybersecurity, liberal studies, and strategic communications.

• Estimated tuition cost: $750 per credit
• Program length: Varies
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

3. Delaware Valley University

Delaware Valley University (DelVal) offers nearly all of its undergraduate degrees on a part-time basis. DelVal is a private, nonprofit university in Doylestown, PA.

Bachelor's degrees span fields like business administration, conservation and wildlife management, criminal justice, and horticulture. While many classes for the part-time programs are scheduled online and in the evening hours, not all programs can be completed entirely in these formats.

• Estimated tuition cost: $44,850 per year
• Program length: Varies
• Accreditation: MSCHE

4. Empire State University

All degrees at Empire State University (SUNY Empire) are available either full-time or part-time. Programs are offered online in areas such as business, healthcare, humanities, and technology.

SUNY Empire, located in Saratoga Springs, NY, is part of the public State University of New York (SUNY) system. It's primarily geared toward online learners and firmly believes that ''education should fit into your life, not the other way around.''

• Estimated tuition cost: $295 per credit (in-state); $353 per credit (out-of-state)
• Program length: Varies
• Accreditation: MSCHE

5. Franklin University

Franklin University is a nonprofit private institution in Columbus, OH. It's designed for adult learners, and as a result, offers on-campus and online programs with flexible schedules.

Bachelor's degrees here include fields like business, criminal justice, education, and healthcare. The university accepts up to 94 transfer credits, allowing students to complete their degrees faster, even if they study part-time.

• Estimated tuition cost: $398 per credit
• Program length: Varies
• Accreditation: HLC

6. Southern New Hampshire University

Students at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) can choose to take their online courses on a full-time or part-time schedule. Terms are eight weeks long; full-time enrollment is considered two courses per term, while part-time enrollment is one per term.

SNHU, a private, nonprofit university, is located in Manchester, NH. It offers over 150 online bachelor's degrees, including degrees in business, computer science, graphic arts, and psychology.

• Estimated tuition cost: $342 per credit
• Program length: Varies
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

7. University of Maine at Presque Isle

The University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI) offers online self-paced degrees called ''YourPace programs''. UMPI is a public university in Presque Isle, ME.

These degrees let you work at whatever pace you prefer, meaning you can stick with a part-time pace or add more courses as your schedule allows. YourPace bachelor's degrees are available in areas like business administration, English, healthcare administration, and social studies.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,800 per eight-week term
• Program length: Varies
• Accreditation: NECHE

8. University of Massachusetts Global

Online programs are available on part-time and full-time schedules at the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Global. Nine self-paced programs, called ''MyPath'' programs, are also available.

UMass Global, located in Aliso Viejo, CA, is a private, nonprofit affiliate of the public UMass system. Bachelor's degrees here are in fields like business administration, criminal justice, information systems, and psychology.

• Estimated tuition cost: $500 per credit (standard); $3,400 per 24-week term (MyPath)
• Program length: Varies
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WASCUC)

9. Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) is a nonprofit private institution in Salt Lake City that offers exclusively online self-paced degrees. WGU offers these programs in business, education, health and nursing, and technology.

The degrees at WGU run completely on your schedule, so you can stick with part-time study or adjust your course load as needed. The university also accepts a higher number of transfer credits so that you can utilize previous coursework.

• Estimated tuition cost: $3,825 to $5,325 per six-month term
• Program length: Varies
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

10. Westfield State University

Through Westfield State University, students can earn a bachelor's degree part-time on campus or online. This allows students to complete their degrees on a timeline that best fits their schedule.

Westfield State, a public university, is located in Westfield, MA. Degrees are available in various fields, including business, criminal justice, humanities, and nursing.

• Estimated tuition cost: $379 per credit
• Program length: Varies
• Accreditation: NECHE

Popular Part-Time Bachelor's Degree Majors

While some schools virtually offer all their programs online, there are a few programs that are more commonly offered with part-time enrollment options. These include majors like:

• Business administration: Business administration degrees give you a solid foundation in business and may include concentrations in areas like management or marketing.
• Criminal justice: These degrees are ideal for those who want to go into law enforcement or prepare for law school.
• Computer science: Computer science degrees cover topics like computer systems, software, and algorithms, and can lead to high-demand jobs.
• Healthcare administration: A degree in healthcare administration is a great option for those who want to focus on the business and management sides of healthcare.
• Information technology: Information technology is similar in some ways to computer science, but focuses more on practical uses of computer and information technology.
• Liberal arts: Liberal arts is a broad degree option that provides a core education in the humanities and basic sciences.

How We Rank Schools

To choose the part-time options above, we focused on:

• Accreditation: All schools are regionally accredited.
• Program flexibility: Each institution allows students to take courses on a part-time schedule.
• Program reputation: Every school is nonprofit and known for offering high-quality programs.

FAQs About Part-Time College Programs for Bachelor's Degrees

A part-time bachelor's degree can be a great option for students who have busy schedules. Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions to help you determine if this is the right option for you.

How Much Does a Part-Time Bachelor's Degree Cost?

The cost for a part-time bachelor's degree can depend on many factors, including:

• what school you choose
• whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student
• whether you're studying in-person or online
• how many credit hours you need
• what financial aid you qualify for.

Many schools offer in-state students tuition rates under $300 per credit hour. With financial aid, you may be able to cover most of your costs. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out what you qualify for.

What Careers Can I Pursue With a Part-Time Bachelor's Degree?

Part-time bachelor's degree jobs are going to be the same as the kind of jobs you'd get with a full-time bachelor's degree. You're earning the same degree, just at a different pace.

The jobs you can get will depend on your major. It will also depend on whether you decide to pursue additional education, such as a master's degree.

Is Getting a Bachelor's Degree Worth It?

Whether or not you should get a bachelor's degree will depend on your career goals. Bachelor's degrees are not required for all career paths; however, data shows that those with a bachelor's degree tend to earn higher salaries and experience better career growth.

Choosing a part-time online college can help you work your college education around your busy life. Part-time undergraduate courses allow you to take on a reduced course load, and online options often let you study on your own schedule.

Can You Get a Bachelor's Degree in Two Years Online?

It is possible to get a bachelor's degree online if you already have some college credit. This can be achieved through high school programs, such as Advanced Placement courses and tests, or prior college experience.

However, if you have no college credits, it's unlikely that you can earn a bachelor's degree in two years. You would need to take more than the standard full-time credit load and take courses in the summer.

What Is the Shortest Bachelor's Degree To Get?

There is no single ''shortest bachelor's degree.'' Most bachelor's degree programs require around 120 semester credit hours, so they all take about the same length of time.

However, there are ways you can accelerate your learning. These include choosing a school with an accelerated schedule, taking courses in the summer, or taking on a heavier course load each term.

Explore Flexible Degree Programs

Find the perfect part-time degree by exploring the options featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.