Accelerated Bachelor's Degree Online
Are you wondering, "Can I get a bachelor’s degree in 2 years?" With online accelerated bachelor’s degree programs, it’s possible. This guide explores 2-year accelerated bachelor degrees, offering insights to fast-track your education in 2025.
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- What Are Online Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees?
- Strategies to Earn a Bachelor’s Degree Online in 2 Years
- Top Fields for Online Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees
- Cost Breakdown of Accelerated Bachelor's Degree Online Programs
- Choosing the Best Accelerated Bachelor's Degree Online
- Student Perspectives on 2-Year Accelerated Bachelor's Degrees
- Top Universities for Online Accelerated Bachelor Degree Programs
- Tips for Success in Online Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees
- FAQs About Online Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees
- Conclusion
- References
What Are Online Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees?
Online accelerated bachelor’s degrees compress a four-year curriculum into two to three years. They’re designed for students with prior credits or those eager to advance careers quickly. Fully online, these programs offer unmatched flexibility.
How Do 2-Year Online Accelerated Bachelor's Degrees Work?
Students take intensive 5-10-week courses, often transferring up to 90 credits. For example, Campbellsville University’s accelerated bachelor degree online allows 72 transfer credits (Campbellsville). Asynchronous formats suit busy schedules.
Degree-completion programs target associate degree holders, enabling a bachelor’s in two years. Multiple start dates, like those at Aurora University, enhance accessibility (Aurora).
Benefits of Online Accelerated Bachelor Degree Programs
- Time Efficiency: Graduate in as little as two years.
- Cost Savings: Save ~$9,500 compared to traditional programs (Research.com).
- Flexibility: Study around work or family.
- Career Boost: Earn a median salary of $76,000 sooner (BLS).
Challenges and Solutions
The fast pace requires discipline. Burnout is a risk without planning. Leverage support services like tutoring at Utica College to stay on track.
Strategies to Earn a Bachelor’s Degree Online in 2 Years
Achieving a bachelor’s degree online in 2 years often involves creative credit-earning methods. Here are proven strategies:
- Transfer Credits: Many programs accept 60-90 credits from community colleges or prior coursework. Brescia University allows up to 86 credits (Brescia).
- CLEP Exams: Test out of general education courses for $90 per exam (College Board). Students can earn up to 30 credits this way.
- Prior Learning Assessment (PLA): Get credit for work experience or certifications. City University of Seattle offers PLA for up to 45 credits (CityU).
- Accelerated Terms: Enroll in back-to-back 5-8-week terms to maximize course load.
Top Fields for Online Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees
Online accelerated bachelor's degrees span high-demand fields. Below are popular majors with career outcomes:
Field | Careers | Median Salary (2024) | Example University |
---|---|---|---|
Business Administration | Manager, entrepreneur | $81,080 (BLS) | Campbellsville University |
Nursing (RN-to-BSN) | Registered nurse | $86,070 | University of Arkansas |
Computer Science | Software developer | $130,160 | University of Colorado |
Cybersecurity | Network security analyst | $120,360 | City University of Seattle |
Accounting | Accountant, auditor | $81,680 | Utica College |
In 2023, 85% of bachelor’s graduates were employed within six months (NACE).
Cost Breakdown of Accelerated Bachelor's Degree Online Programs
Costs vary widely, impacting affordability. Below is a comparison of sample programs:
University | Cost per Credit | Total Credits | Estimated Total Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Cleveland State University | $240-$716 | 120 | $28,800-$85,920 |
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | $256-$302 | 120 | $30,720-$36,240 |
WGU (flat rate) | $3,950/term | 120 | ~$15,800 (2 years) |
Financial aid, scholarships, and employer reimbursement can reduce costs. Check the Federal Student Aid website for options (FAFSA).
Choosing the Best Accelerated Bachelor's Degree Online
Selecting the right program ensures success. Consider these factors:
1. Accreditation
Regionally accredited programs ensure quality and transferability. Verify via the U.S. Department of Education (ED).
2. Cost and Aid
Compare tuition and aid options. WGU’s flat-rate model benefits fast learners (WGU).
3. Program Duration
Confirm a 2-year track. Purdue Global’s ExcelTrack offers flexibility (Purdue Global).
4. Support Services
Seek advising, career services, and tutoring. San Diego State University provides career support (SDSU).
5. Admission Requirements
Some require associate degrees or 60+ credits. Check specifics, like Biola University’s policies (Biola).
Student Perspectives on 2-Year Accelerated Bachelor's Degrees
Students value flexibility but note challenges. A Purdue Global graduate shared, “ExcelTrack let me finish my BS in 18 months while working full-time” (Purdue Global). Another from WGU highlighted, “The competency-based model saved me time and money” (WGU). These insights underscore the need for discipline and support.
Top Universities for Online Accelerated Bachelor Degree Programs
Here are the leading programs for 2025:
- Campbellsville University (KY)
- Program: BBA
- Credits: 120
- Cost: $399/credit
- Accreditation: IACBE
- Features: Six concentrations, 72-credit transfers (Campbellsville).
- City University of Seattle (WA)
- Program: BS Cybersecurity
- Credits: 180 (quarter)
- Cost: $420/credit
- Features: PLA for 45 credits (CityU).
- Utica College (NY)
- Program: BS Nursing
- Credits: 120
- Cost: $400-$475/credit
- Features: Online therapy, coaching (Utica).
- San Diego State University (CA)
- Program: BS Business Administration
- Credits: 120
- Cost: $431-$491/credit
- Features: Esports, career support (SDSU).
- University of Colorado Boulder (CO)
- Program: BS Applied Computer Science
- Credits: 45
- Cost: $740-$847/credit
- Features: Post-baccalaureate (CU Boulder).
- Brescia University (KY)
- Program: BS Accounting
- Credits: 128
- Cost: $425/credit
- Features: 86-credit transfers (Brescia).
- Aurora University (IL)
- Program: BA Criminal Justice
- Credits: 120
- Cost: $450/credit
- Accreditation: HLC
- Features: Multiple start dates (Aurora).
- University of Arkansas-Fort Smith (AR)
- Program: BS Nursing
- Credits: 120
- Cost: $256-$302/credit
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Features: Advanced tech (UAFS).
- Cleveland State University (OH)
- Program: BBA
- Credits: 120
- Cost: $240-$716/credit
- Accreditation: AACSB
- Features: Self-paced (CSU).
- Biola University (CA)
- Program: BS Psychology
- Credits: 120
- Cost: $604/credit
- Features: Faith-based (Biola).
- Purdue Global (IN)
- Program: BS Business Administration (ExcelTrack)
- Credits: 180 (quarter)
- Cost: $315/credit
- Features: Competency-based (Purdue Global).
- Western Governors University (UT)
- Program: BS IT
- Credits: 120
- Cost: $3,950/term
- Features: Accelerated, competency-based (WGU).
Tips for Success in Online Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees
- Plan Rigorously: Use digital tools to track deadlines.
- Engage Support: Connect with advisors and peers.
- Prioritize Tasks: Focus on high-impact assignments.
- Rest Strategically: Schedule breaks to avoid burnout.
FAQs About Online Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees
Can I Get a Bachelor’s Degree in 2 Years?
Yes, with 60-90 transfer credits and intensive terms, online accelerated bachelor's degree programs allow completion in two years.
Are Online Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees Respected?
Regionally accredited programs are widely accepted by employers. Verify accreditation (ED).
What’s the Fastest Online Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree?
Competency-based programs like WGU’s BS IT or Purdue Global’s ExcelTrack can take under two years (WGU).
How Much Do 2-Year Accelerated Bachelor's Degrees Cost?
Costs range from $15,800 (WGU, flat rate) to $85,920 (Cleveland State). Aid and scholarships lower expenses.
What’s the Easiest 2-Year Online Accelerated Bachelor Degree?
Ease depends on your strengths. Business and IT programs often have flexible requirements.
Are Accelerated Degrees Worth It?
They suit motivated students seeking quick career entry but require discipline.
Conclusion
A bachelor’s degree online in 2 years is within reach with online accelerated bachelor degree programs. From nursing to cybersecurity, these programs save time and money. Choose an accredited program and stay organized to succeed.
References
- Campbellsville University
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook
- U.S. Department of Education: Accreditation
- NACE: 2023 Graduate Outcomes
- Purdue Global: ExcelTrack
- Western Governors University: IT Programs
- City University of SeattleUtica CollegeSan Diego State
- UniversityUniversity of Colorado Boulder
- Brescia UniversityAurora University
- University of Arkansas-Fort Smith