In recent times, students pursue online degree programs in fields like; business, information technology, engineering, health science, criminal justice, political science, etc. There are a lot of benefits of online degree programs: one of which is convenience and flexibility. Accelerated and fast-track programs are a very viable option in online schools these days. Most distance education student requires a flexible schedule to accommodate their busy lifestyle, as well as a degree that they can earn in a short time. So, do you want to know the fastest online school degree programs? In just a moment, I’ll tell you — stay with me! These 30 Fastest Online School Degree Programs give potential students all of the fastest and most accelerated curricula in online schools across America.
What Are They Fastest Degrees To Get Online Programs?
With the perfect accelerated online degree program, not only will you be able to complete a degree program within a much shorter time period, but you’ll also get a program that suits your busy schedule. Earning your degree online enables you to complete classes and assignments on your time and from the comfort of your own home. However, you have to understand that because these programs allow you to earn your degree faster than a typical college, you’ll definitely have to dedicate more time to study if you wish to come out with nice results. Methodology:
All information is cited from the unbiased, independent NCES.gov’s College NavigatorTo ensure our rankings methodology cannot be duplicated without our knowledge, we have withheld some aspects of the calculations. Please contact us at the email address provided below for more in-depth calculations and criteriaOur sponsored schools are paid advertisements that are not affiliated with our site’s individual school rankings. They are clearly defined with the word “SPONSORED” as to not confuse our readers with what has been methodologically researched and ranked by our site editors and researchers as compared to the independently sponsored schools that pay for their placement on our site.
Fastest Online Bachelor’s Degree Program Ranking Guidelines: We selected the degree programs based on the quality of the program and range of courses provided, as well as school awards, rankings, and reputation. Before we go ahead, as a student, you need a guide. Check out our numerous tips for students.
1. IU International University of Applied Sciences
IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) is dedicated to offering globally recognized degrees to students around the world with advanced learning methods. The international, fast-growing university offers students German accredited degrees completely online. This means that not only can you complete your studies much faster than studying at a traditional university but you can gain your degree from anywhere in the world. If students wish to have that on-campus experience, while not needing to wait for the next semester to start, IU’s flexible approach can offer this. Many of its programmes are available online and on-campus so you can switch between the two and gain a degree in the most flexible way possible. Acceptance Rate: unavailableRetention Rate: unavailableGraduation Rate: unavailable
2. LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
School Highlights: Liberty University is one of the highly celebrated online schools in the country. It offers a huge range of undergraduate, graduate, andPh.D. programs that can be completed in very little time. Many programs, such as online M.Div.(master of Divinity) accelerated tracks, as well as short, 8-week courses. The coursework is flexible, yet challenging, and the institution gives students complete control over their degree programs. Students can transfer up to 50% of their credits as well, which would make for an even speedier program delivery. Acceptance Rate: 20.2% Retention Rate: 69% Graduation Rate: 52.1% Will you Love to work and study? See 10 Online Tutoring Jobs for College Students.
3. COLORADO TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY
School Highlights: Colorado Technical University is recognized repeatedly for its outstanding achievements as an online school. Students have a huge range of options when choosing a suitable program offered through the CTU Fast Track degrees. These programs operate through a series of exams that students have numerous opportunities to take and pass. The courses use adaptive learning technologies to deliver their fast track programs, which are offered at no additional cost! Acceptance Rate: unavailable Retention Rate: 42% Graduation Rate: 37%
4. UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS
School Highlights: “Ranked a Tier One research university by the Carnegie Classification,” the University of North Texas offers five unique masters programs that can be taken at an accelerated rate. Coursework in these degrees can be completed in as little as 12 months, giving students challenging and in-depth coursework that does not inhibit the rate at which they enter into the job market. Customized mentoring services and course scheduling help individuals tailor their own schedules to meet their different needs. Students can choose to vary the rate at which they complete their degree program so that if they feel they need more time to complete certain classes, they have the option to do so. Acceptance Rate: 65.4% Retention Rate: 78% Graduation Rate: 50.2% You may also like to see these top 20 Cheapest Non-Profit Online Colleges
5. REGIS UNIVERSITY
School Highlights: Regis University online school is ever students delight. This is reflected in their impressive job placement rate, and provides an enormous amount of distance education programs of all degree types (certificates, bachelors, and masters) and majors that are offered at an accelerated rate. Consistently ranked as a top tier online school in America by U.S. News and World Report, Regis students receive excellent resources and opportunities through which they can bolster their standing within their particular field. There are several methods that can be employed to shorten the number of required credit hours in each program, and the accelerated rate of the curricula significantly reduces the amount of time spent in the online programs. Advisors and counselors are readily available to all individuals to help design coursework that maximizes flexibility and acceleration. Acceptance Rate: 66% Retention Rate: 78% Graduation Rate: 59.1% SEE ALSO: 12 Steps On How to Apply for Scholarship in Any Country
6. BENEDICTINE UNIVERSITY
School Highlights: Benedictine University is a highly respected private university that delivers impressive undergraduate and graduate degree programs through distance education. Many of these programs are capable of being completed at a student’s own pace, making it as short or as long as they need through asynchronous scheduling, but there are several additional opportunities to earn a degree at an accelerated rate. Benedictine’s online programs benefit students who are looking for the right opportunity to finish a bachelor’s degree or seeking a master’s program that fits their needs. The asynchronous online courses make it easy for students to fit schoolwork into their busy schedules The online undergraduate programs are each only 2 years long and can be shorter depending on the amount of coursework a particular student is capable of taking on at once. The bachelor’s programs make it easy for students to continue working and managing their lives outside of school, while also earning a degree as quickly as possible. The outstanding Masters in Business Administration, as well as the Master of Science in Nursing/MBA dual program, is also offered at an accelerated rate. Online students attending this “top tier private university with an established reputation for excellence” have access to fantastic resources and advisors to excel their academic and professional success even further. Acceptance Rate: 77.2% Retention Rate: 70.7% Graduation Rate: 50.9%
7. ALBERTUS MAGNUS COLLEGE
School Highlights: Albertus Magnus College offers flexible, accelerated programs since 1985, and has since perfected the scheduling, curriculum structure, and management in these degrees for over three decades. Today, every online undergraduate program is self-paced and coursework is accelerated to give working adults the education and professional training needed to excel in their current/future careers. Students and prospective students can count on steadfast, personalized career planning and preparation with individual advisors, as well as close academic advisement with the faculty and staff of AMC. Distinguished faculty members have been well-recognized for their achievements in academia, and are an excellent foundation for the accelerated framework of each course. Acceptance Rate: 87% Retention Rate: 84% Graduation Rate: 49.7%
8. CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
School Highlights: This small, intimate, Christian-based school offers impeccable online education in bachelor’s and master’s degrees at highly accelerated rates. Some programs take less than a year to complete, and yet still offer as much depth and opportunity as full-length, on-campus degrees. Coursework can be taken at personalized rates, giving students as much control over their classes and schedules as possible, while also offering competent administrative resources and financial allocations. Accelerated bachelor degree programs include areas in Accounting, Organizational Leadership, Public Administration, and Sociology. Masters degrees include Counseling Psychology, Public Relations, Business Administration, and Education, each of which also has relevant specializations. CBU also offers several exciting certificate opportunities. Acceptance Rate: 79.7% Retention Rate: 83% Graduation Rate: 55.4%
9. BECKER COLLEGE
School Highlights: Becker College’s Center for Accelerated and Professional Studies is specifically designed for adult learners who are looking to receive a degree or certification as quickly as possible and in which students can find all of the resources and opportunities they need. More so, Becker offers accelerated events and accelerated admissions to provide students with yet even more speediness in the acquisition of their bachelor’s. This online school offers two superb undergraduate programs at an accelerated rate: a Business Administration and a Business Administration – Management program, both of which have been recognized by The Princeton Review. Graduates exiting either one of these distinguished degrees will have already established a solid reputation upon entering the workforce as a newly educated professional. Acceptance Rate: 62.5% Retention Rate: 67% Graduation Rate: 30.2%
10. TRINE UNIVERSITY
School Highlights: TrineOnline delivers the convenience and accessibility of an online degree program, along with the warmth and support of actual human interaction. We handle your admissions process, review your previous schooling and work experience to give you every credit you deserve, and schedule courses for you. TrineOnline connects with you, so you can be the student you know you can be. TrineOnline offers a variety of accelerated programs where students gain an excellent understanding of these fast-paced curricula and have mastery over their professional skills upon graduating. he school works closely with each student to ensure their success in these challenging yet rewarding accelerated graduate degrees and provides career, academic, and professional resources at any and all times. Both areas of study will allow students to acquire numerous different positions of employment in a competitive job market. Remarkably, TrineOnline offers two accelerated masters programs that can be completed in as little as one year: an Engineering Management degree and a Criminal Justice degree. Acceptance Rate: 76% Retention Rate: 72% Graduation Rate: 53.9%
11. LAMAR UNIVERSITY
School Highlights: This online school offers a tremendous amount of online programs, both undergraduate and graduate degrees, in accelerated formats. Students of all types and majors can find ways to quicken their coursework in order to receive highly specialized degrees in as little as 14 months (graduate students) or 48 months (undergraduate students). Traditionally it would take several years to complete either one of these degrees, particularly depending upon the nature of their complexity. However, Lamar University has designed its online programs to give adult/distance education learners exceedingly fine accelerated classes as well as invaluable academic resources. Degree completion varies from major to major, but with dedication and the assistance of faculty and staff at Lamar, students can complete excellent degree programs in no time. Acceptance Rate: 77.2% Retention Rate: 60% Graduation Rate: 32.9%
12. CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY-PORTLAND
School Highlights: Concordia University offers online bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, as well as an innovative general education program. Concordia University’s accelerated online Master in Educational Leadership is both challenging and rewarding. Courses are offered in very short, 5-week formats and include complex information, but students have the assistance of highly intelligent and dedicated faculty members as well as personal advisors. Furthermore, students are given numerous academic and financial opportunities directly connected to this fast-track program to give them added assistance throughout their education. Coursework offers a broad approach to the discipline, and allows students to enter into a wide variety of positions of employment within several months of having applied to the program! These online programs are accessible, interactive, and convenient. It is best suited for individuals or groups with busy schedules or who study remotely. Acceptance Rate: 52.6% Retention Rate: 68% Graduation Rate: 55%
13. IMMACULATA UNIVERSITY
School Highlights: Immaculata University online learning supports freshman retention rate, which a strong indication of student satisfaction. The College of Lifelong Learning provides several programs that are offered at an accelerated, seven-week format, which significantly reduces the amount of time spent in school. Students have the opportunity to transfer up to 72 credits to additional reduce their time and can take up to 18 credit hours at a time (about 4-6 classes). Immaculata also provides excellent academic and advising support and resources to all students throughout their challenging degree programs, and the high-tech delivery of the online programs allows for seamless navigation of individual curricula. Acceptance Rate: 75.9% Retention Rate: 92% Graduation Rate: 61.2%
14. SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY
School Highlights: Southern New Hampshire University is one of the most popular and successful online schools in the nation. It offers numerous accelerated masters degree programs that can be completed in as few as 15 months, as well as undergraduate degrees such as the well-recognized accelerated RN-to-MSN program that incorporates a bachelors degree in the coursework. SNHU students can look forward to flexible, cost-efficient curricula that match individual schedules and budgets. GRE/GMAT scores are not required, making program accessibility all the easier! Each major provides opportunities inside and outside of school that connect students with excellent certifications and careers. Dedicated faculty members and advisors give students assistance throughout their academic and professional careers. Acceptance Rate: 84.2% Retention Rate: 68% Graduation Rate: 49%
15. COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY—GLOBAL CAMPUS
School Highlights: Colorado State University-Global Campus offers online undergraduate and graduate degree programs at an accelerated rate and is one of the most popular and reputable online schools in America. Courses are asynchronous and terms are 8 weeks long, giving students significant command and control over their schedules. Courses are updated regularly to reflect the most relevant information possible pertaining to their particular field of study. Every degree offered from CSU—Global Campus is customizable and contains a multitude of specialization options, which vastly expands each student’s understanding and knowledge-base. Students can also look forward to bountiful resources, such as personalized advising and career counseling, throughout both their academic and professional careers. Acceptance Rate: 96% Retention Rate: 84% Graduation Rate: 47%
16. NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
School Highlights: Northeastern University’s online school is recognized for its outstanding programs. The Fast-Track Bachelor of Science in Leadership is offered through the school of distance education and allows students to transfer at up to 80 credit hours, which reduces the amount of time spent in school by more than half and allows students to complete their degree in 18 months. This accelerated program gives students the option to either complete the curriculum at the pace set by Northeastern, or at a customizable rate, giving them complete control over their major. Acceptance Rate: 28% Retention Rate: 96% Graduation Rate: 81.6%
17. NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
School Highlights: With weekly start dates for all programs, there is no wrong time to start an online school degree. Students seeking out fast programs can find accelerated business, organizational leadership, and education graduate degree programs at Northcentral University. These curricula provide a lot of flexibility in scheduling and can be completed in one year. The accelerated MBA program is perhaps the most popular of these options, which is challenging yet provides students who have the right motivation with everything they would need to excel in the realm of business. Each program provides students with excellent faculty members and advisors who assist students throughout their accelerated programs Acceptance Rate: 53% Retention Rate: 69% Graduation Rate: 47.3%
18. PHILADELPHIA UNIVERSITY
School Highlights: Philadelphia University’s distance education bachelor’s degree programs are not specifically indicated as “accelerated,” but the terms at this online school will give individuals the feel of fast-track programs. The undergraduate degrees can be completed in as little as two years or less. Individuals are allowed to transfer up to 21 credits, which shortens their overall time spent at PhilaU Online. Students can major in nine different areas that are largely focused around management and leadership, such as business and human resources, however, there is still a nice variety of coursework. Acceptance Rate: 63.9% Retention Rate: 79% Graduation Rate: 66%
19. BALL STATE UNIVERSITY
School Highlights: Ball State University has been included on many lists as one of the top purveyors of distance education. This fantastic online school offers two unique graduate degree programs at an accelerated rate: a Master in Special Education and a Master in Public Relations. Both of these programs can be completed in as little as five semesters or about 15 months. Each curriculum allows students the opportunity to focus their degree on an individual or blended specialization options, which bolsters their education and does not increase their time spent in class. Each program is well-accredited and contains strong coursework taught by amazing faculty members. The BSU administration and advisors are readily available to assist students throughout their graduate degree work, especially when scheduling an accelerated program such as these. Acceptance Rate: 59.9% Retention Rate: 81% Graduation Rate: 60.3%
20. WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY
School Highlights: At Western Governors University, students pay for time spent, not per credit hour. Tuition is a flat rate, 6-month fee that allows students to complete as much as they can within that time frame. Using this unique structure, students can typically finish their bachelor’s degree programs in less than 2 years, particularly with relevant transfer credits. As the normal time to graduate bachelors is 4-5 years, this is a significantly reduced amount of time and money spent in college. # Online WGU students can major in undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as certificates, in a huge range of majors and concentration areas. Western Governors University has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and others for its outstanding online degrees. Coursework is challenging but has shown to be massively popular among students. Acceptance Rate: 45.4% Retention Rate: 73% Graduation Rate: 16.7%
21. COLUMBIA COLLEGE
School Highlights: Columbia College’s online programs are scheduled at an accelerated rate. Students can major in a huge variety of different undergraduate and graduate degree programs in which terms are 8 weeks long. This intensifies the coursework somewhat but allows students to complete classes with speediness and efficiency. Columbia College has an excellent online school with a fine reputation. Students are very happy in their various studies, which are known to be quite challenging, and all online classes are instructed by superb faculty members. Online students who are looking for a well-rounded school that values students’ time and academic progress, as well as enough breadth within the curricula, to make an educated choice for their major, Columbia College is a great choice Acceptance Rate: 88.5% Retention Rate: 71% Graduation Rate: 42.8%
22. ELMHURST COLLEGE
School Highlights: Elmhurst College online school offers three unique fast-track degree completion options for adults (over the age of 24) that can be completed in as little as one year. This significantly reduced amount of time spent in class (three terms) allows students to transfer a generous amount of credits earned to another degree, which additionally reduces their time as well. Elmhurst students have an excellent track record for finishing their degrees on time due to the strong nature of the coursework. Degree options include: Business Administration, Information Technology, and Psychology, and are perfectly suited to work adults who require flexibility and quickness to their degree. Acceptance Rate: 55% Retention Rate: 82% Graduation Rate: 74%
23. UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS RIO GRANDE VALLEY
School Highlights: The University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley has seven master’s degrees available in an accelerated format, including Business, Public Affairs, Education, Health Sciences, Nursing, and Social Work. The admissions process is quick and easy and allows students to enter into their programs as fast as possible. Coursework can be completed in one year, yet remains thorough and in-depth in its content. Each of the seven majors gives students access to specialized knowledge and information that is taught through state-of-the-art technologies and by highly competent faculty members. Curricula are well-suited to those who are seeking to enhance their knowledge and understanding of a particular subject, or who are looking to enter into an entirely new field. Student resources are numerous at UTRGV, and individuals have access to them at all times. Acceptance Rate: 63% Retention Rate: 80% Graduation Rate: 50% KEEP READING: 30 Affordable And Shortest Doctoral Program Online
24. PARK UNIVERSITY
School Highlights: Park University offers students a wide variety of undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs in accelerated 8 weeks terms. There are over a dozen options to choose from in each area, and degrees are “accessible, affordable, and attainable, and personalized.” Coursework is challenging and rewarding at this online school and is recognized by Quality Matters, which bases its recognition on continuous improvement models. Park’s outstanding online programs are recognized by industries and organizations. Additionally, college tuition is highly affordable- it won’t make your pocket sweat. Park University is incredibly caring for its students and offers numerous avenues through which students can enhance their accelerated educations. Acceptance Rate: 66.6% Retention Rate: 75% Graduation Rate: 41.7%
25. BOSTON UNIVERSITY
School Highlights: Boston University is a well-known school throughout the nation and offers four online graduate degrees at an accelerated rate that are quite unique from one another: Computer Information Systems, Art Education, Music Education, and Health Communication. If coursework is taken full time, each of these programs can be completed in 18 months, which is about half the time of a traditional, on-campus graduate degree. Classes are asynchronous which gives students complete control over their schedules. Coursework at Boston University is broad and interesting, and the Computer Information Systems major allows students to concentrate their program in one of seven areas. There are related certificate programs connected to each master’s program, that also offer quick yet thorough curricula. The virtual classroom provides a diverse population of students from around the globe, giving each degree of interesting perspectives. Acceptance Rate: 29% Retention Rate: 93% Graduation Rate: 84.7%
26. LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY
School Highlights: LeTourneau University is yet another of the country’s finest and most popular online schools that have been included on many lists of the most excellent distance education programs! Students have the opportunity to major in multiple disciplines of Aviation and Aeronautical Science, Business and Technology, Education, and Psychology. Flexible and engaging fast-track interactive online formats make these degree programs very accessible to students of all kinds. Upon graduation, students are fortified with the knowledge and skill to earn licensure in their area of education. As a Christian university, many of these majors are geared toward ministerial areas. Faculty members represent some of the finest minds in their industries and students gain practical, hands-on experience no matter their specialization. Acceptance Rate: 49.4% Retention Rate: 83% Graduation Rate: 51.5% Graduation Rate: 84.7%
27. CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO
School Highlights: This online school has five options to earn an undergraduate degree (associate’s and bachelor’s) in an accelerated format, which are mostly management and leadership focused. Concordia University Chicago allows students to transfer nearly 70 credit hours toward their degree, which reduces their time by more than half in the offered bachelor’s programs. Coursework is broad-reaching and gives students a huge amount of skill and perspective in their concentration area. The Health Care Management program allows students to complete their studies at two different schools, which brings an even stronger perspective to the online classroom. Acceptance Rate: 53.8% Retention Rate: 65% Graduation Rate: 57.8% Graduation Rate: 84.7%
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28. NOTRE DAME COLLEGE
School Highlights: Notre Dame College offers accurate coursework in their six online undergraduate programs, all of which are delivered at an accelerated 8-week format. These curricula are challenging. Nonetheless, it gives students all the information and knowledge of a 15-week program in a condensed form. The course structure is flexible and advisors are readily available to any and all who are looking to craft their degree in a more particular way. Degrees include disciplines such as Criminal Justice, Nursing, Business Administration, Education, Business Administration (Management), and Psychology. The online programs utilize highly advanced technologies, such as a Learning Management System called Moodle. Students are free to complete the coursework at their convenience and will receive their bachelor’s degree in half the time. Acceptance Rate: 89.5% Retention Rate: 62% Graduation Rate: 36.2% Graduation Rate: 84.7% SEE ALSO: 10 Best Online Criminal Justice Degree in North Carolina
29. ROCHESTER COLLEGE
School Highlights: Rochester College offers four unique online undergraduate programs in an accelerated format: Leadership – Management, Christian Ministry, Early Childhood Studies, and RN to BSN. Students may transfer a large bulk of credits, particularly general education requirements, that make their time spent at Rochester online only about 16 months, which is more than half that of any traditional on-campus program. Rochester College provides an online, Christian, educational community in which students can feel inspired and motivated by their colleagues, peers, and professors. The coursework includes real-world, hands-on experience building exercise that greatly prepares graduates for their career paths. This online school gives students as many advantages as possible to complete their accelerated program in a short amount of time. Acceptance Rate: 40.6% Retention Rate: 65% Graduation Rate: 47%
30. CAMPBELL UNIVERSITY
School Highlights: Campbell University has been offering online degrees for nearly thirty years, and have since perfected their distance education delivery. The dedicated online school offers options in the certificate, associate, and bachelor programs that are designed in eight-week accelerated terms. Professional faculty members are steeped and certified in the usage of the high-tech learning management systems in the online programs. Many have been employed with Campbell for over a decade, and have a huge amount of knowledge and skill at their disposal. There are over a dozen different disciplines available for students that span a great many areas, such as Behavioral Sciences, Business Administration, Christian Studies, Criminal Justice, and Homeland Security Acceptance Rate: 60% Retention Rate: 72% Graduation Rate: 50.6%
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Graduation Rate: 84.7%
31. UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
School Highlights: The University of Miami is a respected online school that offers students a well-rounded array of master’s programs that can be completed in as little as 16 months. Some of their more popular programs include a Master in Finance and a Master of Professional Accounting. Each of these programs, and more offers master’s certificate options that take only 8 months to finish. In any case, the curricula offered through the University of Miami are flexible and fast-paced, giving students access to a new career as soon as possible. Acceptance Rate: 37.8% Retention Rate: 93% Graduation Rate: 81.4% Online education is one thing that has come to stay. A lot of students now embrace online education because of the nature of their job, schedule, and many more factors. With the increase in the number of trusted schools that offer online degree programs, the respect given to these programs increases. Studies have shown that online degrees are as credible as those gotten from traditional education provided they were earned from accredited schools. To know if an online school is accredited, students are advised to carry out a background check on the schools they want to apply to. A typical online class has 25–30 students who attend courses by accessing the learning management system and completing assignments according to the course schedule.By logging into their Student Portal, students can find links to all of their online degree courses, including course announcements, assignments, academic events, online course syllabus and links to a wealth of resources for studying, research and writing assignments. Students can also directly access their etextbooks and e-resources.Students remain interactive and engaged with frequent and regular communication with instructors and classmates via live sessions, email and online discussion forums.
