2026 How to Get a Bachelor's Degree Fast

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What are the fastest ways to get a bachelor’s degree?

Earning a fast bachelor’s degree doesn’t have to take four years. With the right program and strategies, students can complete their studies in nearly half the time while still gaining the skills and credentials employers expect. Fast-track options are especially helpful for working adults and career changers who need results quickly. Here are the most effective ways to accelerate your path to graduation.

Enroll in an Accelerated Bachelor’s Program

Accelerated programs are structured to shorten the traditional timeline. Many schools offer 18- to 24-month bachelor’s tracks that condense coursework into shorter terms. These are especially popular in fields like business, healthcare, and technology.

Take Advantage of Online Degree Options

Online programs often provide flexible scheduling and year-round courses. Instead of waiting for semester breaks, students can continue studying without pause, significantly reducing the time to completion. Online schools also tend to offer multiple start dates each year.

Use Transfer Credits Wisely

Students who already have community college classes, prior university coursework, or AP/IB exam credits can apply them toward their degree. This reduces the number of new courses required and may shave off months—or even years—of study.

Earn Credit for Prior Learning or Work Experience

Many colleges evaluate professional training, military service, or industry certifications for academic credit through Prior Learning Assessments (PLA). This option recognizes real-world experience and can cut down on unnecessary coursework. For example, students pursuing healthcare degrees may explore what are the different types of medical assistants as part of aligning prior experience with academic credit.

Choose a School With Year-Round Scheduling

Some universities operate on quarter systems or offer continuous enrollment. By avoiding long summer breaks, students can take more classes each year and move toward graduation faster.

Additionally, many universities that don't require SAT scores make it even easier for students to start their degree journey quickly. These schools prioritize academic readiness, prior learning, and work experience over standardized testing, helping motivated learners fast-track admission and focus on completing their bachelor’s degree efficiently.

Examples of Fast Bachelor's Degrees

For students eager to complete their education quickly, accelerated bachelor’s degree programs offer a practical solution. Choosing a fast-track program can help students enter the workforce sooner while still earning a respected bachelor’s degree.

Accelerated BSN (Nursing)

Accelerated BSN programs are designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. They condense nursing coursework and clinical practice into 11–18 months, preparing graduates for RN licensure quickly. This fast-paced program is ideal for those ready to start a nursing career without spending four years in school.

Accelerated BBA (Business Administration)

Fast-track BBA programs let students complete their degree in 2–3 years by taking more courses per term or leveraging transfer credits. Students gain skills in management, finance, and marketing while finishing sooner than traditional programs. This path helps ambitious students enter the business world faster.

BS in Information Technology

Accelerated BSIT programs focus on core tech and programming skills, often allowing completion in 2–3 years. Online and intensive schedules make it possible for students to quickly prepare for IT roles such as software development or network administration.

BS in Psychology

Fast-track psychology degrees can be completed in 2 years with transfer credits or online coursework. These programs cover essential psychological theories, research methods, and applied practice. Graduates can pursue careers in counseling support, human services, or continue to graduate studies.

BS in Criminal Justice

Accelerated criminal justice programs allow students to earn their degree in 2–2.5 years. Students study law enforcement, corrections, and legal systems while completing courses on an intensive schedule. This degree prepares graduates for rapid entry into policing, corrections, or legal support roles.

BS in Healthcare Administration

Fast-track healthcare administration programs typically finish in 2–3 years, focusing on hospital management, policy, and healthcare operations. Graduates can quickly step into administrative roles in clinics, hospitals, or health systems. Prior coursework or professional experience often speeds up completion.

BA in Communication

Accelerated communication programs can be completed in 2–2.5 years and cover media, public relations, and digital communication. Online and intensive options allow students to develop professional skills while finishing their degree faster. Graduates are ready for roles in media, marketing, or corporate communications.

BS in Finance

Fast-track finance programs can be completed in 2–3 years, teaching skills in investments, accounting, and financial planning. Intensive coursework and online flexibility allow students to prepare quickly for careers in banking, investment, or corporate finance.

Beyond business, nursing, technology, and these other fields, students interested in the sciences can also explore fast-track programs in chemistry or forensic science. These degrees often introduce learners to the fields of specialization in forensic chemistry, such as toxicology, DNA analysis, trace evidence, and environmental forensics—areas that prepare graduates for careers in law enforcement, laboratory research, and public safety.

How do online bachelor’s degree programs work?

Online bachelor’s degree programs make higher education more accessible by letting students study from anywhere with an internet connection. Instead of commuting to a campus, learners log in to a digital platform where they access lectures, readings, discussions, and assignments. For many working adults or students with family responsibilities, online programs provide the flexibility needed to stay on track toward a degree without sacrificing other commitments.

Structure of Online Courses

Most online programs deliver content through learning management systems (LMS) such as Canvas or Blackboard. Students access recorded lectures, discussion boards, and digital assignments that follow weekly modules. Depending on the school, classes may be asynchronous (self-paced) or synchronous (live online sessions).

Programs may also include career-focused examples, such as exploring what does an industrial organizational psychologist do when studying applied psychology.

Flexibility and Scheduling

One of the biggest advantages of online programs is flexibility. Many universities allow students to take courses year-round, with multiple start dates throughout the year. This helps learners progress faster while balancing work, family, or other obligations.

Interaction and Support

Contrary to common myths, online students are not isolated. Programs often include interactive features such as live discussions, group projects, virtual office hours, and career counseling. Many institutions also provide access to online tutoring and library resources.

Exams and Assessments

Assessments may include timed online exams, essays, projects, and quizzes. Some schools use remote proctoring software, while others rely on project-based assessments to measure student learning.

Technology Requirements

Students need a reliable computer and internet connection, along with basic software such as word processors and video conferencing tools. Schools usually provide technical support to ensure students can access course materials without issues.

How do transfer credits speed up graduation?

Transfer credits allow students to apply previously completed coursework toward a new bachelor’s degree program. Whether earned at a community college, another university, or through AP and IB exams, these credits reduce the number of courses a student must retake. This means less time spent in the classroom and a faster path to graduation.

The growing interest in transfer pathways highlights this advantage. In fact, college transfer enrollment grew by 5.3% in fall 2023, showing that more students are recognizing how transfer credits can shorten their time to degree completion. 

Many schools accept a significant number of transfer credits, with some allowing up to 90 credits toward a fast bachelor’s degree. By maximizing transfer credit, students can save both time and money, cutting months—or even years—off their studies.

Transfer credits also provide flexibility for career changers and working adults. Instead of starting from scratch, students can build on their existing academic foundation and focus only on the courses needed to complete their degree.

For example, programs such as fast-track online fashion merchandising degrees often encourage students to transfer general education credits so they can focus on specialized courses that directly prepare them for the industry.

What are the admission requirements for fast bachelor’s degrees?

Admission requirements for accelerated or fast bachelor’s degrees are often similar to traditional programs, but some schools add extra criteria to ensure students are ready for the rigorous pace. Applicants should expect to show both academic readiness and, in some cases, professional experience.

• High School Diploma or Equivalent – Most programs require proof of a completed high school education or GED.
• Minimum GPA – Many schools set a minimum GPA, often around 2.5 to 3.0, for admission into accelerated tracks.
• Standardized Test Scores – While many colleges are now test-optional, some still ask for SAT or ACT scores, especially for competitive programs.
• Work or Professional Experience – Certain fast-track programs, particularly online ones, may consider relevant work experience as part of the admission process.
• Official Transcripts and Documentation – Applicants usually need to provide transcripts from previous schools, along with letters of recommendation or a personal statement.

In short, fast bachelor’s programs — including specialized options like fast-track online animation degrees — want to ensure that students can handle a demanding schedule and accelerated learning environment. Meeting these requirements helps schools match applicants with the right program while setting them up for success.

How much do fast bachelor’s degree programs cost?

The cost of a fast bachelor’s degree program varies widely depending on the school, format, and field of study. On average, online accelerated programs tend to cost less per term than traditional four-year degrees because students finish faster and pay for fewer semesters. Still, tuition per credit is usually similar to standard programs.

Rising college costs highlight the importance of these savings. Today, the average student borrows more than $30,000 to earn a fast bachelor’s degree, a debt load that can take years to repay. Fast-track programs can help reduce that burden by shortening the time in school and limiting how many semesters of tuition and fees students must cover.

Students can save even more by transferring credits or earning credit for prior learning, which reduces the number of courses needed. Many colleges also offer flat-rate tuition for accelerated tracks, allowing students to take more classes per term without additional costs. 

Financial aid is also available for most accelerated programs, including federal aid, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance. By combining these funding sources with a shorter completion timeline, many students lower their overall education expenses while earning their degree sooner.

For those pursuing degrees in education, especially early childhood education, understanding careers with an early childhood education degree that pay well can help guide program selection and ensure a strong return on investment in both salary and job satisfaction.

What career opportunities come with a bachelor’s degree?

A bachelor’s degree opens doors to a wide range of careers across industries, many of which are not accessible with only a high school diploma. Employers often see the degree as proof of specialized knowledge, critical thinking skills, and commitment to professional growth. Here are some of the top career paths and opportunities available to bachelor’s degree holders.

Entry Into Professional Careers

A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for many jobs in business, healthcare, technology, and education. Roles such as accountants, registered nurses, software developers, and teachers typically require this level of education. In fact, majors tied to these careers deliver strong financial returns. For example, engineering majors see a 326.6% ROI within five years, while computer science majors follow closely at 310.3%, underscoring how certain degrees pay off quickly.

Higher Earning Potential

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree consistently earn more than those without one. The degree serves as a foundation for long-term salary growth and opportunities for advancement into leadership or specialized positions. Nursing graduates, for instance, not only qualify for in-demand healthcare roles but also enjoy a 280.9% ROI within five years, proving that bachelor’s-level education can bring both stability and strong financial rewards.

Career Flexibility Across Industries

With a bachelor’s degree, students are not locked into a single career path. Skills in communication, problem-solving, and analysis transfer across industries, making it easier to pivot to new fields as the job market changes. Degrees like accounting, which carry a 261.3% ROI within five years, highlight how versatile fields can provide both flexibility and profitability.

Pathways to Advanced Study 

A bachelor’s degree also creates opportunities for further specialization through advanced certificates or graduate-level programs. For example, pursuing a fast-track graduate certificate in supply chain management and logistics online allows business or management graduates to quickly gain skills that prepare them for leadership roles in operations, procurement, and logistics. This shows how a bachelor’s degree not only opens career doors but also supports lifelong learning and advancement.

Increased Job Security

Research shows that individuals with bachelor’s degrees face lower unemployment rates compared to those with less education. The degree helps provide stability, even during times of economic uncertainty.

How do majors affect the speed of completing a bachelor’s degree?

The choice of major can directly impact how quickly a student completes a bachelor’s degree. Some fields, like business administration or liberal arts, offer more flexible course requirements, making it easier to transfer credits or take accelerated classes. Other majors may be structured to allow quicker progression through online or competency-based programs.

In contrast, STEM fields such as engineering, nursing, or computer science often have stricter course sequences and lab requirements. These programs typically require hands-on learning and cannot always be condensed into shorter terms, which can extend the overall time to graduation. 

However, while these majors may take longer to complete, they often provide stronger financial returns. For example, bachelor’s degree holders earn a median annual salary of $80,236, significantly higher than the $57,148 earned by those with only an associate degree.

Students who want to finish faster should look for majors with flexible elective options or schools that design accelerated pathways in their chosen field. At the same time, it’s worth weighing the balance between speed and long-term payoff. 

Higher-level degrees, such as a master’s or professional degree, push median annual earnings to $95,680 and $122,876 respectively, showing that while some majors require more time, they can translate into stronger career and salary opportunities.

For students considering careers in library science, it’s also important to know do you need a degree to be a librarian, as earning the right degree can impact both eligibility and advancement in the field.

How do life and work experience count toward a bachelor’s degree?

For many adult learners, professional and personal experiences can translate into college credit, helping shorten the path to graduation. Colleges and universities recognize that skills gained through work, military service, or professional certifications demonstrate knowledge equivalent to what’s taught in the classroom. This process allows students to save time and money while avoiding redundant coursework.

Prior Learning Assessments (PLA)

Many schools use Prior Learning Assessments to evaluate knowledge gained outside traditional classrooms. Students may submit portfolios, take challenge exams, or provide documentation of training programs to earn credits.

Military and Professional Training

Military service members often receive credit for training programs completed during service. Similarly, industry-specific certifications—such as IT credentials or healthcare licenses—can be converted into academic credit at many institutions.

Competency-Based Education

Some colleges offer competency-based programs where students advance once they demonstrate mastery of specific skills. This approach rewards prior knowledge and experience, letting learners move quickly through subjects they already know well.

Do fast bachelor’s degrees offer the same value as traditional programs?

Accelerated bachelor’s degrees are increasingly recognized for upholding rigorous academic standards and practical skills. Accredited fast-track programs are designed to mirror the quality of traditional curricula while emphasizing applied learning and industry relevance. Employers and industry leaders often assess program credibility by considering accreditation status, curriculum design, and post-graduation outcomes. Prospective students should evaluate factors such as alumni success, robust career services, and strategic industry partnerships when determining long-term value. For example, exploring pathways like the fastest degree to get online can help ensure that the speed of completion does not compromise quality or professional opportunities.

What challenges come with getting a bachelor’s degree fast?

While accelerated programs offer speed and convenience, they also come with unique challenges. Students in fast-track programs must keep up with demanding schedules and intensive coursework, which can be overwhelming without proper planning. Understanding these challenges helps learners prepare and succeed.

Heavy Workload and Time Commitment

Accelerated programs often condense 16-week semesters into shorter terms, requiring students to complete more assignments in less time. Balancing this workload alongside jobs or family responsibilities can be difficult.

Higher Risk of Burnout

The fast pace of accelerated learning can lead to stress and exhaustion if students don’t manage their schedules effectively. Without breaks between terms, learners may find it harder to maintain motivation over the long run.

Limited Flexibility for Certain Majors

Not all fields adapt well to accelerated formats. Programs that require labs, clinicals, or sequential courses—like nursing or engineering—may limit how quickly students can progress, extending the time to graduation compared to other majors.

How do you choose the best fast bachelor’s program?

Not all accelerated bachelor’s programs are created equal, and choosing the right one can make the difference between success and frustration. Students should look beyond speed and carefully evaluate program quality, flexibility, and long-term value before committing.

Accreditation

Ensure the program is accredited by a recognized agency, as this affects credit transfer, financial aid eligibility, and employer recognition.

Transfer Credit Policies

Look for schools that accept the maximum number of transfer or prior learning credits to shorten completion time. This is especially important since many students enter bachelor’s programs after completing associate’s degrees.

In 2021–22, for example, about two-thirds of the 1 million associate’s degrees conferred were concentrated in three fields: liberal arts and sciences (383,300), health professions (177,400), and business (113,100). Students in these areas often seek bachelor’s completion pathways, making transfer policies critical to program choice.

Program Flexibility

Consider whether the program offers online options, multiple start dates, and year-round scheduling to fit your lifestyle.

Reputation and Support Services

Research faculty qualifications, graduation rates, career services, and student support to confirm the program’s credibility.

Cost and Financial Aid

Compare tuition rates, fees, and available scholarships to ensure the program is both affordable and worth the investment.

By weighing these factors, students can identify a fast bachelor’s program that balances speed with quality. The right choice not only accelerates graduation but also sets up graduates for career success and future opportunities.

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