A bachelor’s degree is one of the most efficient ways to boost earnings and advance your career, and a quick online bachelor’s degree makes that possible. Many of these programs can be completed entirely online, making them a good fit for working professionals or those with significant responsibilities.
Graduates can pursue rewarding careers, such as high school teachers for education majors, who earn a median salary of $65,220; financial analysts for finance majors, who earn a median salary of $99,890; or software engineers for computer science majors, who earn a median salary of $130,160.
These programs offer accelerated timelines that can be completed in two to three years, allowing you to fast-track your education and career advancement.
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- Over 3,868 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
- 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
- All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
- Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
- Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded
Our Methodology
We ranked 256 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online business administration bachelor’s degree programs in the U.S. using 17 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes, student experience and application process.
We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites. Data is accurate as of February 2024.
We scored schools based on the following metrics.
Student Outcomes:
- Graduation rate within eight years of normal time
- Median earnings 10 years after graduation
- Pell Grant recipient graduation rate within eight years of normal time
- Retention rate
- Pell Grant graduation rate vs. overall graduation rate
Affordability:
- Average in-state tuition rate and fees
- Median federal student loan debt
- Student loan default rate
- Percentage of students who take out loans
- Student Experience:
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- Socioeconomic diversity
- Program’s coursework (excluding student orientations, field experiences and labs) is available 100% online
- Proportion of undergraduate students enrolled in at least some distance learning courses
Credibility:
- Fully accredited
- Nonprofit status
Application Process:
- Acceptance rate
- Uses Common App
We chose the 10 best schools to display based on those receiving a curved final score of 88% or higher.
Find our full list of methodologies here.
Best 50 Accredited Quick Online Bachelor Degree Programs
How to Choose a Quick Online Bachelor Degree Program
Choose your area of study
While some students come into their bachelor’s degree with an idea of what they want to study, many are unsure. If you’re in the process of choosing an area of study, ask yourself questions like:
- What are my interests and strengths?
- What career paths excite me?
- Where do I see myself in five years?
Depending on your answers, consider options like early childhood education if you enjoy working with children, finance if you have a knack for numbers and thrive analyzing financial data, or nursing if you’re passionate about healthcare and helping others. Each major caters to different strengths and career aspirations, helping you align your education with your professional goals.
Research schools and programs
With your intended area of study in mind, you can better focus your research on schools and programs. Start by researching programs that have an excellent reputation in your field. Consider using the following questions to guide your research further:
- Does the school offer a strong program in my intended major?
- What is the program’s accreditation status?
- Are there options for flexible scheduling?
- Does the program offer career support and internship opportunities?
- What are the tuition costs and available financial aid options?
This information can be found on program websites, by contacting an admissions counselor, or at a virtual open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
Now that you have a shortlist of potential programs, you can focus on test and application prep. While some schools have specific requirements, many share similar criteria, including:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Transcripts from previous schools
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
- Standardized test scores, if required
If your programs require test scores, boost your application by registering for SAT or ACT prep programs to enhance your performance.
Select your program
When acceptance letters arrive, revisit your initial research criteria to select the best program. Focus on what matters most to you, such as curriculum relevance, flexibility, and career support services. Now is also an excellent time to reassess the total cost of attendance, including tuition and additional fees, and compare it with any financial aid offers.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
To pay for your degree without incurring substantial debt, start by filing the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for federal aid. You can also apply for institutional and external scholarships and grants, which don’t require repayment. If you’re seeking part-time work, consider work-study options to offset costs further.
Federal loans should be considered online as a last resort, as they will eventually need to be repaid with interest.
What Can You Expect From a Quick Online Bachelor Degree Program
A quick bachelor’s degree program offers a versatile and efficient path to advancing your career. As a student, you can expect to gain comprehensive knowledge in many disciplines, including business, healthcare, technology, and more. Regardless of your major, you’ll develop critical skills and industry-specific expertise, preparing you for different career opportunities and boosting your professional potential in a competitive job market.
These programs are designed for flexibility, with many available entirely online, making them ideal for individuals with full-time jobs or family responsibilities. Some majors may require in-person coursework, but most offer the convenience of fully remote learning.
Potential courses you’ll take in a quick online bachelor’s degree program
- Introduction to Business Administration: Business majors will learn the fundamentals of business operations, management principles, and organizational behavior. This course provides a solid foundation in business strategies, marketing, finance, and human resources.
- Principles of Marketing: Those interested in marketing will learn the field’s core concepts, including market research, consumer behavior, and strategic planning. Students will also gain skills in developing marketing campaigns and understanding digital marketing trends.
- Foundations of Psychology: Ideal for psychology students, this course explores the basics of human behavior and mental processes. This class introduces psychological theories, research methods, and applications in different fields, such as clinical, social, and cognitive psychology.
- Information Technology Fundamentals: This course provides computer science students with an overview of IT concepts, including computer hardware, software, networking, and cybersecurity. They will learn about the role of technology in business and how to manage and troubleshoot IT systems.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s Degree?
With a bachelor’s degree, you can pursue many different careers in fields like business, healthcare, technology, education, and more. The degree significantly boosts your earning potential — with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting the average weekly earnings for bachelor’s degree holders in 2023 were $1,493, compared to $899 for those with only a high school diploma.
Career outlook
- Software Developer — Computer-savvy individuals may enjoy careers as software developers. These professionals design, code, and maintain software applications and systems for various industries.
- Median annual salary: $130,160
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 25%
- New jobs projected: 153,900
- Registered Nurse — Those interested in healthcare can secure positions as registered nurses, which provide patient care, education, and support in hospitals and clinics.
- Median annual salary: $86,070
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New jobs projected: 193,100
- Market Research Analyst — Students with an analytical mindset often thrive as market research analysts. They collect and analyze data on consumer preferences, market trends, and competitors to help businesses understand market conditions.
- Median annual salary: $74,780
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 13%
- New jobs projected: 13%
Quick Online Bachelor Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do accelerated degree programs work?
Accelerated degree programs offer the same curriculum as traditional programs but in a condensed timeframe, often using 8-week semesters instead of the usual 16. This shorter timeframe allows students to complete their degrees faster, making it ideal for those eager to enter the workforce or advance their careers quickly. However, the intensive schedule requires a high-level of dedication and time management. To explore whether an accelerated program suits your needs, visit our page on the pros and cons of these programs.
How long does earning a quick online bachelor's degree take?
Earning your bachelor’s degree through an accelerated program typically takes two to three years compared to the traditional four years. However, it’s crucial to double-check specific credit requirements, as these can vary by program and impact your completion timeline.
How much does a quick online bachelor's degree cost?
The average cost of a bachelor’s degree for the 2020-2021 academic year was $25,910, though tuition prices vary by program, with some accelerated programs offering more affordable rates. In addition to tuition, you should budget for other costs such as technology fees, textbooks, and course materials. These additional expenses can add up over time, affecting the overall cost of earning your degree.