Accelerated degree programs are designed to be completed in less time than traditional two- or four-year college programs. For students who want to switch careers, move up in their current field, or return to school after a break, accelerated degrees can provide a faster and often more affordable path to graduation.
Types of Accelerated Degrees
Computer Information Systems AA
Health Information Technology AAS
Occupational Therapy Assistant AAS
Physical Therapy Assistant AAS
What Is an Accelerated College Degree?
An accelerated degree allows you to complete a college program in less time than the standard format. For example, an accelerated associate degree might take 12–18 months, and an accelerated bachelor’s degree can be finished in just two to three years. These programs are built for adult learners, working professionals, and motivated students looking to move quickly through their education.
Why Pursue an Accelerated Degree?
Earning a college degree significantly increases your lifetime earning potential. According to the U.S. Department of Education, adults with bachelor’s degrees earn about $15,000 more annually than those with only a high school diploma—and the gap grows with graduate degrees. Over a 40-year career, that can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Beyond income, having a degree opens doors to new jobs, promotions, and more stability. Accelerated programs let you access these opportunities faster by condensing years of study into months.
Saving Time and Money
Accelerated programs help reduce both time and tuition costs. You can further shorten your program by:
- Transferring past college credits
- Earning credit through exams like CLEP or DSST
- Receiving credit for prior learning or work experience, such as military training or professional certifications
Completing a degree sooner means entering the job market faster or qualifying for promotions earlier, increasing your return on investment.
Using Previous Experience and Credits
If you already have some college credit or relevant work experience, you may qualify for a degree completion program. These allow you to transfer credits and finish your degree without starting from scratch. Some schools also award credit for non-traditional learning through exams or training—such as CLEP exams, which can earn you up to 6 credits for just $80.
Career Advancement and Job Readiness
Accelerated programs are common among professionals looking to advance. By finishing your degree quickly, you can qualify for roles that require formal education, earn a higher salary, and improve job security. Listing your current program and expected graduation date on your resume shows initiative and focus.
Many students use accelerated degrees to transition into new fields or qualify for graduate education.
Degrees Available in an Accelerated Format
Nearly all degree levels and majors are available in accelerated formats:
- Associate Degrees: Finish in under two years; options include business, paralegal studies, and criminal justice.
- Bachelor’s Degrees: Complete in two to three years; available in fields like education, business, healthcare, and technology.
- Master’s Degrees: Often completed in 12–18 months; available in business, education, healthcare, and more.
- Ph.D. Programs: Some are accelerated and available online, especially in fields like counseling and behavioral science.
Can I Work Full-Time and Still Succeed?
Yes. Accelerated and online formats are built with working adults in mind. Students are expected to be self-motivated and disciplined, but many successfully balance jobs, family life, and coursework. Time management is key. You may need to prioritize study over leisure during your program.
What If I’ve Never Taken a College Class?
That’s okay. Many accelerated programs are built for first-time college students. Faculty are experienced in helping adult learners succeed, and you’ll often be surrounded by peers who are also new to college. Online platforms include access to professors, tutoring, and academic advising.
What About Cost and Financial Aid?
Accelerated programs often cost less than traditional on-campus options. Students may also qualify for:
- Federal financial aid (via the FAFSA)
- Scholarships and grants
- Employer tuition assistance
- Credit for prior learning, which reduces total tuition
Even if you’re on a budget, you can likely afford an accelerated degree with the right planning and support.
Challenges of Accelerated Degrees
These programs are intense. Courses move quickly and often require weekly assignments, exams, and discussions. You’ll need to be organized and motivated. If you have significant family or work obligations, it’s important to plan ahead and possibly reduce your course load.
Programs may have strict admissions criteria, including GPA minimums or prerequisite courses. Once enrolled, keeping up with the pace is crucial to stay on track.
Choosing the Right Program
When comparing programs, consider:
- Accreditation: Ensure the school is regionally or nationally accredited.
- Curriculum: Choose a program that offers your specific major.
- Flexibility: Confirm if the program is self-paced or has set deadlines.
- Cost: Compare total tuition, fees, and financial aid options.
- Support services: Look for programs with accessible advisors and career services.
You are not limited by geography—many top-ranked universities offer accelerated online degrees.
Online Learning and Flexibility
Most accelerated programs are available online. This format lets students study from home, work around job schedules, and avoid commuting. Online classes are also widely accepted by employers, with 74% of faculty rating online learning as equal or better than in-person classes, according to the Babson Survey Research Group.
Accelerated online courses are often offered in shorter sessions—such as 5- to 8-week terms—enabling students to earn more credits each year than in a traditional semester system.
Benefits of Online Accelerated Degree Programs
Juggling a full-time or part-time job? Dealing with family responsibilities? An online education degree program offers you more flexibility in your class schedule than a traditional four-year college or university, while providing all the benefits of a higher education.
Whether you’re an undergraduate student looking for a two-year certificate program, a busy professional looking for a graduate school with flexible class schedules, or a working parent ready to get your degree because you’re tired of being passed up for a promotion, an online degree from an accredited online university can expand your job opportunities while earning you more money.
Typically, the higher the degree you have, the more you’ll earn.
High School Diploma $32,500 Associate’s Degree $42,000 Bachelor’s Degree $53,000 Master’s Degree $63,000 Professional Degree $100,000+
Reasons to Get An Online Accelerated Degree
- You’ll earn more. College graduates earn, on average, $1 million more over their lifetimes than those with just a high school degree.
- You’ll have more options. To be marketable in today’s demanding workplaces, you’ll need an education. Employers are increasingly requiring bachelor’s and professional degrees from job candidates.
- You’ll have added job security. Companies are less likely to lay off employees with specialized training and skill sets.
- You’ll have a better chance at career advancement. Employees with a higher education in their résumé are more likely to be considered for additional responsibilities, promotions, and management positions.
Why They Make Sense
- They’re convenient. Take classes wherever you are — all you need is a computer and an Internet connection.
- They’re flexible. Show up for class, complete your assignments, and take your exams at your own pace, on your own schedule.
- They’re practical. Online certificate programs offer two-year degrees in some of the most high-demand and fastest growing fields today — health and medicine, computer science, and education.
- They’re readily available. No having to compete for limited seats in a classroom or lecture hall — you’re free to choose from an array of accredited online courses that fit your goals.
Moving at the speed of life: Online degrees fit who you are
When you’re balancing the demands of being a student with holding a job or having a family, your life can move pretty quickly, which means you don’t have the luxury of sitting in a classroom all day, studying on someone else’s schedule.
That’s the advantage to enrolling in an online education program: You decide the when, where and how of getting your degree, whether you’re squeezing in classes around your work day or you have the ability to go at it full-time.
Attend class anytime, anywhere
Online education degree programs offer you one of the most convenient ways to move forward on your education — no need to hassle with a commute or with finding open classes at the times you need.
By taking online courses through an accredited online school, you can earn your online degree or certificate on your own time, from the comfort of your own home.
- Study and attend classes on your own schedule
- Participate in class discussions without leaving home
- No commutes, no scheduling conflicts
- No missed classes even when you’re out of town
Final Thoughts
Accelerated college degrees provide a flexible, efficient path to higher earnings, career growth, and personal fulfillment. Whether you’re starting from scratch, returning to finish a degree, or aiming for graduate-level credentials, the accelerated format can help you achieve your goals faster and more affordably than traditional programs.
By choosing the right school, maximizing transfer credits, and staying disciplined, you can graduate with a valuable credential—and with far less debt and delay than many traditional students.