Finish Your Degree Fast: Top Completion Programs

About 40.4 million Americans have college credits but no degree, says the National Student Clearinghouse. Only 64% of students finish their bachelor’s in six years. But, degree completion programs help those wanting to finish their degree quickly and without breaking the bank.

These programs are made for adult learners and working folks who couldn’t finish their degree. They take most or all of your past college credits. This means you can get your bachelor’s in 1-2 years instead of the usual 4.

Key Takeaways

Degree completion programs accept most or all of your previous college credits, accelerating your path to a bachelor’s degree.
These programs are tailored for adult learners and working professionals who started but did not finish a four-year degree.
You can earn a bachelor’s degree in as little as 1-2 years through an accelerated degree completion program.
Degree completion programs offer flexible scheduling options, including evening, weekend, and online classes to fit your busy lifestyle.
These programs can provide significant cost savings compared to a traditional four-year degree.

What Are Degree Completion Programs?

Degree completion programs help people finish their bachelor’s degree if they’ve already got some college credits. They’re made for those who can’t fit a full college schedule, like working folks, adult learners, or those with military or life experiences.

Definition and Key Features

These programs let students bring in 60-75 credits from before, so you can finish your degree in 1-2 years. This saves time and money by using credits you’ve already earned.

They offer flexible study options, like online or hybrid courses. This is great for nontraditional learners who need to balance school with work, family, and other life stuff.

Some programs even give credits for your job or military service. This cuts down the time and cost to get a bachelor’s degree.

“Fewer than 40 percent of all students enrolling in four-year colleges graduate within four years, as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).”

Degree completion programs are for nontraditional learners who faced hurdles in school. They offer a quick way to reach your academic and career goals.

Typical Requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree	Typical Requirements for a Degree Completion Program
120 semester credits or 40 classes over a 4-year span	60-75 credits transferred, allowing completion in 1-2 years
Requires approximately 20 classes completed within 2 years	Flexible study options, often featuring online or hybrid formats
43% of college credits don’t apply to obtaining a new degree	Opportunity to earn credit for professional work experience or military service

Top Online Degree Completion Programs

Getting a bachelor’s degree is easier now, thanks to online degree completion programs. These programs are perfect for working people and adult learners who already have some college credits. They make it simpler to finish their undergraduate studies. You can find these programs in many fields like business management, political science, accounting and finance, computer science, and communications.

Business Management

A degree in business management opens doors to many high-paying jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says there will be over 1 million jobs in this field from 2022-2032. Online programs in business management cover marketing, operations, finance, and human resources. They prepare students for jobs as managers, entrepreneurs, and business analysts.

Political Science

Studying political science online can lead to jobs in government, public policy, or law. Students learn critical thinking, research, and communication skills. These skills are valuable in many industries. Many graduates work in government, non-profits, or use their degree to get into law school.

Accounting and Finance

Accounting and finance degrees prepare students for jobs like actuary, CPA, and financial analyst. These jobs pay well, with computer science graduates earning an average of $94,000 a year. Online programs cover financial reporting, budgeting, investment analysis, and more.

Computer Science

Computer science is a top choice for online degree completion. These programs prepare students for careers in software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity. With more tech jobs needed, a computer science degree opens many doors.

Communications

Communications is a flexible option for online degrees. It teaches skills in advertising, journalism, marketing, and public relations. Graduates can work in many areas, from social media to corporate communications. It’s a great choice for those looking for a varied and exciting career.

If you’re into business, politics, finance, tech, or communications, online degree completion programs are a great choice. They use your past college credits to help you finish your degree faster. This can lead to new career opportunities and growth.

Benefits of Online Degree Completion Programs

Are you thinking about finishing your bachelor’s degree? Online degree completion programs have many benefits. They are perfect for students who have some college credits but haven’t yet earned their degree.

Flexible Schedule

One big plus of online degree completion programs is their flexible schedule. You can study and finish coursework whenever you like. This lets you balance school with work, family, and other life stuff.

This way, you can move at your own speed. It makes it easier to handle your life while working on your degree.

Accessibility

Online degree completion programs make education available to students everywhere. You don’t have to be close to a university or college. You can pick from many accredited schools and programs that fit your needs.

This means you can get your degree without moving or commuting. It makes going to college more possible.

Affordability

Getting a bachelor’s degree can be expensive, but online programs can be cheaper. Many of them offer federal financial aid like grants and loans. This makes going to school more affordable.

Also, online programs save you money on things like travel and living expenses.

Key Benefit	Description
Flexible Schedule	Online degree completion programs allow you to balance your education with work, family, and other commitments, progressing at a pace that suits your lifestyle.
Accessibility	These programs expand your options, enabling you to choose from a wide range of accredited institutions and programs without the need to relocate or commute.
Affordability	Online degree completion programs often qualify for federal financial aid, making higher education more accessible and cost-effective.

“Nearly 40 percent of American undergrads are over 25 years old, and 3.5 million students in the U.S. fall into the category of ‘some college, no degree.'”

Online degree completion programs provide a flexible, accessible, and affordable way for students to get their bachelor’s degree. This opens up new career doors for them.

Who Should Consider a Degree Completion Program?

Degree completion programs are great for those who started but didn’t finish a four-year degree. They’re also for those with an associate degree. These programs are flexible and online, making it easy to fit school into a busy schedule.

These programs also offer federal financial aid, making them affordable. This is a big plus for working adults with tight budgets or many responsibilities.

Studies show that getting a bachelor’s degree can boost your lifetime earnings. It also leads to better lifestyle choices, like regular exercise. With online degree completion programs, working adults can easily go after their dreams and gain these benefits.

If you’ve got college credits or an associate degree, a degree completion program could be your next step. It uses what you’ve already learned and your work experience to help you graduate faster. This can boost your career and improve your life overall.

“Degree completion programs are designed for individuals who started but did not finish a college degree, catering to the needs of working adults.”

Choosing the Right Degree Completion Program

When looking at degree completion programs, think about what you need for your goals. Look at key factors to pick the best one for you. This will help you finish your bachelor’s degree and make the most of your time and money.

Transfer Credits and Program Cost

First, check how the program handles transfer credits. Can you easily bring in credits from past college work? This is key to finishing your degree faster and saving money. Also, the cost of the program matters a lot, with 53% of students saying it’s their main concern.

Student Outcomes and Accessibility

It’s important to look at how well students do after graduating, like getting jobs or going to grad school. 39% of students put this first when picking a program. Also, being able to access and fit the program into your life is crucial, with 36% making it a top priority, especially for those with jobs or other duties.

Key Factor	Percentage of Students Citing as Top Priority
Program Cost	53%
Student Outcomes	39%
Accessibility and Flexibility	36%

Think about these factors to find a degree completion program that fits your needs. The right program will help you finish your bachelor’s degree and open new doors for you.

The Value of a Bachelor’s Degree

Getting a bachelor’s degree can greatly boost your career and earning potential. The National Center for Education Statistics found a big difference in salary. Those with a bachelor’s degree earn over $40,000 more each year than those with just a high school diploma.

A bachelor’s degree also opens doors to new careers and chances for career advancement. Many jobs at the start need a four-year degree.

Also, a bachelor’s degree is a solid base for more education, like graduate school in law, business, or other areas. College grads have 57% more job chances than those without a degree. From 2019 to 2022, nearly 98.5 million jobs needed a bachelor’s degree.

Over 80% of jobs in healthcare, STEM, education, and government need postsecondary education. The average salary for a bachelor’s degree holder is $67,500 a year. This is higher than the national average of just below $56,000.

“Earning a bachelor’s degree can be a crucial step towards career success and financial stability. The data clearly shows that a four-year degree opens the door to higher-paying, more fulfilling job opportunities.”

The earning potential and job chances with a bachelor’s degree explain why 37.9% of adults aged 25 and over had one in 2021. This is up from 30.4% in 2011. A bachelor’s degree is a smart choice for moving up in your career or finding new ones.

Degree Completion Programs by Subject Area

Degree completion programs are a flexible way to earn a bachelor’s degree. They cover many subjects like business, education, engineering, healthcare, humanities, nursing, and social sciences. These programs are designed to help you finish your degree quickly.

For those into business, you can choose from business administration, finance, and marketing. These subjects lead to careers in management, finance, and more. Education programs prepare you for teaching. Engineering and technology majors are great for tech jobs.

In healthcare, you can study hospital administration or healthcare policy. Humanities programs teach skills in communication, research, and critical thinking. Nursing students can go for an RN-to-BSN bridge program. Social science degrees are good for careers in law enforcement, education, or nonprofit work.

Any academic or professional background can benefit from a degree completion program. You use your current credits and focus on the rest of your coursework. This way, you can get a respected bachelor’s degree faster than a traditional program.

“40.4 million Americans have college credit but no degree, according to the National Student Clearinghouse.”

Start your journey to a degree by looking into the many subject-specific programs out there. With flexible schedules, online learning, and support, you can complete your degree. This opens up new chances for growth in your career and personal life.

Accelerated Online Degree Programs

Accelerated online bachelor’s degree programs offer a quick way to get a degree. They pack a lot into a short time, letting students finish in 2-3 years. This is thanks to intense courses and flexible schedules.

These programs are perfect for students who like to focus and want to finish fast. With student loan debt over $1.77 trillion in 2022, these programs can save money. Students can get credits for work experience or pay less in tuition and fees.

The cost of these degrees varies a lot, from $2,610 to $41,900. How well students stick with these programs also varies, from 0% to 95%. Some programs accept everyone, while others are much harder to get into. Enrollment numbers range from a few thousand to over 50,000 students.

Degree Program	Typical Completion Time	Median Annual Salary
Accounting/Finance	2-3 years	$79,880
Business Management	2-3 years	$79,050
Computer Science/IT	2-3 years	$132,270
Communication	2-3 years	$63,680
Nursing (RN-to-BSN)	1-2 years	$86,070
Psychology	2 years	Varies widely

These programs take the usual 4 years and shrink it to 2-3. They offer a flexible schedule for those who are busy. With shorter classes, they’re great for people who want to move up in their careers or try something new.

Looking to earn a degree in business, computer science, nursing, or another field? An accelerated online program could be the way to go. It’s a smart choice for those who want to save time and money. These programs are perfect for motivated students aiming for quick success.

Strategies for Earning a Fast Degree

Many students aim to finish their bachelor’s degree quickly. Luckily, there are ways to make your academic path shorter and earn your degree fast.

Tips and Techniques

One top way to earn your degree fast is by taking accelerated classes with short 6-8 week terms. This lets you fit in more courses each year, helping you graduate quicker. Also, getting college credit in high school through AP exams can cut down on the classes you need later.

Another smart move is to get credit for work and life experience and ace prior learning assessments like CLEP and DSST exams. These can speed up your credit accumulation, making your degree program more quickly.

Enroll in accelerated classes with 6-8 week terms
Earn college credit in high school through AP exams
Gain credit for work and life experience
Pass prior learning assessments like CLEP and DSST

Using these strategies can cut down the time it takes to get your bachelor’s degree. This gives you a boost in your career.

Strategy	Impact on Degree Completion
Accelerated classes	Allows you to take more courses per year, enabling faster graduation
College credit in high school	Reduces the number of introductory classes needed for your bachelor’s degree
Credit for work and life experience	Helps you accumulate credits faster, shortening your degree program
Prior learning assessments	Provides opportunities to earn credits for your existing knowledge and skills

“Accelerated programs are often chosen by nontraditional students due to their online nature which provides flexibility for professionals juggling work and family commitments.”

Degree Completion Programs: A Path to Success

For students who started but didn’t finish a four-year degree, or those with an associate degree, degree completion programs are a great choice. They offer online learning that fits with work and family life. This makes it easier to keep studying without giving up other important parts of life.

These programs accept transfer credits and offer fast-paced courses. This means students can get a bachelor’s degree in 1-2 years, much faster than usual. This opens up new career paths and can lead to higher pay, making these programs a smart move for adults wanting to grow in their careers.

Flexible Learning for Working Professionals

Many degree completion programs have courses that last only 8 weeks. This is perfect for busy professionals. It lets students finish their studies fast without losing out on quality education.

Focused Programs for Career Advancement

Some programs, like Centenary University’s Bachelor of Science in Accounting, focus on business and accounting skills. Others, like the online BA in Psychology, use engaging lectures and regular meetings with professors. This makes learning more effective and fun.

Seamless Credit Transfer

Students can transfer up to 70 credits from a previous four-year college or 66 from a community college. This cuts down the time and cost to get a bachelor’s degree.

Degree completion programs offer flexible learning, focused courses, and easy credit transfer. They’re a great way for students to move forward in their careers and reach their education goals.

Conclusion

Degree completion programs are a quick and flexible way to get your bachelor’s degree. They accept previous college credits and offer fast, online courses. This lets you graduate much faster than a traditional four-year program. They’re perfect for working adults, career changers, and others who want to boost their careers and income.

These programs offer many subjects to choose from. They let you finish what you started in a smart way. If you want to improve your skills, switch careers, or just finish your degree, these programs are a great choice. They’re easy on your wallet and convenient, helping you stand out in the job market.

By using degree completion programs, you can move up in your career and earn more. Take a step towards your future and check out the options available to you. You’re one step closer to reaching your goals.

FAQ

What are degree completion programs?

Degree completion programs are for students who didn’t finish a four-year degree. They let you bring in 60-75 credits. This means you can finish a bachelor’s degree in 1-2 years instead of 4.

What are the top online degree completion programs?

Top online programs include business management, political science, and accounting and finance. Computer occupations and communications are also popular. These programs lead to high-paying jobs with lots of options.

What are the benefits of online degree completion programs?

These programs offer flexibility, accessibility, and affordability. You can study online and work or take care of family at the same time. They also qualify you for federal financial aid.

Who should consider a degree completion program?

These programs are great for those who started but didn’t finish a four-year degree. They’re also good for those with an associate degree. They’re perfect for those with work and family duties, as you can study on your own time.

What factors should I consider when choosing a degree completion program?

Think about transfer credit policies, cost, student outcomes, and flexibility. These things help you pick the best program for your goals and needs.

What are the benefits of earning a bachelor’s degree?

Getting a bachelor’s degree boosts your career and pay. It can increase your salary by over $40,000 a year. It also opens doors to new jobs and chances for moving up in your career.

What degree completion program options are available by subject area?

You can find degree completion programs in many subjects like business, education, and healthcare. These programs prepare you for in-demand careers.

What are accelerated online bachelor’s degree programs?

These programs offer fast-paced, focused courses. You can finish your degree in 2-3 years. They’re ideal for students who are dedicated and prefer a quick graduation.

What strategies can I use to earn a bachelor’s degree faster?

To finish faster, take accelerated classes with short terms, earn credits in high school with AP exams, and get credits for work and life experience through prior learning assessments.