Fastest Online Bachelor’s Degrees Ranked for 2025

Badge for FASTEST ONLINE BACHELOR DEGREES

Key Takeaways

  • While most online bachelor’s degrees are four-year degree programs, your public university or private institution may offer access to accelerated degree programs online.

  • The bachelor’s degree programs ranked here have a minimum 65% graduation rate.

  • Both traditionally paced and accelerated bachelor’s degrees can prepare students for a wide range of entry level opportunities in the workforce.

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or last ground for the 2025 school year.

Boston University and Washington University in St. Louis have remained in the respective top two positions for the past 2 years. However, in 2025, Syracuse dropped three positions, while the University of Rochester moved up a ranking position. The University of Georgia and University of Massachusetts Amherst both dropped 2 positions.

Students studying in a park

The 25 Fastest Online Bachelors Degree Programs 2025

Each bachelor’s degree program ranked below boasts a high graduation rate and a top Influence score. The bachelor’s degree programs listed here below include a full array of disciplines.

Students can take online classes in highly specialized areas like human resources, strategic management, systems analysis, web design, business analytics, forensic psychology, computer information technology, health promotion, and much more.

The best online schools provide access not only to a wide spectrum of degrees and programs, but most also offer online learners the opportunity to complete these programs at a faster than average pace.

  1. #1

    Boston University

    Boston , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    44K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1425/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Boston University

    Cost of Degree: $65,168
    Expenses: $21,195
    Starting Salary: $75,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Undergrad Completion Program
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online

    Boston University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Undergrad Completion Program
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  2. online student working at home in her kitchen
  3. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Washington University in St. Louis

    Cost of Degree: $62,982
    Expenses: $25,506
    Starting Salary: $87,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Integrated Studies

    Concentrations

    • Humanities
    • Social Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online

    Washington University in St. Louis’s Online Degrees

    BS in Integrated Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Humanities
    • Social Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  4. #3

    University of Rochester

    Rochester , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    39%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1465/32

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Rochester

    Cost of Degree: $64,348
    Expenses: $21,614
    Starting Salary: $74,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion time: 4.5-5.5 years
    • Format: Online

    University of Rochester’s Online Degrees

    BSN in RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  5. student sitting at a laptop working on online courses
  6. #4

    University of Iowa

    Iowa City , IA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1235/25

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Iowa

    Cost of Degree: $10,964
    Expenses: $17,632
    Starting Salary: $62,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Applied Studies

    Concentrations

    • Creative Writing
    • Human Relations
    • Justice Studies
    • Political Science
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Enterprise Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120-136
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Studies

    Concentrations

    • Expression in Writing and Arts
    • Global Studies
    • Family
    • Community
    • and Social Support
    • Health and Human Studies
    • Justice and Ethics
    • Organizational Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 32
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Radiation Sciences
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 121-132
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sport and Recreation Management

    Concentrations

    • Business Studies
    • Coaching and Sport Instruction
    • Communications Public Relations/Journalism
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Event Management
    • Interscholastic Athletic/Activities Administration
    • Sport and Diversity
    • Student-Designed
    • Required Credits: 123-129
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online

    University of Iowa’s Online Degrees

    BA in Applied Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Creative Writing
    • Human Relations
    • Justice Studies
    • Political Science
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Enterprise Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120-136
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Expression in Writing and Arts
    • Global Studies
    • Family
    • Community
    • and Social Support
    • Health and Human Studies
    • Justice and Ethics
    • Organizational Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 32
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Radiation Sciences
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 121-132
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  7. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1255/25

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Arizona

    Cost of Degree: $13,277
    Expenses: $19,500
    Starting Salary: $56,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Africana Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Administration of Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Care, Health and Society
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Emergency Medical Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Cyber Operations

    Concentrations

    • Engineering
    • Defense & Forensics
    • and Cyber Law & Policy
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Early Childhood
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of General Studies in Economy and Industry
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Environmental Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of General Studies, in Arts, Media and Entertainment
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of General Studies in Global and Intercultural Understanding
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Global Media
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Government and Public Service
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Human Rights Practice
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Geographic Information Systems Technology (GIST)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Literacy, Learning and Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Information Science and ESociety
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Law
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Regional Commerce
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Intelligence and Information Operations
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Philosophy: Ethics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Biology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nutritional Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Spanish
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of General Studies in Sports and Society
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sustainable Built Environments
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of General Studies in Social Behavior and Human Understanding
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of General Studies in Science, Technology, Health and Society
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online

    University of Arizona’s Online Degrees

    BA in Africana Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Administration of Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Care, Health and Society
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Emergency Medical Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Cyber Operations
    Degree Concentrations
    • Engineering
    • Defense & Forensics
    • and Cyber Law & Policy
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Early Childhood
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of General Studies in Economy and Industry
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Environmental Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of General Studies, in Arts, Media and Entertainment
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of General Studies in Global and Intercultural Understanding
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Global Media
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Government and Public Service
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Human Rights Practice
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Geographic Information Systems Technology (GIST)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Literacy, Learning and Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Information Science and ESociety
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Law
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Regional Commerce
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Intelligence and Information Operations
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Philosophy: Ethics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Biology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nutritional Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Spanish
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of General Studies in Sports and Society
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sustainable Built Environments
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of General Studies in Social Behavior and Human Understanding
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  8. busy working professional working on an online bachelor's degree
  9. #6

    Syracuse University

    Syracuse , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1345/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Syracuse University

    Cost of Degree: $63,061
    Expenses: $22,086
    Starting Salary: $69,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BPS in Creative Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
    BPS in Knowledge Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
    BPS in Cybersecurity Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Arts
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online

    Syracuse University’s Online Degrees

    BPS in Creative Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BPS in Knowledge Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BPS in Cybersecurity Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  10. young online student working on coursework

  11. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    43%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    44K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1320/29

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Georgia

    Cost of Degree: $11,180
    Expenses: $16,926
    Starting Salary: $59,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Education

    Concentrations

    • Special Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 48 months
    • Format: Online

    University of Georgia’s Online Degrees

    BS in Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Special Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  12. group of online college students meeting together
  13. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1370/31

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Massachusetts Amherst

    Cost of Degree: $17,357
    Expenses: $17,309
    Starting Salary: $57,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Film And Media Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Bachelor Of Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Hospitality And Tourism Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Arts Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BA/BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 1 year
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Bachelor Of Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sustainable Food And Farming
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online

    University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Online Degrees

    BA in Film And Media Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Bachelor Of Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Hospitality And Tourism Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Arts Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA/BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Bachelor Of Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  14. #9

    University of Missouri

    Columbia , MO
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    34K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/26

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Missouri

    Cost of Degree: $14,130
    Expenses: $18,142
    Starting Salary: $56,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Early Childhood Education In A Mobile Society
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: `
    • Format: Online
    BES in Educational Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BGS in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BHS in Radiography
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BHS in Respiratory Therapy
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BHS in Public Health
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BHS in Health Science
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Fitness Programming And Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online

    University of Missouri’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Early Childhood Education In A Mobile Society
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BES in Educational Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BGS in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BHS in Radiography
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BHS in Respiratory Therapy
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BHS in Public Health
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BHS in Health Science
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Fitness Programming And Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  15. #10

    Florida State University

    Tallahassee , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    25%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    51K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1290/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Florida State University

    Cost of Degree: $6,517
    Expenses: $20,296
    Starting Salary: $53,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Safety and Security
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Interdisciplinary Social Science
    • Required Credits: 43
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online

    Florida State University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Safety and Security
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  16. online college student listening to an online lecture
  17. #12

    University at Buffalo

    Buffalo , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    36K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1285/28

    Career Outlook for degree at University at Buffalo

    Cost of Degree: $10,782
    Expenses: $23,006
    Starting Salary: $62,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing

    Concentrations

    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online

    University at Buffalo’s Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  18. online student watching a synchronous lecture
  19. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    47%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    40K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1370/30

    Career Outlook for degree at North Carolina State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,895
    Expenses: $17,709
    Starting Salary: $59,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Leadership In The Public Sector
    • Required Credits: 12
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online

    North Carolina State University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Leadership In The Public Sector
    • Required Credits: 12
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  20. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    80%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1275/28

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Delaware

    Cost of Degree: $16,080
    Expenses: $17,638
    Starting Salary: $64,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online

    University of Delaware’s Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  21. #15

    Pepperdine University

    Malibu , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    49%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1382/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Pepperdine University

    Cost of Degree: $66,742
    Expenses: $26,770
    Starting Salary: $77,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Management
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online

    Pepperdine University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Management
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  22. #16

    Clemson University

    Clemson , SC
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    43%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    30K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1315/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Clemson University

    Cost of Degree: $15,554
    Expenses: $19,784
    Starting Salary: $58,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online

    Clemson University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  23. college student enjoying the outdoors while working on coursework
  24. #17

    Texas Christian University

    Fort Worth , TX
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $54K

    Acceptance

    56%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1250/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Texas Christian University

    Cost of Degree: $57,220
    Expenses: $19,840
    Starting Salary: $62,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in to DNP

    Concentrations

    • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
    • Required Credits: 66
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online

    Texas Christian University’s Online Degrees

    BSN in to DNP
    Degree Concentrations
    • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
    • Required Credits: 66
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  25. #18

    Providence College

    Providence , RI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    53%

    Graduation

    86%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1340/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Providence College

    Cost of Degree: $60,848
    Expenses: $19,792
    Starting Salary: $73,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Fire Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Leadership Development
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Professional Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Social Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Theology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online

    Providence College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Fire Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Leadership Development
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Professional Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Social Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Theology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  26. #19

    James Madison University

    Harrisonburg , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1230/26

    Career Outlook for degree at James Madison University

    Cost of Degree: $13,576
    Expenses: $18,398
    Starting Salary: $63,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 1 year
    • Format: Online

    James Madison University’s Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  27. #20

    Marist College

    Poughkeepsie , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $45K

    Acceptance

    63%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1289/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Marist College

    Cost of Degree: $46,010
    Expenses: $22,270
    Starting Salary: $62,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Management Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online

    Marist College’s Online Degrees

    BA in Management Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online

Online bachelor’s degrees are a great option for students looking to minimize their time to complete an undergraduate education. Most online schools require the completion of both general education courses and core courses in your chosen discipline. Earning an online bachelor’s degree can prepare you to immediately enter the workforce in a wide range of industries.

Many students will also continue into master’s degree programs after graduation. Many schools also offer accelerated online bachelor’s programs for students pursuing professional training and practical skills.

You may be able to complete your online education in as little as 2 to 3 years.

It may also be possible to bundle your undergraduate degree program with a graduate degree in a related area. Some online schools make it possible to complete both degrees in as little as five years.

Some of the schools in our ranking also offer degree completion programs. These programs allow students to complete a bachelor’s degree that was started, but never completed.

Interested in finding the most affordable online bachelor degree programs? Check out our ranking of the online bachelor’s degrees with affordable tuition.

online student working on courses
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What You Should Know About Online Programs for Getting a Bachelor’s Degree

The bachelor’s degree is the basic threshold for a wide range of careers in high-growth areas like project management, software engineering, computer programming, corporate finance, health sciences, and much more. Most of these popular majors are available to both distance learners and on campus students.

For many prospective students, online colleges represent an opportunity to participate an accelerated program. However, before you jump into online learning, there are a few important things you should know first:

  • The minimum requirement for entry into an online bachelor’s degree is typically a high school diploma or GED. Transfer students who earn their associate degree first may also be able to take accelerated online bachelor’s programs or bachelor’s degree completion programs.
  • It is essential to choose from online programs with accreditation from a colleges and schools commission in your region. The best bachelor’s degree online programs will have regional accreditation.
  • Not only that, but you will only be eligible for federal financial aid when you pursue a bachelor’s degree through an accredited school with recognition from a Department of Education-recognized colleges and schools commission.
  • Online students typically have access to the same curriculum, content, and college credits as traditional bachelor’s degree candidates.
  • Most bachelor degree programs require the completion of 120 college credits. Full time students can usually complete these college credit requirements in about four years. However, many schools that offer accelerated programs allow you to complete your bachelor’s degree in as little as two to three years.
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What Kinds of Online Programs are There for Bachelor’s Degrees?

Bachelor’s degrees come in numerous forms including bachelor’s of arts, sciences, and applied sciences.

The bachelor of arts includes a wide range of general education classes where students learn valuable 21st Century skills like critical thinking and comparative analysis.

If you’re interested in liberal arts subjects like history, political science, and philosophy, you would likely earn a bachelor of arts degree.

Students who take science and applied science bachelor’s degrees will study emerging technologies, research methods, data science, and more.

If you’re interested in subjects like web development, web design, or management information systems, you would likely pursue a bachelor of science.

The applied science degree may be a technology degree or a practical program centered on providing technical skills. The bachelor of applied sciences can prepare you for practical work in areas like supply chain management, network architecture, software development, and more.

The right online program for you will depend on your educational and career goals.

online student working on courses while outside
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How We Ranked the Fastest Online Bachelor Degree Programs

We ranked for the completion of fast online degree programs by first identifying fully online bachelor’s degrees that rank for Influence—a metric which scores colleges and universities based on the real-world impact of students, alumni, and professors.

After distilling the best online bachelor’s degrees based on influence and rating of fully-online undergraduate enrollment, we measured for 6-year graduation rate as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

The fastest bachelor’s degrees ranked here include only online bachelor programs with a 65% graduation rate or better.

The majority of online bachelor’s degree programs ranked here demonstrate a better than 70% graduation rate. This denotes that each online bachelor degree program listed here excels at delivering students to a timely graduation.

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How to Find An Accelerated Online Program

You can find a bachelor’s degree with an accelerated online format by reaching out directly to an academic advisor from one of the bachelor’s degree programs ranked below.

Each online school here excels in delivering students to graduation in their respective bachelor’s degree programs. All of these institutions also offer online courses in an extremely wide spectrum of disciplines.

While NCES data does not provide comprehensive data on online accelerated degree programs, it does rank graduation rate statistics for bachelor’s degree programs.

Those that achieve the highest graduation rate also typically rank high for average time to complete. One reason for this, especially at the bachelor’s degree level, is the availability of accelerated classes.

While the typical bachelor’s degree program will take roughly four years to complete, accelerated bachelor’s degree programs can often be completed in as little as 2 to 3 years.

Accelerated online degree programs are available through four-year college, professional college, and fully online college programs.

This makes the accelerated online program an especially good fit for working adults who are interested in career advancement.

The accelerated online format makes it possible to quickly earn a bachelor’s degree online without disrupting your work and personal responsibilities.

Take a look at our Accelerated Online Degrees Guide for even more tips on getting that bachelor’s degree as quickly as possible.

Bottom Line: The fastest bachelor’s degree can be finished in as little as 2-3 years, making it a perfect fit for busy working professionals who want to minimize disruption in their work and personal lives.

Related Questions

Are fast-track online degrees less reputable than traditional degrees?

There is a widespread misperception that degrees online are of poorer quality than traditional ones. This is not usually the case, though. Many reputable schools and universities provide more challenging online courses than their on-campus equivalents.

Will I miss out on the college experience if I pursue a fast-track online degree?

Degrees online do not provide the same on-campus experience as a traditional bachelor’s degree, but they can present special opportunities for networking and community building. There are virtual forums and discussion boards in many online courses where students can interact with their lecturers and fellow students.

How do I stay motivated and focused in a fast-track online degree program?

Accelerated programs demand a lot of self-discipline and motivation. Making a schedule and establishing your goals will help you stay on track when pursuing an online fast bachelor’s degree. Many online schools provide tools like virtual tutoring services and academic counselors to assist students in keeping on top of their studies.

Is an online fast-track bachelor’s degree worth it?

According to Coursera, there are numerous factors that can make a bachelor’s degree worth it, whether that degree is earned on-campus, online, through an accelerated program, or a degree completion program. A bachelor’s degree can lead to increased career opportunities, higher salary potential, and a lower unemployment rate, among other benefits.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here