Accelerated online degree programs for working adults are the key to rapid career advancements. To illustrate, many people re-evaluate their job skills and career path. Sometimes, the result is needing a degree or certificate to improve their prospects. To this end, accelerated accredited online colleges offer fast-track, convenient programs. Turns out, they are the ideal choice for working adults seeking new skills quickly and efficiently. They lay the groundwork for a better future.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in fall 2020, 40% of postsecondary students were adult learners. That included those pursuing accelerated online degree programs for working adults. Of all adult learners, 54% between the ages of 25 and 29, and 34% over the age of 39 are full-time students. Therefore, many working adults are also completing their education by taking part-time courses allowed in flexible online degree programs.
As demand rises, more schools are creating programs that accommodate the lifestyle requirements of adult students.
How to Earn an Online Degree Fast
Adult degrees, designed as flexible accelerated online degree programs for working adults, are often at an accelerated pace, allowing adult learners to study during times convenient for them and finish their online degree fast. Here are a few learning models specifically developed for adult students.
Accelerated Degree Programs
Accelerated accredited online colleges, offering fast-track online degree programs for working adults, usually allow you to complete a degree faster, but they have more stringent application prerequisites. For instance, many undergraduate accelerated programs for working adults require you to have 60 completed college credits or an associate’s degree.
An accelerated graduate degree program will almost always require a bachelor’s degree for enrollment. The strict entry requirements enable a postsecondary institution to award you credit for previous studies, facilitating a faster completion of your new degree. However, it is important to carefully weigh the pros and cons of accelerated online degree programs for working adults before enrolling, ensuring that they align with your goals, commitments, and educational needs.
Accelerated Courses
Another way to earn an online degree faster is through accelerated courses within your degree program. You’re still required to complete the traditional number of credits but complete them in a shorter period through accelerated online programs. Accelerated courses take the content covered in a 15-week three or four-credit course and condense it into a shorter timeframe, sometimes letting you complete the workload of two semesters in the 15-week block. Accelerated courses in these programs are generally between five and eight weeks long, depending on the material density of each subject. By enrolling in these accelerated online programs, students can expedite their degree completion and accelerate their educational journey.
Condensed Courses
Condensed courses are similar to accelerated courses, but they allow adult students who need more flexibility to complete one condensed course at a time. This option allows for more personal responsibilities, but since the course is condensed, you can still complete an average number of classes per semester. A condensed course is an excellent option if you find it hard to balance school, home, and work responsibilities or if you feel you can learn better when you can concentrate your energy on one subject.
Self-Paced Programs
Self-paced or individualized programs offer the greatest amount of flexibility, allowing you to move through your program at your own pace, speeding up or slowing down as you deem necessary. For instance, an accountant may be extremely busy in the spring tax season and may need to slow their studies. After this busy period, the accountant can speed up his pace of studies again.
Credit for Life and Work Experience
Many university programs require practical experience to earn a degree. For adult students, this may be difficult to fulfill because they already have a job from which it might not be possible to take a leave. Certain flexible programs, however, consider your current and prior work experience to exempt you from these requirements. Some even grant credits for life or work experience.
Graduate programs are particularly likely to offer this option as many require real-life work experience. For instance, many accelerated MBA programs online will require at least two years of relevant work experience.
Testing Out of College Classes
Testing out of college classes is an efficient way to demonstrate proficiency in certain subjects and earn college credits. This option allows students to skip traditional coursework and advance their academic journey. Schools recognize that adults may possess prior knowledge or expertise in specific areas. Allowing students to test out of college classes empowers them to accelerate their progress. That way, they can focus on more advanced coursework or specialized subjects.
Testing out of college classes can save you both time and money. It helps to bypass redundant material. You dive straight into more challenging courses that align with your academic or career goals. Overall, the option to test out of college classes promotes a more personalized and flexible learning experience. It caters to the diverse needs and abilities of students while also fostering a culture of lifelong learning and self-directed education.
Accelerated Degrees for Adults Online
Accelerated online degree programs for working adults provide a faster pathway to earning a degree. They condense the traditional course timeline by offering fast-paced coursework. To this end, students can complete their degrees in a shorter time compared to traditional programs. Basically, accelerated degrees offer balance. Your studies don’t have to take a back seat to your current job and life. Generally, you can access course materials and participate in classes at your own pace and schedule.
The structure of an accelerated degree program for adult students varies depending on the specific school and program. However, here is a sample schedule that showcases a potential structure for a fast-paced degree:
- Fall Semester: 12-15 credit hours
- Spring Semester: 12-15 credit hours
- Summer Semester: 6-9 credit hours
Accelerated Bachelor’s Level Online Degree Programs for Working Adults
Let’s look at accelerated bachelor’s degree programs for adults. They are considered among the best online degree programs for working adults. Expect to complete roughly 39-48 credit hours per year. This estimation is based on a total of 30-36 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters (15-18 credit hours each) and 9-12 credit hours during the summer semester. They provide a fast-track option to advance your career or pursue a new career in a shorter time frame.
Schools offering accelerated bachelor’s degree programs for adults should provide dedicated support and advising services. They are tailored to the needs of adult learners pursuing these programs. These support services are specifically to accommodate the means and demands faced by adult learners. This may include:
- Academic advising
- Career counseling
- Resources to assist with time management and balancing obligations
Master’s Level Accelerated Online Degree Programs
Accelerated degrees for adults online are also available for Master’s programs. The structure of an accelerated master’s program online may differ from undergrad programs. Specifically in terms of credit hours and duration.
In an accelerated master’s program, you need to take on a higher credit load per semester. The specific credit hours required vary depending on the program, but it is not uncommon for students to take 9-12 credit hours per semester.
Similarly, some students can expect to take on summer semesters in accelerated online programs. The credit load during a summer semester may be slightly reduced. Typically, around 6-9 credit hours to accommodate the intensity of the coursework. This allows students in accelerated online programs to maintain their momentum and progress toward degree completion without significant gaps.
The goal of the best online degree programs for working adults is to condense the timeframe required to complete the degree while maintaining a high level of academic rigor. By taking a higher credit load per semester online, you can earn a master’s degree faster.
The 10 Best Accelerated Online Degree Programs for Working Adults
While it’s always important to find accelerated online universities that hold accreditation that meets your needs and to make sure your program is reputable, adult students must also consider other factors like cost, flexibility, and course pacing. The following accelerated online universities were handpicked by GetEducated editors and offer some of the most popular and innovative adult degree programs. These accelerated online universities prioritize the unique needs of working adults, providing flexible learning options, affordable tuition rates, and programs designed to help adult students progress efficiently toward their educational goals.
Thomas Edison State University
Total Cost (In-State): $7,372
Total Cost (Out-of-State): $9,556Thomas Edison State College prides itself on being “exclusively for adults,” boasting the most options for adult degree programs online. TESC’s hallmark is the Thomas Edison Credit by Exam Program (TECEP) which allows students to receive credits by passing final exams rather than taking courses. Adults who have gained valuable work and life experience can take this route to earn credits quickly and cheaply.
Even students not enrolled at TESC can use this system by signing up for an exam, earning credits, and then transferring them to their chosen school. Remember, however, to check with your school to make sure they will accept the transfer credits before signing up.
TESC also offers a portfolio assessment option where experienced adults can use prior knowledge in exchange for credits. The university shows students how to analyze their work experience and match it up to course material. The final portfolio is reviewed, and related undergraduate credits are awarded, allowing students to “skip” courses. TESC also runs the Graduate Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program, which works similarly, but grants graduate credits.
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Thomas Edison State UniversityWestern Governors University – Competency-Based Approach
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $8,010
Western Governors University and their trademark Competency-Based Learning programs are some of the best online degrees for adults. WGU built each degree for working adults with the understanding that many of them already possess various skills which they do not need to re-learn in time-consuming and costly courses.
Each term in a WGU competency-based degree program is six months long and students are required to complete at least a full course load (generally four classes). However, tuition fees are charged at a flat-rate per term, encouraging students to complete as many courses as they can to decrease overall tuition fees and obtain their degree quickly.
Students complete course assessments as soon as they decide they are ready. This means experienced students already knowledgeable about a subject can skip directly to assessments and move on to the next subject to complete extra courses each term, ultimately shortening the total time needed to complete your degree. Assessments can even be taken from the comfort of your home or office with online proctoring.
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Western Governors UniversityNorthwestern State University Of Louisiana
Total Cost (In-State): $8,672
Total Cost (Out-of-State): $19,460Known as eNSU, Northwestern State University of Louisiana offers 38 online adult degree programs. eNSU semesters are purposely designed to be short, lasting only eight weeks in the spring and fall and varying between three, five, and six-week sessions during the summer. This format allows busy adult learners to concentrate on one or two courses at a time and provides greater convenience and flexibility.
eNSU also offers a flat rate online tuition for their accelerated bachelor’s degree online programs, ensuring a cost-effective education for students. The more classes you take per semester, the cheaper your education will be. Their new pricing policy is quite different from any other institution. The first 12 hours will cost you $325 per credit in a bachelor’s degree ($425 in a graduate degree), but thereafter the fee falls to an extremely low rate of $100 per credit for both bachelor’s and master’s programs. This transparent and affordable tuition structure makes eNSU an excellent choice for adult learners pursuing accelerated bachelor’s degree online programs.
Additionally, eNSU has collected a host of national awards, proving its commitment to providing a high-quality education to its students.
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Northwestern State University of LouisianaCapella University – FlexPath Program
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $14,328
Capella’s FlexPath offers some of the most flexible online degree programs available, making it an ideal choice for busy adults looking for fast-track programs. While there are no weekly due dates for assignments, students are required to complete all of the coursework within the 12-week period. This means that students must be disciplined and organized to be successful in FlexPath.
Students must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours per term and can complete their degree in as little as 12 months. FlexPath students can access Capella’s online resources, including online tutoring, library resources, and career counseling. Also, FlexPath students can transfer up to 90 credits from other accredited institutions.
To ensure you’ve learned the required material based, virtual final assessments are given for each course. The degree you earn at the end of this path will be the same degree earned by completing a traditional program at Capella University. FlexPath offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in psychology, information technology and business.
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Capella UniversitySouthern New Hampshire University – Advantage Program
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $15,380
Southern New Hampshire University has one of the lowest costs in the country. A full-time undergraduate student at SNHU would pay $9,600 per year, and a full-time graduate student would pay $19,080 per year. Additionally, SNHU created the Advantage Program granting students who complete a liberal arts associate’s degree at the Salem, NH campus automatic admission to the College of Online and Continuing Education. Students participating in the Advantage Program can transfer up to 90 credits toward an online bachelor’s degree. This is as long as the credits are relevant to the student’s major.
SNHU’s College of Online and Continuing Education is specifically designed as an online college for working adults, offering accelerated bachelor’s degree online programs. Dozens of online bachelor’s and master’s programs are offered with multiple start dates per year, providing flexibility for adult learners to begin their studies almost as soon as they are ready. Credit transfers are also accepted, allowing students to leverage their previous coursework toward their accelerated bachelor’s degree online. Moreover, online classes are available 24/7, enabling working adults to learn at their own pace and according to their schedule, making it convenient for them to pursue their accelerated bachelor’s degree online while managing their professional and personal commitments.
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Southern New Hampshire UniversityAntioch University – Antioch University Connected
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $16,164 – $14,136
Antioch University makes it easy to join at any time of the year with six convenient start dates and no hard application deadlines.
AU recognizes that working adults often have to complete their schoolwork late at night, so they offer 24/7 technical support to solve any issues that arise. As for fast-track degrees for adults, AU offers BA-to-Graduate pathway programs. The specific degrees available in this format include an MA in Clinical Psychology and an MFA in Writing and Contemporary Media. An exceptional benefit to these programs includes the pathway grants applicable toward undergrad and graduate tuition. Students can expect to participate in cohorts, workshops, and asynchronous courses. Also, hybrid residencies, online project periods, and faculty seminars.
In other contexts and degrees from AU, adult students have accelerated online programs with transfer credits. Overall, you can save a lot of time and money pursuing Antioch’s fast-track options.
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Antioch University OnlineRegent University
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $19,680
Regent University is a globally accessible Christian faith-based university offering online adult degree programs that cater to students from all over the world. The university has gained recognition for its affordability, and in 2022, GetEducated named it a “Best Buy” for online master’s programs in Psychology and Leadership.
Regent University’s online undergraduate courses follow an 8-week asynchronous format, allowing working adults to learn at their own pace and in short bursts that fit their schedules. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for adult learners managing various commitments.
One remarkable aspect of Regent University’s online programs is that they are taught by the same esteemed professors who deliver on-campus classes. This ensures that online students receive the same high-quality education that has earned Regent University national acclaim. In fact, the university’s commitment to academic excellence led to it being one of only 22 institutions in the United States to receive an “A grade” from the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA).
With its emphasis on accessibility, affordability, and academic integrity, Regent University provides a reputable and comprehensive online learning experience for adult students seeking to further their education and advance their careers.
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Regent UniversityLiberty University
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $22,511
Liberty University is a private Christian university located in Lynchburg, Virginia. It is known for its conservative Christian values and its strong academic programs.
Liberty offers accelerated formats from 3+1 to 4+1 pathways. These apply to schools of business, government, public health, nursing, and more. In this way, students can earn their undergrad and graduate degrees within just four years, as opposed to six or eight. The time and cost savings are enormous. LU has some of the best online degree programs for working adults, with customized course sequences, cost reductions, etc.
The average student at Liberty University takes 12-15 credit hours per semester. Some of the most popular majors at LU include:
– Business
– Education
– Nursing
– Ministry
– Psychology
– Criminal Justice
– Computer Science
– Communication
– Health SciencesFind Out More:
Liberty UniversityNew England College
Total Cost (In-State & Out-Of-State): $41,518
Among other online options, New England College has two excellent MBA degrees that it offers to experienced individuals in the health industry:
– Health Informatics
– Healthcare ManagementThe programs offered completely online are developed for part-time and full-time working professionals. NEC has increased the educational level of each course to four credits allowing students to complete the degree more quickly by taking fewer courses but earning the same number of credits. The MBAs can be completed within 20 months. The MBA in Health Informatics requires 54 credit hours to complete. The MBA in Healthcare Management requires 60 credit hours.
The cost of attendance at NEC varies depending on the program and student circumstances. For example, the cost of the MBA in Health Informatics is $43,200 for full-time students and $50,400 for part-time students. The cost of the MBA in Healthcare Management is $45,600 for full-time students and $53,600 for part-time students.
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New England CollegeGeorge Washington University
Total Cost (In-State & Out-Of-State): $62,200
GWU offers a whole spectrum of online adult degree programs. The George Washington University’s School of Education and Human Development is particularly renowned and offers five Master’s of Arts graduate degrees:
– Educational Leadership and Administration
– Organizational Leadership and Learning
– Special Education for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners
– Rehabilitation Counseling
– Educational Technology LeadershipAmong the other schools within GSW, you can pursue an accelerated BSN or MBA. An excellent advantage for undergrads includes the 4 + 1 program. This dual degree pathway incorporates graduate courses into an undergrad degree to accelerate a master’s later on. There are plenty of benefits to this, including reduced cost, shared credits, and completing your degree faster.
GWU does not make a distinction between an online or traditional degree, so when you receive your certificate, there is no indication that you completed an online degree. This can be a major advantage when looking for a job in a related field. An added benefit is small class sizes, with a student-to-instructor ratio that is actually lower than on-campus counterparts.
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George Washington University
Who are Fast Track Online Colleges For?
The best online degree programs for working adults cater to those seeking an accelerated and flexible path. They are especially suitable for adults advancing their skills and careers. Fast-track online colleges are certainly convenient. But not only that, they are more affordable than traditional programs.
However, they pose a distinct challenge. Unless you are transferring credits into your program to fast-track it, you still must complete an entire degree in a short amount of time. Accelerated online programs are for people who are focused, motivated, and realistic. If you don’t have the time and dedication required, you may not get the grades you need.
For those at mid-level in their career and who need a master’s degree to get ahead, see about transferring in credits for work experience to accelerate your degree. If you need to start with an undergrad program, find a 3+1 or 4+1 program to launch you. Again, accelerated degree programs online are an excellent way to advance in your career.
GetEducated's Picks
- Liberty University Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Eastern University Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Grand Canyon University Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Colleges for Working Adults
Here are some of the benefits of fast-track online colleges for working adults:
- Flexibility: Fast-track online colleges offer a lot of flexibility, allowing students to work at their own pace and on their own time.
- Affordability: Fast-track online colleges can cost less than traditional college. Especially for working adults who can take advantage of financial aid.
- Quality: Fast-track online colleges should offer the same quality of education as traditional colleges. Make sure yours is accredited by regional or national accreditors.
First Time Students
Accelerated online degrees are not limited to working adults. Nor to those with prior academic experience. They also cater to first-time students who are eager to jumpstart their higher education.
Want to enter the job market sooner? How about pursuing further education at an expedited pace? The best online fast-track degrees for adults offer convenience. First-time students can adapt their studies to their own schedules while still receiving a quality education. By compressing a traditional timeline, these degrees enable first-time students to earn their degrees quickly. Then, they can embark on their desired career paths with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed.
Professionals Seeking Advancement
All institutions know the requirements of working students who need better skills, knowledge, and qualifications while balancing their existing commitments. Online fast-track colleges provide the convenience of joining work responsibilities with higher education. Through an accelerated curriculum, these colleges position students for promotions, career transitions, and heightened marketability. Basically, fast-track online colleges serve as a career pathway. They unlock fresh possibilities for personal and professional development.
Accelerated Degree Programs for Working Adults
Fast-track online colleges are for adults with career commitments, family responsibilities, or other time constraints. In fact, they attract professionals enhancing their skill sets, those seeking a career change or driven to advance in their fields. By providing condensed and focused courses, accelerated degrees acknowledge the unique circumstances of adult learners. This is a platform to accelerate educational growth, achieve goals, and embark on a brighter future.
How to Pay for Accelerated Degree Programs Online
In general, paying for accelerated degree programs online is similar to financing traditional online degrees. There are various financial aid options available to support students. For example, a common avenue is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FAFSA determines eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. It also serves as the foundation for accessing financial aid for both traditional and accelerated online degree programs. In addition, scholarships are valuable resources. They can offset the cost of tuition for the best online degree programs for working adults. There are even scholarships specifically for online students, including those pursuing accelerated programs.
Grants, both federal and state-based, are another form of financial aid. These grants are typically need-based or awarded for specific fields of study.
Lastly, students may consider loans as a means to finance their education, including federal student loans and private loans. It is important for students pursuing accelerated online degrees to thoroughly research and explore financial aid options to determine the best strategy for funding their education while managing their financial responsibilities.
Sorting Through Accelerated Online Degree Programs for Working Adults
When searching for the best online degree programs for working adults, it is crucial to prioritize tuition rates and degree pacing.
To navigate this process effectively, a valuable resource to consider is GetEducated.com. This website offers a wealth of information about online schools that meet the distinctive needs of adult learners. These schools prioritize flexibility and offer accelerated programs, making them the top choice to advance education while managing other commitments.
By visiting GetEducated.com, you can access detailed insights and comparisons of various online degree programs. Make well-informed decisions and discover the perfect educational pathway that aligns with your goals today!
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