If you’re a student looking to kickstart your career quickly with an accelerated program that provides both quality and affordability, you’re in the right place. Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs offer a fast track to various rewarding careers. Depending on your chosen major, you could become a high school teacher, earning a median salary of $65,220, a general manager with a median salary of $101,280, or a software developer with a median salary of $130,160. These programs typically condense the traditional four-year timeline into 18 months to three years, allowing you to enter the workforce sooner while remaining on budget.
How to Choose a Cheap Accelerated Bachelor’s Program
Choose your area of study
For many students, choosing an area of study for their bachelor’s degree is a significant decision, as it can greatly impact their education. Many of these degree programs offer several majors to choose from, but this can seem daunting if you’re not sure where to start. Consider asking yourself:
- What subjects am I most enthusiastic about?
- What are my career goals?
- What are my strengths and skills?
For example, strong leaders with a knack for problem-solving may enjoy majoring in business, preparing for roles in management and entrepreneurship. Individuals who like working with numbers may thrive majoring in finance, while highly organized students passionate about healthcare may opt for healthcare administration.
Research schools and programs
Once you have a major in mind, researching schools and programs becomes more focused. You can use your intended major to identify programs that offer solid curriculums and resources in your future field. Here are a few questions to help guide your research further:
- What is the faculty’s experience and qualifications?
- What are the tuition costs and financial aid options?
- Are there opportunities for internships or hands-on experiences?
- What is the school’s job placement and graduation rate?
This information can be found on university websites, at virtual open houses, or in conversations with admissions counselors.
Prepare for tests and applications
With your shortlist of schools in hand, you can begin preparing for tests and applications. Some schools may have slightly different admissions requirements, but many share similar criteria — including:
- High school transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
- ACT or SAT scores, if required
Enrolling in test prep programs for the ACT or SAT can boost your scores, ultimately making you a more competitive applicant.
Select your program
Once acceptance letters arrive, revisit your initial research criteria and focus on what matters most to you — such as the program’s reputation, the faculty you’ll learn from, and support services. Reassess the total cost of attendance for each program and compare it with any financial aid offers to make sure your choice is financially feasible.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Figuring out how to pay for your degree without a significant debt burden may initially feel impossible, but many financial aid resources are available to help. Start with scholarships and grants, which don’t require repayment and can considerably reduce costs. Next, consider work-study programs that provide part-time jobs to help fund your education. If you’re already employed, ask if your employer offers tuition reimbursement.
Finally, federal loans can bridge any remaining gaps, as they often have lower interest rates and flexible repayment options.
Best 50 Cheapest Accelerated Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs
How we rank schools
This list features some of the country’s cheapest accelerated online bachelor’s degree programs. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution, either public or private, with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of the cheapest accelerated online bachelor’s degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications, such as U.S. News & World Report, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What Can You Expect From a Cheap Accelerated Bachelor’s Program?
By enrolling in a cheap accelerated bachelor’s program, you can expect an efficient, cost-effective path to earning your degree.
These programs offer versatility, allowing students to major in fields like business, technology, healthcare, social services, and humanities — among others. The accelerated format allows these students to graduate faster, potentially saving time and money. Additionally, many are drawn to these programs for their flexible online courses and the opportunity to enter the workforce sooner.
Some programs may require capstone courses or a thesis for completion, which provides a more comprehensive learning experience. While many programs are entirely online, some may have in-person requirements, like in-person labs or residencies.
Potential courses you’ll take in a cheap accelerated bachelor’s program
- Fundamentals of Business: This course provides foundational knowledge in business principles — covering topics like management, marketing, finance, and organizational behavior. Students will learn to analyze business scenarios, develop strategic plans, and understand the dynamics of the corporate world.
- Foundations of Information Technology: In this course, students explore the basics of IT, including computer systems, networking, and cybersecurity. They’ll gain practical skills in troubleshooting, system administration, and implementing security measures to protect digital information.
- Healthcare Management: This course focuses on administering and managing healthcare facilities. Participants will learn about healthcare policies, ethical considerations, and the financial aspects of running a healthcare organization, preparing them for hospital administration or health services management roles.
- Modern Art and Theory: In this course, learners delve into the evolution of contemporary art from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, examining fundamental movements such as Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, and Abstract Impressionism. Students will explore the works of influential artists like Picasso, Duchamp, and Pollock and analyze the cultural contexts that shaped these movements.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s Degree?
You can pursue many occupations with a bachelor’s degree, including options in education, nursing, and finance. These careers offer salaries higher than the national median and increased job security.
Career outlook
- Elementary School Teacher — Ideal for education graduates, these teachers create lesson plans, deliver instruction, and assess student learning in different subjects.
- Median annual salary: $63,680
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 1%
- New jobs projected: 109,000
- Registered Nurse — A typical entry-level role for nursing graduates, registered nurses provide direct patient care, administer medications, and collaborate with healthcare teams to develop treatment plans.
- Median annual salary: $86,070
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New jobs projected: 193,100
- Financial Analyst — Many finance majors pursue careers as financial analysts post-graduation. They evaluate financial data, create reports, and recommend investment decisions.
- Median annual salary: $99,890
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 8%
- New jobs projected: 27,400
Cheap Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do accelerated degree programs work?
Accelerated degree programs condense the traditional timeline into shorter, more intensive terms, often eight weeks instead of the usual 16-week semester. This format allows students to complete courses faster, enabling them to graduate sooner. This requires a significant commitment but offers the advantage of entering the workforce quickly and potentially reducing tuition costs.
Visit our page to explore the pros and cons of these degree programs and determine if they’re the right fit for you.
How long does it take to earn a cheap accelerated bachelor's degree?
Compared to the traditional four-year timeline, these bachelor’s programs can typically be completed in 18 months to three years. The exact duration depends on the program’s structure and the number of credits required. It’s essential to check the specific credit requirements and course availability to accurately estimate your completion time.
How much does a cheap accelerated bachelor's degree cost?
The average annual cost of tuition for an undergraduate degree is $14,688. Accelerated programs often feature lower tuition rates due to their shortened duration. However, you’ll also want to budget for additional expenses like technology fees, textbooks, and course materials.
Consult a financial aid counselor at your chosen school to better understand the total investment.