Fast Online Degree-Completion Programs

Online degree-completion programs are designed for students who have some college credits. Usually, these students have either earned an associate degree or started but not completed a bachelor’s degree program.

Finishing your bachelor’s degree can help you advance in your role or even pivot to a totally new career path. And online degree-completion programs offer the flexibility many adult learners need to succeed.

“Increased education, combined with networking skills and a strong resume, can lead to greater job security and stability,” says Norma Feriz-Gordon, a state-certified professional school counselor who has helped thousands of students navigate higher education.

So, are you ready to go back to college? Explore sample online degree-completion programs below and learn about the benefits and costs of these programs.

While online degree-completion programs typically take two years to complete, the actual length of your program will depend on how many credits you transfer from your previous institution.

Wondering how many credits you’ll need to graduate? Many degree-completion programs require you to have an associate degree, or at least 30-60 college credits. Since you’ll need to earn a total of 120 credits for a bachelor’s degree, this comes out to an additional 60-90 credits.

Some real-life examples: At Pepperdine University, you need at least 60 college credits to qualify for the online business management program’s transfer guarantee. Meanwhile, to enroll in DePaul University‘s online computer science program, you need at least 30 transfer credits.

The average two-year online degree-completion program costs around $24,000 in tuition and fees, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). This comes out to an average of $14,000 after financial aid.

That said, tuition rates can vary greatly depending on the school and other factors, like whether you’re an in-state or out-of-state student.

Ball State University, for example, charges online undergraduates $2,326 in tuition and fees per semester. The University of South Carolina, meanwhile, charges $5,199 for in-state students in its degree-completion program and $10,428 for out-of-state students.

It’s not just about tuition, though.

“Don’t forget to apply for financial aid and budget for books, tech, and other materials,” reminds Feriz-Gordon.

A bachelor’s degree can expand your career and earning possibilities and make you eligible for both entry-level and mid-level jobs across various industries.

“Employers may consider raises based on education and specific degrees,” notes Feriz-Gordon. “Some government agencies rank their roles based on education, which is directly tied to predetermined pay scales.”

Ultimately, your career choice should align with your academic and professional interests.

Many in-demand jobs that require a bachelor’s degree are in the tech and finance sectors. These include roles like data scientist, financial examiner, and software developer.

In the business world, you can find well-paying roles as an operations research analyst, information security analyst, or logistician.

Learn more about job growth rates and salaries for these roles in the table below.

Source: BLS

Whether an online degree-completion program is worth it for you depends on your academic and professional goals, your life situation, and your learning style.

These programs provide flexibility, which can be convenient for parents and working adults. You can complete your degree without relocating or disrupting your lifestyle.

As an online student, you’ll also likely save on transportation and room and board costs.

Our BestColleges 2024 Online Education Trends Report found that 97% of online bachelor’s students and graduates would recommend online education to others.

But before you enroll in an online degree-completion program, think about your learning style and personality.

Online students depend heavily on technology, with more independence than traditional students. They also often don’t get as much interaction with their classmates and instructors as on-campus students do.

And since you’ll be learning remotely, you’ll need a lot of self-motivation — and external support — to succeed academically.

“Communicate with your employer, family, and friends about your goals,” recommends Feriz-Gordon. “You might need a more flexible schedule or support with childcare, transportation, or other family responsibilities.”

Ultimately, take time to research schools so you know exactly what to expect before you enroll in an online degree-completion program.