Why Choose an Accelerated Degree for Career Change?
Here, we’ll discuss the best accelerated degree options for career change. We’ll also discuss what to look for in these options and how to choose the best for yourself. Since earning a college degree can be expensive, we’ll also look at the financial aid options.
Why do people change careers in the first place? The reasons are as diverse as the people themselves. But better work-life balance, higher pay, and increased job satisfaction are common reasons. In fact, 83% of workers consider work-life balance as their top priority nowadays.
Changing careers isn’t a new thing either. The average American worker changes jobs more than 12 times in the course of their career.
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But changing careers isn’t something you jump into with your eyes closed, so to speak. For starters, you may have to earn a bachelor’s degree. If it does, you should consider an accelerated degree program.
Here are the reasons why you should:
Save time and money.
Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs usually take 12-24 months to complete. But it can also be as long as three years, depending on the program. In contrast, traditional programs have a four-year completion period.
The less time you spend in college, the less money you’ll spend, too. But your actual time-to-completion will depend on many factors, including:
- Number of your transferred credits
- Number of courses you’re enrolled in per term (i.e., part-time or full-time)
- Program design (e.g., competency-based)
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- Accelerated Degree Programs at Affordable Online Colleges: Top Options for Students
- Top 5 Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees for Working Adults
- Accelerated Bachelor’s Programs for Military Veterans
Enter a new field quickly.
The faster you can earn your bachelor’s degree, the sooner you can enter the workforce. But it isn’t only about the speed with which you enter a new field. You’ll also have the vital knowledge and skills to become a productive professional.
Many programs even enable students to gain real-world skills. This is possible through practical projects, professional certifications, and/or internships.
Enjoy an ideal learning arrangement for adult learners and working professionals.
Many accelerated programs offer maximum flexibility through:
- Synchronous and asynchronous online classes
- Evening and weekend in-person sessions, if required in the program
- 24/7 access to the learning management system and other tools
Plus, the best accelerated programs offer dedicated student support and career development services. Academic advising, credit transfer evaluation, and career advising are common.
What to Look for in an Accelerated Online Degree
If you consider the best degrees for career change first before making the plunge, you’re on the right track. But you must still consider their major aspects.
With that said, here are the factors that you must look for in accelerated online degree programs.
Program length
Again, accelerated programs usually have a 12-24 months time-to-completion. But look beyond it because fast-paced programs are more intensive.
- Check the program structure. Does it offer short terms (e.g., 5-8 weeks) or year-round courses?
- Consider the transfer credit policies. Does the college accept your associate’s degree, work experience, and prior learning credits?
- Determine if the course load expectations fit your lifestyle. Will you be able to meet your academic and other obligations?
Online flexibility
Look for online programs that offer:
- Asynchronous courses that allow self-paced study
- Mobile-friendly learning platforms
Check if the program offers part-time enrollment, too.
Accreditation
Regional accreditation is the gold standard, but national accreditation is acceptable, too. Then, check for programmatic accreditation, if applicable. Certain fields, such as nursing and education, must have programmatic accreditation (e.g., CCNE and CAEP).
Financial aid and scholarships
Accelerated programs may be more affordable, but college still costs money. Be sure to explore your financial aid options, too.
Career support services
Students in accelerated programs face many challenges, especially from the fast-paced coursework. Effective student support and career development services are then a must.
Look for strong internship and job placement support services, too. Also, consider if the college has an extensive and supportive alumni network.
Top Affordable Accelerated Degrees for Career Changers
Business Administration
If you’re looking for in-demand, fast online degrees for adults, consider business. There are good reasons why business is the most popular undergraduate degree (NCES). Nearly every industry seeks individuals with effective management, operations, and finance skills.
Business degrees are affordable, too. Public in-state students pay $11,610/year, on average, but yours can be higher or lower.
Even if a business degree costs more than expected, it pays off. Business and financial occupations earn $80,920/year in median wages. Projected job growth demand is faster than average, too.
Nursing (RN-to-BSN)
Healthcare is a popular field that career change online degrees help people transition into. Indeed, such is its popularity that there are 706 RN-to-BSN programs in the US (AACN).
These accelerated nursing programs can be affordable, too. Some online programs can be completed for under $10,000 for their entirety. Fayetteville State and Western Carolina University are examples.
Nursing is a well-paying and in-demand career, too. Registered nurses earned $93,600/year in median wages. Projected job demand is 6%, which is faster than average.
Computer Science/Information Technology
This field also offers affordable and quick degrees for working professionals. While the costs of online programs vary widely, the average is $7,800/year. Financial aid can reduce it further.
Computer and IT occupations are well-paid and in demand, too. Their median wage was $105,990/year. Projected job growth is much faster than average.
Education (Licensure Paths)
Education as a career path is both noble and rewarding. Plus, it’s among the most affordable online degrees for career changers. Some public universities offer online programs costing under $10,000 for their entirety.
Teachers’ salaries vary depending on grade level, experience, and location, among other factors. Kinder and elementary school teachers earned $62,310/year in median wages. High school teachers earned $64,580/year in median wages.
The demand for K-12 teachers is on the rise, too, especially with teacher shortages.
Healthcare Administration
This is also a popular field with plenty of degree programs for career changers. Costs vary, too, but some programs cost $25,000 or less to complete. Financial aid is a must to cover part or all of the cost.
Costs notwithstanding, healthcare administration is an excellent career. Medical and health services managers earned $117,960/year in median wages.
These healthcare professionals are also in high demand and enjoy job security. Projected job growth is 29%, much faster than average.
Web Development and Design
We live in a world where websites are the center of the Internet experience. So, it makes sense for career changers to pursue a web development and design degree.
Doing so can be affordable, too, with some online programs offering a $10,000 total cost. The return on investment is on the high end, too. Web developers and designers earned $95,380/year in median wages.
Job security is also possible. Their projected job growth is 8%, faster than average.
Cybersecurity
Cyberattacks and cyberthreats are a valid concern, especially among organizations. For this reason, a cybersecurity degree can bring many career benefits.
But a cybersecurity degree can be expensive – it can cost $14,000/year, on average. Look for more affordable online programs (e.g., St. Philip’s College).
Cybersecurity as a career pays well, too. Information security analysts earned $124,910/year in median wages. Projected job growth is 33%, much faster than average.
Human Resources
Earning a human resources degree costs $13,000 for its entirety. National University, for example, charges $4,162/year.
The degree opens opportunities in diverse sectors, too. You can be a human resources specialist, manager, or consultant.
Human resources managers earned $140,030/year in median wages. Projected demand is faster than average at 6%.
Accounting
Every organization that handles money and other assets will need an accountant. Therefore, an accounting degree is an excellent choice for career changers. Accounting is also among the most affordable, with some programs costing $9,000 per year.
Accountants and auditors earn well, too, at $81,680/year in median wages. Projected demand is faster than average at 6%, too.
Digital Marketing
We live in the Digital Age, so a digital marketing degree makes sense for career changers. You can find a wide range of jobs with it, too. Becoming an advertising, promotions, and marketing manager is an option.
These professionals earned $159,660/year in median wages. Their projected demand is faster than average at 8%.
Here’s a comparison table for your reference:
| Degree | Affordable Cost Estimate | Median Annual Wage (BLS, May 2024) | Projected Job Growth (BLS, 2023-2033) |
| Business Administration | $11,610/year | $80,920/year | Faster than average |
| Nursing (RN-to-BSN) | Under $10,000 (entire program) | $93,600/year | 6% |
| Computer Science/Information Technology | $7,800/year | $105,990/year | Much faster than average |
| Education (Licensure Paths) | Under $10,000 (entire program) | $62,310 – $64,580/year | Rising demand |
| Healthcare Administration | $25,000 or less (entire program) | $117,960/year | 29% |
| Web Development and Design | $10,000 (entire program) | $95,380/year | 8% |
| Cybersecurity | $14,000/year | $124,910/year | 33% |
| Human Resources | $13,000 (entire program) | $140,030/year | 6% |
| Accounting | $9,000/year | $81,680/year | 6% |
| Digital Marketing | $9,500/year | $159,660/year | 8% |
Tips for Choosing the Right Degree for Your New Career Path
While every degree is an excellent choice in theory, not every degree is the right one for you. Here’s what you can do to make the right choice:
Match your interests and skills.
What are your current interests and skills? What are your career goals? What knowledge and skills should you gain for your new career?
Once you have the answers, you can align your degree choice with your interests and goals. If you’re interested in a business career, for example, it makes sense to pursue a business degree.
Consider job growth and salary outlook.
While it’s important to pursue your new passion, it’s also crucial to consider its monetary benefits. Be sure to research your desired field’s job growth and salary outlook, too. Start with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and consider ZipRecruiter and Glassdoor.
Look for colleges offering support for adult learners.
As a non-traditional student, your needs are different from traditional students. You should then consider an online college for career switch professionals. WGU, Liberty University, and Penn State World Campus are great examples.
Use FAFSA and apply for scholarships.
The average cost of college is $38,270/student/year (i.e., direct and indirect costs; EDI, 2025). Now, that’s a significant amount of money that many adult learners may not have. This is where financial aid comes to the rescue.
The more financial aid options available in a program, the better it is for your financial health. Be sure to apply for as many financial aid programs as you can.
Financial Aid for Accelerated Programs
The best fast-track degrees with financial aid offer a wide range of options. But free money isn’t handed on a silver platter – you must work for it. This is true whether it’s need-based federal aid or merit-based scholarships.
FAFSA and grants
Always submit your complete and accurate FAFSA before the deadline. Even if you think that you’re ineligible, file it. The FAFSA is a mother document, so to speak, for need-based aid. You may have to use it for other financial aid programs.
Employer tuition assistance
If you’re currently employed, ask your employer about educational assistance. Your employer may cover part or all your tuition and fees.
Scholarships for non-traditional students
Yes, these scholarships are available, but it takes a little sleuthing to find them. Use scholarship search engines and databases (e.g., Fastweb) to do so. Examples include ASIST Scholarship, Ford ReStart Program, and Osher Reentry Scholarship.
Final Thoughts: Is an Accelerated Degree Right for You?
The shortest degrees for new careers provide a wide range of benefits for adult learners.
- Faster time-to-completion resulting in quicker entry into a new field
- Flexible schedules that accommodate busy schedules
- Significant cost savings through a shorter time-to-completion and lower costs
- Focused learning for career-relevant knowledge and skills
So, if you’re planning a career change, explore our featured degrees now. Take the first step that will set your plans into motion.