Accelerated Degrees: How Online Colleges Help Working Adults Graduate Sooner

Introduction: What Are Accelerated Programs?

Did you know you can earn a degree in half the time of a traditional program? Yes, this is true! More and more students are choosing accelerated degrees over traditional ones to have a quicker return on investment.

Many believe that accelerated degrees are easier to pursue than traditional ones. But is this really the case?

Accelerated degrees cover the same curriculum as traditional ones but in shorter, flexible classes. You can earn a five-year bachelor’s degree in three years or less. But to do so, you need to embrace a faster pace and maintain high dedication and focus.

The average college course will last anywhere between 14 to 16 weeks. However, courses might be condensed into 5 to 8 weeks in accelerated programs. This format is not easier; it often demands more effort and discipline. While specific structures will vary, you can expect an intensified workload and a shorter time frame for mastering each subject.

Accelerated degrees are often found in online colleges. They can be completed in a 100% online format or a mix of online and on-campus (hybrid classes). However, not all degrees/majors have accelerated formats.

Despite their competitive and demanding nature, many working adults are still choosing accelerated programs over regular courses. These programs offer several benefits that are highly attractive to those eager to graduate faster. After all, not everyone has the luxury of staying in college for four to five years; some actually want to compete in the job market faster to earn for their families.

Related Articles:

• Flexible Course Schedules: Online Colleges Supporting Working Adults
• Maximize Your Education: Credit Transfer Programs for Working Adults
• Support Resources: Top Colleges for Non-Traditional Students

Benefits of Accelerated Programs in Online Colleges

Fast-track degree programs are difficult to keep up with. Unlike traditional formats, students cannot afford distractions. In most cases, students with accelerated degrees can no longer have a life outside of work and study.

However, the benefits of accelerated degrees outweigh its challenges. Here are the top three reasons why you should pursue accelerated programs:

Save time and money

While tuition might be the same for accelerated and traditional programs, the former often results in overall cost savings. It makes sense that the less time you spend in school, the less you spend on expenditures. According to Investopedia, cutting six months off an undergraduate degree could save students over $15,000.

However, the cost savings do not end there. When you earn a degree faster, you can enter the workforce sooner, reducing lost income and often carrying less debt.

Flexibility for working adults

Another benefit of accelerated degrees to working adults’ education is the flexibility they offer. Unlike traditional programs, accelerated degrees often allow students to complete coursework on their own time as long as they submit them within the set deadlines. It enables students to study when it’s most convenient, whether early mornings, late evenings, or weekends.

Accelerated degrees offer flexibility that fits into busy lives, letting working adults study at their speed. They don’t need to be on campus at set times, which is tough when juggling jobs or parenting. This setup helps balance work, life, and study well. 

Plus, online platforms give students access to lectures and discussions whenever and wherever, making it easier for them to learn when it suits them best.

Quick entry into the workforce

This is the top reason why many adult learners choose accelerated formats. With today’s economy and competitive job markets, only the wealthy have the time to spend on additional years of education. According to US News & World Report, quick college degrees give students a “career head start.”

Starting your career early has numerous benefits. It helps you

• develop a strong work ethic,
• gain mental focus to overcome challenges,
• develop time management skills, and
• pursue advanced academic goals.

Furthermore, early career starts provide tangible advantages for young adults. They gain valuable skills relevant to future jobs, making them more attractive to employers. Early experience also offers stability with a steady income, which supports a secure lifestyle from an early age.

Those are only a few of the many accelerated online learning benefits. Other benefits include:

1. Improved technical skills
2. Comfortable learning environment
3. Collaboration and global network
4. Customized curriculum
5. No need for relocation 

How Accelerated Programs Work

The program structure of accelerated degrees will significantly vary from program to program. Nevertheless, these programs are designed to allow students to complete their degrees in a shorter time frame. 

To give you an idea, here are examples of how accelerated programs work:

Shorter semesters and intensive coursework

The average college course lasts up to 16 weeks, usually two terms per year. This setup means it can take four to five years to finish the degree, primarily if students work and can’t take a full course load each semester.

On the other hand, accelerated degree programs offer shorter, more flexible classes. Instead of just two semesters a year, students can take classes whenever they fit their schedule best. These classes are often condensed into sessions lasting five to ten weeks. This allows dedicated students to complete their degrees faster—sometimes in just one year for certain graduate programs.

One of the most common questions is, “Will learning so quickly impact the quality of education?” The answer is no. Universities structure their courses so that even in accelerated programs, you still thoroughly cover all the necessary material.

Lengths of Traditional Degree Programs vs Accelerated Degree Programs

Program	Traditional Degree	Accelerated Degree
Associate	2 years	1-1.5 years
Bachelor’s	4-5 years	1-3 years
Master’s	2-4 years	1 year
Doctorate	4-7 years	2-3 years

Credit for prior learning and work experience

Another method to speed up a traditional degree program is to maximize transfer credits. Typically, degree programs consist of three types of courses:

• General education courses
• Courses specific to your major
• Electives

Many colleges and universities grant transfer credits based on your previous academic achievements. These credits determine how close you are to completing your degree. Maximizing these transfer credits can shorten the time it takes to graduate. Even if the program itself isn’t labeled as “accelerated,” you can still make substantial progress by strategically utilizing transfer credits.

Some schools also consider work experience. For example, at Western Governors University, students may transfer credit hours based on their work experience, allowing them to complete some coursework before they even begin.

Examples of accelerated program structures

Here are a few examples of accelerated program structures found in colleges and universities:

1. Single Degree Programs

Single accelerated degree programs allow students to complete one degree faster. These programs may involve heavier course loads and summer sessions. They often use advanced placement credits or prior learning assessments to speed up progress. For example, a single accelerated program can shorten a four-year degree to three years or less, depending on the institution and the student’s workload management skills.

• Common accelerated degree programs include:
• RN-to-BSN programs
• Business degree programs
• Degree-completion bachelor’s programs
• Master’s in education programs
• Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) programs

2. Dual Degree Programs

Dual accelerated degree programs offer flexible education options that allow students to earn two degrees at once in less time than if they did each degree separately. These programs often combine related subjects like business and law or engineering and computer science. Students can finish both degrees at the same level faster by sharing credits and taking overlapping classes.

3. Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Programs

Many students mistake dual degree programs for combined programs. While they sound similar, they’re two totally different accelerated programs.

Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Programs merge undergraduate and graduate coursework. This allows students to earn both degrees faster than if pursued individually. Students often start graduate-level classes during their bachelor’s, utilizing credits for both degrees.

Who Should Consider Accelerated Programs?

While packed with benefits, shorter degree programs are not for all adult learners. These programs require different levels of commitment. Accelerated online degree programs are often best fit for students who:

• already have a degree and want to speed up graduation
• are looking to get into the workforce quickly
• want to earn two degrees in less time
• have the foundational knowledge of the degree program

Most importantly, online accelerated programs are only for those who can fully commit to their studies. These programs can be stressful, especially for students who aren’t highly motivated and disciplined.

Tips for Succeeding in an Accelerated Program

Completing a year’s worth of lessons in a fraction of the time is difficult. The truth is that accelerated online learning doesn’t always give its students a healthy balance. This is especially true for students with jobs and dependents.

Here are a few tips on overcoming the challenges of accelerated degrees and gaining full college education value.

Implement effective time management strategies.

The key to effective time management is to avoid procrastination, the killer of all dreams. You should start by creating weekly schedules that include everything, from coursework deadlines to doctor’s appointments. This gives you a clear window on how your time is allocated.

1. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and importance.
2. Include some breaks to make the process easier.

Develop effective study habits.

Students who study while working will benefit greatly from developing effective study habits. These habits enhance academic performance and make it easier to manage work and personal responsibilities with greater enjoyment.

1. Find a quiet place to study.
2. Keep assignments organized.
3. Highlight key concepts in the reading materials.
4. Set goals.
5. Take practice tests.

Utilize college resources and support.

You will need all the help you can get from your college. In fact, the smartest students take full advantage of all the free support services offered. These resources will contribute to your academic growth, time management skills, and overall college experience. Here are a few of the several support resources important to accelerated learners:

1. Academic advising
2. Tutoring
3. Career services

Financial Considerations

Financial considerations are the top motivator for many students to choose online accelerated learning formats.

Potential cost savings

With accelerated learning, you’re in the driver’s seat. You can graduate faster, reducing the amount spent on educational costs like textbooks and campus fees.

Scholarships and financial aid options

Accelerated degree students have the same financial aid options as their traditional peers. Some institutions more often prioritize fast-paced learning students due to their known commitment.

Return of investments

To calculate ROI, students should estimate the total cost of their accelerated education (including tuition, fees, and living expenses) and compare it with the expected increase in earnings over their career due to early entry into the job market. You can ask for help from your school’s career services office or utilize online resources.

Conclusion: Achieving Your Academic Goals Sooner

Accelerated learning isn’t just a new education trend. It can translate into various benefits for adult college students, from cost savings to early career advancement. However, this learning format requires high dedication, focus, and motivation.

Before enrolling in an accelerated degree program, ask yourself, “Am I ready for an intensive academic journey?” It’s important to remember that these programs often triple the stress of a traditional program. You’ll cover the same coursework but in a much shorter timeframe.

We highly suggest speaking with an academic counselor before pursuing an accelerated online learning degree program.