How To Get a Bachelor’s Degree in 2 Years: Pros & Cons You Should Know for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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How long does it take to get a bachelor’s degree? Can you do it in two years?

According to the latest data from the National Center for Education Statistics (2021), while graduation rates increased by 2% yearly from 2010 to 2018, the degree completion rate of this year’s freshmen might only be 1-in-4 four years from now. Numerous factors could underpin this data, with the average cost of college in the U.S. included. As such, finishing college in only two years seems like a great idea, but only after considering its pros and cons.

This guide outlines how to finish a bachelor’s degree in two years to your full advantage, along with the pros and cons that students must weigh when deciding whether to fast-track their education.  

How to Complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Two Years Table of Contents

• Can you get a Bachelor’s Degree in 2 years?
• How to Complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Two Years
• How Can You Verify the Quality and Accreditation of an Accelerated Program?
• What factors should you consider when choosing an accelerated bachelor's degree program?
• Popular Business Degrees That Can Be Completed in Two Years
• Can supplementary certifications boost career outcomes alongside an accelerated degree?
• Are Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees Recognized by Employers?
• What is the Long-Term ROI of an Accelerated Bachelor's Degree?
• What are the admission requirements for an accelerated bachelor’s degree program?
• Real-Life Success Stories of Students Graduating in Two Years
• The Pros and Cons of Finishing a Bachelor’s Degree in Two Years
• What are the challenges of maintaining work-life balance during an accelerated degree program?
• What effective strategies can boost success in an accelerated program?

Can you get a Bachelor’s Degree in 2 years?

Normally, you’d expect a bachelor’s degree to take 4 years off your life. But as always, that doesn’t stop people from wondering—can you get a bachelor’s degree in 2 years? The quick answer is yes! A 2 year bachelor degree is indeed possible.

People typically think of a Bachelor’s degree as something that requires four years at colleges and universities to accomplish. However, it is possible to obtain such a degree in a shorter time. And how to graduate college early is what we will discuss further in this article. 

Reasons for Taking a Bachelor’s Degree in Two Years

Why would a student want to earn a degree in just two years rather than the standard four years? There could be many considerations, like the following: 

• Financial: Cost is vital to education. In Fall 2014, a College Decisions Survey commissioned by New America’s Education Policy Program (2015) found that students were most concerned about cost when choosing a college. Attending university for a shorter period could save students money on living expenses and additional school fees.
• Time: The sooner students earn a bachelor’s degree, the sooner they can join the job market and make a median of $1,173 weekly for a living. (Torpey, 2018b) 
• Accelerating career: If students finish their bachelor’s degree early, they can proceed to a master’s degree sooner, and, thus have better career prospects with a higher education level. Master’s degree holders earn roughly $300 more weekly than bachelor’s degree holders. (Torpey, 2018b) 
• Stay on track and succeed: Some adult learners may want to fill a gap or start anew, or they may want to get a promotion that requires completion of a bachelor’s degree. Those aged 30-40 also say that setting an example or building a better life for their children is vital to completing postsecondary education. (Prueter, 2015)

Whatever the student’s reason, several factors need consideration before deciding to dive into a rigorous, fast-tracked undergraduate program.

Factors to Consider When Taking a Two-Year Bachelor Degree

Demographic shifts are compelling colleges and universities to adopt more adult-friendly policies to remain viable. As such, institutions offer learning programs designed to promote personal growth and development. They help adult learners deal with everyday issues and prepare them for current and future work opportunities. Such programs also help organizations achieve desired results, adapt to change, and examine community and societal issues. (Bergman, 2016)

Nevertheless, there are factors that students must consider before deciding whether finishing a bachelor’s degree in two years is feasible and, if it is, which method would work best for them. 

• Existing credits: It would be much easier to finish a degree sooner if students had existing college credits or AP units that their chosen institutions could credit. 
• Military service or other professional experience: Some colleges transfer training, military service, or other professional experience into credit units to count towards students’ degrees.
• Testing out: Some universities allow students to take entrance exams to see if they can test out of lower-level courses and skip them to move ahead to the more difficult ones. 

How to Complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Two Years

As earlier mentioned, students do not necessarily have to spend four years to finish a bachelor’s degree. So can you graduate college in 2 years?  Yes!

If students meet certain conditions, they could earn a degree sooner through adult learning programs that may involve distance learning (online courses), evening and weekend classes, test-out (CLEP and DSST), and college credit for prior work experience. (Bergman, 2016) 

Distance learning is one way for many adult learners to continue with their education while working. In Fall 2019, approximately 3.45 million college students were enrolled exclusively in distance education courses, and 3.86 million students took at least one distance education course. (NCES, 2020a) And post-pandemic, it’s no surprise that getting a bachelor degree online in 2 years is becoming a viable option.

Meanwhile, many students consider taking online courses as the quickest path to a degree or the fastest time to complete their program (Capranos et al., 2021)

Bachelor Degree Completion Programs

The North Central Association’s Higher Learning Commission Task Force on Adult Degree-Completion Programs defines an adult degree completion program as one designed to meet the needs of working adults. Such adults will have earned 60 or more college credit hours. They are returning to school to complete a baccalaureate degree. Institutions deliver on their promise to complete the program in less than two years by establishing alternative class schedules, shortening the traditional semester/quarter time frame, organizing student cohorts, and crediting prior learning experiences equal to approximately 25% of the bachelor’s degree credit total. (Bergman, 2016) 

This method of finishing an undergraduate degree in two years is ideal if students already have existing credits, perhaps 60 units from a program they previously enrolled in but did not finish. Students must submit their transcripts of records to their preferred institution and request for transfer of credits. The institution determines which to credit. 

Transfer Credits

Similar to degree completion programs for students who were unable to finish a previously enrolled degree, those who have earned an associate’s degree at a community college may transfer credits from their associate’s degree to count towards a bachelor’s degree. However, this may still defeat the purpose of earning a bachelor’s degree in a short time since associate degrees typically take two years as well.

Nevertheless, college units are not the only ones that institutions credit. Students may participate in Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), a process of evaluating and crediting college-level learning earned outside the typical classroom setting. Examples of such learning include work experience, military training, independent study, non-credit courses, volunteer or community service, and non-college classes or seminars.

The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) lists the methods typically used to evaluate a student’s learning for college credit as follows: 

1. Work experience
2. Professional training
3. Military training
4. Open-source learning from the web and other independent studies
5. ACE and National College Credit Recommendation Services
6. Standardized exams (e.g., CLEP exams through the College Board, DSST military exams through Prometric, UExcel exams through Excelsior College)
7. Challenge or departmental exams
8. Institutional review of external training, licenses, or certifications
9. Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams

Typically, institutions may require students to submit a portfolio demonstrating credit-worthy mastery of a subject, or they must attend a college that offers credits for course substitutions.

PLAs save students time and money while increasing enrolment and graduation rates at schools and universities that accept them. CAEL found that Adult students with PLA credits are 17% more likely to complete their programs than those without such credit. (Klein-Collins et al., 2020)

College Courses During High School

Students can start earning college credits in high school by taking advanced placement (AP) classes. The college board created AP classes to introduce high school students to college-level classes and help them earn college credit before they even graduate. For college credit, students must pass an AP exam at the end of the year. (NSHSS, 2018)

Thus, students who take AP classes and pass AP exams could enter college for the first time with already accumulated units towards their degrees. They can skip the lower-level courses and enroll in higher-level ones earlier than most, thus accelerating their time to earn their degrees. 

Accelerated Degrees

Accelerated degree programs are becoming popular as these allow students to earn a bachelor’s degree in three years or less. These programs retain most of the benefits that traditional programs offer. They typically still cover the same courses with the same number of tests as in traditional programs, but all at a faster pace. Such programs are immersive and intensive.

Students may choose between a single-degree program, where there would be a short break following each course, or a dual-degree program where students may complete both bachelor’s and master’s degrees as the latter can use the same credits earned for the former.

They may also choose between on-campus and online accelerated degree programs. On-campus programs are ideal for students who enjoy socializing. On the other hand, online programs would fit those with jobs or family obligations during school hours, as courses are self-paced with no set deadlines. In fact, 25% of online students like this feature of online courses. (NCES, 2020)  

Another quarter of online students choose online programs because it allows them to complete courses in less time, and 20% choose so because of the available fast-tracked accelerated courses. (NCES, 2020)

Meanwhile, class length varies by institution, and session lengths range from five to eight weeks. The length of each session influences how quickly students earn their degrees.

Many institutions offer accelerated degree programs. Just like when applying for a regular four-year university or any academic institution for that matter, students must check several accelerated programs to find the best fit.  

Max Course Credits per School Year

Getting more credits each semester allows for a shorter time to graduate. Taking advantage of the summer school term would be one way to do this. 

However, this year-round schedule may only be ideal for full-time students. As Omelicheva (2012) notes in a study that appeared in the Journal of Political Science Education, “Since summer sessions are much shorter than regular semesters, both instructors and students are required to teach and learn more in a short period of time and, therefore, need to cope with the intensity of summer modules."

This same study, titled “Fab! or Drab?: Increasing the Effectiveness of Teaching and Learning in Summer Classes," also stressed that “for many students, summers are the time for earning income to pay for the school and living expenses during the academic year." In essence, employed students may “tend to be particularly inattentive and unenthused in summer school."

In the same vein as taking summer classes, taking night classes will help students complete as many units as quickly as possible but may also be difficult for working students.

Most colleges limit students to 15, 18, or 20 credits per term, depending on whether the school uses a quarter or semester system. Still, some colleges may make exceptions, allowing some students to overload credits. However, do keep in mind that some colleges charge extra for extra credits.

How Can You Verify the Quality and Accreditation of an Accelerated Program?

Ensuring that an accelerated degree program meets industry standards is essential for long-term career success. Prospective students should confirm that the program is accredited by recognized bodies and consistently reviewed by external agencies. Review the credentials of faculty members, examine curriculum rigor, and assess documented student outcomes to gauge program quality. Cross-reference information with official databases and consult industry forums for unbiased reviews. Additionally, compare different programs to determine if the course load and structure align with your professional goals and academic background; for instance, consider exploring what is the easiest degree to get for insights on program demands.

What factors should you consider when choosing an accelerated bachelor's degree program?

When selecting an accelerated program, students must evaluate institutional accreditation, transfer policies, and curriculum structure to ensure alignment with their academic and career goals. Assess the program’s flexibility by reviewing course formats, scheduling options, and availability of academic support services such as tutoring or advising. In addition, compare financial aid options, scholarship availability, and overall cost efficiency without compromising on academic rigor. Consider also how the program’s structure supports long-term career advancements, including eligibility for further education tracks like online PhD, which can be pivotal for specialized career development.

Popular Business Degrees That Can Be Completed in Two Years

Business Administration Degree

A Business administration degree is a versatile program that provides a broad foundation in various aspects of business management. It covers a range of disciplines including finance, marketing, human resources, operations, and strategic management. An accelerated business administration degree is a program that allows students to complete their business administration studies in a shorter time frame compared to traditional programs that take four years. It has a more condensed schedule, which may involve shorter semesters, intensive courses, or year-round study options. The degree aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and contribute to the effective operation and strategic decision-making within organizations.

Entrepreneurship Degree

An entrepreneurship degree typically spans two years for students with substantial transfer credits as they are qualified to take an expedited yet comprehensive education. The curriculum encompasses foundational business courses such as introduction to business, principles of marketing, and financial accounting, laying the groundwork for a solid understanding of business principles. Core entrepreneurship courses delve into essential topics like business planning and strategy, new venture creation, and opportunity recognition and analysis, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to initiate and manage their own ventures. The program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in entrepreneurship or to further their education in the field.

Nonprofit Management Degree

A nonprofit management degree is a program that focuses on the unique aspects of managing and leading organizations that operate for a social or charitable purpose rather than for profit. Nonprofit organizations, also known as NGOs or NPOs, play a crucial role in addressing social issues, advocating for causes, and providing services to communities. In a nonprofit management degree, students learn about the specific challenges and opportunities associated with running nonprofit organizations. The curriculum often covers topics such as fundraising, grant writing, program development and evaluation, volunteer management, and nonprofit governance. It is possible to complete a non-profit management degree in two years, especially if you pursue an accelerated or intensive program.

Organizational Leadership Degree

An organizational leadership degree is a program that focuses on developing the skills and knowledge needed to lead and manage teams within an organization effectively. This degree is often interdisciplinary, drawing from fields such as business, psychology, communication, and organizational behavior. Completing an organizational leadership degree in two years is possible. You may choose an accelerated program or enroll in a full-time course load each semester which typically means taking 15 or more credits. Another option is to transfer previously earned credits to your organizational leadership program.

Healthcare Administration Degree

A healthcare administration degree is a program that focuses on preparing individuals for leadership roles within the healthcare industry. This degree program covers a range of topics related to the management and administration of healthcare organizations. Students learn about healthcare policies, finance, human resources, healthcare information systems, and healthcare ethics. To earn a healthcare administration degree in two years, look for institutions that offer programs with shorter terms, intensive courses, or year-round scheduling. There are also online or hybrid programs that provide more flexibility in terms of scheduling.

Can supplementary certifications boost career outcomes alongside an accelerated degree?

Accelerated bachelor's degree programs are designed to expedite academic milestones, yet they may not always cover specialized or emerging skill sets demanded by today’s employers. Supplementary certifications can validate proficiency in specific areas, enhancing a graduate’s competitiveness in the job market. Employers increasingly recognize credentials from targeted courses and industry-recognized programs, which often translate into tangible career benefits. In this context, integrating certifications into an accelerated academic path can bridge potential knowledge gaps and deliver a strategic advantage during job applications and interviews. For industry-specific credentials that align with evolving career trends, consider exploring our guide on the best certifications for jobs.

Are Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees Recognized by Employers?

Employers increasingly value accelerated bachelor’s degrees when they come from accredited programs with rigorous curricula. Such degrees signal high motivation, exceptional time management skills, and the ability to handle challenging workloads—all qualities that align with industry demands. Recognition also depends on the issuing institution’s reputation and the demonstrated relevance of the coursework to professional roles. For further exploration of programs that balance academic quality with flexible scheduling, consider the easiest BS degree.

What is the Long-Term ROI of an Accelerated Bachelor's Degree?

Evaluating the return on investment (ROI) for an accelerated bachelor's program involves analyzing direct and indirect costs against future earnings potential. Key considerations include opportunity costs from entering the workforce earlier, potential salary increments, and lower overall tuition and living expenses. A detailed financial strategy should assess debt exposure, compare financing options, and factor in market trends to ensure that the accelerated timeline translates into long-term economic benefits. Additionally, reviewing programs that offer competitive pricing can highlight affordability without compromising educational quality—explore programs from the cheapest online college for further insights.

What are the admission requirements for an accelerated bachelor’s degree program?

Prospective students should be prepared to demonstrate prior academic achievement and relevant experience before enrolling in an accelerated program. Applicants are typically required to submit official transcripts, prove sufficient college-level coursework or credits, and may need to provide standardized test results when available. Some programs also request a detailed account of work or life experience that substantiates prior learning. Evaluating admission policies carefully can help ensure that students select institutions whose enrollment criteria align with their academic background and future career goals; for instance, consider comparing programs offered by schools with no application fee to simplify the application process.

Real-Life Success Stories of Students Graduating in Two Years

Sharing real-life stories of students who have successfully completed their bachelor's degrees in two years can offer inspiration and practical insights for prospective students considering this route. Below are some compelling anecdotes and lessons learned from individuals who managed to graduate quickly, whether they completed in the top online msw programs or other two-year programs.

• Emily Carter, Accelerated Nursing Student: Emily, a mother of two, completed her bachelor's degree in nursing within two years by leveraging prior learning assessments and an accelerated online nursing program. She credits her success to meticulous time management, support from her family, and taking advantage of evening and weekend classes. "I wanted to provide a better future for my kids, and finishing early allowed me to secure a stable job faster," Emily shares. Today, she works as a registered nurse and is pursuing a master’s degree.
• James Mitchell, Business Administration Graduate: James utilized AP credits from high school and enrolled in an accelerated business administration program. "Taking summer and night classes was tough, but it pushed me to stay disciplined," he recalls. Graduating within two years enabled James to transition directly into a managerial trainee program with a multinational company, putting him on a fast track in his career.
• Sophia Nguyen, First-Generation College Student: Sophia transferred credits from her community college and balanced part-time work with her studies in healthcare administration. "Anyone considering this should know it’s not easy, but it's worth it," Sophia advises. She now works at a leading healthcare institution and is debt-free, having saved money by shortening her time in college.

These stories illustrate that with a clear vision, strategic planning, and a strong support system, pursuing a two-year bachelor's degree can lead to rewarding outcomes. However, students must also acknowledge the need for resilience and adaptability to overcome challenges during this intense period.

The Pros and Cons of Finishing a Bachelor’s Degree in Two Years

Can you finish college in 2 years? We’ve pretty much said yes to this question since the beginning of this article, but do be cautious. You’ll have to have to look into the pros and cons of rushing college lest you might waste time and money on it. Before deciding whether to do so, it is best to check the pros and cons of finishing a bachelor’s degree in such a short time. 

The Pros

Graduating in a short time is a personal choice for each student. Still, here’s a list of potential benefits from fast-tracking a bachelor’s degree.

Save Money

The average cost of college in the U.S. is increasing. The average publicized (sticker) tuition and fees for full-time undergraduate students in 2021-22 were $10,740 in-state, $27,560 out-of-state, and $3,800 in-district, representing 1.3%-1.6% increases from the previous year before inflation. The average publicized (sticker) tuition for private nonprofit four-year was $38,070, a 2.1% increase. (Ma & Pender, 2021)

Simultaneously, borrowers owe a record $1.73 trillion in student loan debt in 2021. The typical class of 2021 borrower owes $36,900. (Hanson, 2021)

Besides, being employed earlier rather than waiting until after finishing a four-year degree ends could save students money on tuition, not to mention other costs like housing, while also reducing the risk of increasing student loan debt further.

Move Forward on a Career Path

Students get to be employed full-time sooner than those who take four years to finish a degree, allowing them to launch their careers sooner. Those who are already working would have better chances of landing a promotion. While employers now realize that relevant experience is a far better predictor of success than a specific degree, most professional/management positions may still require a college diploma.

Besides, if students finish a bachelor’s degree sooner, they also can apply to a master’s program earlier. Note that the education level typically required for certain positions could change over time, and entry-level education requirements may differ from experienced workers. For example, in 201516, approximately 39% of all occupational therapists aged 25 and older had a bachelor’s degree. Occupational therapists today typically require a master’s degree from an accredited program. As a result, the BLS states that occupational therapists typically require a master’s degree. (Torpey, 2018a)

Getting a bachelor’s degree early and proceeding with a master’s degree right after would help students get better work prospects. 

Save More for the Future 

Everyone retires eventually, but retirement also requires money. Since those who finish the best online bachelor degree programs get a better chance at landing a stable job sooner, they also get to save for their retirement earlier and are likely to end up with more funds for retirement.  

A recent Charles Schwab survey of 1,000 401(k) plan participants found that Americans believe they need $1.9 million to retire. (Peterson, 2021) But many miss this mark.

Note that fast-tracking graduation means getting a job earlier than other students do. Since bachelor’s degree holders tend to earn $300 more than associate degree holders and $400 more than high school graduates with no college or some college (Torpey, 2018b), they can start setting aside money for future needs like retirement.

People in their 20s who save 10% to 15% of their annual salary could retire comfortably. Those starting at 45 or older would need to save up to 35% of their annual salary. (Peterson, 2021) 

The Cons

Indeed, the upsides of getting out of college with a degree are quite compelling. Still, it is worth considering what students could miss out on if they graduate sooner than others do.

Lack of Exposure to Extracurricular Activities and Other Non-Academic Parts of College

College is a time for self-discovery and socialization, which might eventually grow into a professional network. Rigid academic activities would limit students’ time to try new things. 

Extracurricular activities help students in their personal and academic achievements. Those who participate in extracurricular activities do better at school; they also develop character traits, including leadership, time management, and the ability to accept constructive criticism. Extracurricular also increase self-esteem and resilience and foster social growth. Finally, extracurricular activities allow students to experience the value of community involvement. (Christison, 2013)

Such benefits could aid students once they join the job market. When students leave college sooner than others do, they are somehow limiting their personal growth. 

Fewer Opportunities for Internship  

Internships are valuable to gaining employment and useful for career exploration. Some industries, notably computing, finance, consulting, and journalism, regularly hire former interns. Not having enough time for internships to get mentorship from experts, build networks, find research opportunities, and define a career path could harm students’ job prospects.

Financial Burden

Indeed, among the reasons why students choose to finish a bachelor’s degree in two years is to save money. Superficially, it does look like students save money. However, one thing to note is that some schools charge extra for overloads, so it is best to weigh in on this factor, as students could be incurring extra costs instead. 

Another important financial consideration that some students do not realize is that their student loan repayment clock starts ticking as soon as they graduate. Indeed, finishing a bachelor’s degree early means students can finish paying for the loans in a short time as well. However, it can be a challenging transition for them to pay their loan after their rigorous two years of study. Thus, choosing to graduate early may mean creating unnecessary stress.

What are the challenges of maintaining work-life balance during an accelerated degree program?

While completing a bachelor's degree in two years offers numerous advantages, balancing academics with personal and work life can be a significant challenge. Students in accelerated programs need to carefully manage their time and energy to maintain their well-being and performance in both their academic and personal lives. Here are some potential challenges to consider:

• Intense academic workload: Accelerated programs often require students to take more courses per term than traditional programs. This means students will have less free time and need to commit to studying almost year-round. Juggling a heavier academic load can lead to stress and burnout if not managed properly.
• Limited time for personal commitments: With the demanding pace of an accelerated program, students may find it difficult to maintain relationships, hobbies, or family responsibilities. Socializing and personal downtime may take a backseat, which can affect emotional well-being.
• Managing work alongside studies: Many students who pursue accelerated programs also have part-time or full-time jobs. Balancing professional responsibilities with academic deadlines can be overwhelming. If work hours are not flexible, this can increase pressure and result in fatigue or underperformance in both areas.
• Physical and mental health challenges: The high-pressure environment of completing a degree in two years can negatively affect physical and mental health. Without proper stress management strategies, students may experience sleep deprivation, anxiety, or other health issues.
• Difficulty accessing internships or extracurricular activities: Accelerated programs often leave little time for students to engage in internships, part-time jobs, or extracurricular activities, which are important for skill development and networking. This can limit future career opportunities.

What effective strategies can boost success in an accelerated program?

To excel in an accelerated bachelor’s degree program, students should implement strategic academic planning and proactive resource management. Prioritizing tasks, setting realistic milestones, and routinely assessing progress help maintain a rigorous study schedule without sacrificing quality. Leveraging academic support such as tutoring, targeted advising, and specialized study groups is essential for addressing challenging coursework. Additionally, integrating efficient time-management techniques and digital productivity tools can streamline assignments and deadlines. For students considering continued education, exploring advanced pathways like the 6-month master's degree online accredited can offer a seamless transition to graduate studies without delay.

Is finishing a bachelor’s degree in 2 years a wise choice?

How long does a bachelor’s degree take? Generally four years.

Is it possible to get a bachelor’s degree in 2 years? That’s a definite yes.

Can I finish a bachelor degree in 2 years? This is a question for you to answer because it truly depends on your willingness and your drive.

Finishing a bachelor’s degree in two years with online accelerated degree programs, transfer credits, and degree completion methods is possible. Many students would choose to fast-track graduation to save money and time and explore careers. However, it has downsides: students could miss out on certain college aspects that prove valuable to their future careers.

It may seem like finishing a bachelor’s degree in two years is a wise choice, but perhaps not for everyone. It takes a lot of effort to graduate in a short time. Students must know their limits and weigh in every vital factor before deciding to do so. If, after some trial and error, they determine that the fast pace and high pressure are not for them, they can always slow down and finish their degree in four years.

Key Insights

• Feasibility of Accelerated Degrees: It is possible to complete a bachelor’s degree in two years through various methods such as online courses, accelerated programs, prior learning assessments, and transferring existing credits.
• Cost and Time Efficiency: Completing a degree in two years can save money on tuition, housing, and other expenses while allowing students to enter the job market sooner and start earning earlier.
• Career Advancement: Accelerated programs enable students to pursue higher education or career opportunities sooner, potentially increasing their earning potential and career growth.
• Balancing Challenges: The intense pace of accelerated programs may limit students' participation in extracurricular activities, internships, and social networking opportunities, which are important for personal and professional development.
• Educational Alternatives: Various options such as distance learning, night classes, and credit overloads are available to help students complete their degrees faster, but each comes with its own set of challenges and considerations.

FAQ

1. Can you get a bachelor’s degree in 2 years? Yes, it is possible to complete a bachelor’s degree in two years through accelerated programs, transferring existing credits, and other methods.
2. What are the benefits of finishing a bachelor’s degree in two years? Benefits include saving money on tuition and living expenses, entering the job market sooner, and advancing to higher education or career opportunities earlier.
3. What factors should be considered before deciding to pursue a two-year bachelor’s degree? Students should consider their existing credits, ability to handle an intense workload, availability of accelerated programs, financial implications, and potential impact on personal and professional development.
4. How can I complete a bachelor’s degree in two years? You can complete a degree in two years by taking online courses, enrolling in accelerated programs, transferring credits from previous education or work experience, and maximizing course loads per term.
5. Are there specific degrees that are more suited for accelerated programs? Degrees in business administration, entrepreneurship, nonprofit management, organizational leadership, and healthcare administration are often available in accelerated formats and can be completed in two years.
6. What are the downsides of completing a bachelor’s degree in two years? Downsides include missing out on extracurricular activities, internships, social networking opportunities, and the potential financial burden from overload fees and immediate loan repayment.
7. Can high school students start earning college credits? Yes, high school students can start earning college credits by taking Advanced Placement (AP) classes and passing AP exams, which can be applied towards their college degree.
8. What is Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)? PLA is a process where colleges evaluate and credit students' college-level learning acquired outside the classroom, such as through work experience, military training, and independent study.
9. Do all colleges offer accelerated degree programs? Not all colleges offer accelerated programs, so it is important to research and find institutions that provide these options and fit your needs.
10. Is it more expensive to take extra credits each semester? Some colleges may charge extra for overload credits, so it is essential to check the institution’s policies on credit limits and additional fees.
11. How can I ensure my credits will transfer to a new program? To ensure your credits transfer, check the transfer policies of the institutions you are interested in and confirm that they accept the credits from your previous education or work experience.
12. What is the average cost of college tuition in the U.S.? The average tuition for full-time undergraduate students in 2021-22 was $10,740 in-state, $27,560 out-of-state, and $38,070 for private nonprofit institutions.

 References:

• Bergman, M. (2016). From stopout to scholar: pathways to graduation through adult degree completion programs. International Journal of Information Communication Technologies and Human Development, 8(4), 112. https://ir.library.louisville.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=&httpsredir=1&article=1147&context=faculty
• Capranos, D., Dyers, L., & Magda, A. J. (2021). Voice of the online learner 2021: Amplifying student voices in extraordinary times. Wiley Education Services. https://edservices.wiley.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/202108-VOL-report-WES-digital-FINAL.pdf
• Christison, C. (2013). The Benefits of Participating in Extracurricular Activities. BU Journal of Graduate Studies in Education, 5(2). https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1230758.pdf
• Hanson, M. (2021, August 8). College Graduation Statistics [2021]: Total Graduates per Year. Education Data Initiative. https://educationdata.org/number-of-college-graduates
• Klein-Collins, R., Taylor, J., Bishop, C., Lane, P., & Leibrandt, S. (2020). Results from a 72-Institution Targeted Study of Prior Learning Assessment and Adult Student Outcomes THE PLA BOOST Executive Summary. https://www.cael.org/hubfs/PLA%20Boost%20Paper%20ExecSummary%20-%20Oct%202020.pdf
• Ma, J., & Pender, M. (2021). Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2021. College Board. https://research.collegeboard.org/pdf/trends-college-pricing-student-aid-2021.pdf
• NCES. (2019). The NCES Fast Facts Tool provides quick answers to many education questions (National Center for Education Statistics). NCES.Ed.gov; National Center for Education Statistics. https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=561
• NCES. (2020a). Digest of Education Statistics, 2020. NCES.Ed.gov; National Center for Education Statistics. https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d20/tables/dt20_311.15.asp
• NCES. (2020b, May). COE Employment Outcomes of Bachelor’s Degree Holders. NCES.Ed.gov; National Center for Education Statistics. https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/sbc
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