If you’re looking to get a degree as fast as possible, you’re not alone. Many people need credentials quickly-whether to switch careers, meet a job requirement, or finally finish what they started. The good news? You can earn a legitimate bachelor’s degree in as little as 12 months if you know where to look and how to play the system.
How fast can you really get a degree?
Most traditional bachelor’s degrees take four years. That’s because they’re built around a full-time, on-campus schedule with 120-130 credit hours spread over eight semesters. But online programs have rewritten those rules. Accelerated programs, credit transfers, and prior learning assessments (PLA) let you cut years off your timeline.
Some schools now offer degrees in 12 to 18 months. These aren’t scams. They’re accredited programs from universities like Western Governors University, a nonprofit, competency-based online university that awards degrees based on demonstrated skills, not seat time, or Capella University, a regionally accredited institution offering fast-track paths in business, IT, and education.
Here’s the reality: speed depends on three things-how many credits you already have, how many courses you can take at once, and whether your program lets you test out of material you already know.
Fastest degrees you can actually finish in under a year
Not all degrees are created equal when it comes to speed. Some programs are designed to be completed quickly because they’re focused, practical, and don’t require labs or clinical hours.
- Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration - Can be completed in 10-12 months with 60 credits. Many community colleges and online schools like Purdue Global offer this with rolling start dates.
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - 12-15 months if you transfer 60+ credits. WGU’s IT program lets you test out of modules like networking, cybersecurity, and database management if you’ve worked in the field.
- Online RN-to-BSN - For licensed nurses, this takes 9-12 months. Schools like Excelsior College accept your nursing license and clinical hours as credit.
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice - 12 months if you’ve taken general ed courses elsewhere. Southern New Hampshire University offers this with 8-week terms and no set class times.
These aren’t just online versions of traditional degrees. They’re built differently. Instead of waiting for a semester to start, you enroll anytime. Instead of sitting through lectures, you complete modules when you’re ready. You don’t need to wait for a professor to grade your paper-many use automated assessments or AI feedback.
How to shave off 1-3 years before you even start
The biggest time-saver isn’t the program-it’s what you bring into it.
Most accelerated programs let you get credit for:
- Previous college credits - Even if you started a degree years ago, those credits might still count. Many schools accept credits from any regionally accredited institution.
- Work experience - Programs like WGU and Thomas Edison State University let you submit a portfolio of your job tasks and get credit for skills like project management, customer service, or data entry.
- Professional certifications - If you have CompTIA A+, PMP, or SHRM-CP, you can often turn them into college credit. One student turned her six-month IT certification into 12 credit hours.
- Standardized exams - CLEP and DSST exams cost $90 each and can replace entire courses. Passing a CLEP exam in College Algebra? That’s three credits gone.
One woman in Ohio finished her bachelor’s in 11 months. She had 48 credits from community college, passed five CLEP exams, and used her 10 years of administrative work for PLA credit. She didn’t take a single class in her final term.
What to avoid: The slow traps
Not every "fast" program is actually fast. Watch out for these red flags:
- Programs that require weekly live classes - If you have to be online at 7 p.m. every Tuesday, you’re not saving time-you’re just paying for a rigid schedule.
- Programs that don’t accept transfer credits - If they make you retake Intro to Psychology after you aced it in 2018, walk away.
- Programs that charge per credit hour - Flat-rate tuition models (like WGU’s $4,000 per 6-month term) let you take as many courses as you can handle. Pay-per-credit programs cost more if you rush.
- Unaccredited schools - You might finish fast, but no employer or grad school will recognize your degree. Always check for CHEA or USDE accreditation.
There’s a reason employers trust degrees from Southern New Hampshire University or University of the People-they’re accredited, affordable, and designed for working adults.
What you’ll actually learn in a 12-month degree
Some people worry that fast degrees are shallow. But here’s what you’ll get:
- Practical skills - No theory-heavy fluff. You’ll learn how to build a budget, write a business plan, or manage a team.
- Real-world projects - Instead of essays, you’ll submit a marketing campaign you designed or a database you built.
- Industry-aligned content - Programs update their materials yearly based on employer feedback. The IT degree at WGU includes AWS and Azure certs embedded in the curriculum.
One graduate from Purdue Global told me she got promoted to team lead three weeks after finishing her 12-month business degree. Her manager said it wasn’t the degree itself-it was the projects she’d completed that proved she could handle the role.
Cost vs. speed: Is it worth it?
Fast degrees aren’t always cheap, but they’re often cheaper than dragging out a degree over four years.
Here’s a rough comparison:
| Factor | Fast Degree (12-18 months) | Traditional Degree (4 years) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $4,000-$8,000 total | $30,000-$100,000+ |
| Time off work | Minimal-you can keep working | Often full-time, lost income |
| Opportunity cost | Start earning sooner | Delayed career progression |
| Student debt | Often under $10,000 | Often $30,000+ |
That’s not just savings-it’s financial freedom. One man in Texas paid off his $6,000 degree in 11 months after landing a $70,000 job as a cybersecurity analyst. He started with no degree and no experience. He just studied hard and passed the exams.
Who should skip this path?
It’s not for everyone. You need:
- Self-discipline - No one’s reminding you to log in. If you need structure, this isn’t for you.
- Time to study - Even fast programs require 20-30 hours a week. If you’re working 50 hours and parenting two kids, you’ll burn out.
- Clear goals - If you’re just chasing a piece of paper, you’ll quit halfway. Know why you’re doing this.
Also, avoid fast degrees if you’re planning to go to grad school. Some PhD programs still prefer traditional undergrads, though that’s changing fast.
Next steps: How to start today
If you’re ready to move fast, here’s your action plan:
- Check your old transcripts. Gather any college credits you’ve earned-even from 10 years ago.
- Look up CLEP and DSST exams. See if you can test out of General Education courses.
- Research accredited schools with competency-based models: WGU, SNHU, Purdue Global, Thomas Edison State.
- Call their admissions teams. Ask: "Can I get credit for my work experience?" and "How many credits can I transfer?"
- Enroll in a program with flat-rate tuition and rolling start dates.
- Start studying. Don’t wait for the term to begin-begin now.
The fastest degree isn’t the one with the shortest name. It’s the one you start today.
Can you really get a bachelor’s degree in 12 months?
Yes, if you have prior credits, transferable certifications, or work experience. Schools like Western Governors University and Southern New Hampshire University offer competency-based programs where you progress by proving skills, not by sitting in class. Students with 60+ transfer credits can complete a bachelor’s in 12-18 months.
Are fast online degrees respected by employers?
Yes-if they’re from accredited institutions. Employers care more about accreditation and what you can do than how long it took to earn the degree. Companies like Amazon, IBM, and Google now hire graduates from WGU and SNHU. The key is choosing a regionally accredited school, not a diploma mill.
What’s the cheapest fast degree?
University of the People offers tuition-free associate and bachelor’s degrees in business administration and computer science. You only pay $120 per course for assessment fees. It’s accredited and recognized globally. For most people, WGU’s $4,000 per 6-month term is the best value because you can take as many courses as you finish in that time.
Do I need to take standardized tests like the SAT?
No. Fast online degrees for adults don’t require SAT or ACT scores. You’ll need proof of high school graduation or a GED, but not college entrance exams. Many programs focus on your work history, transcripts, and prior learning instead.
Can I get financial aid for a fast online degree?
Yes. All accredited U.S. online schools participate in federal financial aid programs. You can apply for Pell Grants, student loans, and work-study through FAFSA. Some schools also offer scholarships for working adults. Don’t assume fast means expensive-many are more affordable than traditional degrees.
What if I’ve been out of school for 10+ years?
Your past doesn’t disqualify you-it helps. Many programs let you earn credit for life experience. If you’ve managed a team, handled budgets, or run a small business, you can submit a portfolio to get credit. Schools like Thomas Edison State University specialize in helping adults return to education.
What to do after you graduate
Don’t stop when you get your diploma. Update your LinkedIn. Add your degree to your resume. Tell your boss. Apply for jobs you’ve been waiting to qualify for. The faster you act, the faster your life changes.
One nurse in Florida finished her BSN in 10 months. Two weeks later, she applied for a nurse educator role. She got it. Her degree didn’t just give her a title-it gave her a new career path.
There’s no magic formula. Just start. Learn. Finish. Move forward.