Top 10 Accredited Colleges for Fast or Accelerated Degrees
Introduction to Fast or Accelerated Degrees
The terms “fast” or “accelerated” as applied to earning college degrees simply means students can earn them in less time than traditional degrees require. Instead of four years to complete a traditional bachelor degree, for instance, a student in an accelerated program may earn a bachelor degree is three years or less. The most important point to remember is ensure the college program is accredited. Regional accreditation, in particular, is essential to validate the program and confirm that the degree will be worth the student’s investment of time, effort, and money. The top 10 accredited colleges for fast degrees will provide interested students with crucial information and knowledge to choose the most appropriate accelerated programs to fit their needs.
Top 10 Accredited Colleges for Fast or Accelerated Degrees
This section provides an overview of the top 10 accredited colleges offering fast or accelerated degrees. These 10 colleges appeared on multiple “top 10” and “top 20” lists.[1] This list is in alphabetical order, not by rank.
1. Central Texas College [2]
Central Texas College (CTC) addresses the needs of adult learners, offering options including online courses, either self-paced or time-based; blended courses (online and classroom); and multimedia (course media on CDs or SD cards, appropriate for computers, laptops, or handheld devices). CTC has a global reach, with six campuses in different locations around the world, multiple site offices, and its distance education department. CTC also has a strong alliance with the military, offering educational opportunities for military members and their families. The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits CTC to award associate degrees and certificates of completion.
Contact information:
P.O. Box 1800, Killeen, TX, 76540-1800
Tel: (254) 526-7161; In State: 1-800-223-4760; Out of State: 1-800-792-3348
2. Columbia College [3]
Columbia College offers flexibility and convenience with multiple campus locations and online programs. Their programs include day and evening courses, as well as nationwide online courses and degree programs. Columbia College offers 20 degree programs, including associate, bachelor, and master’s degrees. Military members and their families will also find a “military-friendly” education experience at Columbia. The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Columbia College to award the degrees mentioned above in a wide variety of fields.
Contact information:
Main campus: 1001 Rogers Street, Columbia MO, 65216
Tel: (573) 875-8700 or 1-800-231-2391
3. Davenport University [4]
Davenport University provides degree programs focusing on career preparation in the fields of business, health, and technology, through its main campus and several other campuses throughout Michigan, as well as online. Online programs feature either online courses or instructor-led CD-rom coureseThe Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) accredits Davenport University to award professional certificates, associate, bachelor, and master’s degrees.
Contact information:
Main campus: 6191 Kraft Avenue S.E., Grand Rapids, MI, 49512
Tel: (616) 698-7111 or 1-866-925-3884
4. Excelsior College [5]
Excelsior College offers “customized flexibility” in its campus and online programs. Certificate programs, associate, and bachelor degree programs are available in various fields within business, health sciences, liberal arts, nursing, and technology. Master’s degree programs cover studies in business, liberal arts, and nursing. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredits Excelsior to award its degrees.
Contact information:
Main campus: 7 Columbia Circle, Albany, NY, 12203-5159
Tel: (518) 464-8775 or 1-888-647-2388
5. Fisher College (Boston) [6]
Fisher College in Boston, along with its other campuses in New Bedford and North Attleborough, offers associate and bachelor degree programs in a variety of studies with the flexibility of part time, day or evening classes. In addition, Fisher College offers online programs. Fisher College focuses on providing an “individualized educational experience.” The New England Association of Schools and Colleges accredits Fisher College to award its degrees.
Contact information:
Main campus: 118 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02116
Tel: (617) 236-8800
[List continues on next page].
Top 10 Accredited Colleges Offering Fast or Accelerated Degrees (continued, #6 to #10)
This is the continuation of the list of the top 10 accredited colleges for fast degrees, picking up with #6.
6. Indiana Wesleyan University [7]
Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) provides a “Christ-centered academic community” for students seeking direction for their lives. IWU offers nearly two dozen programs divided among several academic units, such as the School of Nursing, and College of Arts and Sciences. The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools accredits IWU to award its certificates and degrees, from associate through doctorate levels.
Contact information:
4201 S. Washington St., Marion, IN, 46953
Tel: (765) 674-6901 or 1-866-468-6498
7. Liberty University [8]
Liberty University has an established reputation as the world’s largest Christian university. Liberty offers over 200 diverse programs of study in undergraduate and graduate levels. In addition, Liberty offers choices among various campuses, online learning, and blended options. The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Liberty University to award its wide range of degrees.
Contact information:
1971 University Boulevard, Lynchburg, VA, 24502
Tel: (434) 582-2000
8. Marylhurst University [9]
Marylhurst University is a Catholic institution serving students of many religious backgrounds. As a private liberal arts university, Marylhurst offers both academic and professional degree programs in a wide range of studies, at its campus and online. Marylhurst provides degree options ranging from certificate to doctorate programs. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities accredits Marylhurst University’s degree programs.
Contact information:
Main campus: 17600 Pacific Highway (Hwy 43), PO Box 261, Marylhurst, OR, 97036-0261
Tel: (503) 636-8141 or 1-800-634-9982
9. Park University [10]
Park University has multiple locations nationwide, as well as an online division, and offers certificate, undergraduate, and graduate degrees in a wide range of studies. Park University is committed to academic excellence and lifelong learning. The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Park University’s programs.
Contact information:
Main campus: 8700 NW River Park Drive, Parkville, MO, 64152
Tel. (816) 741-2000 or 1-800-745-7275
- Southern New Hampshire University [11]
Southern New Hamphire University (SNHU) offers over 75 undergraduate programs and 40 graduate degree programs in the fields of business, community economic develoment, education, hospitality, and liberal arts. SNHU provides on-campus classes, along with the flexibility to attend evenings and weekends, as well as online classes. The New England Association of Schools and Colleges accredits SNHU to award its numerous degrees.
Contact information:
Main Campus: 2500 N. River Road, Manchester, NH, 03106
Tel: 1-800-668-1249
Conclusion
One of the best ways for adult learners to accomplish their goals of furthering their education is through completing accelerated degree programs with accredited institutions. Accreditation makes degrees legitimate, while fast or accelerated programs help busy learners earn their degrees in less time than in traditional degree programs. Researching the top 10 colleges for fast degrees is the first step toward locating the best accelerated program for the individual learner to realize his or her academic goals.
References, Resources, and Image Permission
Review the references and resources in this section for more information.
References
[1] Accelerated Degree Programs. Fast Colleges - Top 10 Accelerated Classes and Degree Programs. Retrieved from https://www.accelerated-degree.com/online-degrees/fast-colleges-top-10-accelerated-classes-degree-programs.
[2] Central Texas College. CTC Distance Education. Retrieved from https://online.ctcd.edu.
[3] Columbia College. Nationwide Campuses- Academics: On-campus or Online. Retrieved from https://www.ccis.edu/nationwide/ESDacademics/DegreePrograms-all.asp
[4] Davenport University. Davenport-Your Career University. Retrieved from https://www.davenport.edu.
[5] Excelsior College. About Excelsior. Retrieved from https://www.excelsior.edu/about-us.
[6] Fisher College (Boston). Fisher College Academics. Retrieved from https://www.fisher.edu/academics.html.
[7] Indiana Wesleyan University. Colleges and Schools. Retrieved from https://www.indwes.edu/Academics/Colleges-and-Schools.
[8] Liberty University. Academic Overview. Retrieved from https://www.liberty.edu/academics.
[9] Marylhust University. Academic Programs. Retrieved from https://www.marylhurst.edu/academicprograms.
[10] Park University. Academic Programs. Retrieved from https://www.park.edu/academics.
[11] Southern New Hampshire University. Academics. Retrieved from https://www.snhu.edu/508.asp.
Resources
College Degrees.com. Finding the Best Online Colleges and Distance Learning Schools. Retrieved from https://www.collegedegrees.com.
College Scholarships, Colleges, and Online Degrees. Online Degrees. Retrieved from https://www.college-scholarships.com/ssac.htm.
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