What Are Degree Completion Programs?
Degree-completion programs allow students with college credits to finish their bachelor's degree. During the program, students may complete coursework in a variety of disciplines, including business, the social sciences, the humanities, and the natural sciences. Most degree-completion programs accept 60-90 credits toward the degree, meaning students can finish a bachelor's degree in 1-2 years.
"Admissions advisors can help students choose the degree-completion program that best fits their education background and career goals."
Depending on the program, students may pursue a specific major like English, economics, or psychology. Some programs offer more general options, like a liberal studies degree.
Many learners prefer online degree-completion programs for the flexible schedule they provide. During an online bachelor's degree, students can often meet graduation requirements at their pace. Many programs offer part-time or accelerated options to fit the needs of students.
Featured Online Bachelor's Degrees
Who Should Consider an Online Bachelor's Degree Completion Program?
An online bachelor's degree-completion program appeals to students with work and family obligations. Many online degree-completion programs let students complete coursework and assignments on their own schedule.
Online degree-completion programs also help students save money. By completing a bachelor's degree online, students can compare colleges and universities across the country to find the most affordable option. Online students attending an accredited degree-completion program also qualify for federal financial aid opportunities.
Degree Completion Online Programs
A bachelor's degree helps professionals advance their careers and increase their earning potential. Many career paths require a bachelor's degree for entry-level positions, and professionals with a bachelor's degree earn over $30,000 more per year than those with only a high school diploma.
The National Center for Education Statistics reports that 60% of undergraduate students earn their bachelor's degree within six years, meaning 40% of students do not complete their bachelor's degree. Some students leave college because of work or family obligations, while others face financial barriers.
Online degree-completion programs offer flexibility and accessibility. The flexibility of an online learning format lets students arrange coursework around professional and personal responsibilities. Additionally, online learning allows students to complete a variety of programs throughout the country without the need to relocate. This page introduces the best online degree-completion programs.
The Best Online Programs to Complete Your Bachelor's Degree
#1 Best Online Degree Completion Programs
Boston University
- Boston, MA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A private institution, Boston University operates from its main campus in Massachusetts. In addition to on-campus programs, learners can enroll in 33 online programs. Online degree-seekers benefit from the institution's high academic standards and flexible enrollment options.
The school offers both synchronous and asynchronous course schedules. Academic advisors, online tutors, and career counselors provide valuable support services. The school's internship program encourages distance learners to gain career-focused experience. Programs work with enrollees to approve experiential learning sites in their area.
Graduates of the school's online programs can enter the workforce with an accredited bachelor's degree. A degree can lead to job opportunities in business, healthcare, education, and other growing fields.
Boston University Fast Facts:
Online Student Enrollment: 3,205
Total Bachelor's Programs: 109
Online Bachelor's Programs: 4
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10-to-1
Admission Rate: 19%
Percent Online Enrollment
10%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#2 Best Online Degree Completion Programs
Indiana University Bloomington
- Bloomington, IN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Indiana University Bloomington ranks among the best public institutions with online bachelor's degrees. Distance learners choose from 30 programs offered online at the school. Those who prefer enrolling online benefit from the institution's strong track record in distance education.
Synchronous and asynchronous classes let learners schedule coursework around their other responsibilities. Academic advisors and online tutors help majors master their coursework. Distance learners also participate in hands-on learning opportunities like internships. While taking online classes, enrollees complete internships at local sites.
After completing general education and major requirements, students graduate with an accredited bachelor's degree. Graduates can pursue jobs in in-demand fields like business, education, and healthcare.
Indiana University Bloomington Fast Facts:
Online Student Enrollment: 8,390
Total Bachelor's Programs: 94
Online Bachelor's Programs: 1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16-to-1
Admission Rate: 78%
Percent Online Enrollment
19%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Online Degree Completion Programs
Drexel University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A private institution located in Philadelphia, Drexel University offers online bachelor's degrees. In addition to on-campus programs, learners can enroll in 89 online programs. Online degree-seekers benefit from a flexible learning format and a strong reputation for academic quality.
Synchronous and asynchronous classes put the schedule in the hands of online learners. Academic advisors and online tutors help majors master their coursework. Internships help distance learners gain hands-on experience. Programs work with enrollees to identify experiential learning sites in their local areas.
After completing their program, students graduate with an accredited bachelor's degree. With a bachelor's degree, graduates can pursue careers in diverse fields.
Drexel University Fast Facts:
Online Student Enrollment: 9,300
Total Bachelor's Programs: 101
Online Bachelor's Programs: 8
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11-to-1
Admission Rate: 75%
Percent Online Enrollment
38%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 Best Online Degree Completion Programs
University of Missouri
- Columbia, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A public institution, the University of Missouri operates from its main campus in Columbia. At the school, distance learners choose from 58 online programs. Those who prefer an online format benefit from the institution's many options and rigorous academic standards.
At the school, online learners enroll in synchronous and asynchronous classes. Academic advisors, online tutors, and career counselors offer valuable support services. The school's internship program encourages distance learners to gain career-focused experience. Enrollees work with the institution to find local experiential learning sites.
The school's online programs award accredited bachelor's degrees. A bachelor's degree helps graduates pursue opportunities in business, healthcare, education, and other in-demand fields.
University of Missouri Fast Facts:
Online Student Enrollment: 9,722
Total Bachelor's Programs: 82
Online Bachelor's Programs: 14
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Admission Rate: 81%
Percent Online Enrollment
32%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Online Degree Completion Programs
University of Denver
- Denver, CO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A private institution, the University of Denver offers undergraduate degrees. At the school, learners can enroll in 23 programs offered online. Those who prefer the flexibility of an online format benefit from the institution's high academic standards.
The school provides synchronous and asynchronous course options. Majors work closely with academic advisors and career counselors. Distance learners engage in hands-on learning opportunities, including internships. The institution works with enrollees to find local experiential learning sites.
Students who complete general education and major requirements graduate with an accredited bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree meets the requirements for entry-level roles in business, education, healthcare, and other growing fields.
University of Denver Fast Facts:
Online Student Enrollment: 3,623
Total Bachelor's Programs: 75
Online Bachelor's Programs: 6
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12-to-1
Admission Rate: 59%
Percent Online Enrollment
28%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#6 Best Online Degree Completion Programs
Ball State University
- Muncie, IN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
From its Muncie campus, Ball State University ranks among the best public institutions with online bachelor's degrees. Learners interested in an online degree can choose from 113 options at the school. Those who prefer enrolling online benefit from the institution's strong track record in distance education.
Synchronous and asynchronous classes meet the needs of diverse online learners. Career counselors help majors plan their next steps after graduation. Distance learners also participate in hands-on learning opportunities like internships. While earning a degree online, enrollees work with the program to find local experiential learning sites.
Students who meet the graduation requirements receive an accredited bachelor's degree. The degree helps graduates launch careers in business, education, healthcare, and other in-demand fields.
Ball State University Fast Facts:
Online Student Enrollment: 9,809
Total Bachelor's Programs: 131
Online Bachelor's Programs: 29
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14-to-1
Admission Rate: 77%
Percent Online Enrollment
44%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#7 Best Online Degree Completion Programs
CUNY
- New York, NY
- 4 years
- Campus
A public institution, CUNY operates from its main campus in New York City. The online programs blend flexibility with high academic standards.
At the school, online learners can take classes that require no set meeting times. Academic advisors and career counselors help majors complete a college degree and plan their next steps. The school's internship program offers hands-on learning opportunities. While taking online classes, enrollees complete internships at community sites.
Graduates from the school's online programs enter the workforce with an accredited bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree prepares graduates for roles in healthcare, business, education, and other in-demand fields.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
#8 Best Online Degree Completion Programs
Fort Hays State University
- Hays, KS
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Fort Hays State University ranks among the best public institutions with online bachelor's degrees. Learners seeking an online format choose from 40 online programs. Online degree-seekers benefit from the institution's strong track record in distance education.
Synchronous and asynchronous classes meet the needs of diverse online learners. Academic advisors help majors select classes and meet graduation requirements. The school's internship program offers hands-on learning opportunities. Programs work with enrollees to connect with internship sites in their local area.
The school awards accredited bachelor's degrees to graduates from its online programs. A bachelor's degree can lead to opportunities in business, healthcare, education, and other in-demand fields.
Fort Hays State University Fast Facts:
Online Student Enrollment: 8,759
Online Bachelor's Programs: 24
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18-to-1
Admission Rate: 91%
Percent Online Enrollment
55%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#9 Best Online Degree Completion Programs
University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Monroe, LA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A public institution, the University of Louisiana at Monroe offers online bachelor's degrees. Learners seeking an online format choose from 34 online programs. Online degree-seekers benefit from the institution's high academic standards and flexible enrollment options.
Synchronous and asynchronous classes put scheduling in the hands of online learners. Programs connect majors with academic advisors, online tutors, and career counselors. Distance learners pursue internships to strengthen career-focused skills. Programs work with enrollees to approve local internship sites.
The online programs award accredited bachelor's degrees. A bachelor's degree can help graduates pursue opportunities in business, healthcare, education, and other in-demand fields.
University of Louisiana at Monroe Fast Facts:
Online Student Enrollment: 3,756
Online Bachelor's Programs: 14
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18-to-1
Admission Rate: 80%
Percent Online Enrollment
43%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Best Online Degree Completion Programs
South Dakota State University
- Brookings, SD
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Brookings, South Dakota State University enrolls students in on-campus and online bachelor's programs as a public institution. In addition to in-person programs, the school offers 45 online programs. Degree-seekers who prefer an online format benefit from the institution's high academic standards and flexible programs.
The school offers both synchronous and asynchronous course schedules. Academic advisors help majors select classes and meet graduation requirements. Internships help distance learners gain real-world experience and expand their network. Programs work with enrollees to approve local internship sites.
Graduates from the school's online programs receive an accredited bachelor's degree. The degree often helps graduates launch careers in business, education, healthcare, and other in-demand fields.
South Dakota State University Fast Facts:
Online Student Enrollment: 4,358
Total Bachelor's Programs: 88
Online Bachelor's Programs: 9
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Admission Rate: 90%
Percent Online Enrollment
38%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs to Complete Your Bachelor's Degree Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Our Methodology
Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our
school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased
information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a
rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.
Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the
federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each
specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at
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While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we
value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break
down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.
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Academics
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Affordability
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Online Enrollment
Data Sources
The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the
schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.
The Integrated
Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual
surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Every college,
university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys,
which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is
publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the College
Navigator.
Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic
Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of
schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from AcademicInfluence.com,
subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other
sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.
Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology
About Our Ranking Factors
Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online
education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.
Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are
weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student
success.
We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and
graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities.
For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our
rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.
In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research
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Frequently Asked Questions About Degree-Completion Programs
What Does Completing a Degree Mean?
Completing a degree is when a student drops out of college before finishing the credits needed for a bachelor's degree, then goes back to school later to finish. Many colleges offer online degree-completion programs for former students who already have many of the credits they need to graduate.
What Are the Four Types of Degrees?
Associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate are the four main levels of degrees offered at most four-year colleges. In some fields, students can also earn first-professional degrees, like a juris doctorate.
Is Your Major Your Degree?
No. Your major is the area of study that you specialize in, while your degree is the credential you earn. Some people earn degrees in general studies, meaning that they have bachelor's degrees but no major. However, this is rare, and most college graduates have a degree in a specific field.
