What Is a Degree Completion Program? A Guide to Finishing Your Bachelor’s Degree Online
A degree completion program gives students who have some college credits the opportunity to take the courses needed to finish their degree. They are typically designed for adult learners, transfer students, associate degree holders, and working professionals to improve career prospects and job stability.
Key Takeaways
- Degree completion programs are designed for students who have already earned some college credits.
- A bachelor’s completion program may help students save time and reduce costs by allowing them to transfer previously earned credits toward their degree.
- Benefits of earning a bachelor’s degree include career growth, graduate school options, and personal achievement.
- The best online degree completion programs are accredited, transfer-friendly, affordable, and supported by strong academic advising.
How Degree Completion Programs Work
Many working adults find themselves in the position of having some college credits but not a degree. That number grows every year. About 25% of all college freshmen do not return for a second year, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Universities create degree completion programs built on the idea that those who have already earned college credit shouldn’t have to start over. They ask students to submit transcripts showing previous credits earned, then review those transcripts to determine which credits can apply to a degree.
A common situation is that a student earned an associate degree at a community college and has met all the general education requirements for a bachelor’s degree.
Degree Completion Program vs. Traditional Bachelor’s Degree vs. Accelerated Degree
|
Program Type |
Prior Credits Required |
Typical Student |
Time to Completion |
Flexibility |
Cost Consideration |
|
Degree completion program |
Yes |
Student with prior college credit, associate degree holder, transfer student, or working adult |
Often shorter than a traditional bachelor’s degree because prior credits may apply |
Often high, especially in online formats |
May reduce total cost by applying eligible transfer credits |
|
Traditional bachelor’s degree |
No |
First-year college student |
Typically four years for full-time students |
Varies by school and format |
May require paying for the full sequence of lower- and upper-division coursework |
|
Accelerated degree |
No |
Student who wants a faster pace and can manage intensive coursework |
Shorter terms or heavier course loads may reduce calendar time |
Varies; may require a demanding schedule |
Can save time, but may not always reduce cost if fewer credits transferred |
Is a Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program Right for You?
It’s never too late to earn a college degree. A degree-completion program is right for you if you have some college credits or prior work experience. Programs with an online option work especially well for those who need a more flexible schedule than a traditional on-campus program provides. The right fit depends on your transfer credits, career goals, available time, and preferred learning format.
Students with some college credit but no degree
Those who started college but stopped before finishing their degree are often good candidates for degree completion programs. Prior credits may still have value, especially if they were earned at an accredited institution and match general education or current program requirements.
Associate degree holders
An associate degree provides a strong foundation for a bachelor’s completion program. In some cases, associate degree holders may enter with many general education requirements already completed, which significantly reduces the time it takes to earn a degree.
Transfer students
Transfer students may use a degree completion program to move from one college to another, including those who earned a two-year degree at a community college. Transfer students make up more than 13% of all continuing and returning undergraduate students, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.
Working adults
Working adults often need programs that fit around jobs, family obligations, and other responsibilities. Online and asynchronous degree completion programs make it easier for them to earn a degree without putting the rest of their lives on hold.
Military-affiliated students
Military-affiliated students may bring credits from prior college work, military-connected education, or other approved learning experiences. They should make it an early priority in the process to ask each school how military transcripts and prior learning are evaluated.
Career changers or career advancers
Some students complete a bachelor’s degree to qualify for new roles. Others want to prepare for leadership, graduate school, or a promotion. A degree completion program helps them gain the expertise they need to make a career transition.
Learn how your credits may apply to a Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU) degree completion program.
Is It Worth It to Complete My Bachelor’s Degree?
Yes, completing a bachelor’s degree is worth it for many students, especially if they can apply prior credits toward their program. The return on investment can come in several forms.
For example, a bachelor’s degree may help students qualify for roles that require a four-year degree and allow them to advance in their current field. It may also prepare them for graduate study.
There is also a broader labor-market case. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that workers with higher levels of education tend to have higher median salaries and lower unemployment rates.
For many students, finishing a bachelor’s degree also means achieving an important goal. It can bring personal pride and a stronger sense of direction.
How to Choose an Online Degree Completion Program
Choosing the right program takes more than finding the fastest path. Students should look for a program that is credible, flexible, transparent, and supportive. The following framework can help students compare options before they apply.
1. Confirm accreditation
Accreditation shows that a college or university meets recognized standards for academic quality. The U.S. Department of Education explains that accreditation is designed to ensure institutions meet acceptable levels of quality. Students should confirm that a school is accredited before enrolling.
2. Research major options
A degree completion program should offer a major that fits your goals. For example, some students want a business degree to support leadership and management roles. Others may choose psychology to better understand human behavior or move into people-focused fields. With the many choices available, it’s important to take time and find a degree that fits your talents and interests.
3. Ask how many credits can transfer
Transfer credit is central to degree completion. Ask how many credits the school may accept and how those credits are applied. Also ask whether an associate degree, military transcript, or prior college coursework can reduce the number of remaining credits.
4. Compare online formats
Not all online programs work the same way. Some require live class meetings, and others are asynchronous. Some use eight-week terms, while others follow a traditional semester. Working adults should look for a format that fits their schedule and learning style.
5. Calculate total cost, not just tuition
Tuition is only one part of the total cost. Students should also ask about fees, books, technology costs, scholarships, financial aid, and the number of credits they still need. A program with a lower per-credit cost is not always the least expensive option if fewer credits transfer.
6. Look for student support services
Support matters, especially for students returning to college after time away. Look for academic advising, career services, faculty access, technology help, and clear communication from admissions through graduation.
Online Degree Completion Programs at NDNU
Notre Dame de Namur University offers online bachelor’s degree completion programs built for students who are ready to finish what they started.
NDNU, a WSCUC-accredited university, offers flexible online formats, faculty mentorship, career-focused coursework, and allows students to transfer up to 78 prior college credits.
Explore NDNU’s two online bachelor’s degree completion pathways:
- BS in Business Administration Degree Completion Program: This online program is open to domestic students who have completed at least 60 undergraduate credits at an accredited college or university. It is fully online and asynchronous, with regular faculty interaction.
- BA in Psychology Degree Completion Program: This online program allows students to transfer a minimum of 60 and a maximum of 78 units toward the 120 needed for graduation. It is fully online and asynchronous, with opportunities for synchronous meetings.
- Bachelor of Arts in Professional Studies:
This program is designed to strengthen students’ critical thinking and communication skills while supporting their professional growth and leadership development within a collaborative learning community. A focus in professional studies will ensure that you are workforce-ready and prepared for your next professional steps.
Students can work with NDNU to understand how their previous credits may apply and what courses they still need to complete.
How to Apply
NDNU’s application process is designed to help students move from interest to enrollment with a clear understanding of their next steps. Students should be ready to share their academic history so the university can review prior coursework.
Evaluate your current credits
Start by gathering transcripts from every college or university attended. NDNU can review them to determine which credits may transfer and how they may apply to the degree. This step helps students understand their remaining requirements before planning their path forward.
Fill out the online application
Students can begin by completing NDNU’s online application. Create an account, review the required document checklist, pay the application fee, and upload required materials through the application portal.
FAQs About Bachelor’s Degree Completion
How long does it take to complete a bachelor’s degree?
The timeline depends on how many credits transfer, how many courses a student takes each term, and which requirements remain. Some students may finish in about two years, while others may need more or less time based on their academic history and schedule.
Can I finish my bachelor’s degree online?
Yes. Many bachelor’s completion programs are offered online. For example, both NDNU’s BS in Business Administration and BA in Psychology degree completion programs are fully online.
Can work or military experience count for credit?
It depends on the school and program. Some institutions evaluate military transcripts, professional training, exams, or prior learning for credit. Students should ask each school how it reviews non-traditional learning and what documentation is required.
How much does it cost to finish my bachelor’s degree?
The cost depends on tuition, fees, books, financial aid, scholarships, and the number of credits left to complete. Transfer credits can make a major difference because students may not need to pay for courses that already meet degree requirements. Students should ask for a full cost estimate after their transcript review.