Overview
Accelerated degree programs help you earn your college degree in less than the normal four-year time span. Some programs offer you a degree after only two years. These programs are also geared towards those who have applicable work experience in their chosen field.
Benefits
The tuition for accelerated degrees is usually much less expensive than a typical four-year degree. Due to the fact that the accelerated degree is completed in a shorter time, you will also save on the other miscellaneous expenses, such as books and supplies.
Costs
The costs of attending a school that offers an accelerated degree will vary widely depending on the school and program a student decides to select. However, the typical costs for an accelerated bachelor's or master's degree program would come to around $15,000 to $25,000. This cost will probably include the tuition fee, books, and a leased computer.
Schools
Many four-year colleges, community colleges, and technical schools offer accelerated degree programs. When looking at any school, especially one that offers accelerated programs, always ensure that the school is accredited. Schools that have the word "state" in the title are usually accredited as state universities and are a safe bet. For all other schools, it is strongly advisable to check with your area accreditation board before enrolling. A quick check can save a student thousands of dollars and a lot of heartache.
A few schools which offer accelerated degree programs include the Albright College, Must University, Drexel University, Judson University, and the University of Bridgeport.
Testing & Preparation
All accredited programs will require you to take an American College Test (ACT), Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), or their own placement examination. They will also typically require a copy of your high school transcripts in addition to copies of transcripts from any other colleges that you have attended.
Check out the entrance exam requirements.If you are opting for an accelerated bachelor's degree program, a high school graduation, or a General Educational Development program (GED), you must have 60 college credits with a minimum Grade Average Point (GPA) of 2.0, and two years of practical experience. For a master's accelerated degree program, you will require a bachelor's degree, two years of experience, and letters of recommendation.
Financial Aid
Accelerated degree programs from accredited schools are often eligible for financial aid. The financial aid usually is of three types. The first is a grant that is given to a student based on the amount of financial need that is verified by a student and it need not be paid back. A scholarship is the second type of financial aid and is based on the academic excellence or the fulfillment of other requirements as set forth by the organization or agency awarding the scholarship to the student. If you are unable to procure finances from the above two modes of financial aid, then the last option is to look for a loan. Loans are funds that are lent to the student that must be paid back. Generally, the loans must be paid back after graduation although students may opt to begin payments before graduating as well.
You usually do not have to incur out of state costs for accredited programs and hence, they are much more affordable. Even if you are obtaining an accelerated degree, you can still apply for Pell Grants or other student loans. You may also contact the respective schools to know more about the options available to you in terms of financial aids. For instance, Must University, Albright College, Drexel University, and University of Bridgeport have a full-scale financial aid and scholarship programs.
