By Trustpickr Editorial Team | Updated May 2025
⏳ Why Speed Matters in Education Today
If you’re looking to boost your income, change careers, or level up fast—time is money. Fortunately, 2025 is making it easier than ever to earn a fast, affordable, and high-paying degree without stepping foot in a classroom.
Whether you want to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, many online universities now offer accelerated programs you can complete in 12–24 months.
🏆 Who Are Fast Degrees Ideal For?
These degrees are perfect for:
- 🔁 Career switchers who want to retrain quickly
- 🎓 Adults with some college credits
- 👨👩👧👦 Busy parents or full-time workers
- 💡 Military or veterans with credits or experience
📚 8 Fastest Online Degrees That Pay Off in 2025
1. Computer Information Systems (CIS)
- 🧠 Complete in: 18–24 months
- 💰 Avg. Salary: $75,000+
- 🎯 Career paths: IT Specialist, Systems Analyst, Database Admin
- 🔗 Explore Online CIS Programs
CIS degrees are in high demand as businesses expand tech teams and remote support roles.
2. Health Science or Healthcare Administration
- 🧠 Complete in: 18 months
- 💰 Avg. Salary: $60,000+
- 🎯 Career paths: Medical Office Manager, Public Health Coordinator
- 🔗 Compare Healthcare Programs Online
If you want to work in healthcare without going to medical school, this is the smart fast track.
3. Business Administration (BBA or AAS)
- 🧠 Complete in: 18–24 months
- 💰 Avg. Salary: $65,000+
- 🎯 Career paths: Operations Manager, Sales Supervisor, Entrepreneur
- 🔗 Find Fast Business Degrees
With endless industry applications, a business degree is a safe, profitable, and quick option.
4. Education or Early Childhood Development
- 🧠 Complete in: 12–18 months
- 💰 Avg. Salary: $50,000+
- 🎯 Career paths: Preschool Director, Instructional Aide, Online Tutor
- 🔗 View Accredited Education Programs
Perfect if you’re passionate about teaching or working with children—and want job stability.
5. Cybersecurity
- 🧠 Complete in: 18 months
- 💰 Avg. Salary: $80,000–$100,000
- 🎯 Career paths: Security Analyst, Pen Tester, SOC Specialist
- 🔗 Launch Your Cybersecurity Career Online
The fastest-growing tech field today, with many employers valuing certifications + degrees.
6. Accounting or Bookkeeping
- 🧠 Complete in: 18 months
- 💰 Avg. Salary: $60,000–$70,000
- 🎯 Career paths: Bookkeeper, Payroll Manager, Junior Accountant
- 🔗 Explore Accounting Degree Options
Accounting roles are always in demand—and can be done fully remote with flexible hours.
7. Marketing or Digital Media
- 🧠 Complete in: 18–24 months
- 💰 Avg. Salary: $60,000–$80,000
- 🎯 Career paths: Social Media Manager, Brand Strategist, Content Marketer
- 🔗 Compare Fast Online Marketing Degrees
If you’re creative and strategic, this field offers strong salaries with no ceiling.
8. Web Development or Software Engineering
- 🧠 Complete in: 12–18 months (often with coding bootcamp credit)
- 💰 Avg. Salary: $85,000–$110,000
- 🎯 Career paths: Web Developer, Front-End Engineer, App Developer
- 🔗 See Fast-Track Developer Programs
Perfect if you want to build real tech skills fast—many programs accept portfolio-based credits too.
📜 Bonus Tip: Transfer Credits or Earn Life Experience Credit
Many online universities will evaluate past coursework, military training, or work experience to help you finish even faster.
Schools like:
- SNHU
- WGU
- Capella
- Purdue Global
👉 Browse Accelerated Degree Programs Here
💡 Is It Really Possible to Graduate This Fast?
Yes. Look for programs with:
- 📅 8-week terms or year-round enrollment
- ⏩ Competency-based learning (like WGU)
- 🔁 Credit for certifications or job experience
Most students who already have 30+ transfer credits can finish a bachelor’s in under 2 years.
🎯 Final Take: Fast Doesn’t Mean Low Quality
Fast-track degrees aren’t “shortcuts.” They’re modern, efficient learning models designed for working adults who want real results—without wasting time or money.
And with strong job demand across all 8 majors above, the ROI speaks for itself.