If you have some college credits but never finished your degree, you may be wondering what it would take to return to school and finish what you started. At the same time, you might also feel hesitant about having to start over and spend several more years in school to earn your degree.
The good news? Many schools offer flexible degree completion programs specifically designed for students who have previously completed some college. With a better idea of what these programs entail and how to choose the degree completion program that is right for you, you could prepare to move forward in your educational journey.
Key Takeaways
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Degree completion programs are designed for students who already have some college credits and want to finish a degree without starting from scratch.
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Many online degree completion programs offer flexibility for working adults, parents, and other busy students.
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Transfer credit policies, accreditation, program format, and total cost are some of the most important factors to review before enrolling.
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Online learning can be a strong fit for students with solid time-management skills and reliable access to technology.
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Submitting the FAFSA may help you understand what federal financial aid options could be available to you.
What Is a Degree Completion Program?
Have you been wondering, “is it possible for me to finish my degree online?” If so, an online degree completion program could be your answer. Degree completion programs are designed for students who have some college coursework under their belts but did not finish their degree programs for any number of reasons. A degree completion program allows students to potentially apply or transfer those previous credits and take additional coursework, usually in an online and flexible format, to finish their degrees.
Can You Finish Your Degree Without Starting Over?
One of the biggest concerns returning students have is whether they will need to begin again from the beginning. In many cases, the answer is no. Depending on the school, the program, and how your previous coursework aligns, you may be able to transfer eligible credits and focus only on the remaining courses needed for completion. That is one of the main reasons degree completion programs can be appealing to adult learners and returning students.
Why Online Degree Completion Programs Appeal to Returning Students
A quick search engine query for “finish my degree fast” or “finish my bachelor’s degree” will yield plenty of results for online degree completion programs. Today, there are more options to finish your degree online than ever before. The challenge, of course, is narrowing down your options and choosing the program that may be suited to your individual needs.
Many degree completion programs are offered online because flexibility matters to returning students. If you are balancing work, family responsibilities, or other obligations, an online format may make it easier to continue your education without putting the rest of your life on hold. NCES reports that more than 60% of undergraduate students in the United States were enrolled in at least one online class in 2021, showing how common online learning has become.
Is Online Education Right for You?
Most degree completion programs are offered exclusively online to make it easier for busy students, including working professionals and those with families to raise, to complete their college coursework on their own schedule. At the same time, these programs could be quite rigorous, so it is important to carefully evaluate whether an online degree completion program may be right for you.
Self-Discipline and Time Management Skills
Since some online degree completion classes are asynchronous, allowing students to work at their own pace, strong self-discipline may be essential to stay on track. Students must also possess excellent time-management skills, especially when it comes to juggling the demands of their online schooling with other life obligations.
However, it is also important to understand that synchronous classes exist, requiring real-time participation. Whether a class is asynchronous or synchronous, you will still need to plan your time carefully and stay organized throughout your program.
Technical Requirements and Access
Enrolling in an online degree completion program also means you may need access to a reliable computer and internet connection. Depending on your specific program, you may also need additional technical equipment, such as a webcam and microphone, especially if you will have synchronous online classes. Some programs may also require specific software to complete coursework, such as a word-processing program or other field-specific tools.
| Factor | What to Ask | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer credits | How will my previous coursework be reviewed and applied? | This can affect how many courses you still need to finish. |
| Program format | Is the program asynchronous, synchronous, or a mix of both? | The format affects how easily you can balance school with work and life. |
| Accreditation | Is the institution accredited, and does my program hold any specialized accreditation? | Accreditation supports academic quality and long-term credibility. |
| Curriculum fit | Does the program align with the degree and career direction I want? | A good fit can help you get more value from the time you invest. |
| Technology needs | What equipment, software, and internet access will I need? | Being prepared can help you avoid disruptions once classes begin. |
| Cost and aid | What will the program cost, and what aid options are available? | Total affordability matters just as much as flexibility. |
What to Look for in an Online Degree Completion Program
If you feel well suited for the demands of an online degree completion program, there are a few things to keep in mind as you get started.
Transfer Credit Policies
Before choosing a program, find out how your previous college credits may apply. Since degree completion is built around past coursework, transfer credit evaluation is one of the most important parts of the decision. A program may be more appealing if it clearly explains how previously earned credits are reviewed and applied.
Program Fit and Flexibility
Not all degree completion programs are created equal. Take your time researching your options, looking specifically for a school that offers the degree program you want to complete, whether it is at the associate’s or bachelor’s level. From there, take time to review the program’s curriculum to ensure that the coursework aligns with what you hope to get out of it.
You may also want to compare formats, pacing, support services, and whether the schedule feels realistic for your current life and responsibilities. Online reviews and student experiences could also help you better understand what to expect from a program.
Understanding Accreditation and Its Importance
When choosing an online degree completion program, it is crucial to consider its accreditation. Accreditation ensures that a school or program meets certain quality standards and has been evaluated by a recognized, independent agency.
Schools could be accredited by institutional accrediting bodies, with many institutions also holding specialized programmatic accreditation for individual academic programs, such as ACEN for nursing programs or NAEYC for early childhood education. Institutional accreditation may also be important because it reflects the overall academic integrity of the school. Reviewing accreditation can help you feel more confident that the program meets recognized educational standards and supports your long-term goals.
Step-by-Step Guide to Enrolling in an Online Degree Program
Looking for further guidance regarding choosing and enrolling in an online degree program? Follow these steps to help you get the ball rolling on finishing your degree.
Step 1: Research and Select Your Program
The first and arguably most important step is to choose the degree completion program that is right for you. This decision should be made based on a number of factors, including the format of the program, the cost per credit hour, curriculum and learning outcomes, transfer credit policies, and accreditation.
Step 2: Prepare Your Application Materials
Once you have selected the program you want to enroll in, you must complete and submit your application. The specific documents you will need to submit with your application could vary from one school to the next but typically include copies of past academic transcripts to ensure that previous credits will transfer. Some schools may also charge an application fee that will need to be paid at the time you submit your application, so plan accordingly to get all materials in by the posted deadline.
Step 3: Apply for Financial Aid and Scholarships
Cost is essential for most students returning to school to finish their degrees. Be sure to calculate the approximate costs of your program to help you plan accordingly, then take advantage of all financial aid options that may be available to you. These may be available directly through your school or even through the federal government.
Submitting your FAFSA is one of the best ways to determine which federal loans, grants, and even work-study opportunities you may be eligible for. Even if you are returning to school after time away, financial aid may still be an important part of making degree completion more manageable.
Moving Forward With Degree Completion
Returning to school can feel like a big step, especially if you have been away from college for a while. But if you already have credits completed, a degree completion program may give you a more direct path to finishing what you started. By focusing on transfer credit, program fit, accreditation, flexibility, and financial aid, you can make a more informed decision about the next stage of your education.
Learn More About Degree Completion at Post
Enrolling in a degree completion program could be a great way to finish your degree without the time and hassle of starting over. At the same time, degree completion programs could be quite rigorous and demanding, so it is crucial to weigh your options and determine whether or not this type of program may be right for you. If so, then following these tips and best practices for getting enrolled in a program and maximizing your learning experience could make all the difference.
Post University is proud to offer degree completion programs designed with the modern learner in mind. With a wide range of online programs to choose from, busy students can enjoy the flexibility they need to work toward their degrees from anywhere. Reach out to learn more or get started with your online application for admission today.
Thank you for reading! The purpose of this blog is to provide general information to the reader, and as such, this information may not directly relate to programs offered by Post University.
Please note jobs and/or career outcomes highlighted in this blog do not reflect jobs or career outcomes expected from enrolling in or graduating from any Post program.