Going to college is a huge commitment, but now anyone can get started thanks to online degree programs’ popularity. The length of time it will take you to complete a bachelor’s degree online can vary from the traditional four years. You can pace yourself for whatever works for you and your lifestyle.
Getting started on your degree is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make. Knowing all the facts about how long it takes to get a bachelor’s degree online is essential to helping you make your decision.
If you’re interested in enrolling in online degree programs, Everglades University is here for you!
The Basics of Online Degrees
In today’s fast-paced world, more and more universities are choosing to offer online degree programs. Online degree options, including online bachelor’s degree programs, are available at most universities, and some schools specialize in these programs.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, more households turned to online learning, with over 93% reporting some form of distance education. Both children and adults have become more familiar with online learning. Adults, in particular, are exploring how they can continue their education and pursue opportunities like online bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, or specialized business degrees. These flexible education options are opening up enhanced job opportunities across various fields.
This trend has only accelerated, especially in light of the global pandemic, which highlighted the need for flexible education options leading to enhanced job opportunities across various fields. In fact, during the 2022–23 academic year, 53% of U.S. students were enrolled in at least one online course, showcasing the widespread shift toward digital learning.
The length of time it will take you to complete your online bachelor’s degree program will depend on a lot of factors:
- The number of credits taken each semester
- Total credits required for your program of study
University teachers, who are already comfortable communicating with their online students, find the transition to online classes to be natural and intuitive. The convenience of expanding education programs to anyone around the country is an enticing opportunity for many universities, as they seek to cater to the evolving needs of their students.
Traditional Students vs. Non-Traditional Students
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Many used to associate online bachelor’s degree programs with non-traditional students only. However, the changes and restrictions around COVID-19 have contributed to a shift in perception, and the stigma behind online schooling has largely disappeared. In fact, 83% of employers now view an online degree from a reputable university as equally credible as one earned through traditional on-campus programs. As a result, both traditional and non-traditional students are increasingly choosing online degree programs—whether they’re continuing their education, exploring new career paths, or balancing family and job commitments.
Some seek to complete their credit hours towards a degree, while others want to earn a diploma to advance their careers. Many of these students also navigate various job conditions, further influencing their decisions on how and when to pursue their education. Traditional students often pursue online degrees for several reasons, including:
- Continuing education during COVID-19 in-person closures: Traditional students faced disruptions in their education due to campus closures and sought online options to continue their studies.
- Access to courses not offered at their on-campus school: Many universities do not offer every course, and online programs can provide access to specialized subjects that may not be available locally.
- Exploring other majors while continuing to take their required courses: Online programs offer the flexibility to experiment with different fields of study without the need to commit to a specific major immediately, helping students align their college degrees with their career goals.
On the other hand, non-traditional students have different motivations for choosing online degree programs, including:
- Taking classes while continuing their careers: Many working adults seek to advance their education while maintaining their jobs. This allows them to apply new knowledge in real time and enhance their college experience as online students.
- Making themselves more marketable for career changes: Online degrees can help individuals pivot to new career paths or industries, providing them with the credentials needed to stand out.
- Participating in college while still maintaining family responsibilities: Flexibility is crucial for non-traditional students, allowing them to balance their educational aspirations with family and personal obligations.
The rise of online degree programs has proven beneficial for people from all walks of life due to their inherent flexibility. Individuals working full-time and with families can still enroll in college, which isn’t always possible in traditional educational settings.
Typical Length of Time
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Understanding how long it takes to earn a bachelor’s degree online involves familiarizing yourself with the degree requirements. Online programs require the same number of credit hours and courses as their on-campus counterparts; the only difference is that you can complete those courses online. The duration it will take you to complete your degree program will depend on several factors:
- The number of credits taken each semester: Most students may choose to take a full course load during a semester or opt for part-time status, directly affecting the time it takes to graduate. This flexibility allows students to manage their schedules according to personal commitments and job conditions.
- Total credits required for your program of study: Traditionally, a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree will require you to complete approximately 120 credits, typically taking about four years. However, the program’s structure can influence how quickly students accumulate these credit hours.
For instance, at Everglades University, completing a bachelor’s degree typically takes about 41 months; however, this duration can vary significantly if a student transfers credits from previous college work. If you have any transfer credits, they can significantly affect your overall time needed to complete your college degree program and the total credit hours required. Therefore, discussing your degree program with a school counselor to plan and accurately estimate how long it will take to complete your studies is always beneficial.
Benefits of an Online Degree
Online bachelor’s degree programs offer flexibility, variety, and affordable tuition. Distance learners can enroll in online learning more effortlessly than ever before. The top benefits of online education are:
- Scheduling flexibility
- Lower total costs
- Comfortable learning environment
- Pacing classes to meet your needs
- Geographic availability
Online degree programs are available in nearly any specialty you can imagine. Some colleges will only offer specific programs online, while others offer a wider variety. We offer all degree programs through the Everglades University Online Division and on campus!
Why Choose Everglades University?
Everglades University programs have been recognized for their commitment to providing quality education.
- Ranked #1 Best Online Construction Management Degree Programs 2025 by Intelligent.com.
- Ranked #3 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2025 by Niche.com.
- Ranked #4 Best Online Bachelor’s in Emergency Management Degree 2024 by BestValueSchools.com.
Since all programs are available both online and in-person, you can choose from any of our Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts Degree Programs, including:
- Alternative Medicine
- Alternative and Renewable Energy Management
- Construction Management
- Aviation and Aerospace
- Crisis and Disaster Management
- Business Administration
- Environmental Policy and Management
- Land and Energy Management
- International Business
- Surveying Management
- Hospitality Management
- Marine Resources Management
With various online degree options, academic advisors can discuss your schedule and work with you to determine how long it takes to get a bachelor’s degree online. Whether you can only take one class a semester or four classes, Everglades is ready to help you get started, accommodating your personal preferences and job conditions.
Education is a gift you give yourself, and at Everglades University, we are prepared to support you in your journey. Our dedicated team is here to assist you every step of the way, ensuring you have the resources and guidance needed to achieve your academic goals. Begin your path to a bachelor’s degree online with us— enroll today!