Key Takeaways:

  • Online colleges can significantly lower the cost of a business degree by eliminating campus fees and offering flexible pricing models.
  • Competency-based programs allow motivated students to finish faster by progressing as soon as they master the material.
  • Alternative credit providers make it possible to earn transferable college credits affordably before or during enrollment.
  • Transfer-friendly universities can reduce tuition by tens of thousands of dollars when prior credits are applied.

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A business degree is often marketed as a key to a better future, but the price tag can feel overwhelming.  The good news is that there are alternative routes to earn a respected business degree quicker and for far less without sacrificing flexibility or control.

How Adult Learners Earn a Business Degree for Less

How to Earn a Business Degree Faster, For Less

How to Earn a Business Degree Faster, For Less

5 Success Hacks for Adult Learners

1
Enroll in Online Colleges
Skip campus costs. Use flexible, flat-rate program formats to move quicker and pay less.
2
Choose Competency-Based Programs
Advance by mastery—not semesters. Prove what you know instead of waiting through fixed timeframes.
3
Transfer Credits Aggressively
Bring in as many eligible credits as possible to shorten your time to graduation and reduce tuition.
4
Use Alternative Credit Providers
Earn transferable college credit efficiently through Study.com before enrolling.
5
Stack Strategies for Maximum Savings
Combine online programs with alternative credits to finish faster at lower total costs.

1. Enroll in Online Colleges to Lower the Cost of a Business Degree.

Online programs eliminate on-campus expenses and offer flexible learning. Instead of planning your life around class times, you study on your schedule.

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Many online schools use flat-term pricing rather than charging per credit. This flexibility creates opportunities to finish your business degree sooner and at a lower overall cost.

2. Use Competency-Based Programs to Finish a Business Degree Faster.

Western Governors University (WGU) is an example of competency-based education. Students advance by demonstrating mastery of material, not by sitting through fixed semesters.

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Most students finish their business degree in 24 months for around $16,120. With an average of 34 transfer credits, or more than a year of college, many students skip a full term and reduce their fees to roughly $12,000.

3. Transfer Credit from Online Universities to Reduce Tuition.

Grand Canyon University (GCU) offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration priced at about $485 per credit. If a student completes all 120 credits directly through GCU, total tuition comes to roughly $58,000. The cost drops substantially, however, because GCU allows students to transfer up to 90 credits.

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Students who transfer the maximum number of credits will only pay for the remaining 30 credits, bringing tuition down to about $14,550. Even transferring 60 credits can slash school fees nearly in half and shorten the time needed to graduate.

4. Earn Transfer Credits Faster with Alternative Credit Providers.

Transfer credits don’t only come from previous college experience. Study.com, Sophia Learning, and StraighterLine let students earn accredited, transferable academic units online at a fraction of traditional costs. More specifically, Study.com offers two subscription plans:

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  • College Starter ($95/month) for general education courses
  • College Saver ($235/month) for full access including upper division

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Many learners complete multiple 3-credit courses per month, allowing them to move quickly through requirements.

5. Combine Online Courses and Alternative Credit to Maximize Savings.

Alternative credit providers can also speed up your progress toward a business degree. For example, a WGU student paying for four terms might spend about $16,120. But by completing roughly 36 credits on Study.com in three months (costing about $285), they can eliminate a full term and reduce WGU tuition to about $12,000.

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Meanwhile, a GCU student who earns 60 online course credits over 11 months can lower GCU tuition to around $29,100 instead of $58,200. Maxing out GCU’s 90-credit transfer limit drops tuition to about $14,550.

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These scenarios illustrate how small upfront investments in alternative credit produce large long-term savings.

Take Charge of Your Business Degree Journey

A business degree is an investment, but it doesn’t have to be a financial burden. Competency-based programs, transfer-friendly policies, and self-paced alternative credit platforms put you in control of cost and speed. Whether you're working full-time, raising a family, or returning to school, these tools help you move forward on your own schedule.

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For more strategies to complete your degree smarter and faster, explore other guides in the Degree Hacked series.