For busy, working adults, the idea of squeezing education into an already packed schedule can feel impossible. Maybe you’re juggling a full-time job, raising kids, or running a side hustle—you barely have time to breathe, much less attend classes. And even if you had the time, who wants to spend years buried in assignments or face a mountain of student debt at the end of it all?

The good news? You don’t have to. Whether you’re looking to upskill for a promotion, switch careers entirely, or just increase your earning potential, there are fast, affordable ways to do it—without traditional four-year degrees. These programs are built to fit your schedule, not the other way around, and offer something critical that slow, expensive options can’t provide—speed, flexibility, and a clear return on your investment.

Here are four paths to earning a degree (or comparable credential) that pays off in under two years.

1. Accelerated Associate Degrees

Think associate degrees are just stepping stones to a four-year university? Think again. Many institutions now offer accelerated options that allow you to complete a full associate degree in just 18–24 months, giving you the credentials to land higher-paying jobs sooner. Accelerated programs are streamlined to cut out the fluff. No unnecessary lectures or filler classes—just practical courses that align with real-world job skills. Many also provide online options, letting you study in the morning before work, at night after putting the kids to bed, or on weekends.

To sweeten the deal, community colleges and other institutions often charge significantly lower tuition than traditional universities. The average yearly cost of a community college for in-state students is about $5,099—meaning you can finish your degree without six-figure debt hanging over your head (source).

Popular Career Fields

• Healthcare (e.g., medical assisting, nursing)
• Technology (e.g., IT support, programming)
• Business (e.g., accounting, marketing)

2. Skills-Focused Online Degrees

Traditional college degrees are notorious for piling on general education classes that have little relevance to your career goals. Want a degree without the fluff? Enter skills-focused online degrees. Programs like those offered by Nexford University, for example, skip irrelevant coursework and tailor their curriculum to in-demand industries.

These programs are built with working adults in mind. Study when you have time—whether that’s during commutes, weekend afternoons, or even lunch breaks. No need to drive to a campus or rearrange your work schedule. Flexibility aside, affordability is another major win. Nexford, for instance, offers business administration degrees at $390 per month, which means you’re not tied to crushing loan repayments post-graduation (see tuition details). Plus, with programs designed to be completed in about 18 months, you’ll spend less time studying and more time earning.

When it comes to the return on investment of online degrees, it’s smart to do your homework—but many programs do pay off, especially those closely aligned with employer needs.

Popular Career Fields

• Business Administration
• Digital Marketing
• Data Analytics

3. Certification Programs

If you’re looking for a super-fast way to boost your qualifications, certification programs might be your answer. These are short-term, intensive courses that help you master specific skills, making them perfect for someone looking to break into or advance within a particular field.

Certifications can often be completed in weeks or months—not years—and you’ll walk away with tangible proof of your expertise. Whether it’s learning to code, becoming a project manager, or gaining proficiency in a software like QuickBooks, certifications are laser-focused on getting you the skills employers want. Plus, their cost is dramatically lower compared to traditional degrees. Think $500–$5,000 versus tens of thousands of dollars. If you’re debating whether to bulk up your resume quickly or commit years to slowly earning a degree, certifications are a no-brainer.

Popular Certification Paths

• Tech: CompTIA A+, Google IT Support
• Project Management: PMP Certification
• Finances: Bookkeeping, Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

4. Trade School Diplomas

Skilled trade jobs often get overlooked, but here’s the reality—they’re in high demand, pay well, and take far less time to train for than traditional college degrees. Trade schools focus exclusively on teaching you the hands-on skills necessary for career success in fields like plumbing, HVAC, or medical assisting.

Unlike generalized college programs, trade schools cut straight to the chase—no irrelevant classes, just job-ready training. Depending on the program, you can earn a diploma or certification in 12–24 months (see benefits), and you’ll be stepping into industries where the demand for workers far exceeds the supply.

Plus, trades often come with salary perks that rival or exceed those of jobs requiring college degrees. For instance, HVAC technicians, on average, make around $55,000–$60,000 annually—less time in school, better pay, and less debt (source).

Popular Career Fields

• Construction and Carpentry
• Mechanical Trades (e.g., HVAC, Plumbing)
• Allied Health (e.g., Dental Assistant, Medical Billing)

Why These Paths Make Perfect Sense for the Time-Strapped Striver

When you’re working three jobs to pay the bills, or trying to balance raising kids with professional ambitions, the luxury of choosing a long, expensive education just doesn’t exist. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. These paths were designed for people like you—people who need a degree or qualification to get ahead but can’t afford to pause their life to do it.

What do they all have in common? They offer:

• Flexibility to study at your pace, on your time.
• Affordability to avoid burdensome student loans.
• Relevance to make your efforts pay off faster.

Instead of fitting your life into a degree program, you’re choosing programs that fit comfortably into your life. The result? A faster payoff, clear career growth, and no burnout along the way.

Your Next Step

Curious which path might be right for you? Consider what matters most—low cost, speed, career focus—and start exploring options. There’s never been a better time to take control of your education without sacrificing your future or your sanity.

Why wait? The future’s calling, and it’s not asking for six figures of debt. It just wants you to take that first step today.