8 Online Degrees That Pay Well & You Can Start Today (2024)

8 Online Degrees That Pay Well & You Can Start Today (1)

Today, about 44% of available jobs require a degree. Having a college degree can also make a difference in how much money you earn! Those with a degree can actually earn around $24,000 more per year than someone without a degree. That means that, if you’re looking for a high-paying job, going to college could be your best way to reach that goal. But if you already have a busy life, work, and family responsibilities, going back to college to earn a degree can seem impossible. It doesn’t have to be! With self-paced, online college degrees, you can earn a degree around your schedule. Here's what you should know about online college and in-demand career paths to help you decide if it’s right for you!

Online degrees vs. traditional college

These days, more people than ever are enrolling in online colleges to earn their degrees. As you’re considering your next steps and what education path is right for you, you may be wondering what’s the difference between an online degree and a traditional college degree?

The biggest differences between online colleges and traditional colleges include

  • Flexibility. Online colleges can be much more flexible than a traditional school. Many in-person colleges require you to follow a semester schedule, attend classes and lectures at specific times, and have enrollment deadlines so that you can’t start your degree until the semester officially begins. With online college degrees, you can usually enroll whenever you’re ready, take classes, and study around your schedule. You choose when and where you learn.
  • Affordability. The cost of a college degree has increased dramatically. Going to college is now 144% more expensive than it was twenty years ago and almost every student needs to rely on student loans to afford it. Even then, that means you’re faced with years and years of loan payments after you graduate. Online colleges, however, can cost significantly less than your traditional degree! For example, in total a bachelor’s degree from Penn Foster can cost around $10,000 – though you don’t have to pay that all at once. Affordable monthly payment plans can help you cover the cost of your degree without relying on student loans.
  • Self-paced. Most traditional colleges require you to follow the set schedule of classes and you spend a full semester studying several courses. With an online college, you take your classes at your own pace. That means that you can take as much or little time as you need to fully understand what you’re learning in one class before taking exams and moving on to the next course.

8 Online Degrees That Pay Well & You Can Start Today (2)

Read more: Your Guide to a Midlife Career Change

Best paying jobs you can get with an online degree

Taking college classes isn’t just about getting a degree – it's about preparing for a career that can help you earn more money, better your life, and reach your professional goals. If you’re looking for a job that pays well, earning a particular degree could help you take the first step. The following top degrees can potentially help you start an entry-level job that pays well.

1. Business Management Degree

A degree in business management can offer a great foundation for several well-paying, entry-level jobs. Through this degree, whether you pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree, you’ll learn the management, leadership, and problem-solving skills needed to qualify for an entry-level job in a variety of roles. Someone with a business management degree can work as a sales manager, in marketing, or finance.

Average salary: Anywhere from $60,000 to $120000depending on your experience, the company you work for, and your specific role.

Learn more: Why You Should Study Business Management


2. Construction Technology Associate Degree

Working in the skilled trades industry can offer plenty of job opportunities that pay well. Earning a construction technology degreecould help you prepare to qualify for jobs like project manager, cost estimator, building inspector, contractor, and more.

Average salary: The average salary for someone in construction technology can be anywhere from $56,00 to $95,000 starting out. Your salary can depend on your exact job, work experience, and your employer.

Learn more: What is Construction Technology and Why a Degree May Be Right for You


3. Graphic Design Associate Degree

Graphic design is a great career that combines creativity and technology. After earning a graphic design degree, you can work for a variety of companies, in marketing departments and agencies, or even as a freelancer. Becoming a graphic designeris the perfect job for someone who is creative, artistic, and tech-savvy.

Average salary: The average entry-level salary for a graphic designer is $54,106.

Learn more: Should I Become a Graphic Designer?


4. Engineering Technology Associate Degree

Earning an Associate Degree in Engineering Technology can help you take the first steps toward a career as an engineering technician. Engineering technicians assist engineers in developing new products or finding innovative solutions to problems. They run tests, record data, and repair parts and equipment.

Average salary: The average entry-level engineering technician salary is $53,014.

Learn more: What is an Engineering Technology Degree?


5. Human Resources Management Associate Degree

A degree in human resources management can help you prepare for a variety of entry-level in-demand HR roles. As an HR employee, you’ll work closely with others, post job openings, conduct interviews, and more. Becoming an HR associateis a great job for those who consider themselves people persons and enjoy administrative work.

Average salary: The average starting salary for HR associates is $58,200.

Learn more: 4 Jobs You Can Do With a Human Resources Degree


6. Manufacturing Associate Degree

Earning a manufacturing associate degree can help prepare you to qualify for jobs in manufacturing such as becoming an industrial engineering technician or product technician. It’s a great career path for people who love working with their hands, solving problems, and math.

Average salary: The average salary for someone with a manufacturing associate degree is $73,000 per year, though it can vary based on your experience, employer, and job.

Learn more: 3 Things You Should Know About the Manufacturing Industry


7. Computer Information Systems Associate Degree

Jobs in IT are in-demand as more companies rely on technology to complete their day-to-day work and keep their company running. With a computer information systems degree, you can potentially qualify for jobs in IT or as a computer support specialist.

Average salary: The average salary for someone with a computer information systems degree is $66,000, though that can vary based on your job, employer, and work experience.


8. Health Care Management Associate Degree

Jobs in healthcare are in-demand, so it’s a perfect time to prepare for a job in the industry if you’re interested in working in the medical field. A healthcare management degreecan prepare you for entry-level and leadership roles in the administrative side of doctor’s offices, hospitals, and insurance companies.

Average salary: The average salary for someone with an associate degree in healthcare management is $46,000, though it can vary depending on your job, your experience, and your employer.

Learn more: What Can I Do With a Degree in Healthcare Management?

Even if you don’t pursue one of the above degrees, having any degree at all can make a difference in how much you earn. On average, someone with an associate degree can earn $50,093, while someone with a bachelor’s degree can earn $69,381.


8 Online Degrees That Pay Well & You Can Start Today (3)

Read more: How Education May Help You Protect Yourself From a Recession

Do employers care if your degree is online?

For the most part, no, employers don’t care if you got your degree online as long as your degree was earned from an accredited school. What’s truly important to employers and hiring managers is whether or not you have the knowledge and skills to successfully do the job they’re hiring you for.

Can you get an online degree if you work full-time?

Yes, you can absolutely get an online degree even if you work full-time or have multiple jobs. The biggest benefit of a self-paced, online collegeis that there are no scheduled lectures, due dates, or deadlines. That means you can fit studying and taking exams into your schedule, however it works best for you.

Why earn a college degree online

Earning a college degree online can help you further your education at your own pace. Through an online program, you’ll have the ability to choose when and where to study. Besides the flexibility, online college can often be much more affordable than a traditional college; without student loans, you can choose to make affordable monthly payments toward your tuition instead of paying all at once or relying on financial aid.

Reach your goals with Penn Foster

Through Penn Foster College, you can earn a nationally accredited associate or bachelor’s degree on your schedule, from home. We offer degrees in a variety of in-demand industries like healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. To learn more about our degree programs and find the right one for you, reach out to our Admissions Specialists today at 1-888-427-6500.

8 Online Degrees That Pay Well & You Can Start Today (2024)

FAQs

What is the easiest degree to earn online? ›

Easiest Majors and Degrees to Get Online
  • Business. Online business degrees prepare learners for diverse careers. ...
  • Liberal Arts. Liberal arts programs hone critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. ...
  • Education. ...
  • English. ...
  • Nursing. ...
  • Criminal Justice. ...
  • Psychology. ...
  • Agriculture Science.

What degree can you get in 6 months? ›

High-paying six-month certificate programs
  • Emergency Medical Technician. National average salary: $14.65 per hour. ...
  • Funeral director. National average salary: $18.90 per hour. ...
  • Brick Mason. ...
  • Personal trainer. ...
  • Medical coder. ...
  • Firefighter. ...
  • Air traffic controller. ...
  • Automobile service station manager.
Feb 24, 2023

What is the simplest degree to get? ›

The 16 Easiest College Majors – 2023 Rankings
  • Psychology.
  • Criminal Justice.
  • English.
  • Education.
  • Religious Studies.
  • Social Work.
  • Sociology.
  • Communications.
Nov 1, 2022

What degree is quick and easy? ›

8 Easy Degrees That Pay Well
  • Business Administration. Business administration is one major that is usually considered “easy.” Some programs will also only take 3 years to finish! ...
  • English. ...
  • Human Resources. ...
  • Criminal Justice. ...
  • Marketing. ...
  • Supply Chain Management. ...
  • Psychology. ...
  • Communication.
Dec 22, 2022

What is the quickest bachelor's degree to get? ›

An accelerated online bachelor's program is usually the quickest way to earn a bachelor's degree. Students can take more credits at once and graduate earlier — sometimes in 1-2 years. However, most bachelor's programs take about four years, and part-time online programs can take much longer.

What is the most flexible degree? ›

Degrees pertaining to business and technology tend to be the most flexible degrees, and communications also pertains to many different fields. You may take the first step of your educational journey today by exploring online bachelor programs from accredited universities.

How can I make money fast without a degree? ›

How to make money without a degree
  1. Invest in the stock market. If you are someone who is financially savvy, it's possible to make money in the stock market. ...
  2. Start your own business. ...
  3. Sell stuff online. ...
  4. Rent out your property. ...
  5. Start a consulting service. ...
  6. Take stock photography. ...
  7. Start a blog. ...
  8. Deliver food.
Jan 29, 2021

Which course is easy and high salary? ›

Data Science is indubitably one of the top-ranked courses. Not only is it in demand all over the world, but there is also a lack of supply of skilled professionals to meet the demand; this makes data science a lucrative career.

What online degrees are worth it? ›

The 20 Best Online Degrees To Get For Careers in 2023
  • Business Administration.
  • Computer Science.
  • Aviation.
  • Engineering Management.
  • Marketing.
  • Environmental Science.
  • Communication.
  • Nurse Practitioner.

What certifications make the most money? ›

Given below are the top certifications that pay well.
  • Full Stack Web Development.
  • Cloud Computing.
  • DevOps.
  • Digital Marketing.
  • Business Analytics.
  • Data Science.
  • Artificial Intelligence.
3 days ago

What is the easiest certificate to get? ›

Easy certifications to obtain
  • First aid certifications. ...
  • Project management certifications. ...
  • Software certifications. ...
  • Government certifications. ...
  • Notary public certification. ...
  • Forklift operator license. ...
  • Computer programming certifications. ...
  • Marketing certifications.

What job makes the most money with the least education? ›

Here are the highest paying jobs without a college degree:
  • Patrol Officer.
  • Executive Assistant.
  • Flight Attendant.
  • Sales Representative.
  • Sound Engineering Technician.
  • Electrician.
  • Plumber.

What 2 year degree makes the most money? ›

What Are the Highest-Paying Associate Degrees?
  • Electrical Engineering. ...
  • Aeronautics. ...
  • MRI Technology. ...
  • Radiology Technology. ...
  • Respiratory Therapy. ...
  • Occupational Therapy. ...
  • Mechanical Engineering. ...
  • Network Engineering. Network engineers design, administer, and maintain local and wide area network systems.

Which courses are easy to get a job? ›

Best Short-term Job-Oriented Courses
  • Data Science Certification Program. ...
  • AI and ML Certification. ...
  • Cyber Security Certification Program. ...
  • Cloud Computing Certification Program. ...
  • DevOps Certification Program. ...
  • Digital Marketing Certification Program. ...
  • Full Stack Development Certification Program.
Feb 1, 2023

Are there any 1 year degrees? ›

Tech, MTech, Diploma Engineering, BBA, BCA, MCA, BSW all course can be completed in One Year (single sitting).

What is the easiest associates degree? ›

The easiest associate degree to get is an online Associate Degree in General Studies, Liberal Studies, or Education. Although these online associate degree programs have flexible curricula, how easy you find your coursework will depend on your learning abilities and style.

Which degree is hardest to get a first? ›

What are the hardest degree subjects? The hardest degree subjects are Aerospace Engineering, Law, Chartered Accountancy, Architecture, Chemistry, Medicine, Pharmacy, Psychology, Statistics, Nursing, Physics, Astrophysics, Biomedical Engineering, Astronomy, and Dentistry.

What online college has the cheapest tuition? ›

Cheapest Accredited Online Colleges
  • Thomas Edison State University.
  • University of Alabama.
  • The University of Texas of the Permian Basin.
  • West Texas A&M University.
  • Columbia College.
  • Eastern New Mexico University.
  • American Public University.
  • Grantham University.
Dec 30, 2022

Is it too late to get a bachelor's degree? ›

No matter your age, it's never too late to earn a bachelor's degree. Some institutions, such as Walden University, even offer an array of student support services that can help bolster your success.

What degree gets hired the most? ›

Most In-Demand Degrees
  • Health Science. ...
  • Information Technology. ...
  • Engineering. ...
  • Business Administration. ...
  • Finance. ...
  • Human Resources. ...
  • Education. ...
  • Psychology. From therapy to counseling to working in schools and hospitals, those who get a degree in Psychology open the door to many possibilities.

What is the coolest degree to have? ›

Towards Meaningful & Rewarding Careers. Based on Payscale's 2021 College Salary Report, the top three best degrees to have are petroleum engineering, electrical engineering and computer science, and applied economics and management.

What's the most useful degree to get? ›

Here is a list of the most useful college majors based on post-graduate employment and median annual wage as noted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
  • Biomedical engineering. ...
  • Computer science. ...
  • Marine engineering. ...
  • Pharmaceutical sciences. ...
  • Computer engineering. ...
  • Electrical engineering. ...
  • Finance. ...
  • Software engineering.
Jan 17, 2023

How do I make money fast legally? ›

How to Make Money Online: 32 Proven Ways to Make Extra Money Fast
  1. Drive for Uber or Lyft. ...
  2. Become a market research participant. ...
  3. Sell old books and games on Amazon. ...
  4. Sell, or resell, used tech on Craigslist. ...
  5. Do tasks with TaskRabbit. ...
  6. Deliver for PostMates. ...
  7. Flip real estate contracts. ...
  8. Sell on CafePress or Etsy.
Feb 4, 2019

What jobs make 6 figures without a degree? ›

Six-Figure Jobs That Don't Require a Four-Year College Degree
  • Air Traffic Controller. Median Salary: $99,661. ...
  • Real Estate Broker. Median Salary: $79,340. ...
  • Construction Manager. ...
  • Radiation Therapist. ...
  • Commercial Pilot. ...
  • Funeral Services Manager. ...
  • Detectives and Criminal Investigators. ...
  • Nuclear Power Reactor Operator.
Dec 20, 2020

What 2 year degree pays the most? ›

What Are the Highest-Paying Associate Degrees?
  • Electrical Engineering. ...
  • Aeronautics. ...
  • MRI Technology. ...
  • Radiology Technology. ...
  • Respiratory Therapy. ...
  • Occupational Therapy. ...
  • Mechanical Engineering. ...
  • Network Engineering. Network engineers design, administer, and maintain local and wide area network systems.

What 3 year degree makes the most money? ›

30 Highest Paying Bachelor's Degrees
  • Petroleum Engineering. Early career salary: $96,742. ...
  • Operations Research. Early career salary: $74,114. ...
  • Marine Engineering. Early career salary: $70,837. ...
  • Computer Engineering. Early career salary: $80,587. ...
  • Systems Engineering. ...
  • Chemical Engineering. ...
  • Electrical Engineering. ...
  • Computer Science.
Mar 2, 2023

What is the easiest 2 year degree to get? ›

The easiest associate degree to get is an online Associate Degree in General Studies, Liberal Studies, or Education. Although these online associate degree programs have flexible curricula, how easy you find your coursework will depend on your learning abilities and style.

What degrees make 100K a year? ›

And here's a surprise: It's not just those often-touted engineering degrees that make the cut.
...
Nine Degrees That Put You on the Fast Track to $100K
  • Petroleum Engineering. ...
  • Computer Engineering. ...
  • Economics. ...
  • Chemical Engineering. ...
  • Applied Mathematics. ...
  • Physics. ...
  • Statistics. ...
  • Finance.

What jobs make the most money with the least Education? ›

  1. Police Officer. Although many police officers do have college degrees, the minimum educational requirement is a high school diploma. ...
  2. Commercial Pilot. ...
  3. Gaming Manager. ...
  4. Electrical Powerline Installer and Repairer. ...
  5. Elevator Installer and Repairer. ...
  6. Transportation Inspector.

What are the 3 highest paying jobs that only require 2 years of college? ›

Many of these meaningful, 2 year degree jobs also pay well, from careers in the medical field to working with computers.
  • Data Analyst.
  • Veterinary Technician.
  • Aquaculture Technician.
  • Web Developer.
  • Animal Shelter Attendant.
  • Wastewater Technician.
  • Junior Aquarist.
  • Medical Assistant.

What Degrees get you a lot of money? ›

Engineering. With focus areas including electrical, mechanical, petroleum, chemical, civil, computer, and aerospace, these majors pay well upon graduation and increase at a high rate as you gain experience over time. Check out our Engineering Degree Path for helpful tips on how to get started in this lucrative career.

What is a low stress job that pays well? ›

According to data that FinanceBuzz compiled from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), some low-stress jobs that typically yield a six-figure salary include mathematician, software developer, political scientist, physicist, chemical engineer, astronomer, and ...

Which degree is most useful? ›

25 of the most valuable majors for college students
  • Biomedical engineering. ...
  • Computer science. ...
  • Marine engineering. ...
  • Pharmaceutical sciences. ...
  • Computer engineering. ...
  • Electrical engineering. ...
  • Finance. ...
  • Software engineering.

What is best degree to get right now? ›

Most In-Demand Degrees
  1. Pharmacology. For a lucrative career helping people, pharmacology is at the top of the list for in-demand degrees. ...
  2. Computer Science. ...
  3. Health Science. ...
  4. Information Technology. ...
  5. Engineering. ...
  6. Business Administration. ...
  7. Finance. ...
  8. Human Resources.

What is the shortest college degree? ›

Associate's degree programs typically require about 2 years to complete. They're mostly offered by community or technical colleges and have both a general education component and a concentration or major.

What career makes the most money with an associate's degree? ›

Highest Paying 2-Year Degrees
RankMajorEarly Career Pay
Rank:1Computer Science (CS) & MathematicsEarly Career Pay:$45,500
2Nondestructive TestingEarly Career Pay:$49,900
3Radiation TherapyEarly Career Pay:$65,300
4Software EngineeringEarly Career Pay:$53,600
21 more rows

How to get a six figure job without college? ›

Here are some ideas for jobs that make six figures without college.
  1. Real estate agent. Real estate can be a lucrative line of work for the right person. ...
  2. Construction management. ...
  3. Elevator/escalator installer. ...
  4. Commercial pilot. ...
  5. Web developer. ...
  6. Honorable mentions.
Jan 3, 2022

What degrees create millionaires? ›

30 Most Popular Degree Majors Studied by Millionaires
  1. Engineering.
  2. Master of Business Administration (MBA) ...
  3. Economics. ...
  4. Law. ...
  5. Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) ...
  6. Commerce. ...
  7. Accounting. ...
  8. Computer Science. ...

Which major pays the most? ›

Chemical engineering majors take the top spot, as graduates earn a median annual salary of $75,000 shortly after college. In contrast, graduates with the lowest-paying major, theology and religion, make $36,000 within five years of graduation — less than half of what chemical engineers earn.

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