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31 of the Highest-Paying Online Degrees You Can Pursue

By Publisher
| Last Updated June 28, 2023

You can earn a degree online and make great money in a satisfying career. You can gain valuable credentials for jobs that pay well over $50K, including some that offer six-figure salary potential. Plus, online associate, bachelor's, and master's degree programs are incredibly flexible. They are available for a huge range of career areas.

What do you imagine the highest-paying online degrees are? The reality may surprise you. After all, you can now choose from an astounding number of educational programs that can be completed from the comfort of your own home. But which ones tend to lead to the most lucrative opportunities?

As it turns out, the top-paying online programs span a broad range of career sectors, from business and information technology to healthcare and creative design. That diversity reflects the fact that you can earn a degree online in a huge variety of specific fields. For instance, you can get a psychology degree online. You can also get degrees in engineering, economics, nursing, software development, video game design, sports management, and much more.

Of course, earning potential isn't the only factor to consider when choosing an educational path. The best online degrees are the ones that lead to careers that have decent salaries and are enjoyable and satisfying. So it's important to consider your interests and aptitudes.

The online degrees below are divided into those offered at the associate, bachelor's, and master's levels. Let these ideas fuel your career exploration!

Salary information is based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) unless otherwise indicated. All yearly median earnings are rounded to the nearest thousand.*


5 of the Top-Paying Online Associate Degrees

Young woman in yellow sweater doing design work on several computers at a deskYou don't have to spend umpteen years studying to qualify for a well-paying job. Typically, it takes two years to get an associate degree online, but some accelerated programs can be completed in even less time. With that in mind, check out these five online degree programs at the associate level that can lead to a stellar salary:

1. Web design

Want to learn how to create appealing websites that function equally well on mobile devices and desktop computers? Web design may be one of the easiest online associate degrees to get, since it is readily adaptable for virtual delivery. You study scripting languages, design techniques, usability, and security fundamentals in this kind of program. You may also learn how to develop content strategies and how to optimize a site for search engines.

  • Related career: Web developer—$77K

2. Nursing

It might seem odd, but you can get a nursing degree online—mostly. Many healthcare occupations do not lend themselves to distance learning due to the hands-on nature of the work. (For instance, you can't become a dental hygienist online). However, there is such a high demand for nurses that many online programs have been developed. They let you fulfill the academic requirements through home study. However, you still must complete supervised clinical training at a healthcare facility in your community.

  • Related career: Registered nurse—$78K

3. Electrical engineering technology

Electrical engineering technology is one of the best online courses for people who want to apply engineering principles to hands-on projects. Training in electrical engineering technology can help you become adept at building, calibrating, and troubleshooting a wide variety of electrical components and systems. These programs cover areas like circuit theory, signal processing, computer-aided drafting, and industrial safety. You can learn how to assist in the production of anything from mobile phones to medical equipment.

  • Related career: Electrical engineering technician—$64K

4. Networking technology

Networking technology programs focus on helping you develop the skills to install, configure, maintain, and repair the vital computer networks that businesses of all sizes rely on. They typically provide instruction in topics like routing and switching, network design, cloud computing, and information security. Graduates can pursue opportunities in a wide range of industries.

  • Related career: Computer network support specialist—$63K

5. Paralegal studies

These programs can prepare you to play a key role in the legal process by teaching you how to conduct research, prepare documents, review trial transcripts, and file appeals. You may also receive training in different specialties, such as criminal, family, civil, or contract law. Be aware that some Web-based programs do require you to complete an internship.

  • Related career: Paralegal—$56K

19 of the Highest-Paying Online Bachelor's Degrees

Happy, young female business professional standing by a window in an officeAre you looking for a bachelor's degree that can bump up your earning potential? If so, have a look at more than a dozen programs that typically include many of the best courses to take online—some for jobs that can pay over 100K a year:

1. Management information systems

Combining elements of both business and technology, management information systems (MIS) programs focus on using computer systems to make a company's operations more efficient or effective. Topics of study frequently include database design, project management, usability, network infrastructure, security, and business ethics. The end goal is to learn how to analyze and improve business processes through technology.

  • Related career: Information systems manager—$159K

2. Marketing

Learning how to influence people's purchasing behavior involves training in various areas, including market analysis, communications, product management, and promotional strategy. Some online marketing programs incorporate capstone projects or supervised practicums (which you complete in your local area). A few programs also offer opportunities to study abroad.

  • Related career: Marketing manager—$135K

3. Human resources management

These programs train you to manage a company's most important asset: its people. You'll explore a myriad of issues related to labor relations, employee satisfaction, and occupational safety. You'll also learn about recruitment, employee training, compensation and benefits administration, and organizational behavior. After getting your online degree, you can pursue professional certification to enhance your employability.

  • Related career: Human resources manager—$126K

4. Software development

Did you know that jobs for people who can design, develop, and debug computer applications are expected to grow in number by 25 percent between 2021 and 2031? By providing training in programming languages, operating systems, and security, online software development programs can help you get the skills to take advantage of this rising demand. You can earn an excellent salary at the same time.

  • Related career: Applications software developer—$121K

5. Economics

At its core, economics is the study of how people and organizations choose to allocate their resources to meet their needs. You learn how supply and demand drive consumer choices and how companies can use that knowledge to boost their bottom lines. Economics programs offer either a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.). Here's how they differ: B.S. programs tend to emphasize statistics and math, while B.A. programs typically focus on behavioral phenomena. Either one can prepare you for a range of well-paying careers related to economics.

  • Related career: Actuary—$106K

6. Healthcare administration

You can expect to make some serious money if you understand how to keep hospitals and other healthcare facilities running smoothly and effectively. Healthcare administration programs typically include courses in informatics, healthcare law and policy, software applications, management, and finance. Through such training, you can develop valuable expertise in healthcare-specific business strategies.

  • Related career: Health services manager—$101K

7. Cybersecurity

Companies in industries ranging from banking to healthcare have a critical need to protect their information systems and data. That's exactly what cybersecurity programs train you to do. You learn how to identify potential security risks and take steps to defend against malicious attacks. Courses cover operating systems, network protocols, system architecture, penetration testing, and ethical hacking.

  • Related career: Information security analyst—$103K

8. Aviation management

These online programs combine training in general business concepts such as marketing and accounting with courses in aviation-specific topics like airport design and fleet management. Depending on the program, you might concentrate on airline operations or focus more on airport management. In either case, you learn how to deal with the unique business challenges of the aviation industry.

  • Related career: Operations manager—$98K

9. Database management

Skilled professionals who can design, implement, and optimize the systems that store all that data command such high salaries. In a database management program, you might study cloud computing, data mining, database development, programming logic, and network management. That lets you become adept at improving the effectiveness of database tools.

  • Related career: Database administrator—$97K

10. Construction management

Have you ever wanted to oversee the building of a house, road, or bridge? Construction management programs can provide the training you need. By studying design theory, building codes, material properties, and estimating principles, you'll learn how to manage projects, control costs, and communicate with workers. Some programs also include training in green building methods.

  • Related career: Construction manager—$99K

11. Finance

Finance programs are all about teaching students how to manage money effectively. You learn how to assess market conditions and adopt different strategies to maximize income or generate wealth. Coursework often covers portfolio management, credit analysis, commercial lending, investment principles, risk management, and financial planning.

  • Related career: Personal financial advisor—$94K

12. Animation

Animation programs help students develop the skills and expertise to bring animated characters to life in movies, TV commercials, and video games. They provide a thorough grounding in the principles of design as well as the fundamentals of storytelling. Typical courses cover storyboarding, drawing, character modeling, special effects, and animation production.

  • Related career: Special Effects Artists and Animators—$79K

13. Game design

Young woman in a blue hat working on game design on her computerThe U.S. market for video games is expected to be worth more than $72 billion by 2027. So it's no surprise that graduates of game design programs often go on to earn impressive salaries. Coursework covers game conceptualization, play mechanics, storyboarding, scripting, modeling, animation, programming, and prototyping.

  • Related career: Special Effects Artists and Animators—$79K

14. Supply chain management

Teaching students how to get raw materials and finished products from where they are to where they need to be is the focus of supply chain management programs. This branch of business administration concentrates on controlling the timely and efficient movement of goods and services. It generally includes training in order processing, purchasing, distribution, and quality management.

  • Related career: Logistician—$77K

15. Sports management

Become a leader in the sports industry! Sports management programs help you get a foundation of business knowledge as it relates to the world of athletics. You learn about marketing, facility design, finance, and management. Graduates can pursue opportunities in event management, fundraising, administration, or player representation.

16. Technical communication

A technical communication curriculum includes training in writing, editing, multimedia technology, and documentation design. Technical communication programs can teach you how to distill complex technical information into readable, engaging content. Some programs may let you specialize in writing for a specific industry, such as software development or healthcare.

  • Related career: Technical writer—$78K

17. Accounting

Every business relies on accountants to track its financial activities and maintain its financial health. Online accounting programs focus on developing students' analytical and quantitative skills through courses in auditing, financial management, information systems, taxation, and business strategy. This field offers a multitude of specialties, including management accounting, tax accounting, and forensic accounting.

  • Related career: Accountant—$77K

18. Education

Believe it or not, you can get a teaching degree online. Many programs offer online classes in instructional techniques and classroom management, as well as subject-specific courses such as science or math. However, before you can be licensed, you will have to arrange to complete a student teaching practicum with a school in your community.

  • Related career: High school teacher—$62K

19. Public relations

Learning how to shape a company's public image can easily be done online and can lead to a comfortable salary. Public relations degree programs typically offer training in communication, marketing, promotions, crisis management, and media literacy. Many programs require online students to get practical experience with agencies in their local area.

  • Related career: PR specialist—$63K

7 Online Master's Degrees That Can Lead to High-Paying Jobs

anesthesiologist administering anesthetic to surgical patientIt will likely come as no surprise that many of the highest-paying jobs are reserved for those with a graduate-level education. And assuming the coursework is completed through an accredited institution, an online graduate degree is credible and valuable. Here are seven of the top-paying master's degrees you can take online:

1. Nurse anesthesia

Many people would argue that a master's degree concentrating on nurse anesthesia is the best online degree to get for a high-paying job. That's because nurse anesthetists get paid extremely well. And since these programs are aimed at working registered nurses, most require very little on-campus time. However, you will have to undergo clinical training in your local area. Upon completing your degree, you will have to pass a certification exam to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

  • Related career: Nurse anesthetist—$124K

2. Engineering management

Are you an engineer who wants to move into more of a leadership role? You can develop the expertise you need through an online engineering management program. This type of training focuses on helping you gain the people and business skills to supervise and oversee engineering projects. Courses cover quality control, project management, process measurement, and engineering law.

  • Related career: Engineering manager—$152K

3. Economics

Graduate training in this subject can open the door to a variety of high-paying careers related to economics. These kinds of programs offer courses in econometrics, financial analysis, statistics, and advanced economic theory. You can learn how to make high-level business decisions based on economic data.

  • Related career: Financial manager—$132K

4. Data science

What insights can be derived from a mass of complex data? That's the kind of question that data science programs teach you to answer. Through in-depth training in statistics, computer programming, machine learning, visualization, and analytics, you can learn how to mine data to identify meaningful trends and patterns. Most programs require an undergraduate degree in a STEM field, such as computer science or statistics.

  • Related career: Data scientist—$101K

5. Industrial-organizational psychology

You can become a psychologist online by earning a bachelor's degree in a related field and following it up with a master's in industrial-organizational psychology. Unlike many other specialties in psychology, this one does not require a doctorate or an internship, making it ideal for distance learning. Online psychology degrees are respected just as much as traditional degrees, provided they are obtained from an accredited institution. Plus, this is one of the highest-paying jobs you can get with a master's in psychology.

  • Related career: Industrial-organizational psychologist—$105K

6. Biomedical engineering

These programs bridge medicine and engineering and teach you to use engineering principles to solve biological problems. You can learn how to design things like pacemakers, imaging devices, and artificial body parts. Coursework may cover topics such as artificial intelligence, quantitative physiology, and biomechanics. You'll need an undergraduate degree in an area such as engineering or science.

  • Related career: Biomedical engineer—$97K

7. Applied statistics

Numerical reasoning is the essence of any applied statistics program. These online master's programs offer training in regression analysis, predictive analytics, statistical software, and data mining. You can learn how to design surveys and experiments and how to analyze the information collected from them. Such training can lead to a range of opportunities in both industry and government.

  • Related career: Statistician—$96K

Frequently Asked Questions About Studying Online

1. How long does it take to complete a degree online?

Male college student working on a laptopJust like with on-campus programs, it takes about four years to get an online degree at the bachelor's level, and another two years at the master's level. Or, if you don't mind a less advanced credential, you can earn an associate degree in only about two years. Some accelerated programs let you finish sooner. The amount of time it takes will depend on whether you study full-time or part-time and if you already completed any other post-secondary training. In some cases, if you previously attended school on campus, you can finish your degree online.

2. Are online degrees easier to get?

Online classes are easier in the sense that you have the flexibility to schedule them around your other commitments. Many courses offer recorded lectures and let you access course materials when it is convenient for you instead of being tied to a fixed timetable. Plus, online courses often feature multiple start dates, so you may not have to wait long before beginning your training.

However, the best online classes demand that students meet the same requirements and learn the same material as on-campus students. So in that sense, it isn't any easier to get a degree online than to get one the traditional way. Online college is not harder, but it is different: You must be self-directed and disciplined to succeed.

3. How do employers view online degrees?

Online education has become so common that many employers accept online degrees without batting an eye. Most hiring managers are more concerned about what you studied and whether you attended a reputable school than how you earned your credentials.

Plenty of well-regarded colleges, such as Harvard and Columbia, offer online degrees. But you don't need an Ivy League name on your transcript to be a credible job candidate. As long as you receive your degree from an accredited school, potential employers will take you seriously. (Plus, in many cases, there's nothing to indicate that your degree was obtained online, so employers may not even be able to tell.)

4. How much does it cost to get an online degree?

The cost of an online degree varies enormously. Online college can be cheaper than traditional college, but that isn't always the case. So what do online programs cost compared to traditional, in-person training? A 2021 report found that 64% of colleges charged the same amount for online offerings as they did for on-campus programs. However, keep in mind that students who study online do not have to budget for on-campus room and board or transportation to get to and from school.

It's also worth noting that in many cases, online students who are taking courses at an institution in another state can still pay the in-state tuition rates. You may also have to spend money on a computer. Some online colleges give you a laptop when you enroll, and the cost is built into your tuition. Other schools offer discounted devices or allow online students to rent laptops for a minimal fee.

Online programs typically have other costs as well. For instance, students may have to pay technology fees or transcript fees. There may also be costs associated with internships or clinical rotations.

Of course, the cheapest online college is one that doesn't actually charge any fees. Did you know that free online schools exist (sort of)? Plenty of college-level courses are available for free online. Most do not qualify for college credit, meaning they can't be applied toward an actual degree. And some charge a fee for you to take an exam or receive a certificate of completion.


Expand Your Potential

As you can see, the highest-paying online degrees are found in a wide array of academic areas. Completing your training online can be both convenient and lucrative. So why not explore the job-driven programs available from technical institutes and vocational colleges? These types of schools offer flexible training options that can help you achieve your aspirations. Just put your zip code into the school finder at the top of the page to generate a list of possibilities!


* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Some careers listed may be part of a combined occupation profile (visited June 16, 2023).