Generally, the easiest online degrees that pay well have to be one that you are genuinely interested in. Also, what is ‘easy’ varies from person to person, and it depends on your abilities and interests. Of course, the current job market requires a college degree, however, you want to study something that aligns with your interest because no course is too easy.
Now, let’s talk about an ‘online degree’. If your life is already filled with work and family responsibilities, going back to college for a degree might be a tough one. So, online college degrees are worth it for you. Here, you will be able to study and earn a degree at your own pace. I also need to add that, outside this list, you could always look at the catalogs from the specific online college to help you make good decisions.
Easiest Online Degrees That Pay Well
Going to college online isn’t only about getting a degree. It’s also about getting ready for a career that pays well, improves your life, and helps you achieve your work goals. If you want a high-paying job, getting a certain degree might be the first step. Here are some of the best, easiest online degrees that pay well.
Business Management Degree
A business management degree is really useful for getting good jobs that pay well when you’re just starting out. With this degree, you can learn about managing people, leading, and solving problems. This can help you get jobs in sales management, marketing, or finance.
You could earn between $60,000 and $120,000. This depends on your work experience, the company you work for, and what your job is exactly.
Health Care Management Associate Degree
The healthcare industry is constantly in need of skilled professionals, making this an opportune time to pursue a degree in Health Care Management. This degree is ideal for those interested in the medical field, especially in administrative roles.
With a Health Care Management degree, you could be managing the administrative aspects of doctor’s offices, hospitals, or insurance companies. On the salary front, someone with an associate degree in healthcare management typically earns about $46,000 a year, although this amount can change depending on your specific job, your experience, and your employer.
Construction Technology Associate Degree
A degree in Construction Technology Associate is one of the easiest online degrees that pay well out there. Are you interested in skilled trades? A degree in construction technology can open many doors for good-paying jobs.
This degree prepares you for jobs such as project manager, cost estimator, building inspector, or contractor. Starting out, you may earn between $56,000 and $95,000. Your salary will depend on your specific job, your work experience, and who you work for.
Engineering Technology Associate Degree
If you are someone who is interested in how things are made or how they work, an Associate Degree in Engineering Technology is a great start. This degree will help you become an engineering technician, a person who helps engineers create new things or solve problems.
As a technician, you’ll perform tasks, including running tests, recording what happens, and fixing parts of machines or gadgets. A new engineering technician can expect to earn around $53,014 on average.
Graphic Design Associate Degree
You can also consider a Graphic Design Associate Degree. This course is an easy way to start a career where you get to be both creative and tech-savvy. If you like drawing or designing and are good with computers, this could be for you.
Once you finish this degree, you could work for different kinds of companies, including those that make ads or websites. You can even work on your own as a freelancer. Basically, it’s a job for someone who loves to create and is good with technology.
On average, when you’re just starting in graphic design, you might earn about $54,106. This can potentially be more, depending on your dedication of course.
Human Resources Management Associate Degree
A degree in Human Resources Management is worth it if you like working with people and handling office tasks. This degree prepares you for jobs where you’ll be really involved with other employees. Your responsibilities can include posting job ads, interviewing people for jobs, and other office work. It’s a perfect job for someone who is good at talking to people and likes organizing things. In human resources, you can expect to make about $58,200 on average for a start.
Computer Information Systems Associate Degree
We are in the 21st century, and technology plays a central role in most businesses. So, a degree in Computer Information Systems is increasingly valuable. This is one of the easiest online degrees that pay well but not many are tapping its value. This degree opens doors to various positions in the Information Technology (IT) sector.
You may find yourself working in IT or as a computer support specialist. The average salary for individuals with this degree is about $66,000 annually. Like other fields, your salary could be different based on your job position, your employer, and the amount of experience you have.
Manufacturing Associate Degree
Are you into manufacturing? Then a manufacturing associate degree is one of the easiest online degrees that pay well if you know what you are doing. You have to be enthusiastic about working with your hands, solving practical problems, and dealing with numbers—then, a Manufacturing Associate Degree could be a good choice for you.
This degree is designed to prepare you for various roles in the manufacturing field, such as becoming an industrial engineering technician or a product technician. It’s a rewarding career path for those who have a passion for manufacturing.
In terms of earnings, someone with this degree typically makes around $73,000 per year on average. However, your actual salary might vary depending on factors like your level of experience, who your employer is, and the specific job you have.
Online Colleges to Consider for Easy Online Degrees
It’s not just about the easiest online degrees that pay well, you also need a school that will be easy on your pocket. So, we will discuss the top 8 of them that you should look into. Now, these are really cheap online colleges where you can take these easy courses at a fast pace or as your schedule demands.
1. Arizona State University (ASU)
ASU is renowned for its extensive range of online programs. It caters to a wide array of interests and professional goals. Whether you’re looking into business administration, communications, or something more specialized, ASU’s online catalog is rich with options. The university offers courses that are not just academically rigorous but also engaging and relevant to current industry trends. This makes ASU a go-to for students who want a degree that keeps pace with the evolving job market.
2. Western Governors University (WGU)
We also have WGU, which is celebrated for its unique approach to online education and is one of the regionally accredited online universities. It’s known for its competency-based model, which allows students to progress through courses as quickly as they can master the material.
This model is particularly appealing to those who are looking for affordable and the easiest online degrees that pay well. WGU’s full accreditation reassures students that their efforts will be recognized and respected in the professional world. The university’s focus on affordability makes it an attractive option for students who are budget-conscious but still want a quality education.
3. Purdue University
Purdue University is known for its significant online presence, providing a wide range of online bachelor’s degree programs. Purdue’s online courses are designed to offer the same level of rigor and quality as their on-campus counterparts, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive and challenging education.
The university offers programs in various fields, making it an excellent choice for students with diverse academic interests and career goals. Purdue’s reputation as a well-established and respected institution adds considerable value to its degrees. So, this university is a strong choice for you to enhance your career prospects.
4. Grand Canyon University (GCU)
Grand Canyon University, often highlighted for its appeal to religious students, also welcomes non-religious individuals. GCU offers a variety of online bachelor’s degree programs, integrating a Christian worldview with academic pursuits.
This unique blend makes GCU an attractive option for students seeking an education that aligns with their faith. The university provides a supportive online learning environment, with a focus on both academic excellence and spiritual growth. GCU’s programs are designed to prepare students for successful careers while also encouraging personal and spiritual development.
5. University of the People
University of the People (UoPeople) is a unique online institution that stands out for its commitment to providing accessible, tuition-free education. Based in California, UoPeople offers a variety of programs, including computer science and health science. The university is designed to cater to students worldwide, particularly those who might not have access to traditional higher education due to financial constraints or geographical limitations.
UoPeople’s model is built on the principle of opening up educational opportunities to all. This university is an intriguing option if you pursue the easiest online degrees that pay well with a flexible and inclusive learning environment.
6. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
Southern New Hampshire University is another institution that has made a significant mark in the online education space. SNHU offers a Bachelor’s in Health Science, which could be particularly appealing to someone with an associate’s degree in a related field, like the Reddit user.
With only 21 credits of major courses required for this particular program, SNHU presents a streamlined path to a bachelor’s degree. The university is known for its student-centered approach, offering a wide range of programs that cater to various professional and academic interests. SNHU’s commitment to providing flexible and career-relevant education makes it a popular choice among students looking to advance their education while balancing other life commitments.
7. Penn State World Campus
Penn State World Campus is the online division of the well-respected Pennsylvania State University. It offers a wide range of online bachelor’s degree programs, encompassing various fields of study. Known for maintaining the same high standards as its on-campus programs, Penn State World Campus provides students with a quality education that is both flexible and accessible.
This university’s long-standing tradition in higher education and its commitment to online learning makes it a top choice for students seeking a reputable degree from an established institution.
8. University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
The University of Maryland Global Campus specializes in providing educational opportunities to adult learners and working professionals. UMGC offers a variety of online bachelor’s degree programs designed to be flexible and career-relevant.
The university’s focus on adult education means that its programs are tailored to fit the unique needs of students who may be balancing education with work and family responsibilities. UMGC’s commitment to providing practical, real-world skills ensures that graduates are well-prepared to advance in their careers.
Do Employers Respect Online Degrees?
When you search the internet about how employers view online degrees, you mostly find articles from online colleges or their supporters. They often say that online degrees are now as respected as traditional ones. Their main point is that online degrees used to have a bad reputation, but they’ve gotten much better and more common, so employers don’t look down on them anymore. They also argue that if the college is accredited, an online degree is just as good as a traditional one. On the other hand, some people still believe that online degrees are worthless and that any traditional college is better, no matter how low its rank.
But here’s the thing: whether a degree is online or in-person doesn’t really matter that much. What’s more important is the reputation of the institution where you got your degree. Employers usually focus on the name of the college on your degree, and often they can’t even tell if you earned it online or in person.
So, instead of worrying about online vs. in-person, it’s better to focus on how well-respected the college is. A degree from a well-known and respected university, even if it’s online, is a good thing. But if it’s from an online-only university that doesn’t have a strong reputation, it might not be seen as favorable.
Conclusion
Each of these easiest online degrees that pay well equips you with specialized skills and knowledge. Therefore, leading to various career opportunities and salaries that depend on multiple factors such as your experience and where you work. Before you pick one, make sure it aligns with your interest—this is the most important thing.
Read also: Best Online Business Associate Degree Programs
