One of the key benefits of earning a post-secondary degree is that it can lead to jobs with lucrative salary ranges. However, students who want a strong return on investment (ROI) on their college degree should be strategic in choosing their area of study, as not all majors lead to the same earning potential.
For students interested in learning more about the highest-paying online degrees, we reviewed multiple areas of study and their related career paths to develop this list of some of the most financially rewarding online degrees. This article also includes guidance on other factors to consider when choosing an online degree, including job growth and personal interests.
Top 5 Highest Paying Online Degrees
Many subjects you can study will enable you to earn a substantial income upon graduation. Each program has multiple career paths that students can choose after graduation, which leads to a range in the salary for the degree. Here’s a look at the top five.
1. Finance
A degree in finance can prepare students for several lucrative career paths.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), financial managers earn a median annual salary of $156,100, with the top 10 percent of earners making more than $239,000 per year.
Other high-paying finance jobs include personal financial advisors (median annual salary $99,580), financial analysts (median annual salary $99,890), and financial examiners (median annual salary $84,300).
Multiple options are available for finance degrees. A bachelor’s in finance will prepare students for most entry-level finance roles, while those who want advanced skills in the field may wish to pursue a master’s in finance. Those seeking leadership roles, like chief financial officer, may be best suited for an MBA in finance.
2. Business administration
Like finance, a business administration degree is versatile and can lead to multiple lucrative career paths. Students who graduate with business administration degrees can find themselves working in a variety of industries, including business, healthcare, retail, logistics and transportation, hospitality, and more.
Becoming an executive is typically the most lucrative job for an individual with a business administration degree. Chief executive officers, chief operating officers, and general managers earn a median annual salary of $206,680. Although some individuals may achieve these positions with a combination of a bachelor’s degree and experience, most leadership roles require candidates to have an advanced degree, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Other high-paying roles that students can get with a bachelor’s in business administration include administrative services and facilities manager (median annual salary $104,900), management analyst (median annual salary $99,410), and project management specialist (median annual salary $98,580).
3. Marketing
Marketing professionals are vital to the business world, and their skills are in high demand. Individuals with a marketing background are employed in media, retail, tech, education, nonprofits, and more.
In the marketing world, advertising, promotions, and marketing managers earn the most, with a median annual salary of $156,580. Meanwhile, the median annual wage for market research analysts is $74,680, while public relations specialists earn a median annual salary of $66,750.
For those who want to pursue a career in marketing, a bachelor’s degree is typically the first step to learning the foundational skills and principles needed for marketing jobs. Earning a master’s in marketing or an MBA with a concentration in marketing can prepare students for higher-paying management and leadership roles.
4. Computer science
As technology continues to evolve and shape multiple aspects of our lives, computer science and information technology degrees remain some of the highest-paying online degrees students can pursue.
For example, computer and information research scientists earn a median annual salary of $145,080 for their work developing innovative uses for new and existing technology. Students typically need a master’s degree in computer science or information systems and technology to qualify for these roles.
However, there are still high-paying jobs available for those with a bachelor’s in computer science, including computer network architects (median annual salary $129,840), computer systems analysts (median annual salary $103,800), and information security analysts (median annual salary $120,360).
5. Software engineering
Software engineering is another good choice if you are looking for stimulating work in a vibrant professional environment.
Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers all work to design computer applications and programs. They can earn a median salary of $130,160 per year with a bachelor’s degree. Those who continue to earn a master’s degree may earn a higher salary and are eligible for leadership positions in their organization.
Similar roles that can be lucrative for those with a software engineering degree include web developers and digital designers (median annual salary $92,750) and database administrators and architects (median annual salary $117,450).
Other Factors to Consider
Although salary range is important when planning your educational pathway, it’s not the only one. There are other factors to consider to ensure that you end up in a professional position that is right for you.
Job Growth
When researching possible fields, it’s a good idea to look at the potential job growth for the field. The best way to determine this is with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’s Occupational Outlook Handbook, which is available online for free and features a wealth of well-researched data on job growth, projected salary range, and much more for a broad range of positions. You may also glean information on the health of your chosen field through subject-specific journals and professional organization websites.
Personal Interests
When choosing a career, it’s not essential to pick an area you’re passionate about, but it can be useful to enter a field in which you have some personal interest. For example, if you’re a political junkie who follows government matters religiously, a career as a political scientist may be a good fit for you. Think about your hobbies and what you enjoy doing in your spare time when you’re zeroing in on a career.
Graduation Rates
When choosing a program, it is important to ensure that students are often completing it; the higher the graduation rate for a college and program, the higher the likelihood that you will be able to complete the program too.
Pick an Accredited School
Hiring managers are becoming increasingly more likely to look favorably at online degrees, so you should not have difficulty gaining a job just because your degree was earned online.
However, they do care if your degree was acquired at an accredited institution. Accreditation is done by a regional accrediting organization vetted by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, or CHEA. You can also use the U.S. Department of Education’s search tool, DAPIP, to look for accredited programs nationwide. Accreditation ensures that your school is not a “diploma mill” but offers programs that adhere to the highest academic standards. Always choose an accredited school for your educational needs.
Learn More About the Highest Paying Online Degrees and Jobs
- Highest-Paying Certificate Jobs
- Highest-Paying Associate Degree Jobs
- Highest-Paying Bachelor’s Degree Jobs
- Highest-Paying Master’s Degree Jobs
- Highest-Paying MBA Degree Jobs
- Highest-Paying Doctorate Jobs
Interested in a degree instead?
Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.