Top 10 Best Online Degrees that Pay Well
A degree can help working adults advance in a competitive job market. Online courses offer flexibility.
Here are the ten best online degrees, based on industry growth, job security, and average salaries. This list excludes degrees with high graduate numbers that lead to ordinary job outcomes. Examples of bad degrees for pay are psychology, creative arts, and fields like physics and biology.
1. Business Administration
Business Administration is easily the most popular online degree program at the postgraduate level. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) prepares you for management and leadership roles.
Your previous background doesn’t really matter for this program. What counts is that you’re interested in taking on more responsibility and want to prepare for senior positions.
As of May 2025, around 11.1 million professionals were employed in management occupations in the United States, with a mean annual wage of $145,260.
Often, those who undertake this online degree specialize in a specific area such as finance or marketing. Business Administration is especially popular at the master’s or postgraduate level, with many doing online MBAs.
Related: Is an Online MBA Worth It?
2. Engineering
Engineering degrees are always popular. The major fields include civil, chemical, industrial, electrical and mechanical engineering. Problems solved by engineers are largely technical. Engineering is among the best-paying career fields, and courses are offered by highly regarded institutions.
Career opportunities are wide, extending beyond engineering because the degree demonstrates mathematical and analytical skills (Columbia Engineering).
3. Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity professionals protect computer systems, networks and data from attacks and unauthorized access. Degree programs develop skills in network security, risk management, digital forensics, cloud security and incident response.
Employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 29% from 2024 to 2034. Median annual pay was $124,910 in May 2024.
Career options include:
- Information Security Analyst
- Security Operations Analyst
- Cybersecurity Consultant
- Penetration Tester
Related: Is Cyber Security Hard to Learn? How Hard?
4. Finance
Finance is a competitive but lucrative field. You can become a financial professional by doing a business degree and majoring in Finance. You’ll gain general business skills as well as knowledge for careers in banking, investment, and financial analysis.
The median salary for a financial manager in the US was $161,700 annually in May 2024.
A popular option for undergraduates is a double major in Accounting and Finance. This combination offers expertise in financial reporting and analysis along with accounting skills, ensuring job security and versatility. Graduates perform roles such as financial analysts, investment bankers, portfolio managers, tax accountants, and auditors.
Related: Is a Master of Finance Worth It?
5. Computer Science
As computer use and software continue to expand, there is strong demand for computer science skills. Students learn programming, system design, data structures and other technical skills. Career paths include:
- Software Developers
- Mobile Developers
- Cloud Application Engineers
Computer scientists solve programming challenges, create software, and lead in fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, digital forensics, web development, and data security.
6. Nursing
Nursing is a booming field which attracts many students mainly due to excellent job prospects. As the health sector grows, there is a need for even more nurses. Nurses attend to patients and deal with emergency situations. Online and blended study options are available, particularly for registered nurses and postgraduate students. Clinical placements or onsite requirements may still apply. A trained nurse can work as:
- Registered Nurse
- Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Educator
- Nurse Administrator
7. Marketing
With growing competition for products and services, businesses must maintain a sharp marketing edge. The main goal of marketers is to attract clients or customers in large numbers.
- Digital channels include search, social media, email, content and paid advertising.
- Marketers use data and analytics to understand audiences and measure campaign results.
Marketing is a popular study field because every industry relies on marketing for customer or client awareness. The subject is studied at both bachelor and postgraduate levels. For students who already work full-time, online courses can make study more flexible.
8. Accounting
Private and government institutions alike rely on accountants to ensure proper handling of finances. Accountants help businesses comply with financial regulations and laws. Filing taxes is also an important role. An online accounting degree or associate degree can prepare students for bookkeeping and other entry-level accounting roles. Becoming a certified public accountant generally requires further study and state-specific licensing.
Related: CPA Exam Prep: 7 Study Resources Ranked by Importance
9. Health Care Administration
Health care administration concerns the business and management of health services rather than billing and coding alone. Graduates may pursue roles such as medical and health services managers, who plan, direct and coordinate the business activities of healthcare providers. Other skills include:
- Managing budgets and finances
- Maintaining health records and regulatory compliance
- Coordinating staff and services
10. Criminal Justice
The criminal justice field is about protecting and upholding state, federal and local laws. Requirements for law enforcement careers vary, and a criminal justice degree is not required for every entry-level role. The subject may also provide useful background before law school. Criminal Justice is often offered as a major within an online Bachelor of Science degree. Career areas include:
- Protective services
- Law and corrections
- Security management
- Court administration
