Today, online learning is one of the fastest-growing ways for you to get your associate, bachelor’s, and even master’s degree—all from accredited schools. Those top-paying online programs span a wide range of career fields, from business and information technology to healthcare and engineering. You can earn an online degree in a variety of fields. In fact, you can get degrees in engineering, economics, web design, psychology, accounting, software development, database management, and much more.
Just remember, money isn’t everything. There are many online programs out there that not only have great pay, but are rewarding and fun. So, if you’re a motivated veteran looking for an online degree program with a rewarding future, think about these Top 15 Online Degree Programs with the best pay and great career potential.
Associate Degrees
You don’t have to spend countless years studying to get a well-paying job. It only takes two years to get your associate degree online, but there are accelerated programs out there that can be completed in just over a year. Check out these online associate degree programs that can lead to great pay.
Web Design
If you love computers and are creative, then making websites may be your perfect career. Getting a degree in Web Design is ideally suited for online learning. In this program, you’ll learn scripting languages, design techniques, and computer security. You may also study content strategies and how to enhance a site for search engines.
Possible jobs and average salary:
- Web developer: $59,568
- Web content manager: $58,719
- Web designer: $50,256
*Note: All salary estimates from Payscale.com
Network Technology
Every organization has a computer and network system to run its business, and an Associate Degree in Network Technologies can put you in a great position of responsibility. Your coursework will focus on programs like Linux, Microsoft, or Cisco. Some courses you may take include operating systems, network troubleshooting/design, web design, and information security.
Possible jobs and average salary:
- Network systems administrator: $60,923
- Computer network support specialist: $58,413
- Computer support specialist: $55,540
Paralegal Studies
If you want to play a part in the legal process without spending years going to law school, then getting your degree in paralegal studies may just be the ticket. You’ll learn how to do research, prepare documents, review trial transcripts, and file appeals. You can also specialize in different areas like criminal, family, or contract law.
Possible jobs and average salary:
- Court Reporter: $52,797
- Paralegal: $48,510
- Transcriptionist: $48,500
Bachelors Degrees
A bachelor’s degree, aka a four-year-degree, is one of the most common degrees that employers are looking for when they hire a new employee. With over 5,000 online bachelor’s degrees to choose from, how do you know which one is the best for you? Well, we have done the research and came up with eight of the best degrees that come with great pay and career potential.
Management Information Systems
Management information systems degrees combine the elements of both business and technology. You’ll focus on how to use computers to make a company’s operations more efficient and effective. Some courses you’ll take include database design, project management, networks, information security, and business ethics.
Possible jobs and average salary:
- Information Security Analyst: $98,000
- Information systems manager: $83,261
- Computer Systems Administrator: $81,000
Marketing
Marketing is all about influencing people to buy products. In your coursework, you’ll learn about market analysis, product management, and promotional strategy. Many marketing programs will have you working on practical projects in a local area business.
Possible jobs and average salary:
- Search Marketing Strategist: $90,000
- Media Director: $90,964
- Marketing manager: $80,000
Human Resources Management
People are a company’s most valuable asset, and as a Human Resources Manager, you’ll train to manage an organization’s employees. You’ll learn about labor relations, workplace safety, recruitment, training, compensation/benefits, and organizational behavior.
Possible jobs and average salary:
- Human Resources Manager: $89,000
- Training and Development Manager: $76,023
- Human Resources Consultant: $73,787
Software Development
If you want to jump on the fastest moving train, explore a career as a software developer. People who design and develop software applications will be in great demand over the next 10 years. You’ll get training in programming languages, operating systems, online software development programs, and computer security.
Possible jobs and average salary:
- Software Engineer: $71,436
- Applications Software Developer: $69,585
- Game Developer: $64,530
Cybersecurity
Every company in the world has a crucial need to protect their computer systems and data from hackers and security breaches. As a cybersecurity engineer, you’ll learn how to recognize potential security risks and defend against attacks. Coursework will cover networks, system architecture, ethical hacking, and operating systems.
Possible jobs and average salary:
- Network Security Engineer: $125,000
- Cybersecurity Engineer: $120,000
- Information Security Analyst: $90,000
Database Management
We live in a digital world, and if you are skilled in the design, implementation, and optimization of the systems that store all that data, you will be in high demand. Your database management degree program will have you studying topics like cloud computing, database development, programming logic, data mining, and network management.
Possible jobs and average salary:
- Database Administrator: $74,336
- Database Manager: $59,540
Finance
If you like to manage money and want to help others do the same, then a degree in finance might be the perfect fit for you. You’ll learn how to evaluate market conditions and implement a variety of strategies to maximize income or create wealth. In this program, you’ll learn about financial planning, managing portfolios, commercial lending, investment principles, and risk management.
Possible jobs and average salary:
- Financial Manager: $$72,893
- Financial Analyst: $60,781.
- Budget Analyst: $60,941.
Accounting
Every business has a team of accountants to help track all of its financial activities and to maintain financial health. An online accounting program will have you focusing on creating your analytical and quantitative skills through coursework in financial management, information systems, budgeting, taxation, and business strategy.
Possible jobs and average salary:
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA): $66,542
- Certified Financial Planner: $$66,631
- Staff Accountant: $50,843
Masters Degrees
A Master’s Degree opens up even more doors to high-paying jobs. If you are going full-time, you can get your online master’s degree in about two years, Most students are also working, so it may take longer. Most schools will allow you three to four years to complete your master’s program.
Master’s in Business Administration (MBA)
What do the Chief Executives of Fortune 500 companies like Walmart, Facebook, and the Harvard Business School have in common—an MBA. An MBA is still one of the most sought-after graduate business degrees and could set you up for a very successful career in the business world. A full-time MBA program is usually two years, but many accelerated full-time MBA programs can be completed in one year. An MBA includes courses in accounting, finance, marketing, ethics, economics, and management.
Possible jobs and average salary:
- Business Operations Manager: $100,930
- Medical and Health Services Manager: $99,530
- Senior Management Consultant$103,520
Engineering Management
If you are an engineer who wants to move into management, then this online master’s degree is just for you. You can develop the people and business skills you need to supervise and manage engineering projects. You’ll learn about quality control, project management, and engineering law.
Possible jobs and average salary:
- Engineering Project Manager: $93,430
- Construction Management Engineer: $74,730
- Industrial Management Engineer: $101,813
Economics
An online Master’s in Economics will teach you how to make high-level business decisions and give you the training you need to open the door to many high-paying jobs in business. Coursework will include financial analysis, econometrics, economic theory, and statistics.
Possible jobs and average salary:
- Economist: $124,555
- Data Scientist: $96,009
- Statistician: $73,546
Industrial-Organizational Psychology
What online master’s degree can you add to your undergraduate degree in psychology that will land you a great job? You might want to consider a Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. You would work for a company to help improve the overall work environment, including performance, communication, professional satisfaction, and safety. You’ll learn about research methods, performance evaluation and feedback, labor relations, and compensation and benefits.
Possible jobs and average salary:
- Industrial-Organizational Psychologist: $77,114
- Behavioral Analyst: $60,179
- HR Organizational Development Specialist: $64,482
Conclusion
Online degrees are more popular than ever, and you can cash in on this great opportunity by earning your associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree in just a few short years. You’ll be able to find an accredited school that offers a degree that matches your talents and interests and set yourself up for a career with great pay and career potential.
Don’t forget your veteran’s benefits! Most every school offering online degree programs will work with veterans and honor your military benefits. All branches of the service offer active-duty tuition assistance to help you on your path to an online degree, plus The Forever GI Bill and the Post-911 GI Bill are there for you after you get out.
If you’re not interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree you can also utilize GI Bill benefits to attend GI Bill approved coding bootcamps.
*Note: All salary estimates from Payscale.com
Jim spent 22 years on active duty, climbing the ranks from Airman Basic to a decorated Air Force Major. Stationed all over the world, he held many high-level posts, including Chief of Foreign Military Sales at the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Jim earned his Ph.D. through the Montgomery Era GI Bill and spent 13 years teaching African Studies in Pennsylvania. Jim is also an award-winning travel writer.
