College is meant to help us become financially secure later in life. But how can it do that when tuition costs $10,000 a year? That doesn’t even cover extra fees for administration, technology, activities, or supplies.

Those with limited financial resources opt for loans, which often come with long-term consequences. Pursuing affordable degrees in high-demand fields is the most practical way to increase college return on investment.

Choosing affordable degrees in high-demand fields allows you to spend less on your studies and earn more after graduation. These best low-cost college degrees ensure you don’t get buried in student debt, significantly decreasing ROI. These high-demand careers with affordable education are known to provide good salary potential, improving job opportunities and overall career satisfaction.

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What Makes a Degree “Affordable”?

Low tuition does not necessarily mean affordable education. Tuition is not the only factor in the total cost of attendance. The TCOA is calculated by summing up tuition and fees and deducting financial aid.

You also need to consider the ROI of the degree. For example, a low-cost art degree that results in limited job opportunities and lower earnings may not be truly “affordable,” as it doesn’t provide a significant financial ROI.

On the other hand, a more costly degree in a field like technology or healthcare leads to better job opportunities and higher salaries. Other known cheap degrees with high job prospects include business administration and accounting degrees.

High-Demand Fields with Affordable Degree Options

Still on the fence about your college major? Your degree determines the career you will pursue later in life. While many majors today allow for a numerous range of opportunities, some can limit your career possibilities. Uncover what’s best for you by determining the subjects that you’re truly drawn into. While at it, pick the colleges that offer top-value, inexpensive programs in those disciplines.

Below are the most degree programs that, useful and high-demand as they are, do not break the bank:

Healthcare

1. Nursing

Nursing is among the most sought-after affordable degrees in high-demand fields. Graduates will be prepared to become registered nurses, offer comprehensive care in various settings, and significantly impact patients and healthcare teams.

Nurses will never become obsolete. In fact, it has an expected growth rate of 6 percent from 2023 to 2033. BSN graduates earn $86,070 on average annually.

2. Healthcare Administration

Those who want to work in healthcare but want cheaper alternatives can pursue health management degree programs. You’ll have plenty of options for online affordable degrees in healthcare management.

Graduates can work in private and public nursing homes, hospitals, and outpatient care centers. BLS reported a median annual wage of $110,680 and a 29% job growth rate for the decade.

Technology

1. Information Technology (IT)

It is one of the top low-tuition programs in high-demand fields. BYU—Idaho, Kennesaw State University, and Indiana University—Kokomo offer some of the best yet cheapest IT degrees online. IT will always be in demand because technology is constantly evolving and growing.

2. Cybersecurity

This challenging yet rewarding degree program is expected to grow 33% from 2023 to 2033, with an average annual salary of $120,360. Among the top schools offering affordable but competitive cybersecurity degrees are Bellevue University, University of Maryland Global Campus, and Georgia Institute of Technology.

3. Web Development

Web development offers flexible scheduling and over 15,000 freelance opportunities. Degree holders can pursue careers such as Computer Programmer, Mobile Application Developer, and User Experience Designer. Affordable tech degrees in web development include Southern New Hampshire University and Weber State University.

Business

1. Business Administration

Business administration is a flexible degree that can lead to tech, healthcare, and education jobs. It’s also widely available online, making it easier to find affordable education options. Excelsior College, the University of West Florida, and the University of the Cumberlands offer the cheapest online degree options in business administration.

2. Accounting

Accounting careers are expected to have 130,800 job openings each year with annual average salaries of $79,880. You can spend the first two years of your accounting degree at a smaller and more affordable community college. Later, you can transfer smoothly to a partner school for the final two years, retaining all your credits.

Education

1. Teaching

Many schools, such as the University of Missouri-Columbia and Liberty University, offer affordable teacher preparation programs. Although they might not be as competitive as affordable healthcare degrees, teaching degrees often provide better job stability and are among the most cost-effective majors. There are over 106,500 job openings in teaching each year.

2. Special Education

Special education is one of the fastest-growing fields in this sector. The CDC estimates that about 1 in 6 children in the United States has a developmental disability and needs professional support, hence the high demand for Special Ed teachers.

However, you might need a master’s degree. Some of the most affordable graduate degrees are found at the University of Florida and the University of Washington.

How to Find and Choose an Affordable Degree Program

#1: Find schools with low tuition.

Ask about financial aid availability. The more financial assistance offered, the cheaper the degree. Your location matters, as well, because out-of-state tuition rates are often double the price of your college education.

Pro tip: You should always prioritize schools with accreditation; otherwise, other institutions and employers won’t accept your degree. Accreditation serves as an affirmation that an educational institution is providing high-quality education, as recognized by accrediting agencies.

#2: Compare schools offering the best ROI degrees in high-demand careers.

Not all colleges are equal—including in the degree programs they offer. Some schools may be favorable because their programs cost less, but they may not allow you to specialize in your field of choice. Choosing a specialization enables you to focus on making your mark in a specific industry or discipline that promises a high demand. If you wish to focus on a specific type of work that lets you showcase your skills, a generalized program may not be your best fit.

#3: Consider online schools to save on transportation and expensive overhead costs on college campuses.

Some students first pursue community college degrees in demand. This strategy can save money because community colleges have lower tuition and cover the first two years of a bachelor’s degree.

The Long-Term Benefits of an Affordable Degree in a High-Demand Field

To ensure that college pays off, you need to pursue a low-cost degree that ultimately leads to high salary potential and job stability. You can apply for student loans, but keep in mind that they need to be repaid, which can greatly affect your future finances.

When you graduate with minimal or no student loans, you’ll have the freedom to pursue new professional avenues and grow in your sector of choice. Ultimately, this creates more prospects for the future.

Conclusion

When picking a college and degree, always think about the costs. Choosing an expensive program can lead to a lot of student debt, which can hurt your financial stability and future opportunities.

Tech, healthcare, business, and education are some of the most affordable fields that offer a good return on investment. You can often find these in-demand majors in affordable colleges that match both your budget and career goals.