The job market has gotten much more competitive. Even jobs like retail management or administrative support, which once didn’t require higher education, now often ask for at least a bachelor’s degree.

Fortunately, you can now earn a degree via online learning. This format is known to be more flexible and cheaper. But even then, online degrees still require a significant investment.

With that in mind, this article will guide you through choosing the best online degree with high ROI potential. We’ll help you decide which online degree could lead you to a successful and financially rewarding career.

Related:

• Top ROI Degrees in the Digital Age
• Strategies to Improve ROI for Your College Degree
• Career Change: Top Degrees related to the “Internet of Things”
• Top Affordable Degrees with High Starting Salaries

Why Choose an Online Degree?

Flexibility and Accessibility

If you’re balancing work and school, an online program with flexible hours will suit your needs. You can set time for studying that works within your schedule and at your own pace. You don’t have to rush out of work early or skip family time to go to class. You can log in at a time that works for you, which makes it easier to juggle work, life, and school.

Cost-Effectiveness

Are online degrees truly cheaper? It depends. Some online courses charge the same tuition for both their online and on-campus students. But since you don’t have to worry about housing, transportation, or other campus-related expenses, you can save money on your overall education.

Career Advancement Opportunities

One of the biggest reasons to pursue an online degree is the opportunity for career advancement. Many industries, from technology to healthcare, reward those who continue to develop their skills and credentials. If you’re aiming for a higher salary, online degrees in certain disciplines offer a clear path to lucrative careers.

However, before choosing a school, several online degree program factors should be considered, including cost, flexibility, and course offerings. We will talk about this more after discussing the best online degrees with high earning potential.

 Top Online Degrees with High Earning Potential

1. Computer Science

Computer science is one of the best high-paying accredited online degrees. There are numerous career opportunities in software development, data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and more.

• Average Salary: $80,000-$120,000 annually
• Potential Careers: Software Developer, Data Scientist, Systems Architect, Cybersecurity Analyst

2. Nursing (BSN)

Another one of the top online degrees with high earning potential is nursing. For Registered Nurses (RNs) looking to advance their careers, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) online can lead to higher-paying positions, such as nurse manager, nurse educator, or advanced practice nurse.

• Average Salary: $75,000-$110,000 annually
• Potential Careers: Registered Nurse, Nurse Manager, Nurse Educator, Nurse Practitioner

3. Business Administration

With a degree in business administration, you acquire a strong foundation for many career paths. These high-paying online degrees help you pursue careers in management, marketing, operations, and human resources. Whether you want to become a business analyst, marketing manager, or even an entrepreneur, this degree is versatile and highly valued by employers.

• Average Salary: $70,000-$120,000 annually
• Potential Careers: Business Analyst, Operations Manager, Marketing Manager, Project Manager

4. Engineering (Various Fields)

If you’re looking for a more challenging education, one of the best online degrees for high salaries is engineering. This is a broad field that includes specialties like civil, mechanical, electrical, and software engineering. Engineers are critical in industries ranging from construction and manufacturing to technology and renewable energy.

• Average Salary: $80,000-$130,000 annually
• Potential Careers: Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Software Engineer, Electrical Engineer

5. Information Technology (IT)

Information technology encompasses a range of career paths, including cybersecurity, IT management, systems administration, and software development. With technology becoming even more embedded in every aspect of business and life, the demand for IT professionals continues to rise.

• Average Salary: $85,000-$125,000 annually
• Potential Careers: Cybersecurity Analyst, IT Manager, Network Administrator, IT Consultant

6. Accounting

One of the most popular online degrees for working professionals is accounting. This major is considered a stable, high-demand profession that offers solid earning potential, especially for those who become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). Whether you’re working in tax, audit, or financial planning, a degree in accounting can provide a variety of lucrative career paths.

• Average Salary: $65,000-$110,000 annually
• Potential Careers: CPA, Auditor, Financial Analyst, Tax Consultant

7. Healthcare Administration

In ensuring that operations run efficiently and within regulatory guidelines, healthcare administrators manage the business side of healthcare facilities. Given the aging population and general healthcare needs on the rise, this is one of the best high-paying careers with online degrees.

• Average Salary: $80,000-$120,000 annually
• Potential Careers: Healthcare Administrator, Medical and Health Services Manager, Operations Director

8. Finance

Finance is yet another one of the best online degrees with top salaries. Whether you choose investment banking, financial analysis, or personal finance advising, a degree in finance can lead to lucrative opportunities, especially as you advance to management or executive roles.

• Average Salary: $70,000-$120,000 annually
• Potential Careers: Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Personal Financial Advisor, Financial Manager

9. Education (Specializations like STEM or Leadership)

If you’re passionate about teaching or educational leadership, flexible online degrees in Education might just be for you. This opens the door to roles like school principal, curriculum developer, or instructional coordinator. Specializing in STEM education can be particularly rewarding.

• Average Salary: $60,000-$100,000 annually
• Potential Careers: Principal, Curriculum Developer, STEM Teacher, Educational Consultant

10. Marketing

As digital media continues to dominate, marketing is another one of the best online degrees for high salaries. Roles in digital marketing, content strategy, and brand management offer high earning potential, especially as companies continue to prioritize online presence and customer engagement.

• Average Salary: $65,000-$110,000 annually
• Potential Careers: Digital Marketing Manager, Brand Manager, Advertising Executive, Content Strategist

How to Choose the Right Online Degree for You

Now that you know the benefits of online degrees and the top majors leading to high-paying careers, it’s time for the hard part: choosing the best online degree for your goals and interests.

Here’s a straightforward guide on how to narrow down top online degrees with high earning potential:

1. Evaluate Your Career Goals. Start by thinking about where you want to be in the next five to ten years. Do you want to stay in your current industry or switch to a completely new one? Look for degrees that align with industries showing growth and that match your personal interests.
2. Think accreditation and quality. Make sure the online program you choose is accredited by a recognized accrediting body. Employers value degrees from accredited institutions because they know the education is of high quality and meets industry standards.
3. Consider program flexibility and cost. Look at factors like whether the program offers asynchronous (self-paced) classes or offers options for part-time study. Also, consider the total cost of the program and available financial aid. Many students choose affordable online degrees for lucrative careers and attend online colleges with flat-rate tuition policies.
4. Measure alumni success rates. Research the program’s alumni success rates, such as job placement and average salaries of graduates. The true best online programs for high salaries are those showcasing the success of their graduates. Programs with strong career services and high alumni satisfaction are more likely to lead you to success.

ROI of High-Earning Online Degrees

Calculating ROI

Calculating the ROI for online degrees doesn’t have to be very complicated. You’ll need to zero in on a few variables:

1. Cost: What is the program’s price? Include application fees, materials, and time spent both in class and on homework.
2. Return: How much money or time will be saved or earned from the new skills?

In this formula, you get the ROI as a percentage showing how much return you get for each dollar spent.

Job Market Demand

The most prominent job growth for online degree careers is in fields like technology, healthcare, and business. Choosing a high-demand field will help ensure that you’re entering a market with plenty of career opportunities.

Long-Term Career Growth

Choosing a degree in a high-earning field doesn’t just offer good salaries now; it opens doors to career advancement. Prioritizing online degrees with long-term benefits provides pathways to leadership positions, allowing you to earn even more as you grow in your career.

Conclusion

Choosing the best online degree with high ROI potential is a smart and rewarding choice. The right program can open doors to high-paying, fulfilling career opportunities. Take some time to think about your goals, the program’s flexibility, and the long-term benefits.

If you’re ready to dive deeper, visit Value Colleges for helpful rankings and resources on affordable online degrees that could be your ticket to the next big step in your career.