Applying for a job to sustain a comfortable living has become increasingly challenging as employers become more stringent with their requirements. This resulted in a significant increase in enrollment among non-traditional students.

Here’s some research from The New Majority Learner Report 2025:

• Over 40% are older than 22
• Nearly 70% work while studying
• 39% attend part-time, and 19% have children
• About 30% are first-gen students
• 25% are immigrants (with 18% needing ESL)
• 16.5% are neurodivergent—a figure that’s more than doubled since 2004

If you’re considering returning to college as a non-traditional student but are afraid (or simply can’t) spend $50,000 a year for four years, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we will delve into low-cost degrees for non-traditional students like you. We’ll focus on flexible degree programs for working adults that offer real value and strong job prospects.

Related:

• Top Business Degrees with High ROI and Low Tuition
• Best ROI Degrees for Career Changers
• Calculating Value and ROI for College Degrees: A Comprehensive Guide
• Top ROI Degrees in the Digital Age
• Strategies to Improve ROI for Your College Degree

What Makes a Degree High ROI?

ROI in higher education is all about what you get back for every dollar (and hour) you invest. It’s not just about getting a diploma; it’s about getting a job, making more money, and building a future that works for you.

High ROI college degrees usually have a few things in common:

• They lead to in-demand jobs
• They don’t require six-figure student loans
• They help you move up in your field (or switch fields entirely)
• They offer job stability and opportunities for promotion
• They’re offered by accredited schools with legit support systems

If a degree costs $15,000 but helps you land a $70K job? That’s a win. If it costs $90K but takes 10 years to pay off? Not so much. According to several market research studies, the best return on investment degrees are in business, healthcare, technology, and education.

Why Non-Traditional Students Need Affordable and Flexible Options

Life doesn’t hit pause just because you want to go back to school. Maybe you’re working a 9–5, raising kids, caring for elderly parents—or all three at once. But thanks to ongoing tech advancements and the growing use of data, there are now several degree options for adult learners and other non-traditional students:

• Part-time college programs for non-traditional students – So you can keep working while studying
• Online learning – Study from home, the office, or the sidelines of soccer practice
• Accelerated options – Finish faster, earn sooner
• Competency-based learning – Move through courses as fast as you master them.

These types of degree programs not only offer flexible learning schedules, but also cheaper tuition and fees. For example, online learning is $30,545 less expensive than full-time on-campus learning, according to the Education Data Initiative’s research.

Best Low-Cost Degrees with High ROI

1. Business Administration (BBA or AA in Business)

• Tuition: $6,000–$10,000/year (public or online programs)
• Median Salary: $65,000–$100,000+
• Best For: Career changers, future entrepreneurs, office warriors

Why it’s worth it:

Business degrees are among the most cost-effective degrees for career changers. You can work in HR, operations, marketing, or start your gig. Plus, you’ll find several accredited online degrees with high ROI in business, from your local community college to fully online universities like Southern New Hampshire University.

2. Information Technology (IT) or Computer Science

• Tuition: Varies widely, but online public schools keep it affordable
• Median Salary: $70,000–$120,000+
• Best For: Tech-savvy folks or total beginners (certs help bridge the gap)

Why it’s worth it:

IT jobs are everywhere, and they pay well. Affordable online degree programs in IT also allow you to specialize in cybersecurity, systems admin, and cloud computing, which are known to have great job prospects. Bonus: You can stack certifications (like CompTIA, AWS, or Cisco) into your degree, which boosts your resume fast.

One of the top schools for high ROI college degrees in IT is Western Governors University because it lets you advance at your own pace at a much lower price point.

3. Healthcare Administration or Health Information Management

• Tuition: $5,000–$9,000/year
• Median Salary: $60,000–$100,000+
• Best For: People with prior clinical/admin experience or interest in healthcare without patient care

Why it’s worth it:

Healthcare isn’t just about doctors and nurses. Admin roles are booming, especially with all the tech and insurance changes. These low-cost degrees for non-traditional students are offered online and at community colleges, and they’re a great fit if you want stability in a fast-growing industry.

Some of the top budget-friendly college degrees in healthcare administration are found at Purdue Global and Walden University.

4. Education (Early Childhood or Special Ed)

• Tuition: Often subsidized or grant-eligible
• Median Salary: $50,000–$75,000+
• Best For: Passionate educators, career changers who love working with kids

Why it’s worth it:

Teachers are in demand, especially in early childhood and special education. If you’re eligible for TEACH grants, this degree can be super affordable. Many degree options for adult learners are hybrid (some in-person requirements), but others are fully online with fieldwork near your location.

Liberty University and National University offer some of the most affordable and flexible degree programs for working adults.

5. Accounting or Finance

• Tuition: $5,000–$10,000/year at public or online colleges
• Median Salary: $60,000–$90,000+ (higher with CPA)
• Best For: Numbers people, spreadsheet lovers, and future CPAs

Why it’s worth it:

Finance skills are useful across industries, making finance and accounting two of the best return on investment degrees. Whether you want to help people with taxes, handle company budgets, or become a CPA, these degrees open doors.

There are several affordable online degree programs in accounting and finance, such as the B.S. Accounting at Franklin University and the B.S. in Finance at Monroe University. You could also start with an associate degree, then go for a bachelor’s or certificate add-ons.

Schools and Program Types That Support Non-Traditional Students

Here are some schools known for online and part-time college programs for non-traditional students:

Western Governors University (WGU)

• 100% online, competency-based (move fast if you’re motivated)
• Affordable flat-rate tuition ($4K–$6K per term)
• Focused on business, IT, teaching, and health

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)

• Online degrees with flexible scheduling
• Generous credit transfer
• Known for great support services

University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)

• Designed for working adults and military veterans
• Affordable tuition for in-state and military students

Arizona State University (ASU Online)

• Ranked for innovation
• Wide range of accredited online degrees with high ROI options
• Excellent career services

Local Community Colleges

• Super low tuition (sometimes free!)
• Great for associate degrees or transfer pathways
• Increasing number of fully online programs

Pro Tip: Look for schools with good credit transfer policies, career services, and flexibility in class formats

Financial Tips for Non-Traditional Students

Budget-friendly college degrees still cost money. But there are ways to keep costs low and avoid debt traps. Here are a few practical tips when hunting for cost-effective degrees for career changers.

• Fill out the FAFSA. Even if you think you won’t qualify, always apply. Do it annually. Some grants and scholarships require it.
• Find scholarships. Look for scholarships specifically for adult learners, parents, or veterans. Start with:
• Scholarships.com
• Fastweb.com
• Your school’s financial aid office
• Use tuition reimbursement. Ask your employer! Many companies offer to cover some or all of your tuition.
• Stack credentials. Start with a certificate. Build up to a degree later. This lets you earn while you learn and test if the field is right for you.
• Avoid high-priced for-profit schools. If a program promises fast results but costs a ton, pause and compare. Look up their graduation and job placement rates, read reviews, and ask questions.

Career Support and Outcomes

Here’s something schools don’t always mention up front: your degree alone won’t guarantee a job.

That’s why you should choose low-cost degrees for non-traditional students that include:

• Career coaching
• Resume assistance
• Interview prep
• Internships or hands-on projects
• Alumni connections
• Job boards or employer partnerships

High ROI college degrees always include networking and mobility, helping you to grow in your job or switch careers entirely.

Conclusion

If you’re a non-traditional student, you’ve already mastered some of life’s toughest challenges—raising kids, working double shifts, and starting over. Going back to school? That’s just the next step in your growth story.

The good news is that you don’t need to go into massive debt or put your life on hold to get ahead. You can now easily find low-cost degrees for non-traditional students online that also offer flexible schedules and solid support systems.

To recap, the best return on investment degrees are:

• Business Administration
• Information Technology or Computer Science
• Healthcare Administration/Health Information Management
• Education
• Accounting/Finance