Earning an online degree from an accredited online college or hybrid program is one of most effective and efficient methods for increasing your career options and improving your life-long earning potential. While work experience can also influence salary levels, studies show that each consecutive higher education level a person obtains is directly related to a measurable increase in average earnings.
Data provided in 2016 by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the average annual earnings increase in amount according to level of education obtained:
- Without a high school diploma: $26,208/year
- High school diploma: $35,984/year
- Associate degree: $42,588/year
- Bachelor’s degree: $60,112/year
- Master’s degree: $71,760/year
- Doctoral degree: $86,528/year
- Professional Degree (JD, MD, DVM, or DDS): $90,740/year
Learn more about the value of a college degree and why you should go to college.
Why Choose An Online College and Degree Program?
Here are 13 reasons why online colleges and degree programs are better than traditional degree programs:
- Course flexibility
- Earn your degree while you work
- Student-centered curriculum
- Unlimited access to class material and lectures
- Improved online communication
- Equal participation opportunities
- Open learning geography
- Improved computer skills
- Grow professional network and friendship
- Teacher accessibility
- Online education materials (not bulky books)
- Online degrees are comparable in quality to traditional degrees
- More convenient group work
Most Popular Online Degrees
Below we’ve listed some of the most popular online degrees, offered by accredited online colleges and universities, in a large variety of fields and specializations. From a Certificate or Associate’s Degree in Design to a Bachelor’s Degree in Business or from a Master’s Degree in Engineering to a PhD in Psychology, we’re confident you’ll be able to find the perfect online degree program for you.
Online Degrees by Level
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Online Bachelor Degree Programs Click here for more » |
If you’re considering enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program you should know that most require that you complete 120 credits before you’re able to earn your degree. It usually takes four years to complete this many credits. However, there are now a number of accredited online colleges and universities that allow you to earn your bachelor’s degree in as little as two years. Details about online human resources, nursing, retail management, and various other bachelor’s programs can be found on this site. Recommended Schools and Colleges: |
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Online Master’s Degree Programs Click here for more » |
Students enrolled in master’s degree programs usually spend two years developing expertise in a specific subject area. Earning a masters degree will position you for management, supervisory, research, and consultant positions in a variety of career fields. Find schools and universities providing accredited masters degree programs in computer science, education, health science, business, criminal justice, international business, psychology, as well as many more popular fields. Recommended Schools and Colleges: |
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Online Certificate Programs Click here for more » |
Online certification programs can prepare you launch or advance your career quickly by providing you with industry specific knowledge, training, and credentials. Individuals enrolled in a certication program will receive specialized vocational or technical training. Information about a variety of certification programs can be found here, including certification programs in financial planning, health care, business, technology, and more. Recommended Schools and Colleges: |
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Diploma and Home Study Courses Click here for more » |
Career education programs, home study courses, certificate programs, and diplomas in business, technology, eletronics, healthcare, criminal justice, paralegal studies, medical transcription, and a large variety of vocational and career fields. These programs are designed to help you get your career started quickly and on the right foot. Recommended Schools and Colleges: |
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Online Associate Degree Programs Click here for more » |
An associate degree is the perfect degree to pursue if you’re looking to quickly launch a career or position yourself to get into a top univerity bachelor degree programs. Students pursuing an associate’s degree are typcially required to complete 60 credit hours before graduating. Many students will decide to transfer credits earned during their associate degree program towards earning a bachelor’s degrees. Information about associate degree programs in online education, computer programming, business, criminal justice, paralegal studies, graphic design, communications, fire science programs, as well as many more fields of study can be found here. Recommended Schools and Colleges: |
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Online Doctorate Degree Programs Click here for more » |
One of the most advanced and sought after degrees offered by top colleges and universities is a doctorate degree. Students who successfully complete a doctorate degree program will demonstrate their ability to conduct advanced research, and fully grasp the subjects in their area of expertise – in short they will become a recognized expert in their field of study. Information about online PhD degrees in leadership, education, health sciences, business administration, human services, psychology, as well as other career fields can be found here. Recommended Schools and Colleges: |
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Online MBA Degree Programs Click here for more » |
Earning an MBA degree opens up many career opportunities and will position you for a variety of promotion opportunities in the business world. Students can complete a general MBA program, or develop expertise in a particular speciality by electing a specific MBA emphasis. MBA specilities include risk management, finance, marketing, strategy, international business, advertising, economics, investments, as well as a variety of other specialties. Recommended Schools and Colleges: |
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Online High School Courses Click here for more » |
Online and distance learning GED or high school diploma programs offered by colleges, virtual high schools, and other schools located throughout America and Canada. Recommended Schools and Colleges: |
Online Degrees by Subject
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Online Art & Design Degree Programs Click here for more » |
Ready to launch a successful career in art or design? There’s a lot of competition for top jobs but with right degree you’ll be positioned for career success. Find online degree programs in graphic design, fashion design, interior design, photography, music, web design and more offered by an accredited online college or university. Recommended Schools and Colleges: |
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Online Business Degree Programs Click here for more » |
Earning your degree in business, management, accounting or one of several other business fields will prepare you to launch or advance your career in just about any field. Find online colleges and universities offering graduate and undergraduate degree programs in business, sales, marketing, management, leadership, hospitality and much more. Recommended Schools and Colleges: |
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Online Education Degree Programs Click here for more » |
Launching a career in education can provide a lifetime of rewarding experiences and advancement opportunities. Explore accredited online colleges providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs in teaching, education administration, curriculum design, instructional technology, adult education, distance learning, corporate training, and more. Recommended Schools and Colleges: |
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Online Engineering & Construction Programs Click here for more » |
The engineering and construction industries are constantly changing and evolving. The right education is essential to launching a successful career in either of these career industries. Earning a bachelor’s degree, or more than likely a master’s degree, is the minimum requirement for a career in mechanical, electrical, software, hardware, civil, and nearly every other engineering field. Recommended Schools and Colleges: |
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Online Health Degree Programs Click here for more » |
Healthcare is one of the fastest growing industries in the nation and good jobs are plentiful. Notwithstanding, competition for career positions is keen and obtaining the right education is essential. Explore graduate and undergraduate degree programs in sports science, medicine, nursing, healthcare administration, health sciences, paramedic science, occupational therapy, gerontology, alternative medicine, and more. Recommended Schools and Colleges: |
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Online Hospitality & Culinary Degree Programs Click here for more » |
Do you enjoy hosting parties? Like the idea of turning your cooking hobbie into a full-time career? Then you just might be interested in launching a career in the hospitality industry. Earn your degree in hotel and restaurant management, culinary arts, catering, or more, and watch your career take off. Recommended Schools and Colleges: |
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Online Law & Criminal Justice Degrees Click here for more » |
Earn a certificate, associate, bachelor, or master’s degree in criminal justice and prepare for a career in one of the most exciting and dynamic career fields in the world. Explore graduate and undergraduate degree programs in criminal justice, law enforcement, corrections, forensic science, crime scene investigation, legal studies, homeland security, law, justice administration, and more. Recommended Schools and Colleges: |
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Online Liberal Arts & Humanities Degrees Click here for more » |
Earning a degree in liberal arts will provide you a very well-rounded education that will prepare you for a variety of career and higher education opportunities. Explore graduate and undergraduate degree programs in history, technical writing, interior design, general studies, museum studies, theology, religion, and more. Recommended Schools and Colleges: |
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Online Science Degree Programs Click here for more » |
Earning a certificate or degree in science will prepare you for a variety of career fields in just about every industry imaginable. Explore online graduate and undergraduate degree programs in environmental science, aviation, agriculture, geographic information systems, veterinary science, biotechnology, fire science, and more. Recommended Schools and Colleges: |
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Online Social Science Degrees Click here for more » |
Many people underestimate the value of a degree in social science. Social science teaches invaluable skills in critical thinking, writing and reasoning that are demanded by all employers. Explore graduate and undergraduate degree programs in history, behavioral science, political science, economics, women’s studies, psychology, human services, sociology, and more. Recommended Schools and Colleges: |
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Online Technology & IT Degree Programs Click here for more » |
Trained, qualified technology and IT professionals are always in high demand–and usually demand very attractive salaries. Explore a large variety of graduate and undergraduate degree programs in computer science, network security, web design, software engineering, technology management, telecommunications, information systems, and more. Recommended Schools and Colleges: |
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Online Vocational Degree Programs Click here for more » |
Looking to get your career on the right track fast? Earning a vocational degree or certification will help you acquire the real-world technical and trade skills required to prepare for a career in the shortest amount of time possible. Explore vocational training programs that will help you to prepare for a career as a plumber, HVAC technician, auto mechanic, PC or appliance repair specialist, cosmetologist, gunsmith, interior designer, electrician, and more. Recommended Schools and Colleges: |
Featured Schools
 | Grand Canyon University (GCU) With a spotlight on intellectual creativity and innovation for the 21stcentury, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at GCU provides a job focused education. It blends the study of traditional humanities in a modern context. Through academic inquiry and beyond the box thinking, the college advances our society and its accomplishments. Learn More > |
| Kaplan University Kaplan University's campus locations provide the facilities, faculty, staff and career programs to help you achieve your personal goals. You can learn from professionals specializing in identifying career opportunities and preparing students for a brighter future. Learn More > |
| Northcentral University Northcentral University (NCU) was founded to provide accessible, high-quality, online graduate degrees to working professionals. As a regionally accredited, online university, NCU serves students worldwide, focusing on Doctoral and Master's degree programs in the Schools of Business and Technology Management, Education, Psychology, and Marriage and Family Sciences. Learn More > |
| Colorado Technical University (CTU) A degree from Colorado Technical University can connect you to what matters most - a powerful professional network, real-world faculty and accessible, innovative technology. So once you earn your degree, you can hit the ground sprinting. Learn More > |
| American InterContinental University (AIU) You're serious about success. With your busy schedule and the desire to move your career forward, you can earn an accredited associate, bachelor's or master's degree at a pace that works for you anywhere, anytime, 24/7. Learn More > |