It's widely recognized that higher education is often sought after for its potential to increase earning capacity and provide financial security. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals holding a bachelor's degree typically earn an additional $525 per week compared to those with only a high school diploma. This discrepancy can result in significant earnings over a lifetime, potentially totaling hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.
Nevertheless, it's important to note that salaries can vary greatly depending on factors such as industry, job role, level of experience, and geographical location. For students who prioritize maximizing their return on investment (ROI), exploring the following list of the most financially rewarding online degrees may offer valuable insights into lucrative career opportunities.
Aviation
Working as an air traffic controller is both challenging and financially rewarding. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that in 2021, the median annual salary for air traffic controllers was $129,750, with 10% of professionals in this field earning $185,990 or higher. To pursue a career as an air traffic controller, individuals typically begin by obtaining an associate's or bachelor's degree from a program approved by the Federal Aviation Administration's Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative. Additionally, aspiring air traffic controllers must undergo extensive on-the-job training, be U.S. citizens, and successfully complete a medical assessment, background check, and drug screenings.
Information technology
As society increasingly depends on computers and digital technologies, the need for skilled professionals in information technology (IT) has surged, leading to higher demand and compensation. As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Computer and information systems managers, who oversee and manage computer-related activities within organizations, typically earn a median annual salary of $159,010. While many roles in the IT field necessitate a bachelor’s degree, certain positions may accept candidates with an associate degree. Advanced roles may prefer individuals with a master’s degree.
Finance
Engaging in financial activities frequently results in increased earnings, making finance one of the top-paying online degree fields. For instance, a financial manager earns a median annual salary of $131,710. These professionals are tasked with maintaining the financial well-being of organizations, managing investments, budgets, and financial documentation. Typically, a bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational requirement for entry-level finance roles, while more senior positions often require candidates with a master’s degree or an MBA specializing in finance.
Marketing
Marketing presents a rapidly expanding and continuously changing domain that promises substantial financial benefits to individuals equipped with its requisite expertise. According to the BLS, marketing managers garner a median annual salary of $135,030. Given that marketing encompasses a wide array of competencies such as sales, business acumen, communication, design, and beyond, it appeals particularly to those possessing robust creativity, problem-solving capabilities, and analytical prowess. The educational qualifications for roles in marketing vary, with some positions requiring an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in the field.
Human resources
Human resources managers earn a median annual salary of $126,230, making it a profitable career choice for individuals possessing exceptional interpersonal, leadership, and communication abilities. They primarily manage an organization's administrative tasks, including recruitment, hiring, and staff management. While a bachelor's degree is the usual entry requirement for this field, certain advanced roles may prefer candidates with a master's degree or MBA.
Nursing
Nursing encompasses various lucrative advanced roles. The median salary for nurse practitioners stands at $120,680, with nurse anesthetists potentially earning up to $195,610 annually, as reported by the BLS. These demanding positions necessitate master's degrees, although individuals can begin their healthcare careers with associate's or bachelor's degrees. This approach enables them to gain valuable experience and income while working towards the educational requirements for advanced roles.
Computer science
Another technology-focused degree, computer science, offers avenues to lucrative career paths. A prime example is the role of a data scientist within the field. The BLS reports a median annual salary of $100,910 for data scientists, who utilize analytical tools like machine learning to derive insights from data. Entry-level positions in this field typically require a bachelor's degree, while advanced roles may mandate a master's degree.
Mathematics
Proficiency in mathematics is sought after in various professions, with some offering six-figure incomes. Take actuaries, for instance; the BLS indicates a median yearly salary of $105,900 for this role. Actuaries play a crucial role in the insurance sector by analyzing the financial ramifications of risk and uncertainty through mathematical, statistical, and financial methodologies. Typically, a bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, or business suffices for entry-level roles in this field.
Nuclear science
Despite shifts in the energy sector, the demand for nuclear technicians remains steady, aiding engineers in equipment maintenance, operation, and radiation level monitoring. The BLS notes a median yearly salary of $99,340 for professionals in this domain, with the top 10% earning up to $126,600 annually. This field often offers a high return on investment, as nuclear technicians typically require only an associate degree in nuclear science or a related technology.
Construction
For those possessing robust technical, analytical, business, and decision-making acumen, considering a degree in construction could lead to lucrative prospects. According to the BLS, construction managers earn a median yearly salary of $98,890, with the highest earners in the top 10% making over $163,800 annually. Construction managers are responsible for overseeing every aspect of construction projects, from planning to budgeting. Typically, individuals enter this field by obtaining a bachelor's degree in construction management.
Nevertheless, it's important to note that salaries can vary greatly depending on factors such as industry, job role, level of experience, and geographical location. For students who prioritize maximizing their return on investment (ROI), exploring the following list of the most financially rewarding online degrees may offer valuable insights into lucrative career opportunities.
Aviation
Working as an air traffic controller is both challenging and financially rewarding. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that in 2021, the median annual salary for air traffic controllers was $129,750, with 10% of professionals in this field earning $185,990 or higher. To pursue a career as an air traffic controller, individuals typically begin by obtaining an associate's or bachelor's degree from a program approved by the Federal Aviation Administration's Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative. Additionally, aspiring air traffic controllers must undergo extensive on-the-job training, be U.S. citizens, and successfully complete a medical assessment, background check, and drug screenings.
Information technology
As society increasingly depends on computers and digital technologies, the need for skilled professionals in information technology (IT) has surged, leading to higher demand and compensation. As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Computer and information systems managers, who oversee and manage computer-related activities within organizations, typically earn a median annual salary of $159,010. While many roles in the IT field necessitate a bachelor’s degree, certain positions may accept candidates with an associate degree. Advanced roles may prefer individuals with a master’s degree.
Finance
Engaging in financial activities frequently results in increased earnings, making finance one of the top-paying online degree fields. For instance, a financial manager earns a median annual salary of $131,710. These professionals are tasked with maintaining the financial well-being of organizations, managing investments, budgets, and financial documentation. Typically, a bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational requirement for entry-level finance roles, while more senior positions often require candidates with a master’s degree or an MBA specializing in finance.
Marketing
Marketing presents a rapidly expanding and continuously changing domain that promises substantial financial benefits to individuals equipped with its requisite expertise. According to the BLS, marketing managers garner a median annual salary of $135,030. Given that marketing encompasses a wide array of competencies such as sales, business acumen, communication, design, and beyond, it appeals particularly to those possessing robust creativity, problem-solving capabilities, and analytical prowess. The educational qualifications for roles in marketing vary, with some positions requiring an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in the field.
Human resources
Human resources managers earn a median annual salary of $126,230, making it a profitable career choice for individuals possessing exceptional interpersonal, leadership, and communication abilities. They primarily manage an organization's administrative tasks, including recruitment, hiring, and staff management. While a bachelor's degree is the usual entry requirement for this field, certain advanced roles may prefer candidates with a master's degree or MBA.
Nursing
Nursing encompasses various lucrative advanced roles. The median salary for nurse practitioners stands at $120,680, with nurse anesthetists potentially earning up to $195,610 annually, as reported by the BLS. These demanding positions necessitate master's degrees, although individuals can begin their healthcare careers with associate's or bachelor's degrees. This approach enables them to gain valuable experience and income while working towards the educational requirements for advanced roles.
Computer science
Another technology-focused degree, computer science, offers avenues to lucrative career paths. A prime example is the role of a data scientist within the field. The BLS reports a median annual salary of $100,910 for data scientists, who utilize analytical tools like machine learning to derive insights from data. Entry-level positions in this field typically require a bachelor's degree, while advanced roles may mandate a master's degree.
Mathematics
Proficiency in mathematics is sought after in various professions, with some offering six-figure incomes. Take actuaries, for instance; the BLS indicates a median yearly salary of $105,900 for this role. Actuaries play a crucial role in the insurance sector by analyzing the financial ramifications of risk and uncertainty through mathematical, statistical, and financial methodologies. Typically, a bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, or business suffices for entry-level roles in this field.
Nuclear science
Despite shifts in the energy sector, the demand for nuclear technicians remains steady, aiding engineers in equipment maintenance, operation, and radiation level monitoring. The BLS notes a median yearly salary of $99,340 for professionals in this domain, with the top 10% earning up to $126,600 annually. This field often offers a high return on investment, as nuclear technicians typically require only an associate degree in nuclear science or a related technology.
Construction
For those possessing robust technical, analytical, business, and decision-making acumen, considering a degree in construction could lead to lucrative prospects. According to the BLS, construction managers earn a median yearly salary of $98,890, with the highest earners in the top 10% making over $163,800 annually. Construction managers are responsible for overseeing every aspect of construction projects, from planning to budgeting. Typically, individuals enter this field by obtaining a bachelor's degree in construction management.