The answer is: Absolutely! Indeed you can earn a well-paying degree in just 1 year—especially in high-demand fields like tech, healthcare, and business. Many accredited schools such as SNHU, WGU, Purdue Global and reputable online platforms like Coursera, Udacity do offer accelerated programs that lead to jobs that pay really well ($60K+ salaries).
Top 1-Year Degrees with High Pay
There are a few sectors that offer various career opportunities for 1 year degrees that pay well. Below we will list some qualifications with their approximate salary ranges for each sector covered.
Tech & IT
- Cybersecurity Certificates – $80K+ (Check SANS.edu or WGU)
- Cloud Computing (AWS/Azure) – $100K+ (Udacity Nanodegrees or Pluralsight paths)
- Data Analytics Bootcamps – $75K+ (Google Data Analytics Cert on Coursera)
Healthcare
- RN-to-BSN (Accelerated) – $70K+ (Capella, Walden University)
- Medical Coding & Billing – $50K+ (AAPC-approved programs)
- Surgical Tech Certificates – $55K+ (Local community colleges)
Business & Finance
- Accelerated MBA (Online) – $90K+ (Indiana Kelley, UoPeople)
- Project Management (PMP Prep) – $85K+ (Coursera’s PM courses)
- Bookkeeping/QuickBooks Cert – $50K+ (Udemy or LinkedIn Learning)
Skilled Trades
- Electrician/HVAC Certificates – $60K+ (Trade schools like Lincoln Tech)
- CDL (Trucking License) – $70K+ (Local trucking schools)
- Welding Certifications – $55K+ (AWS-approved programs)
FAQs
Do 1-year degrees actually get you hired?
Yes! Employers in tech, healthcare, and trades value skills over degree length. Certifications from Coursera, Udacity, or CompTIA boost job prospects.
What’s the highest-paying 1-year degree?
Cybersecurity (Certifications like CISSP) and Cloud Computing (AWS Certified) often pay $90K-$120K within a year.
Can I get financial aid for 1-year degree programs?
Yes! Many accredited schools (WGU, SNHU) accept FAFSA, and some bootcamps (like edX) offer income-share agreements.
Are online 1-year degrees respected?
Yes, if from accredited schools (Purdue Global, Capella) or industry-recognized platforms (Coursera, Udacity).
Which 1-year degree has the best job placement?
RN-to-BSN, IT certs (CompTIA+), and CDL licenses have 90%+ placement rates in many markets.
Final Thoughts
A 1-year degree can be your ticket to a high-paying career—especially in tech, healthcare, and trades. For fast, affordable options, check:
- Tech: Udacity (udacity.com) or Coursera (coursera.org)
- Healthcare: Walden University (waldenu.edu)
- Business: UoPeople (uopeople.edu)
Pro Tip: Pair your degree with a certification (Google, AWS, PMP) to maximize salary potential!