The advancements in technology and eLearning have made high-earning careers more accessible than ever. Platforms like Coursera, edX, and University of the People (UoPeople) offer accredited degrees in lucrative fields. Below, we break down the highest paying online degrees programs alongside some data on salaries as well as key details to help you decide.
Highest Paying Online Degrees
Here are the most profitable online degree programs based on median salaries and job growth:
Computer Science (CS)
Median Salary: $130,000+ (Software Engineering, AI, Cybersecurity)
The top schools for this program are Georgia Tech (edx.org) and UT Austin (Coursera).
Why? Tech demand is soaring—12% job growth (BLS).
Business Administration (MBA)
Median Salary: $115,000+ (Finance, Consulting, Tech Management)
Top Schools for this one include University of Illinois (Coursera) and SNHU
Why? Leadership roles in Fortune 500 companies pay premiums.
Data Science & Analytics
Median Salary: $120,000+
Top Schools for this qualification are Johns Hopkins (Coursera), Udacity Nanodegree
Why? Big data drives decisions in every industry.
Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil)
Median Salary: $100,000–$150,000
Top Schools are Arizona State (ASU Online), Purdue
Why? Infrastructure and tech sectors need skilled engineers.
Healthcare Administration (MHA)
Median Salary: $110,000+
Top Schools are Walden University, Capella
Why? Aging population = booming healthcare management jobs.
Highest Paying Online Degree Program FAQs
Which online degree has the highest ROI in 2024?
Computer Science and MBA degrees offer the best return due to high salaries and flexibility.
Can I get a high-paying job with an online degree?
Yes—employers like Google, Amazon, and hospitals accept accredited online degrees (check accreditation via CHEA.org).
What’s the cheapest high-paying online degree?
UoPeople’s tuition-free CS degree (with small exam fees) or Coursera’s $20K MBA from Illinois.
Do employers respect online degrees from schools like SNHU or Capella?
Yes, if the school is regionally accredited (check accreditation before enrolling).
Which online engineering degree pays the most?
Petroleum Engineering ($170K median) but is niche; Computer Engineering ($130K) is more versatile.
Final Thoughts
If you are considering levelling up your career through online degree programs and you want a high-paying career, an online degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or an MBA is your best bet. Platforms like MasterClass (for soft skills), Pluralsight (for tech training), and LinkedIn Learning (for certifications) can supplement your degree.
Ready to start? Explore programs from Georgia Tech (edx.org), University of Illinois (Coursera), or SNHU—all offer flexible, respected degrees that maximize earning potential.