The best online bachelor's degrees open doors to many career opportunities, helping you develop skills with growing labor market relevance. According to Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce, 71% of U.S. jobs will require postsecondary education by 2031.
Online formats deliver valuable flexibility while making higher education more accessible and affordable. Explore high-growth career paths poised for strong future demand and connect with top programs using the ranked list below.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Bachelor's Programs
Price Check
As an online student, you can save on major college expenses like room and board. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), these costs averaged $12,369-$14,406 per year in 2022-23.
Job and Salary Trends for Online Bachelor's Degrees
The following table highlights some fast-growing, high-demand, and/or well-paid roles for which you can qualify with a fully online bachelor's degree. Most of the featured positions are in business, finance, and STEM fields.
Also, note that some healthcare occupations in fields such as nursing also have high projected growth rates. However, they were not included in the table because many such roles require extensive in-person clinical training and/or advanced degrees and therefore do not fit with the focus on online undergraduate education.
| Job | Projected Growth, (2024-2034) | Median Annual Salary, May 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Accountants and Auditors | +5% | $81,680 |
| Actuaries | +22% | $125,770 |
| Computer Systems Analysts | +9% | $103,790 |
| Data Scientists | +34% | $112,590 |
| Financial Examiners | 19% | $90,400 |
| Information Security Analysts | +29% | $124,910 |
| Mechanical Engineers | +9% | $102,320 |
| Operations Research Analysts | +21% | $91,290 |
| Project Management Specialists | +6% | $100,750 |
Majors to Consider to Prepare for Post-Grad Success
The following majors are particularly relevant to the careers profiled in the table above. If any of those career paths interest you, consider seeking an online program in one of these fields:
Accounting
The accounting profession is experiencing a major talent shortage, as noted in professional publications like the CPA Journal. Many states have changed the requirements for a certified public accountant (CPA) license to make the well-paid CPA profession more accessible.Business
Business is a highly transferable major with strong relevance in virtually all economic and labor market conditions. It supports entry to career paths like operations research and project management.Computer Science
While artificial intelligence has disrupted the computer science field, many technology roles remain positioned for very high growth rates over the coming decade.Data Science
Of the specific roles profiled in the table above, data scientists have the highest projected 2024-34 growth rate. You can specifically major in data science or in a related field like mathematics, statistics, or computer science.Finance
This business specialization focuses specifically on money management. It supports entry to a diversity of financial occupations, including the fast-growing financial examiner path.
How to Choose the Right Bachelor's Degree for You
The best online bachelor's degrees can deliver strong long-term value, but you must choose a school, program, and major with care. Evaluate each study opportunity you are considering according to how well it aligns with each of these value-driving factors:
Your Long-Term Goals
If you have specific long-term personal or career goals, assess how relevant the degree is to your objectives. For example, accounting is an ideal major if you aspire to become a CPA, but it might not make the best match if you want to work in business operations research.
Program Format & Flexibility
Synchronous online courses involve scheduled meetings and live lectures. They offer less flexibility than asynchronous courses, which feature pre-recorded instructional sessions and do not meet at set times.
Also, note that some online programs have campus-based components. Research these requirements and plan to meet them — especially if you do not live near your online school.
Prerequisites & Transfer Credit
Some majors have specific subject prerequisites, which you must have to secure an offer of admission. Depending on the school, you may have the opportunity to complete any missing prerequisites before proceeding into the program with full standing.
Also, consider transferring any college credits you have already earned from accredited schools. Transfer credits can significantly reduce both your costs and graduation timeline.
Type of Degree
Some majors offer more than one degree designation. For example, psychology programs often lead to either a BA or a BS. Compare your options carefully, as they could impact your future education and career options.
Accreditation
Always ensure your online school holds a valid, current accreditation from a recognized agency. Also, note that some licensed career paths also require specialized accreditation from a field-specific organization. Research these requirements to determine whether they apply to your career plans, and to identify relevant accreditors.
Career or Academic Focus
Many fields have sub-disciplines or specializations, which you can pursue through concentration or career-specific tracks. If you have a very specific career goal, choosing a concentrated program may help you reach it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Bachelor's Degrees
Some online schools promote graduation timelines as short as one year. Standard bachelor's programs require about four years of full-time study, but you can graduate faster by overloading a full-time schedule, enrolling in an accelerated program, studying during the summer, and transferring in existing credits.
