Fast Degrees That Pay Well | BestColleges (2024)

Looking for a degree that pays well but doesn't take forever to complete? This guide on high-paying, quick degrees has got you covered.

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Reporter, Business Education

Bennett Leckrone is a news writer for BestColleges. Before joining BestColleges, Leckrone reported on state politics with the nonprofit news outlet Maryland Matters as a Report for America fellow. He previously interned for The Chronicle of Higher Ed...

Updated on May 10, 2024

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Valerie BlackRead Full Bio

Editor, Business Education

Valerie Black has over 12 years of experience as a professor and 10 years in journalism. She empowers students to leverage the resources that are available but not easily accessible. Her focus is in online education, rich content, and digital storyte...

Learn more about our editorial process

By

Bennett LeckroneRead Full Bio

Reporter, Business Education

Bennett Leckrone is a news writer for BestColleges. Before joining BestColleges, Leckrone reported on state politics with the nonprofit news outlet Maryland Matters as a Report for America fellow. He previously interned for The Chronicle of Higher Ed...

Edited by

Valerie BlackRead Full Bio

Editor, Business Education

Valerie Black has over 12 years of experience as a professor and 10 years in journalism. She empowers students to leverage the resources that are available but not easily accessible. Her focus is in online education, rich content, and digital storyte...

Updated on May 10, 2024

Learn more about our editorial process

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A college degree can lead to more job opportunities and higher earnings — but you might not want to wait the years it takes to get a traditional degree.

A growing number of schools offer accelerated programs at the associate, bachelor's, and master's levels that let you take on higher course loads and finish your degree in less time than it typically takes.

Here are some degree pathways that can lead to various careers with decent pay.

Featured Online Bachelor's Degree Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Top 15 Quick Degrees That Pay Well

Whether you want to complete a degree in history or healthcare administration, there's a program out there to help you earn more and graduate quickly.

Jump to one of these 15 popular degrees that pay well:

1. Business Administration

A bachelor of business administration is one of the most popular undergraduate degrees. It offers a broad understanding of foundational business topics. Alongside core business classes, you can tackle a specialization in accounting, finance, healthcare, or management.

Common careers for BBA graduates include sales development, project management, and financial analysis.

Business Careers That Pay Well

Project Management Specialist

$98,580

Management Analyst

$99,410

Budget Analyst

$84,940

2. Communications

Pursuing a communications degree allows you to take classes on topics like social media, written and oral communication, and message design. Plus, with a bachelor's in communications, you can pursue an academic specialization in fields such as journalism, public relations, and advertising.

Communications Careers That Pay Well

Public Relations Specialist

$66,750

Editor

$75,020

Writer and Author

$73,690

3. Criminal Justice

In your criminal justice program, you'll dive into studies about crime and how society addresses it. Throughout a criminal justice bachelor's degree, you'll tackle classes that explore U.S. law enforcement, the judicial system in the U.S., and how technology impacts the field. Common careers for criminal justice grads include police officers, forensic analysts, and paralegals.

Criminal Justice Careers That Pay Well

Fraud Investigator

$72,040

Mediator

$64,030

Court Reporter

$63,560

4. English

English degree graduates can work in an expansive set of careers. During your undergraduate experience, you'll take classes like introduction to creative writing, literary criticism, and Shakespeare. English grads can work in both public and private sectors, starting careers in technical writing, teaching, and grant writing.

English Graduate Careers That Pay Well

High School Teacher

$65,220

Editor

$75,020

Writer and Author

$73,690

5. Finance

A bachelor's in finance can qualify you for in-demand, high-paying jobs in various business and financial arenas. As a finance student, you'll complete core classes while focusing on an academic concentration in financial accounting, international finance, risk management, or corporate finance. Common careers for finance grads include market research analyst, financial planner, and financial analyst.

Finance Careers That Pay Well

Financial Manager

$156,100

Financial Analyst

$99,890

Personal Financial Advisor

$99,580

6. Healthcare Administration

Doctors and nurses might receive all the attention, but healthcare administrators help keep medical organizations running efficiently. A bachelor's in healthcare administration offers foundational coursework and specializations like organizational leadership, HR management, project management, and marketing.

Careers in healthcare admin include healthcare administration, medical marketing management, and health policy analytics.

Healthcare Administration Careers That Pay Well

Medical and Health Services Manager

$110,680

Healthcare Financial Manager

$156,100

Healthcare Information Manager

$64,881

7. History

A history degree is more than simply studying the past. In fact, most students graduate with extensive and marketable research and writing skills. As a history student, you'll study topics such as American history, human geography, and American women's history. After graduation, you could work in schools, public service, or the nonprofit sector.

History Careers That Pay Well

High School Teacher

$65,220

Archivist

$52,435

Curator

$60,191

8. Human Resources

A human resources bachelor's degree can give you career opportunities in many types of organizations and businesses. In addition to foundational topics in human resources (HR), you'll also master business fundamentals and develop the skills required to manage organizations effectively. After graduation, you can find job opportunities in HR administration, benefits management, and training and development.

Human Resources Careers That Pay Well

Human Resources Specialist

$57,242

Training and Development Specialist

$61,438

Benefits Manager

$85,675

9. Information Technology

We live in a digital world, and tech is full of high-paying, growing careers. And a bachelor's in information technology (IT) offers a path toward a variety of jobs in tech. You'll take core classes in IT in addition to classes in areas like systems administration, network administration, and mobile application development. Common jobs for IT grads include software developer, systems analyst, and database administrator.

Information Technology Careers That Pay Well

Computer Systems Analyst

$103,800

Information Security Analyst

$120,360

Computer Support Specialist

$60,810

10. Management

If you're considering a business career, you can earn a degree in management, including a bachelor's in hospitality management. Academic requirements can vary between programs, but expect to build leadership skills while developing foundational business knowledge. Graduates go on to tackle a broad spectrum of careers in hospitality, marketing, and public relations.

Management Careers That Pay Well

Administrative Services and Facilities Manager

$104,900

Property, Real Estate, or Community Association Manager

$62,850

Sales Manager

$135,160

11. Management Information Systems

A bachelor's in management information systems can help you qualify for careers in information security, operations research, and business management. In this program, you'll take courses in business and technology like business statistics, database management, cybersecurity, and project management.

Management Information Systems Careers That Pay Well

Information Security Analyst

$120,360

Computer Network Architect

$129,840

Software Developer

$130,160

12. Marketing

A bachelor's in marketing helps you prepare for a career in marketing, public relations, and brand management. You'll take classes in marketing analytics, consumer behavior, and digital marketing. You can also choose a specialization area like business management, social media management, or international marketing.

Marketing Careers That Pay Well

Public Relations Specialist

$66,750

Market Research Analyst

$74,680

Social Media Specialist

$50,260

13. Psychology

If you're interested in studying psychology, you're not alone. In fact, a psychology degree is the most popular degree in the United States. As a psych major, you'll focus on core subjects like human development and research methods. You'll also have the chance to specialize in topics such as social and abnormal psychology. Common careers for psychology grads include social workers, research analysts, and market researchers.

Psychology Careers That Pay Well

Psychologist

$92,740

Substance Use Counselor

$53,710

Marriage and Family Therapist

$58,510

14. Sociology

A bachelor's in sociology doesn't mean you have to become a sociologist. From social and community service manager to market research analyst to public relations specialist, there's a variety of careers for you to choose from. And while your coursework will center around research and sociological theory, you can specialize in topics like environmental sociology or social inequality.

Sociology Careers That Pay Well

Social and Community Services Manager

$77,030

Market Research Analyst

$74,680

Public Relations Specialist

$66,750

15. Supply Chain Management

A global economy relies on effective supply chains. And a bachelor's in supply chain management can set you up to help them run smoothly. From procurement to management, you can work in logistician, transportation manager, or operations research analyst roles. In this program, you'll take core business classes, as well as courses in logistics, project management, and operations management.

Supply Chain Management Careers That Pay Well

Logistician

$79,400

Transportation, Storage, or Distribution Manager

$99,200

Purchasing Manager

$77,180

Which Type of Degree Should I Get?

Your prospective degree should align with your timeline, academic interests, and career goals. For some, an associate degree is sufficient, while others may want to pursue a doctorate degree. Keep reading to see which degree is right for you.

Associate Degree

Typically taking about two years to complete, an associate degree provides a solid option if you want to enter the workforce as quickly as possible. Plus, you can jumpstart various careers — in fields like healthcare, business, and law — with an associate degree.

If you're unsure about your academic and/or career path, an associate degree is also a great way to knock out general education classes while taking classes in areas that interest you.

Bachelor's Degree

Earning a bachelor's degree offers an array of benefits, including increased earning potential and expanded career options. An accelerated online format allows you to complete the degree faster and save time and money. Plus, an accelerated bachelor's makes it possible to start earning money more quickly.

Master's Degree

Whether you want to develop new skills, expand your competitiveness in the job market, or earn credentials for leadership positions, a master's degree can help. And because an accelerated master's allows you to secure your diploma more quickly, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor faster than the standard pathway.

Whether you're tackling an MBA or a master's in nursing, at some schools, you can complete your master's as a fifth year of your undergrad program.

Doctorate Degree

A doctoral degree can open up leadership roles, research positions, and teaching opportunities in higher education. An accelerated doctorate allows you to complete requirements in as few as two or three years, depending on the program.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fast Degrees That Pay Well

Can you make six figures with an associate degree?

There are a few jobs that offer high-paying salaries with only an associate degree or even a professional certificate. For example, the top 10% of computer support specialists earn a median annual salary of $121,920.

What is the quickest and easiest degree to get?

A number of colleges and universities offer degrees in an accelerated format, although those include higher course loads and aren't necessarily easier than a regular degree.

What's the quickest way to get a degree?

Accelerated degree programs, transferable credits, and intensive study can lead to faster degree completion. Be wary of non-accredited programs and scams when looking for a fast degree program.

Fast Degrees That Pay Well | BestColleges (2024)

FAQs

What is the easiest degree to get that pays well? ›

Top 15 Quick Degrees That Pay Well
  1. Business Administration. A bachelor of business administration is one of the most popular undergraduate degrees. ...
  2. Communications. ...
  3. Criminal Justice. ...
  4. English. ...
  5. Finance. ...
  6. Healthcare Administration. ...
  7. History. ...
  8. Human Resources.

What is the fastest degree you can earn? ›

An accelerated master's degree includes intensive study to finish a graduate-level education in as little as one year. One-year master's degree programs, such as a one-year master of business administration (MBA) degree, are increasingly popular as students look for a fast return on their investment.

What 1 year degree makes the most money? ›

What Are the Highest-Paying Associate Degrees?
  • Aviation Maintenance.
  • Respiratory Therapy.
  • Radiologic and MRI Technology.
  • Electrical Engineering Technology.
  • Occupational Therapy Assistance.
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology.
  • Industrial Engineering Technology.
  • Electro-Mechanical Technology.

What jobs pay 6 figures straight out of college? ›

As you start your job search, consider these six-figure jobs you can get with a bachelor's degree:
  • Financial manager. ...
  • Development director. ...
  • Aeronautical engineer. ...
  • Sales engineer. ...
  • Software engineer. ...
  • Architect. ...
  • Actuary. ...
  • Chief executive officer (CEO)
Apr 18, 2024

What is the highest paying no degree job? ›

Here are the top 10 highest-paying jobs that don't require a degree.
  • Airline and commercial pilot. ...
  • Information security analyst. ...
  • Elevator and escalator installer and repairer. ...
  • Special effects artist and animator. ...
  • Transportation, storage, and distribution manager. ...
  • First-line supervisors of police and detective.
Jan 28, 2024

How much is 100K a year hourly? ›

$100,000 a year is how much an hour? If you make $100,000 a year, your hourly salary would be $48.08.

How to make 10k a month? ›

In this guide, we'll share the 10 best ways to make $10,000 per month, including:
  1. Sell Private Label Rights (PLR) products 📝
  2. Start a dropshipping online business 📦
  3. Start a blog and leverage ad income 💻
  4. Freelance your skills 🎨
  5. Fulfillment By Amazon (FBA) 📚
  6. Flip vintage apparel, furniture, and decor 🛋
Feb 23, 2024

How to make 150k a year without a degree? ›

150k no degree jobs in remote
  1. Licensed Medicare Sales Agent (072924) ...
  2. Real Estate Listing Agent. ...
  3. Senior Sales Agent (072924) ...
  4. Vice President of Development (Build-to-Rent and Apartment Real Estate Development) ...
  5. Paid Search Marketing Manager. ...
  6. What are your desired job types? ...
  7. Organic Search Marketing Manager.

What is the shortest degree? ›

Associate degrees are the shortest degrees, typically taking two years to complete, and are 60 credits in length. Bachelor's degrees are more extended, usually taking four years or less to complete, and are 120 credits long.

What is the shortest career to study? ›

Many of these meaningful, 2 year degree jobs also pay well, from careers in the medical field to working with computers.
  • Data Analyst.
  • Veterinary Technician.
  • Aquaculture Technician.
  • Web Developer.
  • Animal Shelter Attendant.
  • Wastewater Technician.
  • Junior Aquarist.
  • Medical Assistant.

What is the easiest degree to get online? ›

Easiest Online Majors
  • Humanities.
  • Liberal Arts.
  • Linguistics.
  • Music.
  • Psychology.
  • Religious Studies.
  • Social Work.
  • Sociology.

What is the easiest career that pays the most? ›

High-paying simple jobs
  • Garbage truck driver. ...
  • Massage therapist. ...
  • Claims adjuster. ...
  • Customer service representative. ...
  • Chauffeur. ...
  • Sales representative. ...
  • Truck driver. ...
  • Dispatcher.
Apr 18, 2024

Which degree is best for earning money? ›

Industries like technology, finance, engineering, and healthcare often provide the highest-paying opportunities for graduates with bachelor's degrees. Tech-related roles such as software engineers or data analysts are known for competitive salaries due to high demand.

What degree has the best starting salary? ›

College majors that pay the most right after college
1.Computer engineering$80,000
2.Chemical engineering$79,000
3.Computer science$78,000
4.Aerospace engineering$74,000
5.Electrical engineering$72,000
11 more rows
Mar 14, 2024

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