Top Online Degrees That Can Get You a $100K Job in the US [2025 Guide]

Dreaming of a high-paying job that earns $100,000 or more a year? An online degree can make it happen without leaving your home. In 2025, online education is more respected than ever, offering flexible, affordable paths to careers in tech, healthcare, business, and more. Whether you’re a student aiming for a scholarship, an educator seeking a career boost, or someone planning a student visa to work in the US, this guide highlights the top online degrees that lead to six-figure salaries. We’ll break it down in simple steps, share real examples, and give tips to succeed. Let’s explore how you can earn big with an online degree!

Why Choose an Online Degree?

Online degrees let you study at your own pace, making them perfect for busy people like parents, teachers, or students working part-time. They’re often cheaper than traditional college, with some programs costing as little as $10,000 total. In 2025, top employers like Google and Amazon value skills over where you studied, so online degrees from accredited schools can open doors to high-paying jobs. Plus, they’re ideal for international students needing flexible schedules to manage visa applications or work.

Benefits of Online Degrees

• Flexibility: Study anytime, anywhere, balancing school with work or family.
• Affordability: Save on tuition, housing, and travel compared to on-campus programs.
• Career Boost: Earn skills for in-demand jobs like software engineering or nursing.
• Accreditation: Reputable online schools are recognized by employers nationwide.

Quick Recap: Online degrees are flexible, cost-effective, and respected, paving the way to high-paying careers.

How to Choose the Right Online Degree

Picking the best degree depends on your interests, budget, and career goals. Here’s what to consider in 2025:

• Job Demand: Choose fields with growing $100K+ roles, like tech or healthcare.
• Accreditation: Ensure the school is regionally accredited (e.g., by WASC or NECHE) for employer trust.
• Cost: Look for affordable programs or scholarships to reduce debt.
• Program Length: Some degrees take 2-4 years; faster options like accelerated programs save time.
• Support Services: Check for career counseling, tutoring, or job placement help.

Summary Tips: Focus on accredited, affordable degrees in high-demand fields to maximize your investment.

Top 5 Online Degrees for $100K Jobs in 2025

Below are five online degrees that can lead to jobs paying $100,000 or more in the US, chosen for their demand, salary potential, and accessibility. Each includes examples of schools and careers.

1. Bachelor’s in Computer Science

Overview: Computer science teaches you to code, design software, and solve tech problems. In 2025, tech jobs like software engineers and data scientists earn $100K-$150K, with demand growing 22% by 2032.

Key Features:

• Average Salary: $126,830 (software developers, 2024 data).
• Top Careers: Software engineer, AI developer, cybersecurity analyst.
• Program Cost: $10,000-$40,000 total (e.g., University of Florida Online: $16,000 for in-state students).
• Program Length: 3-4 years full-time; part-time options available.
• Top Schools: Arizona State University (ASU) Online, University of Illinois Springfield, Oregon State University.

Why It’s Great: Tech skills are in demand everywhere, from startups to big companies like Microsoft. Students can work on projects like building apps, preparing them for high-paying roles. International students on a student visa can use Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work in the US after graduation.

Career Example: A software engineer at Google in California earns $130,000-$180,000 a year, plus bonuses.

Final Thoughts: A computer science degree is a ticket to high-paying, flexible tech jobs.

2. Master’s in Business Administration (MBA)

Overview: An online MBA teaches leadership, finance, and strategy, preparing you for management roles. In 2025, MBAs earn $115K-$200K in fields like consulting or marketing.

Key Features:

• Average Salary: $115,000 (business managers, 2024 data).
• Top Careers: Marketing manager, financial analyst, operations director.
• Program Cost: $15,000-$50,000 (e.g., University of Illinois iMBA: $23,000 total).
• Program Length: 1-2 years full-time; part-time up to 5 years.
• Top Schools: University of North Carolina (UNC) Kenan-Flagler, Indiana University Kelley School, University of Texas at Dallas.

Why It’s Great: MBAs are versatile, leading to jobs in any industry. Educators transitioning to corporate roles or students aiming for leadership benefit from networking and case studies. Many programs offer scholarships to reduce costs.

Career Example: A marketing manager at Procter & Gamble earns $120,000-$160,000, with opportunities for global roles.

Summary Tips: An MBA is ideal for those seeking leadership and high earnings across industries.

3. Bachelor’s in Nursing (RN to BSN)

Overview: An RN to BSN program upgrades registered nurses’ skills, opening doors to advanced roles. Nurse practitioners and managers earn $100K+ in 2025, with healthcare jobs growing 16% by 2032.

Key Features:

• Average Salary: $123,780 (nurse practitioners, 2024 data).
• Top Careers: Nurse manager, clinical nurse specialist, telehealth nurse.
• Program Cost: $8,000-$20,000 (e.g., Western Governors University: $10,000 total).
• Program Length: 1-2 years for RNs; flexible pacing.
• Top Schools: Western Governors University (WGU), Chamberlain University, Capella University.

Why It’s Great: Nurses are in high demand, especially in rural areas or telehealth. The program builds on existing RN licenses, making it quick and affordable. International students with nursing credentials can pursue US licensure and high-paying jobs.

Career Example: A nurse practitioner in Texas earns $110,000-$140,000, with flexible hours.

Quick Recap: RN to BSN degrees offer fast paths to six-figure healthcare careers.

4. Master’s in Data Science

Overview: Data science teaches you to analyze big data, helping companies make decisions. Data scientists and analysts earn $100K-$170K in 2025, with a 35% job growth rate by 2032.

Key Features:

• Average Salary: $103,500 (data scientists, 2024 data).
• Top Careers: Data scientist, machine learning engineer, business intelligence analyst.
• Program Cost: $12,000-$40,000 (e.g., University of Wisconsin Online: $25,000).
• Program Length: 1-2 years full-time; part-time options.
• Top Schools: University of California, Berkeley Online, Johns Hopkins University, Syracuse University.

Why It’s Great: Data skills are critical in tech, finance, and healthcare. Students learn tools like Python and SQL, building portfolios for job applications. Educators transitioning to tech can leverage analytical skills for high-paying roles.

Career Example: A data scientist at Amazon earns $120,000-$160,000, with remote work options.

Final Thoughts: Data science is a high-demand field with strong earning potential.

5. Bachelor’s in Engineering (Software or Civil)

Overview: Engineering degrees focus on building software or infrastructure, leading to $100K+ jobs like software engineers or project managers. Demand grows 11% by 2032.

Key Features:

• Average Salary: $101,020 (civil engineers, 2024 data).
• Top Careers: Software engineer, civil engineer, project manager.
• Program Cost: $15,000-$50,000 (e.g., University of Arizona Online: $30,000).
• Program Length: 3-4 years full-time; part-time available.
• Top Schools: University of Arizona Online, Colorado State University, Purdue University Global.

Why It’s Great: Engineering offers stable, high-paying careers. Software engineering suits tech enthusiasts, while civil engineering fits those interested in infrastructure. International students can secure H-1B visas for US engineering roles.

Career Example: A civil engineer at Bechtel earns $100,000-$130,000, with project-based bonuses.

Summary Tips: Engineering degrees lead to diverse, lucrative careers in growing fields.

Steps to Succeed with an Online Degree

To turn your degree into a $100K job, follow these steps:

1. Research Programs: Compare schools on cost, accreditation, and job placement rates. Use sites like U.S. News & World Report.
2. Apply for Scholarships: Many online programs offer aid. For example, WGU provides $2,000 scholarships for nurses.
3. Build Skills: Complete projects, internships, or certifications (e.g., AWS for data science) to stand out to employers.
4. Network Online: Join LinkedIn groups or virtual job fairs to connect with recruiters.
5. Prepare for Interviews: Practice common questions, like “Describe a coding project” for tech or “How do you lead teams” for MBAs.

Quick Recap: Research, fund, work hard, network, and prepare to land your dream job.

Tips for Maximizing Your Online Degree

Get the most from your program with these strategies:

• Stay Organized: Use apps like Notion to track assignments and deadlines.
• Seek Support: Use tutoring or career services offered by schools like ASU or UNC.
• Earn Certifications: Add credentials like PMP (project management) or Google Data Analytics for extra appeal.
• Build a Portfolio: Showcase projects, like a data dashboard or business plan, on GitHub or a personal website.
• Check Visa Options: International students should explore OPT or H-1B visa paths for US work after graduation.

Final Thoughts: Stay focused, add skills, and plan ahead to boost your job prospects.

Special Focus: Students and Educators

Students aiming for scholarships or a student visa can choose affordable degrees like WGU’s nursing or ASU’s computer science, costing under $20,000. These lead to $100K jobs, supporting visa applications by showing career potential. Educators transitioning careers might prefer an MBA or data science degree from UNC or Berkeley, which offer part-time options to balance teaching. For example, a $25,000 iMBA could lead to a $120,000 marketing job in two years.

Summary Tips: Pick affordable, flexible degrees that align with high-paying, in-demand careers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t let these pitfalls slow you down:

• Choosing Non-Accredited Schools: Unaccredited degrees aren’t respected by employers or visa officers.
• Ignoring Costs: High tuition can lead to debt; seek scholarships or low-cost programs.
• Skipping Networking: Connections are key to landing $100K jobs.
• Not Practicing Skills: Theory alone won’t impress employers; build real-world projects.

Quick Recap: Avoid unaccredited schools, manage costs, network, and gain practical experience.

Extra Ways to Boost Your Career

Beyond your degree, try these strategies:

• Join Professional Groups: Associations like IEEE (engineering) or AMA (marketing) offer networking and resources.
• Learn Soft Skills: Communication and teamwork are critical for $100K roles.
• Explore Internships: Paid or unpaid internships, even remote, add experience to your resume.
• Use Free Resources: Sites like Coursera or edX offer free courses to supplement your degree.

Summary Tips: Combine your degree with networking, skills, and experience for a competitive edge.

Conclusion: Launch Your $100K Career

In 2025, online degrees in computer science, business, nursing, data science, and engineering are your path to $100,000+ jobs in the US. Programs from schools like ASU, UNC, and WGU are affordable, flexible, and respected, helping students, educators, and international visa seekers achieve their dreams. By choosing the right degree, applying for scholarships, building skills, and networking, you can land a high-paying job in tech, healthcare, or business. Start researching programs today to take the first step toward a bright financial future!

Final Thoughts: With an online degree, hard work, and smart planning, a $100K career is within your reach in 2025!