Top Online Degrees for 2024 with High Earning Potential (Fully Funded Options & Financial Aid Available)

Discover the best online degrees for 2024 that lead to high-paying careers in psychology, social work, theology, nursing, and more. For more i9nformation, use a quick search below.

Online degrees provide flexibility and convenience for students aiming to advance their careers without attending in-person classes. Whether your interest lies in psychology, social work, theology, nursing, or a variety of other disciplines, pursuing these degrees can lead to rewarding career paths. This article explores popular online degree programs, schools that offer them, tuition and funding opportunities, as well as career trajectories and potential earnings for graduates.

1. Psychology Degrees Online

A degree in psychology can open doors to a variety of careers in counseling, mental health services, and research. Both undergraduate and graduate programs are available online, with Ph.D. programs offering the most substantial fully funded options.

Career Trajectory and Potential Earnings:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Graduates can work in human resources, case management, or as psychiatric aides, with salaries ranging from $40,000 to $60,000.
• Master’s Degree: Graduates often become licensed counselors or school psychologists, earning between $55,000 and $75,000 annually.
• Ph.D./Psy.D.: Clinical psychologists or research psychologists can earn from $80,000 to $120,000 annually, with top professionals earning more in private practice or specialized fields.

Popular Schools Offering Online Psychology Degrees:

• University of Florida Online: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
• Arizona State University (ASU): BA in Psychology.
• Capella University: Bachelor’s and master’s programs in psychology.

Tuition and Financial Aid:

• Tuition ranges from $320 to $1,000 per credit hour.
• Federal grants and scholarships are available through FAFSA.

Fully Funded Psychology Programs:

• Yale University (Ph.D. in Psychology): Fully funded, with tuition waivers and stipends for living expenses.
• Duke University (Ph.D. in Psychology): Fully funded with a stipend for research-focused students.

2. Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW)

An MSW prepares students for careers in social services, clinical practice, and policy advocacy. Social workers are in high demand, especially in underserved communities.

Career Trajectory and Potential Earnings:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Entry-level positions like social service assistants or case workers typically earn between $35,000 and $50,000.
• Master’s Degree (MSW): Licensed clinical social workers (LCSW) can earn between $50,000 and $75,000, with potential for growth to $80,000 in senior roles or specialized fields.
• MSW with Administration Focus: Social work administrators or nonprofit managers may earn over $80,000 annually.

Schools Offering Online MSW Programs:

• University of Southern California (USC): Online MSW.
• University of Denver: Online MSW with flexible scheduling.
• Simmons University: Focused on clinical social work.

Tuition and Financial Aid:

• Tuition typically ranges from $500 to $1,200 per credit.
• Grants, scholarships, and employer-sponsored assistance are available.

Fully Funded MSW Programs:

• University of Michigan: Full funding through the Coverdell Fellows Program for returning Peace Corps volunteers.
• Boston College (MSW): Full-tuition scholarships through the Dean's Fellowship for top students.

3. Online Theology Degrees

Theology degrees prepare students for leadership roles in religious organizations, ministry, or academic careers in religious studies.

Career Trajectory and Potential Earnings:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Graduates may become religious educators, youth ministers, or non-profit workers, with salaries ranging from $30,000 to $50,000.
• Master’s Degree: Graduates can pursue roles as pastors, religious leaders, or chaplains, with earnings typically between $50,000 and $75,000, depending on the denomination and organization.
• Doctoral Degree: Theological professors or high-level clergy may earn over $80,000, with some reaching up to $100,000 or more in large organizations.

Schools Offering Online Theology Degrees:

• Liberty University: Undergraduate and graduate theology degrees.
• Regent University: Christian Ministry and other theology degrees.
• Grand Canyon University: Religious studies and theology programs.

Tuition and Financial Aid:

• Tuition ranges from $390 to $700 per credit hour.
• Many religious institutions offer scholarships for students preparing for ministry.

Fully Funded Theology Programs:

• Princeton Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity): Full-tuition scholarships for all M.Div. students.
• Yale Divinity School: Full-tuition scholarships through the Marquand Scholars Program.

4. Online Nursing School Programs

Nursing degrees offer strong career prospects, with consistent demand across various healthcare settings. Online nursing programs provide flexibility, particularly for registered nurses looking to advance their careers.

Career Trajectory and Potential Earnings:

• Registered Nurse (RN): Earning potential is around $70,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on experience and location.
• Bachelor’s Degree (BSN): Nurses with a BSN can earn between $75,000 and $100,000, with increased responsibility and leadership roles.
• Master’s Degree (MSN): Advanced practice nurses (such as nurse practitioners) can earn between $100,000 and $140,000 per year.
• Doctoral Degree (DNP): Nursing administrators and educators can earn upwards of $150,000.

Schools Offering Online Nursing Programs:

• Chamberlain University: RN to BSN and MSN programs.
• Walden University: Offers a wide range of advanced nursing degrees.
• Purdue University Global: RN to BSN and MSN programs.

Tuition and Financial Aid:

• Tuition ranges from $400 to $1,000 per credit hour.
• Nursing students may qualify for federal nursing grants, state scholarships, and employer-sponsored tuition assistance.

Fully Funded Nursing Programs:

• New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing (BSN, MSN, DNP): The Nurse Corps Scholarship covers full tuition and offers a stipend for students committed to working in underserved areas.
• University of California, San Francisco (Ph.D. in Nursing): Fully funded doctoral programs with stipends for qualified students.

5. General Online Schooling

General online degrees are available in various fields, from business to technology, offering students the chance to pursue a career in a variety of industries.

Career Trajectory and Potential Earnings:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Depending on the field, graduates can earn between $50,000 and $80,000 in areas like business administration, IT, and health sciences.
• Master’s Degree: Graduates can move into management roles, with salaries typically ranging from $80,000 to $120,000, depending on industry and experience.

Popular Schools for General Online Degrees:

• University of Phoenix: Offers online degrees in business, technology, and healthcare.
• Western Governors University (WGU): Known for affordable tuition and competency-based learning.
• Ashford University: Provides a range of degrees in business, education, and health services.

Tuition and Financial Aid:

• Tuition typically ranges from $300 to $700 per credit hour.
• Grants and scholarships, including employer-sponsored programs, are available.

Fully Funded General Programs:

• Western Governors University (WGU): Full-tuition scholarships, such as the WGU Women in Leadership Scholarship, are available based on merit and leadership potential.
• University of the People: Tuition-free degrees in business, computer science, and health science, with scholarships available to cover exam fees.

Earning an online degree offers a flexible and accessible path to career advancement, with the added benefit of financial aid and fully funded opportunities for eligible students. Whether you’re interested in psychology, social work, theology, nursing, or another field, online programs offer diverse options for students. By considering fully funded programs and understanding potential earnings, students can confidently plan their educational and career paths, making higher education more affordable and attainable.