There are a variety of ways to earn a college degree.
The highest paying online degrees are in the engineering and technical fields. Due to technology advancements and the Internet, online degrees can be earned for high-paying positions without ever stepping foot in a classroom. When choosing a career, make sure it is one that you will enjoy working in daily. Deciding on a career solely based on the income you will receive can lead to regret later in life.
Engineering
According to Payscale.com's "2010 - 2011 College Salary Report," engineering tops the list of highest paying degrees that you can earn online. To become an engineer, you will have to get a bachelor's degree. Some examples of high-paying engineering careers are chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and nuclear engineering. The same "2010 -- 2011 College Salary Report" lists the median starting salary for an engineer to be from $51,000 to $93,000 depending on which engineering career path you choose to take, with petroleum engineering being the highest paid.
Applied Mathematics
You can earn an online degree in applied mathematics and benefit from a high-paying career in the research and manufacturing professions, among others. Applied mathematicians analyze and solve real-world problems. The University of Washington states that this is also a degree that can complement a career in engineering. According to the "2010 -- 2011 College Salary Report" published by Payscale.com, starting salaries in this field average $56,400.
Computer Science
Computer programmers, systems analysts, software engineers and information system managers are all grouped into the computer science category. Computer science degrees are offered online and are one of the highest paying degrees that you can earn. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that job growth in this area is estimated to increase faster than average, so job stability is an added benefit. According to Payscale.com, the "2010 -- 2011 College Salary Report" says that starting salaries for computer science professionals average $56,200.
Economics
Although economics is one of the higher paying careers in which you can earn a degree online, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, economists will experience slow job growth. As an economist, you will work in the business and government sectors within the finance and forecasting departments. Getting a degree online in economics means you can enjoy an average starting salary of $48,800, with a government position being slightly higher.
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