The Top 10 Best Degrees for Remote Work – Associate, Bachelor’s, and Master’s Under $26,000

Are you looking to make a career change and wondering about the best degrees for remote work? If so, then you are in the right place.

Landing a remote job is more possible than ever before, but sometimes you still need additional education in order to pursue your dream role. Not every industry has an abundance of remote work, so it’s important to make sure you earn a degree in an industry with lots of opportunities.

For those of you in that boat who are looking to enroll in an online program, we created a list of the best online degrees for remote jobs just for you. Just think—in a short year or two, you could have a new degree and be working at your dream job while sitting at your own kitchen table!

Let’s dig in.

Article Navigation: What Degree Should I Get to Work from Home? | Best Entry Level Remote Jobs with Bachelor’s Degrees Online | The 5 Best Associate Degrees for Remote Work Under $26,000 | Master’s Under $26,000—Best Degrees for Remote Work | Top WFH Industries | Find the Best Degrees for Remote Work with GetEducated

What Degree Should I Get to Work from Home?

What Remote Jobs are Like and Why an Online Degree is a Great Option:

According to the United States Census Bureau, before the COVID pandemic, less than 6% of Americans worked in a remote job. Post-pandemic, that number tripled to around 18%. Remote jobs are more popular than ever and have lots of desirable benefits. From not having to commute, to working in your pajamas on your sofa, to being able to throw a load of laundry in the dryer, there are many reasons people are seeking out these jobs.

Remote jobs are especially great for people who desire flexibility and are independent workers. There might be regular check-ins and virtual meetings, but for the most part, each person must complete their work with less oversight. While perhaps not the best fit for those who like more accountability or social interaction, remote jobs are highly sought after by many.

That said, there are some jobs and industries that are much better suited to remote work than others. If you want a remote job but are struggling to find one in your current industry, it might be time to think about a career pivot and earn an online degree to work from home.

All the degrees featured in this article are from programs that can be taken entirely online and are some of the best degrees for remote work. After finishing any of these programs, you will be well-equipped to pursue a job in an industry that has plenty of remote opportunities.

We’ll start by looking at bachelor’s degrees, move to associate programs, and finish with the best master’s degrees for work from home jobs.

Best Entry Level Remote Jobs with Bachelor’s Degrees Online

1. Human Resource Specialist or Assistant

   Average Salary: $64,240
   Degree that can lead to this job: Bachelor’s in Human Resources

   HR workers are responsible for the hiring processes—from recruiting to onboarding. They also often train new employees, work to establish healthy work environments, and are the resident experts on all things salary and benefits.

   Find Out More:
   Online Human Resources Degrees

    

2. Sales Agents

   Average Salary: $58,450
   Degree that can lead to this job: Bachelor’s in Business Administration

   Sales is a broad term for anyone who seeks to connect buyers with desired products and services. Overall, this could encompass anything from huge purchases—like a house or a business, to smaller-scale products. Sales agents often get paid through earning a portion of the proceeds of a sale—called working on commission.

   Find Out More:
   Online Business Administration Degrees

    

3. Marketing Management

   Average Salary: $138,730
   Degrees that can lead to this job: Bachelor’s in Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Digital Marketing, Entrepreneurship, or Project Management

   Marketing managers create a demand for a certain product or service. They create strategic campaigns through a variety of mediums (print, television, social media, etc.) to generate demand and create a unique brand identity.

   Find Out More:
   Online Marketing Degrees / Social Media Marketing Degrees
   Digital Marketing Degrees Online
   Entrepreneurship Degrees Online
   Online Project Management Degrees

    

4. Insurance Underwriter

   Average Salary: $76,230
   Degrees that can lead to this job: Bachelor’s in Mathematics, Finance, or Economics

   Insurance underwriters do all the behind-the-scenes work on insurance applications. They approve or deny applications and decide the rates for approved applications.

   Find Out More:
   Online Mathematics Bachelor Degree Programs
   Accredited Online Finance / Economics Degrees

    

5. Software Developer

   Average Salary: $124,200
   Degrees that can lead to this job: Bachelor’s in Software Development, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or Information Technology

   Quick Description: Software development is another fairly broad term for those involved with the implementation of computer programs. Someone in this field might do everything from creating new applications, to analyzing the efficacy of existing programs, to troubleshooting bugs, and more. Businesses heavily rely on software developers for the smooth functioning of their business programs.

   Find Out More:
   Accredited Online Software Development Degrees
   Online Computer Science Degrees
   Online Information Technology Degrees

    

The 5 Best Associate Degrees for Remote Work Under $26,000

There are so many fantastic online associate programs. From dental hygiene to nursing to physical therapy, associate degrees prepare students for rewarding careers with specific skill sets. Our list is a bit more narrow, however, and focuses on the best associate degrees that can specifically lead to remote work.

We want to show you the best online degrees for online jobs!

1. Associate of Graphic Design

   School: Penn Foster
   Degree: Associate of Science in Graphic Design
   Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
   Tuition (in-state and out-of-state): $5,395

   Penn Foster is headquartered in Arizona and enrolls over 300,000 online students every single year. With more than 100 different programs that are self-paced, this school is a fantastic option for those looking for associate degrees that allow you to work from home.

   Their graphic design program is 65 credits and can be completed in 8-12 months. The program is entirely self-paced and can be started at any time. Students have 24/7 access to digital study guides, self-check quizzes, webinars, discussion boards, expert faculty, and other online resources.

   Find Out More:
   Graphic Design - AS Degree

    

2. Associate of Software Engineering

   School: Polk State College
   Degree: Associate in Science in Network Systems Engineering Technology
   Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
   Tuition (in-state): $6,733
   Tuition (out-of-state): $24,544

   Polk State began in 1964 and now has multiple locations, an online program, and serves more than 20,000 students. Their mission is to provide affordable and quality higher education programs though “various modalities and innovative technologies.”

   Their Network Systems Engineering Technology degree is 60 credits and can be completed on either a full-time or part-time basis. Full time students will complete the program in about two years. This degree will prepare students for several different types of computer-related jobs and features courses on: desktop operating systems, server operating systems, routing and switching, network security, server virtualization, and cloud technologies.

   Find Out More:
   Associate in Science in Network Systems Engineering Technology

    

3. Associate of Foreign Language

   School: East Mississippi Community College
   Degree: Associate of Arts in Foreign Language; Associate of Arts in Spanish
   Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
   Tuition (in-state and out-of-state): $8,400

   To begin with, East Mississippi Community College is home to 3,600 students who are enrolled in almost 50 different career and technical programs. The college is “dedicated to improving the quality of life for students, community, and personnel through instructional opportunities, with specific focus on a healthy mind, body, and spirit.”

   Their AA in Foreign Language program and AA in Spanish program are found in the school of Humanities and Fine Arts. EMCC is unique in that the required courses are largely determined by the student and their career goals. Also, each student will work with an advisor to create a foreign language or Spanish degree track that will prepare them for a future career and/or for continuation to a four year university.

   Find Out More:
   AA in Foreign Language
   AA in Spanish

    

4. Associate of Accounting

   School: Southern New Hampshire University
   Degree: Associate of Science in Accounting
   Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
   Tuition (in-state and out-of-state): $19,350

   Southern New Hampshire University boasts over 200 online degree programs and is committed to student success and low tuition rates. They seek to “relentlessly challenge the status quo and provide the best support in higher education.”

   The Associate of Accounting program is 60 total credits and can be completed entirely online. Graduates of this program will be prepared to “identify organizations that establish accounting standards regulations, maintain financial records and statements, and analyze, interpret, and present information to stakeholders.” Students can also choose to seamlessly transition from their A.S. degree to a full B.S. in accounting from SNHU.

   Find Out More:
   Associate of Science in Accounting

    

5. Associate of Web Development

   School: Fisher College
   Degree: Associate of Science in Computer Technology / Web Development
   Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
   Tuition (in-state and out-of-state): $25,900

   For over 100 years now, Fisher College has been providing quality education in the historic city of Boston. They have a robust online program with over 40 fully online degree options overall. Fisher operates under six core values: student success, faculty as teachers & mentors, diversity & civility, transparency & open communication, financial responsibility & sustainability, and service to the larger world.

   Their computer technology degree is 60 credits long and provides a “foundation in computing concepts and web application design and development using current software development and information management practices.” Courses can be taken on campus or entirely online, and the entire program takes around 20 months to complete.

   Find Out More:
   Associate of Science in Computer Technology / Web Development

    

Master’s Under $26,000—Best Degrees for Remote Work

If you already have a bachelor’s degree and are looking to continue your education in order to pursue a remote job, there are some wonderful and affordable online options for under $26,000 total. Let’s look at some of the best master’s degrees for remote work and see if that could be the right path for you!

1. Master of Technical Writing

   School: Liberty University
   Degree: Master of Arts in Professional Writing; Master of Arts in Professional Writing / Research Administration & Sponsored Programs
   Accreditation: The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
   Tuition (in-state and out-of-state): $21,236

   Liberty University is one of the top schools for online degrees for online jobs, offering over 450 different program options to remote students. The university is anchored in Christian principles and is home to over 100,000 students.

   In their Professional Writing master’s program, students can choose either a general track or a Research Administration & Sponsored Programs track. Both of these options are 26 credits and can be completed within 1.5 years. All students will complete seven core courses and two thesis courses. General track students can choose three electives while students in the Research Administration track will take three courses in research, grants, and contracts.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Arts in Professional Writing
   MA in Professional Writing / Research Administration & Sponsored Programs

    

2. Master of Business Administration

   School: Eastern Oregon University
   Degree: Master of Business Administration
   Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
   Tuition (in-state and out-of-state): $23,575

   Eastern Oregon University offers more than 30 online programs that can be completed around each student’s schedule. They offer a high-quality education with personal attention from faculty and staff to help ensure student success. They also offer lots of degree customization options so that students can specialize in their specific areas of interest.

   Earning an MBA is a fantastic option for those who wish to earn a degree to work from home. EOU’s program is fully online, 45 credits, and can be completed within 18 months. Students will begin with 10 core courses in classes like Managerial Communications, Marketing Strategies and Techniques, and Global Business Intelligence. After the core courses, students select five elective courses to complete the program.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Business Administration

    

3. Master of Social Work

   School: Fairleigh Dickinson University
   Degree: Master of Social Work
   Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
   Tuition (in-state and out-of-state): $24,750

   Fairleigh Dickinson University is dedicated to “personalized learning, a global community, and academic excellence.” These three values drive their hands-on, rigorous approach that also connects students from all across the world.

   The mission of their social work program is to “serve diverse clients and systems while promoting social and economic justice and enhancing human rights for oppressed and vulnerable populations.” They offer a 60 credit traditional track as well as a 30 credit advanced standing track for students who have already earned their BSW. Along with their classes, students will also complete 500-900 hours of fieldwork hours. Full time, advanced track students can complete the entire program in around one year.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Social Work

    

4. Master of Education Administration

   School: Widener University
   Degree: Master of Education in Higher Education Leadership
   Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
   Tuition (in-state and out-of-state): $25,610

   Widener University is a Philadelphia-based university and home to around 5,610 students from across the country. The university prides itself on its emphasis on civic engagement, its common ground initiative, and incorporating sustainability. They have a robust online program with over 40 options that can all be completed 100% online.

   Their Higher Education Leadership program is thirty credits and can be completed in two years. The program begins with 5 foundations courses and one research course. Students can then choose three elective courses before continuing to their capstone course—Practicum in Higher Education. This degree prepares students for any number of administrative roles in higher education including: Director of Academics, Assistant Dean, or Development Director.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Education in Higher Education Leadership

Top WFH Industries

Let’s take a quick look at some of the biggest and fastest growing work-from-home industries. Then, we’ll match those up with some of these online degrees you can use to work from home.

According to Business Insider, the industries with the most remote work are:

• Computer and IT
• Marketing
• Accounting & Finance
• Project Management
• Medical & Health
• HR & Recruiting
• Customer Service

Similarly, according to PRWeb, the fastest growing remote industries are, in order: Sales, Account Management, Client Services, Business Development, Bilingual, Medical & Health, and Education.

In a little game of matchmaker, let’s take a look at which of the best degrees for remote work we would recommend to get started in some of these industries:

What if I still don’t know which WFH career to pursue?

If you already have a bachelor’s degree, know you’d like to work from home, but are feeling a little stuck, overwhelmed, or don’t have a super specific career direction, we would recommend doing more research about earning an online Master of Business Administration.

This is one of the best degrees to work from home. MBA’s are always in high demand, and the skills learned in an online MBA degree can be applied to many different jobs and industries. As an MBA graduate, you could land a job in sales, account management, client services, business development, project management, marketing, customer service…and more!

Find the Best Degrees for Remote Work with GetEducated

There has truly never been a better time in history to pursue a remote job. The number of industries supporting remote work continues to grow by the day. And there are nearly endless online degree options to help you pursue your goals.

Before you know it, you could be working in a new job you love while curled up in front of your cozy fireplace and listening to some relaxing jazz. Now that’s what we call living the dream!

If you want to learn more about this and other online degrees, check out GetEducated to read all about the amazing online options that are available for you!