Category: Student Focus

Is college still worth it? A new Pew Research study gives naysayers more reason to question the current higher education system. According to the report, college graduates under 40 with student loan debt have a lower median net worth than their peers who never went to college at all. But Richard Fry, the report’s lead author, is quick to dismiss the idea that college is no longer an important investment. In fact, the same study shows those with bachelor’s degrees earn about twice the income of those without degrees. So why are so many grads lagging behind in terms of wealth accumulation? Some experts argue that the Pew report says less about the value of college as it does about the dangers of skyrocketing student debt — and its widespread economic impact.

Student debt: 7 takeaways from the Pew report

To compile the study, Pew used data from the Survey of Consumer Finances, sponsored by the Federal Reserve Board of Governors and the Department of Treasury. These surveys have historically included up to 6,500 households, and are conducted every three years. In other words, the Pew report is large-scale, and provides a fairly thorough glimpse into how education and debt impact the economic well-being of young workers. Here are several key takeaways from the study:

1. College grads with student loan debt have lower median net worth than those without. This difference is not slight, either: $8,700 to $64,700, respectively. The fact that graduates who took out loans to finish school are having a harder time accumulating wealth might be expected, but here’s the kicker:
2. Graduates with student debt have lower median net worth than those who never went to college at all. Those who bucked college altogether and went straight into the labor force have a median net worth of $10,900, which is $2,200 more than their student-debt-laden peers. Fry told The Los Angeles Times that this has less to do with earnings than with getting a late start in building their nest eggs. More on this below.
3. Those who borrow in college are more likely to take on other debt. College graduates who took student loans carry nearly twice the debt as those who did not — but very little of it is education-related. While the total median indebtedness in this group is $137,010, only $13,000 of that is attributed student loans. The rest comes from other types of debt, particularly car loans and credit cards.
4. The debt-to-income ratio for households with student loans is growing. The opposite is true for those who did not borrow money to complete their educations.
5. Student debt correlates with lower financial satisfaction. According to Pew, those with student loans report being less content with their finances, and are less likely to say their investment in college has paid off.
6. Student debt does NOT correlate with earnings. The median household income for college grads with loan debt is roughly the same as that of college grads without debt.
7. Education still pays. According to Pew, workers with bachelor’s degrees make nearly twice as much as those without, regardless of how they funded their educations.

While the Pew report illustrates a clear relationship between education, debt and financial well-being, it also supports a much more alarming thesis not tackled by the researchers directly: Student debt is a drain on the U.S. economy.

How student loans could sink us all

What killed the American housing market? While one can certainly make a case that risky investors triggered its decline, both The Atlanticand The New York Timessuggest student debt is at least partly to blame for its persistent sluggishness — and they believe the Pew data supports this perspective. How? A decade ago, Americans carried about $300 billion in student loan debt. Today, that figure stands at $1.1 trillion and is growing. Overall, 70 percent more students are getting loans and borrowing about twice as much. In the past, higher wages would offset student debt in relatively short order, but that is less true in today’s economy.

What does all of this have to do with the American housing market? The Pew report highlights just how much student debt costs borrowers, both in terms of immediate debt and additional debt later in life. The Atlantic and the Times say this wall of debt has had a devastating impact on a demographic that traditionally constituted the largest share of first-time home-buyers, which has, in turn, had a devastating impact on the housing market — and the economy at large. As the Times put it, those in their 20s and 30s are “the engines” of economic activity. When they suffer, so do the rest of us.

Sources:
“5 key findings about student debt,” Pew Research Center, May 14, 2014, Richard Fry, Andrea Caumont, http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/05/14/5-key-findings-about-student-debt/
“Are Student Loans Really Killing the Housing Market?” The Atlantic, May 14, 2014, Derek Thompson, http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2014/05/are-student-loans-really-killing-the-housing-market/370809/
“How Student Debt May Be Stunting the Economy,” The New York Times, May 14, 2014, Nell Irwin, http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/15/upshot/the-role-of-student-debt-in-stunting-the-recovery/?rref=upshot&_r=0
“Median net worth of grads under 40 with students debt is only $8,700,” The Los Angeles Times, May 14, 2014, Walter Hamilton, http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-young-people-with-student-debt-have-median-net-worth-of-only-8700-20140514-story/
“Only Rich Kids Should Go to College,” TIME, May 14, 2014, Dan Kadlec, http://time.com/98205/rich-kids-college/
“Young Adults, Student Debt and Economic Well-Being,” Pew Research Center, May 14, 2014, Richard Fry, http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2014/05/14/young-adults-student-debt-and-economic-well-being/

More students are taking online degrees today than ever before. According to a Sloan Consortium report released in January 2014, online enrollment comprised 33.5 percent — a full one-third — of total college enrollment. Yet, retention of online students is consistently 10 to 20 percent lower than retention in face-to-face courses.

As a college writing instructor who has had experience with both delivery methods, I’ve seen students enrolled in distance learning courses continue to make the same mistakes over and over. Here are the 10 worst offenses, along with tips for how to avoid them:

#1. Not taking it seriously

Online students often will say, “It’s just an online course,” as if online learning should be easier. Here’s a news flash: Online classes are very often harder than face-to-face ones, requiring significantly more reading and writing, and there’s no one standing over you to make you accountable or show you how to do it. Yet most students disregard online classes or prioritize their face-to-face courses over the online ones, saving the online work for the last minute.

Which leads me to #2…

#2. Procrastinating

Poor time management, in my opinion, is the most common mistake ALL students make, but this is especially true of online students. Because students work at their own pace with online classes, the pace they set is usually a frantic, last-minute one, fraught with frustration because they don’t understand the material or assignment. The result? Work that’s hurriedly thrown together because “it’s just an online class.”

#3. Not exercising discipline

The lure of working at their own pace often seduces students into enrolling in online courses. But because you are responsible for mastering the material on your own, you must be disciplined enough to create a schedule, seek out help in enough time for it to matter, and take care to understand the material and what’s required to succeed.

#4. Playing the “reading game”

Many students only read the material that will be tested or might come up in discussions or assignments. Doing this means you are missing valuable knowledge, for a course that requires you to take responsibility for your own learning. Carefully read everything, from the syllabus you get on day one to the questions on the final exam, and every word in between. Everything’s right there for you, but you have to read it and pay attention! Avoid skimming or racing through material. Being a critical reader is essential in the online environment.

#5. Being a poor researcher

Something about the online learning environment seems to invite students to do more than their fair share of copying and pasting. As easy as technology has made it to find material and recycle it, it’s also made it easier for instructors to identify plagiarism and lazy referencing habits. Pay careful attention to proper research documentation and the appropriate way to weave research into your work. If you aren’t clear on how to do this, ask.

#6. Not asking enough questions

The best way to be successful in an online course is to take advantage of all the resources at your disposal. This means keeping the lines of communication open between you and your instructor. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Talk to your teacher. Be a frequent asker of questions and responder to discussion posts. The teacher will notice — trust me.

#7. Sequestering themselves

Don’t try to learn in a bubble. Get to know your fellow students. Research repeatedly shows that students perform best through ongoing interaction with peers. This means joining study groups, scheduling meetings with teachers and peers, and seeking out social groups affiliated with your program. It will not only motivate you to keep going, but it will help clear up confusion and keep you from feeling lonely.

#8. Not being technologically equipped

Online programs generally have certain technological requirements that must be met in order to do the work successfully. Many lessons use video conferencing, streaming, online quizzes or other elements that require a reliable computer and high-speed Internet connection. You simply can’t get your work done by disregarding these requirements.

You also need to know how to use this technology. Take a workshop or complete a tutorial if you don’t. “I didn’t know how to do that” is never going to be an acceptable excuse for not completing your work.

#9. Falling prey to sales pitches

Online schools can be notoriously tenacious about recruiting students — even those who may not be ready or equipped to enroll. A lot of this pressure may come for schools that are, well, questionable. They might be inappropriately accredited, or try to convince you that you can afford something you can’t. Do your homework, make decisions on your timetable, and go in with your eyes wide open.

#10. Not acknowledging when online learning isn’t the right path

Online learning can be beneficial for many reasons, not the least of which is convenience. But the workload can be hard to manage, requiring a greater level of discipline and motivation than a traditional course. And maybe that just isn’t the right thing for you.

A lot of students go into online learning thinking that it’s the best way to overcome scheduling difficulties, or that completing coursework in their spare time will be a breeze. But attempting an academic program that doesn’t fit with your learning style will only be disheartening later when you don’t succeed as you’d hoped to. There’s no shame in realizing that online learning isn’t right for you.

Whatever you decide to do, be sure you’re doing all the research you can, learning all there is to know about the school, program, instructors, and workload in order to make the decision that’s truly right for you. Good luck!

Sources:
“Calling for Success: Online Retention Rates Get Boost from Personal Outreach,” Education Sector at American Institutes for Research, January 16, 2013, http://www.educationsector.org/publications/calling-success-online-retention-rates-get-boost-personal-outreach
“Grade Change: Tracking Online Education in the United States,” Sloan Consortium, Allen, I. Elaine and Seaman, Jeff, January 2014, http://sloanconsortium.org/publications/survey/grade-change-2013
“The Impact of Peers on College Preparation: A Review of the Literature,” Center for Higher Education Policy Analysis, Rossier School of Education, University of Southern California, http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&ved=0CFIQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.uscrossier.org%2Fpullias%2Fthe-impact-of-peers-on-college-preparation-a-review-of-the-literature%2F&ei=G-mIU — gMIjdoASK-4CICA&usg=AFQjCNFGxs0O_nowvL68ECv9Tn0E-5hpUQ&sig2=5j-RIbqx09IXvdpQcL2JPA&bvm=bv.67720277,d.cGU

At first glance, it might seem as though doctoral degree programs would be among the most suitable for online or other forms of distance education. After all, classwork constitutes just a small percentage of student activity within most doctoral programs, with classes usually taking place during just the first 1-2 years of a 3-5+ year program. And given that the bulk of the work a PhD student is asked to perform involves independent research and writing, a key criticism of online education (student isolation) might not seem a problem for an educational experience that already involves so much solitary activity.

Upon further examination, however, the PhD experience seems less individualized. For example, the classes PhD candidates are often required to take tend to be small symposia where students interact deeply with a professor and fellow doctoral students, with such intimate educational experiences the least amenable to online re-engineering. In addition, graduate students often have teaching responsibilities, which requires proximity to campus (unless the classes they are asked to teach are themselves online).

Even “isolated” research may require access to laboratories with specialized equipment or archives containing rare (and often un-digitized) materials, which tend to be concentrated at universities featuring graduate programs in areas that need access to such resources. And, for many graduate students, interaction with colleagues working in the same field is an important source of inspiration and support.

Perhaps this explains why the bulk of online doctorate programs focus on professional majors such as management and education vs. laboratory fields or advanced studies in the humanities. In addition to limiting the need for specialized facilities (like scientific labs), such programs are more likely to work for candidates re-entering academia after time in the workforce, who might be balancing their educational activities with part-time or full-time jobs.

Boston University, for example, offers an online doctoral program in music education that requires taking 11 advanced courses over two years, followed by a dissertation project. On average, students take seven years to complete the program, reflecting that many enrollees may be in-service teachers or people working in a different field while preparing for a new career. The school also offers the chance to let students become a Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) through a 16-month course of study that does not require independent research (although both BU programs have brief on-campus requirements).

Doctorate-level programs at state colleges like the University of Florida and Northcentral University in Arizona also tend to focus in areas like education, healthcare and business administration, with some programs requiring just advanced coursework while others adding independent research/dissertation requirements. Technology, education and business administration are also the areas where many for-profit schools offer doctoral programs.

If the subjects where online PhD programs are available sound familiar, that might be because these are the same fields that support popular online degrees at the bachelor’s and master’s level. But achieving the highest degree offered in academia requires a commitment level that surpasses all other degree programs, which is why students contemplating such a pathway need to be ready to commit long hours and many years of study and — for those programs requiring a dissertation — original research.

Keep in mind that distance learning is already built into many PhD experiences, both online and residential, especially when a student’s research can be conducted far from campus. In such cases, interaction with a thesis advisor is primarily online or over the phone, although certain points in the process, such as thesis defense, will likely involve a visit to campus (even for programs that do not require campus residency).

As with any online education program at any level, students should be on the lookout for sham degrees offered by diploma mills. Checking a school’s accreditation and reviewing industry or government resources for fraudulent programs are important steps for anyone considering any sort of online degree. But, in the case of PhD programs, anyone offering a degree that does not involve significant amounts of work (both in-class and independent) is likely selling snake oil.

As the percentage of students enrolled in undergraduate programs dramatically increased over the last 20-30 years, advanced degrees have become the means to stand out from a crowd of BA-credentialed competitors. But if, as some point out, “the master’s is the new BA,” the PhD still packs a punch in today’s employment marketplace.

If one is interested in continuing from a BA or master’s to a PhD in a traditional academic field such as science or history, many residential PhD programs offer the opportunity to blend on-campus activity with research and writing at a distance. But if you are considering an advanced degree in fields where online education has already proven successful, such as business, healthcare and education, an online PhD program might be for you.

Distance learning has come a long way since correspondence courses first offered students the chance to pursue a college education from home. Today, online degree programs take advantage of the latest in telecommunications technology to beam virtual classrooms directly to laptops around the world. And just as their delivery methods have evolved in recent years, so has the public’s perception of online degrees. Now that many of the most prestigious names in higher learning offer online options, the line between an on-campus and a virtual education has slowly begun to fade.

We asked faculty members from five prominent universities how they’ve seen online degrees progress in recent years. Their answers not only highlight the technological advancements these programs have experienced, but also the growing acceptance of distance learning among schools and students.

How has the perception of online college degrees evolved?

Lisa L. Templeton, Executive Director of Oregon State University Extended Campus (Ecampus)

The misperception that an online education is an inferior education is disproven more and more each year. Oregon State has witnessed a stark increase in the number of programs and courses we deliver online in recent years. We attribute this growth partly to students and faculty realizing that the online delivery method does a fantastic job of meeting learner needs and preparing them for rewarding careers.

A Babson study from this year shows that 74 percent of academic leaders rate the learning outcomes in online courses as the same or superior to those in face-to-face courses. Ten years ago, that figure was only 57 percent. The rise in acceptance will only help to improve the quality of the educational opportunities delivered online.

William Andrew McCollough, Associate Provost and Professor of Finance at the University of Florida

A major evolution in perception is underway but not yet complete — From the notion of “buying a degree online” associated with the early for profit players to obtaining the highest quality content from the best teachers of the best universities (Coursera, edX), public and professional perception of the possibility of excellent learning opportunities online has changed dramatically.

Moreover, the summation of online courses into degree certification is also evolving but at a much slower pace. Public perception of the college degree outcome includes not only the demonstration of competence in content acquisition, but also the social maturation that, it is believed, is the natural outcome of the resident experience. The proliferation of online courses in resident degree programs can be seen as an attempt to experience the best of both worlds. To a certain extent, the outcome of the online college degree perception is dependent on the relative importance of content acquisition and social maturation. Ideally degree certification would incorporate the possibility of both, but at times it appears we are in a conundrum of choosing one or the other. Current calls for increased vocational, job-oriented curriculum suggests an ascendancy of content over maturity which should accelerate online degree acceptance.

Timothy W. Spannaus, Program Coordinator for Instructional Technology at Wayne State University

Employers, students and accrediting agencies have taken a more nuanced view of online degrees in the past few years. At one time, all online programs were lumped together and characterized as substandard, based on some poor experiences. Now we see a variety of online degree programs that range from very high quality to not so good. And there is a perception that different programs serve different needs. Students may elect to take a MOOC (massive open online course) to learn some specific skill or content area. The same student may be pursuing an accredited online degree from another institution, seeking a complete, well-designed curriculum and the credential only available from such a program.

Mary Oriol, Associate Professor and Interim Director of School of Nursing at Loyola University New Orleans

Loyola University New Orleans is no stranger to online and distance learning. We were actually among the first universities to step into this technology in the early 90s when we were looking for a way to help nurses in Baton Rouge earn their BSN’s while they couldn’t attend scheduled class times in our New Orleans’ based physical classrooms. At that time, we were able to deliver distance, adult learning courses by using VHS tapes as our technology.

Today, online courses are much more dynamic virtual classrooms often consisting of live lectures, video components, discussion rooms, virtual libraries and resource centers — even integrating video conferencing using tools like Skype and Adobe Connect that are recorded for those not able to attend in real-time. The online environment has morphed into a tool that makes learning convenient, accessible and more importantly, realistic for anyone to pursue. Students are able to engage in course-work at a time when it is convenient for them to focus on learning.

Renata Engel, Associate Vice Provost for Online Programs, and Karen Pollack, Assistant Vice Provost for Undergraduate Online and Blended Programs at Penn State University

The biggest change that I have seen over the last 15 years is that people no longer doubt the efficacy of online learning. It works. Students learn, in contexts that are rich and meaningful and with learning outcomes that are equal and sometimes even better to traditional approaches. While the quality and reputation of online degrees vary, we all know now that it can be done and it can be done in ways that inspire and amaze and bring education and opportunities to billions of prospective students who would not otherwise have that chance. Today, you’d be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t want to be a part of that transformation.

On June 15, Starbucks chairman Howard Schultz announced a plan to help thousands of workers finish their college degrees. A partnership with Arizona State University is enabling the coffee giant to fully reimburse tuition costs for any of its employees who enroll at ASU Online with two years or more of transferable college credit on their record. While this program doesn’t mark the first time a company has worked with a university to offer education to its employees, it is one of the most comprehensive and accessible degree completion plans to come out of such a partnership.

Even if you don’t know the difference between a macchiato and a cappuccino, there are a plethora of online options available today for those looking to complete their education on their own time. Here are three things every student should know about online degree completion programs:

1. They’re getting more affordable

While it is a myth that online degrees are always cheaper than programs that take place on campus, some colleges and universities are making moves to offer deep tuition discounts for online degree completion students.

At The University of Texas of the Permian Basin (UTPB), for example, Texas residents can enroll in a two-year, full-time bachelor’s degree completion program online for a flat rate of $5,000, provided they meet the following criteria:

• Have an associate of applied science (AAS) degree in an engineering or technology discipline
• Sign up for a minor in management
• Have completed two math and two science courses that meet the Texas Common Core Curriculum
• Avoid placements in developmental coursework
• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher

Normal two-year UTPB tuition for Texas residents works out to more than $12,500, meaning students who qualify for this program will pay less than 40 percent of traditional program costs. Programs like these can be a great option for students whose degree programs were cut short by financial issues.

2. They cover a wide range of majors

Once upon a time, distance learning programs offered an abbreviated and sparsely accredited list of degrees. That seems like ancient history now, with universities across the country extending their well-regarded traditional degree plans into the online realm.

Here are just a few institutions that offer online degree completion options, along with a list of majors they cover (as of Fall 2014):

Ohio University

• Applied Management
• Nursing
• Criminal Justice
• Technical and Applied Studies

Indiana University East

• Business Administration
• English, Technical and Professional Writing
• Communication Studies
• General Studies
• Criminal Justice
• Mathematics
• Political Science
• Psychology
• RN to BSN

Kansas State University

• Animal Science and Industry
• Dietetics
• Early Childhood Education
• Family Studies and Human Services
• Food Science and Industry
• General Business
• Interdisciplinary Social Science
• Nutrition and Health
• Technology Management

Most bachelor’s degree completion programs are designed for students who have completed about four semesters, or two years, of prior college credit. If you’re shy of the credit hour requirement, it can’t hurt to talk to a counselor or registrar at your chosen institution about getting yourself up to speed.

3. They’re not much different from traditional programs

Potential students do tend to be better informed these days than they were half a decade ago, but degree completion programs are relatively new on the national radar and could probably use some extra explaining. Here’s a quick fact sheet to help potential students better understand their options:

• Most degree completion programs culminate in bachelor’s degrees. Some schools, namely Indiana University East, offer degree completion options where graduate certificates are awarded instead.
• Online degree completion programs tend to take two years of full-time study to complete. Part-time enrollment is usually possible, however, and the number of credit hours required per semester tends to vary from school to school.
• Many programs allow students to take College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests to get credit for certain core classes rather than attending a full semester of class. Combining CLEP with online coursework can be a great way to cut down the legwork of degree completion.
• Enrolling in online programs at local universities can offer unique benefits, as illustrated by the UTPB tuition break for Texas residents reported above. Students who study online with a local institution also have the advantage of possibly attending hybrid courses or speaking directly with professors and classmates whenever time can be made to travel to campus.

Opportunities like the Starbucks College Achievement Plan may not be available to everyone who’s ever had to put their education on hold, but it’s important to put the out-of-pocket cost of degree completion into perspective. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, full-time workers who held bachelor’s degrees in 2013 earned an average of $356 more per week than those with associate degrees or some college credit but no degree.

That may not seem like much at first glance, but that weekly figure adds up to $1,424 per month and $17,088 per year. Even if you’re not one of the lucky baristas with the chance to complete their bachelor’s for free, it still might not take long for most online degree completion programs to pay for themselves.

Sources:
“Starbucks Offers Full Tuition Reimbursement for Partners (Employees) to Complete a Bachelor’s Degree,” Starbucks, June 15, 2014, http://news.starbucks.com/collegeplan/Starbucks-press-release
$5,000 Completion BAAS Online Degree, The University of Texas of the Permian Basin, http://www.utpb.edu/cobe/programs/undergraduate/engineering-and-technology/baas-in-industrial-technology/$5-000-completion-baas-online-degree
Bachelor’s Degree Completion, K-State Global Campus, Kansas State University, http://www.dce.k-state.edu/courses/bachelorsdegree/
Degree Opportunities – Undergraduates, Ohio University eCampus, Ohio University, http://www.ohio.edu/ecampus/future/undergrad_degree.htm
Online Degree Completion Programs, Indiana University East, http://www.iue.edu/online/programs.php
“Earnings and unemployment rates by educational attainment,” Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, March 24, 2014, http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_chart_001.htm

Graduating from college and preparing to make your mark on the world is one big feat. There are so many questions that pop up at this time of life, including where to live, how to land your dream job and what to do with your spare time.

It may be that big city life is for you. You may be the type of person who likes urban commutes, museums, the arts, the theater, ball games and more. If you are still deciding what place might be best, OnlineDegrees.com has made a list of the best big cities for college graduates in the U.S. Average median rent, the number of arts and entertainment centers and median earnings for bachelor’s degree holders were just some of the factors used to compile this list. This year, two new metrics were used to provide more perspective, including commute time to work and the crime rate per 100,000.

List of 15 Best Big Cities for New Grads

1. Austin, Texas
2. San Francisco, California
3. Houston, Texas
4. San Antonio, Texas
5. Columbus, Ohio
6. Dallas, Texas
7. Charlotte, North Carolina
8. San Diego, California
9. Indianapolis, Indiana
10. Fort Worth, Texas
11. Los Angeles, California
12. New York City, New York
13. Phoenix, Arizona
14. San Jose, California
15. Chicago, Illinois

For this particular list we examined cities that had a population of more than 750,000 and used a nine-factor 10-point scale to rank the top 15 locations. Some of these cities, like Austin, Texas and Columbus, Ohio return to our list for another year, but others — like New York City — are new. Keep on reading to find out which big city might be right for a new college graduate just like you.

1. Austin, Texas

Austin returns to our list of one of the top big cities for new graduates, moving up to the #1 spot from #2 last year. Several factors pushed it up to the top of the list, including low unemployment, an average commute time of less than 25 minutes and average median earnings for bachelor’s degree holders that are close to $60,000.

New college grads may be drawn by some of the city’s major employers, which include Apple, Inc., Cirrus Logic, Cisco Systems, Dell, Inc., Intel, 3M and Texas State University. Entertainment is an attraction, too, and includes the city’s Sixth Street, which is home to a hip music scene along with restaurants, shops and bars, including a dueling piano bar. Graduates with a bend toward history may enjoy visiting the state capitol, which opened in 1888 and offers free 30-minute tours. Young adults who want to settle close to this city of 950,000, can find lovely suburban communities in Rollingwood, Shady Hollow and West Lake Hills.

Featured data points:

• Percent of population between 20 and 34, 2017: 30.1%
• Median rent, 2017: $1,217.64
• Median earnings for bachelor’s degree holders, 2017: $59,301.93
• Average projected job growth rate statewide among jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree or above, 2016-26: 16.6%
• Art and entertainment centers: 304
• Average commute time to work: 24.9 minutes
• Crime rate per 100K people: 8,296

2. San Francisco, California

New to our list this year of best big cities for new grads, San Francisco scored a spot for being #1 of all the cities on our list for entertainment. This may come as no surprise, as entertainment in San Francisco includes diverse options like the theater, Giants baseball, the ballet, opera, 49ers football and countless activities that range from biking tours of the Golden Gate Bridge to food tours in the Chinatown district.

There are economic factors making this city of 884,000-plus attractive, too. For example, San Francisco ranks second on our list for a low unemployment rate of 3.8% and a high state projected employment. New grads might look for employment with some of the city’s largest employers, which include Wells Fargo, Kaiser Permanante, Uber and Salesforce. Of course, there are plenty of start-ups in this innovative city, too, including HotelTonight, reinventing hotel booking, and Cloud Passage, a cloud-based security company.

Featured data points:

• Percent of population between 20 and 34, 2017: 29%
• Median rent, 2017: $1,252.35
• Median earnings for bachelor’s degree holders, 2017: $57,437.29
• Average projected job growth rate statewide among jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree or above, 2016-26: 10.7%
• Art and entertainment centers: 516
• Average commute time to work: 33.8 minutes
• Crime rate per 100K people: 13,861

3. Houston, Texas

Home to the largest medical center in the world, Houston, Texas could be a great city for new grads looking for fast-growing jobs. The Texas Medical Center contains more than 50 different medicine-related institutions, but that’s not the reason this city of 2.3 million (yes, 2.3 million!) returns to our list of best big cities for new grads for another year. Houston ranked second of all cities overall for median earnings for bachelor’s degree holders (above $61,000) and sixth for the number of entertainment venues.

New residents may want to start their entertainment explorations in Houston’s downtown tunnels, a network of air-conditioned walkways that provide a way for downtown workers to quickly get about. Restaurants like Cafe Basil, Fuddruckers and Salata can be found there. Entertainment in Houston stretches far beyond what’s underground to include kite festivals, children’s festivals (if you already have kids!), music, magic, state fairs and more.

Featured data points:

• Percent of population between 20 and 34, 2017: 25.7%
• Median rent, 2017: $943.53
• Median earnings for bachelor’s degree holders, 2017: $61,806.02
• Average projected job growth rate statewide among jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree or above, 2016-26: 16.6%
• Art and entertainment centers: 269
• Average commute time to work: 27.8 minutes
• Crime rate per 100K people: 10,757

4. San Antonio, Texas

The San Antonio River Walkway may be one reason that new grads want to make this city of 1.5 million people their home. However, this city returns to our list of best big cities for new grads for a plethora of other reasons. San Antonio ranks third on our list for average lowest commute time (Interstates like 10, 35, 37 and 410 may help!) and also took the 5th spot for lowest median rent.

Compare this rent to other large cities on this list (like San Francisco and Austin, Texas) and it’s easy to see the potential savings that could go into your pocket. Additionally, the percent of renters in this city also is among the lowest on our list, at 45.2 percent, suggesting that people may like to lay down roots here. Why not, when the cost of a median home is lower than other large cities and the attractions are endless and include the likes of the Alamo, Natural Bridge caverns, golfing caving, and, of course, that beautiful river walk?

Featured data points:

• Percent of population between 20 and 34, 2017: 24%
• Median rent, 2017: $860.54
• Median earnings for bachelor’s degree holders, 2017: $56,100.02
• Average projected job growth rate statewide among jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree or above, 2016-26: 16.6%
• Art and entertainment centers: 234
• Average commute time to work: 24.6 minutes
• Crime rate per 100K people: 11,251

5. Columbus, Ohio

The capital city of Ohio boasts a number of highlights that help it again return to our list of the best big cities for new grads. With a population of more than 880,000 and the lowest commute time of all cities on this list (21.6 minutes!), it has major employers that include JPMorgan Chase & Co (employing more than 20,000 people), Nationwide, Honda of America Manufacturing and Amazon.

Columbus also has a low median rent, the third lowest of cities on this list, and ranks fairly low among cities on this list for unemployment rate, too. Of course, Columbus has plenty of other interests to pull in new grads, too, whether that’s the Ohio Girls Roller Derby Team (which ranks among the top 10 in the nation), the large horse show hosted there every October or the opportunity to enjoy a craft brew at one of its many distilleries.

Featured data points:

• Percent of population between 20 and 34, 2017: 29%
• Median rent, 2017: $812.93
• Median earnings for bachelor’s degree holders, 2017: $53,970.89
• Average projected job growth rate statewide among jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree or above, 2016-26: 4.4%
• Art and entertainment centers: 244
• Average commute time to work: 21.6 minutes
• Crime rate per 100K people: 9,008

6. Dallas, Texas

New to our list of best big cities for new grads, Dallas has a population of more than 1.34 million and the highest ranking for median earnings for bachelor’s degree holders. This modern city in northern Texas is home not just to the Dallas Arts District, which features nearly 20 blocks of galleries, museums and venues, but also to the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars.

Dallas, which ranked eighth on our list of best cities for new grads for lowest crime rate, is home to two airports and an Amtrak station. New grads looking for jobs might investigate Fortune 500 companies in the greater Dallas area that include AT&T, Exxon Mobile, JC Penney and Texas Instruments. While there are more than 200 golf courses in the area, Dallas also can get snow: a whopping average of 1.3 snow days a year.

Featured data points:

• Percent of population between 20 and 34, 2017: 27%
• Median rent, 2017: $944.62
• Median earnings for bachelor’s degree holders, 2017: $62,125.99
• Average projected job growth rate statewide among jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree or above, 2016-26: 16.6%
• Art and entertainment centers: 227
• Average commute time to work: 27.9 minutes
• Crime rate per 100K people: 8,295

7. Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte joins this year’s list of best big cities for new college graduates for numerous reasons, not just for its historical charm, its large banking center or the fact that it just celebrated its 250th anniversary. Charlotte has impressive rankings on several key points, including median earnings above the national average for bachelor’s degree holders, an average commute time of less than half-an-hour and a 10th place ranking for overall number of entertainment venues.

The city was named after King George III’s wife, Queen Charlotte, and the city’s center still reflects a grid of square blocks highlighting its colonial heritage. At the same time, it features modern day entertainment venues as diverse as Bojangles Coliseum, Spectrum Center and the Belk Theater. College grads also might enjoy the city’s 30 miles of greenways or Jetton Park, a 105-acre waterfront park to the north.

Featured data points:

• Percent of population between 20 and 34, 2017: 25.3%
• Median rent, 2017: $1,001.29
• Median earnings for bachelor’s degree holders, 2017: $60,288.11
• Average projected job growth rate statewide among jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree or above, 2016-26: 10.1%
• Art and entertainment centers: 255
• Average commute time to work: 25.4 minutes
• Crime rate per 100K people: 8,915

8. San Diego, California

Averaging close to 3,000 hours of sunshine every year, San Diego is the second largest city in California and the eighth largest in the United States. Seventy miles of beach line are accessible to its residents, but so are more than 90 golf courses and 6,000-plus places to eat. Balboa Park is just one well-known enticement, boasting art galleries, 15 museums, gardens and the city’s San Diego Zoo.

This city of 1.3 million returns to our list of best large cities for college graduates for several factors, including a low crime rate (#3 overall on our list), strong projected state employment, more than 280 entertainment venues and an average commute time of less than 25 minutes. While the median earnings for bachelor’s degree holders is low compared to other cities on this list, there are plenty of companies with strong growth, including Arctic Zero, Innovative Commercial Environments and Zeeto, all included on the Inc. 5000 list.

Featured data points:

• Percent of population between 20 and 34, 2017: 28.2%
• Median rent, 2017: $1,092.73
• Median earnings for bachelor’s degree holders, 2017: $40,397.29
• Average projected job growth rate statewide among jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree or above, 2016-26: 10.7%
• Art and entertainment centers: 284
• Average commute time to work: 24.7 minutes
• Crime rate per 100K people: 4,973

9. Indianapolis, Indiana

Returning to our list of best big cities for new grads, Indianapolis, known as “Indy,” rose from a #14 ranking on last year’s list to #9 this year. Factors contributing to its upward move include a low average commute time (second lowest overall on our list!), the percent of the population between ages 20 to 34 and a low median monthly rent rate. In fact, Indianapolis has the lowest median monthly rent, at $778.69, of all 15 cities on this list.

At the same time, the city’s median earnings for bachelor’s degree holders reaches above $50,000, beating out the city of San Diego, which also has higher median rent. Money saved in this capital city can mean more discretionary income for enjoying the surroundings, which include the Lucas Oil Stadium, the Indiana Convention Center, 250 acres of green space at White River State Park and the Theater District.

Featured data points:

• Percent of population between 20 and 34, 2017: 24.2%
• Median rent, 2017: $778.69
• Median earnings for bachelor’s degree holders, 2017: $51,735
• Average projected job growth rate statewide among jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree or above, 2016-26: 7.6%
• Art and entertainment centers: 264
• Average commute time to work: 23.4 minutes
• Crime rate per 100K people: 12,157

10. Fort Worth, Texas

New to our list of best big cities for new grads, Fort Worth, Texas — nicknamed “Cowtown” — offers upscale shopping, cowboy cuisine, NASCAR racing and a multitude of primary entertainment districts — eight, in total. The city of 876,000-plus ranked #10 on our list of best big cities for new grads for its impressive median earnings for bachelor’s degree holders, strong state employment and a low crime rate.

With an average commute time of 27 minutes, new employees in the city can easily make it from their place of business to any cultural spot or place of interest. Entertainment options include the zoo, botanical gardens and even the Stockyards District, which features historical landmarks, night clubs, unique shops and restaurants — and yes, even rodeo shows. To help pay for some of these diversions, new grads wanting to settle in Fort Worth might look for jobs in aerospace, education, healthcare and government, with AMR/American Airlines and Lockheed Martin being two of the area’s largest employers.

Featured data points:

• Percent of population between 20 and 34, 2017: 23.9%
• Median rent, 2017: $928.24
• Median earnings for bachelor’s degree holders, 2017: $61,405.23
• Average projected job growth rate statewide among jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree or above, 2016-26: 16.6%
• Art and entertainment centers: 167
• Average commute time to work: 27 minutes
• Crime rate per 100K people: 8,239

11. Los Angeles, California

A city of 3.9 million, Los Angeles joins our list of best big cities for new grads this year. Compelling as it is for its entertainment industry — and the Hollywood stars that might be spotted there — Los Angeles has much to offer new graduates in terms of arts and entertainment centers, percentage of young adults living there and low median rent. In fact, compared to other large California cities on our list, Los Angeles may be the most attractive in terms of rental affordability.

While most people know Los Angeles for its famous Hollywood sign and Walk of Fame stars, the employment opportunities in this southern city stretch far beyond arts and entertainment. Leisure and hospitality is a key industry in the city, but there are other industries well entrenched there. Nearly 200,000 people work in aerospace or technology and about 700,000 are employed in biomedical or health services in the greater L.A. area.

Featured data points:

• Percent of population between 20 and 34, 2017: 25.4%
• Median rent, 2017: $894.43
• Median earnings for bachelor’s degree holders, 2017: $36,491.87
• Average projected job growth rate statewide among jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree or above, 2016-26: 10.7%
• Art and entertainment centers: 396
• Average commute time to work: 31.8 minutes
• Crime rate per 100K people: 6,017

12. New York City, New York

It may be hard to imagine the Big Apple making this list, but this city of 8.6 million (Wow!) attracts all types of people. New grads settling here may be drawn by the city’s large number of arts and entertainment venues, the percentage of young adults who call the Big Apple their home or the relatively low crime rate compared to other large cities on this list.

Of course, New York City’s entertainment opportunities are endless, but include everything from Radio City Music Hall to Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Center. The city’s well-known Central Park features yoga classes, walking tours and bike rentals, as well as a landscape of green. Enjoy restaurants and cafes in the city’s Financial District — home to Wall Street, the New York Stock Exchange, Statue of Liberty and financial deals. New grads landing here may want to turn to major employers like JPMorgan Chase & Co, Citigroup, Inc., Pfizer, Inc., and PricewaterhouseCoopers to look for stellar job opportunities.

Featured data points:

• Percent of population between 20 and 34, 2017: 24.7%
• Median rent, 2017: $932.01
• Median earnings for bachelor’s degree holders, 2017: $44,760.45
• Average projected job growth rate statewide among jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree or above, 2016-26: 12%
• Art and entertainment centers: 315
• Average commute time to work: 41.8 minutes
• Crime rate per 100K people: 4,208

13. Phoenix, Arizona

The largest city in Arizona, Phoenix offers light-rail service, ride-hailing services and bike-sharing programs, all of which provide various transportation options in this city of 1.62 million. New grads settling in Phoenix can take the light rail to the Central Avenue district to get a drink or a bite to eat right after work, stopping in at places such as Bitter & Twisted, Durant’s or Southern Rail.

A median rent of $866 makes this city affordable for grads obtaining their first job or looking to start off in a new place. The average pay for bachelor’s degree holders in this sunny city is well above $50,000, meaning the young adults could find a rent payment easily manageable. Of course, anyone living in this city — which averages 299 days of sun a year — might enjoy catching a Phoenix Suns or Arizona Cardinals game in their free time or after work.

Featured data points:

• Percent of population between 20 and 34, 2017: 22.9%
• Median rent, 2017: $866.22
• Median earnings for bachelor’s degree holders, 2017: $52,488.01
• Average projected job growth rate statewide among jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree or above, 2016-26: 18.6%
• Art and entertainment centers: 175
• Average commute time to work: 26.3 minutes
• Crime rate per 100K people: 4,208

14. San Jose, California

Returning to our list of best big cities for new college grads for a consecutive year, San Jose is a tech area located in Silicon Valley. Rent may be on the higher end, but the major employers in this city of 1.03 million people include Adobe Inc., Maxim Integrated Products, Inc., and Prime Materials.

This state scored points to make this list for its overall low unemployment rate — compared to other large cities — and strong state projected employment. The third largest city in California, the city was once the first capital of California. It also has an airport, a relatively low crime rate and prohibits the use of plastic bags by retailers. Additionally, pet lovers may want to be aware: there also is a pet quota of five licensed animals total.

Featured data points:

• Percent of population between 20 and 34, 2017: 22.7%
• Median rent, 2017: $1,402.83
• Median earnings for bachelor’s degree holders, 2017: $54,169.64
• Average projected job growth rate statewide among jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree or above, 2016-26: 10.7%
• Art and entertainment centers: 203
• Average commute time to work: 31.3 minutes
• Crime rate per 100K people: 5,522

15. Chicago, Illinois

Some theories that exist about this windy city suggest that Chicago got its name more from the politicians full of hot air there than the number of actual windy days. Whatever the reason, new college graduates may find this big city a good choice for its high median earnings for bachelor’s degree holders, the large number of art and entertainment centers and an affordable average rent at less than $1,000.

Believe it or not, the first Ferris wheel made its debut in Chicago in 1893, but that is hardly the most interesting thing to entice young adults there. Attractions in this city of 2.7 million include an 18.5-mile lakefront path, more than 5,000 restaurants, over 50 museums, 200-plus music venues and 8,100 acres of green space. Of course, anyone who loves pizza knows that the Chicago deep dish pizza is something to write home about.

Featured data points:

• Percent of population between 20 and 34, 2017: 27.6%
• Median rent, 2017: $972.33
• Median earnings for bachelor’s degree holders, 2017: $59,230.37
• Average projected job growth rate statewide among jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree or above, 2016-26: 5.8%
• Art and entertainment centers: 255
• Average commute time to work: 34.9 minutes
• Crime rate per 100K people: 7,719

Methodology

For this analysis, we ranked 17 U.S. cities that had a city population of 750,000 or more according to 2017 estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. Each city was ranked on a 10 point scale, using the following seven data points and the weights specified.

1. Median monthly rent adjusted to the Cost of Living Index, American Community Survey, 2017
2. Percent of housing units that are occupied by renters rather than owners, American Community Survey, 2017
3. Percent of the population between the ages of 20 and 34, American Community Survey, 2017
4. Median earnings for bachelor’s degree holders adjusted to the Cost of Living Index, American Community Survey, 2017
5. Arts & Entertainment: The number of performing arts, spectator sports and related industries; museums and historical sites; restaurants; and bars per 100,000 residents in each metro area, U.S. Census Population Estimates, 2012; County Business Patterns, 2012
6. State job growth projections: The average projected growth rate and the projected number of new jobs per 100 people in each metro area, 2016-26, Projections Central, 2016
7. Unemployment rate, American Community Survey, 2017
8. Average Commute time, American Community Survey, 2017
9. Crime rate per 100,000 people, Uniform Crime Reporting, 2015

Methodology Sources:

• American Community Survey, 2017, U.S. Census Bureau, https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/
• 2017 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2016-26 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov; 2016-26 State Occupational Projections, Projections Central, http://www.projectionscentral.com
• Uniform Crime Reporting, 2015, Federal Bureau of Investigation, https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2015/crime-in-the-u.s.-2015

Sources

• About, Fort Worth, Accessed March 2019, https://www.fortworth.com/about/
• About San Diego, San Diego.com, Accessed March 2019, https://www.sandiego.org/articles/about-san-diego-ca.aspx
• A Guide to Charlotte’s Live Music Venues, Charlotte’s Got a Lot, Accessed March 2019, https://www.charlottesgotalot.com/articles/nightlife/a-guide-to-charlottes-live-music-venues
• Best Concert Venues in New York City, NYC.com, Accessed March 2019, https://www.nyc.com/nyc-guides/best_concert_venues_in_nyc.308/
• Best Things to Do in Austin, U.S. News, Accessed March 2019, https://travel.usnews.com/Austin_TX/Things_To_Do/
• Chicago Facts, Choose Chicago, Accessed March 2019, https://www.choosechicago.com/neighborhoods/about-chicago/
• Dallas Stats and Fun Facts, Visit Dallas, Accessed March 2019, https://www.visitdallas.com/about/dallas-fun-facts/
• Drinks by Rail, Visit Phoenix, Accessed March 2019, https://www.visitphoenix.com/learn-plan/getting-around/
• Facts about L.A., Discover Los Angeles, Accessed March 2019, https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/media/facts-about-la
• Here are 25 of San Francisco’s Largest Employers, San Francisco Business Times, December 2016, https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/subscriber-only/2016/12/30/employers-san-francisco/
• Houston Downtown Tunnel System, Houston on the Cheap, Accessed March 2019, https://www.houstononthecheap.com/downtown-houston-tunnels
• Indy, Visit Indy, Accessed March 2019, https://www.visitindy.com/indianapolis-about-indianapolis
• Major Employers and Top Companies in Austin, Austin Relocation Guide, Accessed April 2019, http://www.austinrelocationguide.com/Major-Employers-and-Top-Companies-in-Austin/
• Major Employers in Santa Clara County, Economic Development Department State of California, Accessed March 2019, https://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/majorer/countymajorer.asp?CountyCode=000085
• One Hundred Companies Make the Inc. 5000 List, San Diego Life Changing, Accessed March 2019, https://sandiegolifechanging.org/100-san-diego-companies-make-the-inc-5000-list/
• San Antonio, AA Roads, Accessed March 2019, https://www.aaroads.com/texas-highways/san-antonio/
• San Antonio Home Prices and Values, Zillow, Accessed March 2019, https://www.zillow.com/san-antonio-tx/home-values/
• San Francisco Events 2019, SF Tourism Tips, Accessed March 2019, https://www.sftourismtips.com/san-francisco-events/
• 10 Unique Facts about Houston You Didn’t Know, Culture Trip, Accessed March 2019, https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/texas/articles/10-unique-facts-about-houston-you-didnt-know/
• 10 Unique Facts about Texas, Culture Trip, Accessed March 2019, https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/texas/articles/10-unique-facts-about-dallas-you-didnt-know/
• The History of Charlotte, Charlotte’s Got a Lot, Accessed March 2019, https://www.charlottesgotalot.com/articles/history/the-history-of-charlotte
• The 20 Biggest Employers in New York City, Money, Inc., Accessed March 2019, https://moneyinc.com/the-20-biggest-employers-in-nyc/
• Thriving in the Columbus Region, Columbus Region, Accessed March 2019, https://columbusregion.com/market-research/largest-employers/
• Twenty-five Things You Should Know about San Jose, Mental Floss, Accessed March 2019, mentalfloss.com/article/73156/25-things-you-should-know-about-san-jose

There are plenty of bachelor’s degree programs to choose from but when you’re looking to maximize the ROI on your education investment, you may want to choose a bachelor’s degree program that has the potential to yield the highest pay.

To help you find such programs, we’ve listed the top online bachelor’s degree programs with the highest earning potential using a methodology that takes into account factors like median salaries, projected job openings and the number of schools offering these degrees online. Please take some time to look at our methodology at the bottom of the page.

By 2020, 23 percent of jobs are predicted to need a bachelor’s degree, according to a Georgetown University study. For those who are already working, have part- or full-time jobs, or a family to take care of, online programs might offer you the flexibility you need to balance your commitments and earn a bachelor’s degree to help advance your career.

It is important to remember, however, that not all degree programs are offered completely online. Depending on the field of study, some may have a practical component that would require you to visit your school’s campus or a nearby facility.

20

Computer and Information Sciences 

As organizations grow and increasingly rely on technology to store and access their data, so does the need for computer scientists who are able to find better ways to manage, store and access this information. A computer and information sciences degree gives students an overview of computer sciences with a focus on information sciences. A creative mindset and strong communication skills are essential for individuals wanting to enter this field according to the BLS.

Coursework covers topics from networking and computer and information systems to programming and scripting.

Nice to know: On average, jobs in the field of computer science pay more than twice the national average.

19

Engineering/Industrial Management

Planning and managing engineering projects requires knowledge of both engineering and management. Engineering industrial management degree programs allow individuals learn to ensure projects are completed on-time and within budget. Individuals interested in these degrees should like working with people, have leadership abilities and be good with numbers.

Coursework can include engineering administration, project management and systems engineering. Understanding finance can also be important while managing a project and you may find that online engineering management programs include courses to help you understand how financial markets can influence your project.

Nice to know: The Internet of Things (IoT) has been playing a big role in project management with industrial sensors that continue to grow smarter and more capable of collecting enormous amount of data.

18

Apparel and Textile Marketing Management

Online degrees in apparel and textile marketing management combine the fields of business and fashion. These degrees can suit individuals who are creative, good communicators and have leadership skills. Students can learn to gain insights into the workings of the fashion industry and how to create marketing strategies for fashion brands and products. Students also learn how to analyze consumer behavior and apply this knowledge to identify trends.

Topics you may study include color concepts, fabric and fiber technology, retailing and management and fashion marketing. Careers include purchasing managers, wholesale and retail buyers and brand marketing managers.

17

Psychology 

Psychology has many applications apart from helping people in distress. An online degree in psychology can be applied toward a myriad of careers in settings like businesses, schools and even technology. Individuals who wish to pursue a career in psychology should be interested in math and science and be ready to develop their critical reading and writing skills.

Typical coursework includes abnormal psychology, social psychology, human development and psychological research methods. A general psychology degree can lead to careers in mental health counseling, industrial counseling and more.

Nice to know: Child psychology is an increasingly popular choice for online students, according to a 2017 survey of online students by the Learning House.

16

Electrical and Electronics Engineering

Online electrical and electronic engineering degree programs combine the two fields of electrical engineering and electronics to give students a broad field of study. Electrical engineers look at powering entire mechanical bodies with electricity while electronics involves the circuitry within an electrical system.

Individuals interested in pursuing one or both of these fields should have an innate curiosity of how things work, be creative and enjoy using math and science to make things work. Coursework can include topics like circuit analysis, fields and waves, power systems and calculus.

Nice to know: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the demand for electrical and electronic engineers, particularly in research and development, is likely to go up with rapid technological advances.

15

Informatics

Informatics is a field that combines IT and programming knowledge with information management systems. Informatics professionals are the minds behind the programs that help businesses, healthcare facilities and research institutions manage their data. Individuals interested in an online informatics degree program should have an interest in learning about how humans and computers interact, information architecture and telecommunications structure.

Course topics can include programming and databases, social informatics and system design. Some occupations associated with an informatics degree include digital library specialist, system administrator and information security professional.

Nice to know: Health information technician jobs are some of the highest-paying positions in this field with a faster-than-average job growth rate.

14

Pharmaceutical Marketing and Management

Pharmaceutical marketing and management professionals serve as the link between pharmaceutical companies and medical health professionals like doctors and clinicians. Online degree programs in pharmaceutical marketing and management typically combine business studies and pharmaceutical sciences to give students an understanding of the products for marketing.

Course topics typically include fundamentals of drug development, FDA regulations and healthcare finance alongside business topics like management and marketing.

Nice to know: It can help to be tech-minded as the pharma sales and marketing industry is increasingly using digital channels of marketing, big data and artificial intelligence.

13

Information Resources Management

Businesses need individuals who can set up and maintain information service systems as well as train employees on how to use them. Also known as information systems management, management information systems or simply information systems, this degree program teaches students how to manage and evaluate information systems and come up with solutions to any issues that may occur.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that individuals interested in working in this field should be detail-oriented and good communicators. Coursework usually covers a range of topics from business and management to network systems, data communications systems, wireless technologies, and voice-over-IP systems along with programming.

Nice to know: Even the U.S. Government has a Bureau of Information Resource Management to successfully carry out its foreign policy mission by applying modern IT tools, approaches, systems, and information products.

12

Finance and Financial Management Services 

Financial management professionals can work for businesses or individuals and families in order to help them manage their money better. Finance professionals working for companies can be instrumental in ensuring employees get a raise while still keeping the firm profitable. Financial advisors, on the other hand, can help individuals invest the money from their raises to meet their financial goals.

Individuals interested in earning a finance degree should be good with math, team players and be able communicate complex financial information clearly. Coursework can include topics like financial markets and institutions, portfolio management and financial market analysis.

Nice to know: Automation software is making financial management processes easier by taking over many of the repetitive daily tasks (like filling in forms), allowing financial managers to concentrate on more interesting tasks, like actual portfolio management.

11

Marketing/Marketing Management 

Marketing professionals are responsible for ensuring potential clients learn about a business’ products and services as well as retaining their old customers. They use their creativity and communication skills to reach out to people in order to engage them and their research and analytical skills to understand what’s trending in the marketplace.

Topics in an online marketing degree program can include consumer behavior, competitive marketing strategy and marketing management and leadership.

Nice to know: You can start building your professional portfolio highlighting your unique skills and abilities to potential employers, while still in college. Your portfolio can show how well you have combined classroom learning with professional experience.

10

Information Technology Project Management

As the IT profession grows, so does the need for competent managers who can lead their teams to deliver projects on time and within budget. Online IT project management degree programs can equip with you with the knowledge to take a project from start to finish – from conceptualization to the delivery of the final product.

Students of these degree programs can learn IT based topics as well as topics designed to develop their leadership skills through courses like principles of project management, scheduling, cost, and quality management, and networking.

Nice to know: According to PMI’s Pulse of the profession report, since 2018, more offices are seeing a need for a department to standardize project management within a company.

9

Computer Science

While both computer science and information technology degree programs take into account how humans interact with computers, the main difference is that computer scientists focus on the theoretical side of developing computer applications and IT professionals look at how to apply them in a user-friendly manner.

Students of online computer science degree programs study topics like computer organization, data structures and algorithms and programming. These degree programs can suit individuals who have a mathematical bend of mind but also have the ability to think abstractly.

Nice to know: The first computer science degree program was introduced in 1962 at Purdue University and the discipline continues to grow extensively with applications in artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, and more.

8

Information Science/Studies

The digital revolution has meant that people and organizations are producing data and documents like never before. We need to be able to store and navigate through this information in order to put it to use. This is where information science majors step in to design efficient, secure and user-friendly systems that guide us through to the information we need. Online information science degree programs can suit individuals who are organized, have a keen interest in human behavior and are good communicators.

Course topics like information science and knowledge organization can equip you to organize information in a variety of digital and analogue settings. Graduates of these degree programs may find employment as computer and information systems managers, database administrators and librarians to name a few.

Nice to know: A 2018 survey of employers of information science graduates found that they prized interpersonal and communication skills in candidates over other soft skills. This makes electives, like technical writing or business communication, a good choice.

7

Business Administration and Management 

Business managers often need to tend to client needs, manage staff and ensure that the goods and services offered are of a high quality while still keeping an eye on profitability. This means they need to have great communication, planning as well as problem-solving skills. Students of online business administration and management degree programs can learn to develop these skills through topics like organizational behavior, marketing, human resource management and finance.

Graduates of these programs can be prepared for a range of careers, from entry-level managers to chief executives in local and multinational industries.

Nice to know: Business administration and management is one of the most popular online degree programs because concepts and skills taught in these programs are highly transferrable.

6

Computer Software Engineering

Like many computing professionals, software engineers are needed across a large number of industries – from designing highly-specialized medical or military software to general computing software. Software programs are often built by a team which means individuals interested in careers as software engineers should be able to able to work well with other people toward a common goal.

Typical coursework includes topics like computer programming languages, software engineering design and software verification, validation, and testing.

Nice to know: A survey conducted by Stack Overflow in 2017 reveals that 11.3 percent of the developers got their first coding jobs within a year of first learning how to write a program.

5

Computer Engineering 

Computer technology is growing by leaps and bounds. With new tech emerging every day, there is a growing need for professionals who understand how to design and build innovative, new hardware and software systems to serve across a variety of industries. Online computer engineering degree programs can suit individuals who are creative and can work in teams, as well as on their own.

Coursework can help you build your creative skills thorough topics like computer design and practical skills through subjects like programming and embedded computer systems.

Nice to know: Many programs require you to build your own systems in an area of your interest using the knowledge and skills you have gained before graduating.

4

Information Technology 

Technological advances mean that business processes are increasingly digitized — from how information is stored to how people communicate giving rise to the demand for qualified IT professionals. IT professionals not have to understand how computers work and can be used to make business processes more efficient. They also have to have a feel for how people interact with computers. This can make it important for IT professionals to be technologically-minded problem-solvers with people skills.

Coursework can include topics like human-computer interaction, IT project management and emerging technologies.

Nice to know: As IT professionals are needed in virtually every industry, choosing a concentration or a minor can help you focus on your interests. For example, if you are interested in artificial intelligence, a minor in cognitive science can be an asset.

3

Management Science

Organizations need knowledgeable and competent staff to lead teams, make informed decisions, design new and efficient systems and solve problems. Management science degree programs can suit individuals who are math-oriented, analytical and like working in a team.

Courses can help you develop your communication and leadership skills to help you learn about how high-level strategies are designed, manage human resources as well as the more day-to-day operations of a business. Some typical topics of study are business decision-making, operations management, business policy and strategy and finance.

Nice to know: Graduates of management science programs can follow careers as management consultants, operations research analysts and general and operations managers across a variety of industries in private and public sectors.

2

Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies

Have you ever had an idea you think might turn into a booming business? An online entrepreneurial studies degree program can help you turn your idea into a reality. Individuals who are creative, good communicators, organized and aren’t afraid of working long hours can learn to launch their own business or take an existing one to new heights.

Courses can teach you how to organize and set up a business through topics like finance and accounting, business strategy, business plan development and more.

Nice to know: Venture capital investment in startups surged to its highest level ever — $148 billion in 2017.

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International Business

With global trade becoming easier than ever there is an increase in the need for professionals who understand how business is conducted in different parts of the world, particularly in terms of culture and communication. Online international business degree programs may suit individuals who have an interest in learning about other cultures, travelling as well as business.

Students can learn how to make business decisions that have a multinational impact through courses in foreign trade, international marketing, business laws, management and finance.

Nice to know: Learning a foreign language can boost your career potential in the field.