Education

Scholarships for Military Spouses

Community organizations, associations of military spouses, and non-profits offer regional and national education scholarships for military spouses. Scholarships specifically for military dependents can help your family save money on college expenses. If selected to receive a scholarship, eligible military spouses and military dependents can receive money for both college courses and continued education, ranging from $500 to $2500, or even more.

Scholarships can be targeted to military dependents whose sponsor (spouse) is assigned to a certain military base or offered to military spouses in general. However, each scholarship will have their own application criteria, so be sure to check the specific requirements before applying.

In some cases, connections to officer associations or membership to clubs is required. However, sponsorship by a club member or simply fulfilling the eligibility criteria is sufficient. Some scholarships are open to spouses of retired military personnel, injured or medically retired service members, and spouses of the Department of Defense civilians. There are also scholarships for children of veterans and dependents who are survivors.

Scholarships may be multi-year, solely a dollar amount, or allow Military spouses and dependents to reapply. Previous awardees may receive emails in the future, encouraging them to reapply.The money awarded through military dependent scholarships sponsored by these local clubs is intended to help eligible military dependents pay for college, and help military spouses strengthen their career skills.

In conjunction with the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program, military spouses can save a lot of money on tuition and other education related expenses. There are also plenty of military friendly colleges to choose from, when looking for a degree program to use any applicable scholarship money for.

Below you will find military spouse groups and clubs who offer scholarships for military dependents. This list is in alphabetical order, organized by state, and will be updated often:

Find GI Bill®-Approved Colleges For Military and Veterans

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National Military Family Association (NMFA) – An additional resource for finding scholarships.

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What Veterans Should Look For In A College

by MilitaryBenefits

What should veterans look for in a college? There are many features to consider but much depends on whether you are attending a state-supported school or a private institution. State universities and other institutions operate differently than some private colleges–you should know the differences between state and private colleges you want to consider before deciding.

Some of the differences are related to whether or not federal benefits (including the GI Bill) or federal educational financial aid can be used or whether you may need to apply for private student loans to fund your education.

The First Thing To Ask

For-profit colleges abound and there are many private colleges which are not recognized by regional or national accreditation bodies. You will want to know whether your new school is accredited, and also which schools may accept transfer credits from this institution in case you decide to try another school. Accreditation counts.

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The College Search For Veterans: Location Counts

Veterans looking for a school have unique challenges. Some are retiring or separating from overseas locations and must choose a state to live in, while others may separate stateside and remain in the state they were last assigned in. Still others want to relocate to an area depending on which school they choose rather than looking for schools in their current address.

Depending on what state you choose, there could be important GI Bill-extending benefits. One great example is the Illinois Veterans Grant, which pays for tuition for veterans who meet minimum service criteria.

State-Level Programs And State Residency

Residency requirements often apply and you may or may not be considered a resident for these programs depending on when you relocate to the state, whether you entered military service from that state, or plan to relocate there within a predetermined time after leaving the military.

Some states are fairly generous with these benefits, others seem to be less well-funded or staffed. Your college selection decision could be influenced by the presence of such a program, especially if you need to save your GI Bill benefits for a later portion of your academic experience.

Location, Location, Location

Location is also crucial for another reason–those eligible for receiving the Post 9/11 GI Bill housing stipend will have that stipend paid based on the zip code where you attend the majority of your classes.

That means that someone attending the University of Illinois in Chicago may get a much different housing stipend than someone attending a small community college in Kenosha, Wisconsin based on the amount of housing allowance authorized for that zip code.

No, you likely won’t decide on a school solely using the amount of your housing allowance as your guide, but it is a very important consideration for those who want a combination of in-person classes and online learning.

Those who plan to attend fully online get a reduced housing stipend, and that is another factor to consider when deciding on your academic program.

When reviewing colleges and universities, be sure to ask the admissions rep where your classes will be held for GI Bill housing stipend purposes–many schools have a main campus but may also have satellite campuses in other towns or cities and you’ll want to know where most of your classes may be held.

Ask This Very Important Question

When you consider a college–ESPECIALLY a for-profit college–be sure to ask how their academic calendar is structured and how much control you have over class selection. Some for-profit colleges (your experience will vary) require students to take classes according to a fixed schedule, and that fixed schedule may or may not maximize your GI Bill or other benefits.

One good example–a for-profit college in Chicago (which shall remain nameless, but was attended by the author of this article) at one time structured its classes for students based on a fixed schedule of instruction–attendees could NOT manage their own schedule.

The problem? In many cases students were assigned classes that technically met the full-time requirements for GI Bill and other programs, but wound up scheduling their students for the MINIMUM full-time requirement.

Those who wish to take more semester hours under such a program to extend their GI Bill benefits were left behind by this policy. Be sure to ask about such issues if you plan to take more credit hours than a traditional student or want to carry a high class load.

What Veterans Should Look For In A College

The first thing to do is to evaluate how veteran-friendly your college is. What is the veteran population at the school like? Are there enough vets that the campus has an office for handling veteran needs for enrollment, GI Bill, state-sponsored veteran education programs, etc.?

If a college doesn’t have at least one person who acts as a liaison for the veteran student community there, you might want to compare schools a bit more aggressively.

A school that doesn’t know what to do with your GI Bill benefits, doesn’t participate in the Yellow Ribbon program, and/or won’t offer flexible admission policies (especially where payment via GI Bill is concerned since those funds often don’t arrive on the usual school tuition payment deadlines) you should compare that school with those that do.

Such instances may be rare in your search for a college, but it’s not unheard of.

One of the best ways to weed out schools that don’t provide as much support for vets and currently serving military members is to examine college official sites for an office of military affairs, veteran service office or similarly named entity. Any college that doesn’t have one may not be the right fit for you, depending on circumstances.

It’s best to talk to an admissions counselor about your plans, financial aid concerns, and college career for any school you’re seriously considering–you’ll want to know important details about how the school handles common issues like delayed payments under the GI Bill program, what your responsibilities are should you be unable to complete a course of study, and what the program you are interested in will entail.

What Veterans Should Ask When Choosing A College

One of the best ways to determine whether a college is right for you is to ask a set of questions that can help you make a more informed decision. Here is a list of things you should ask when selecting a college:

What is the school’s overall policy for those attending on GI Bill benefits or veteran-centric state level student financial aid?
What is my responsibility if my benefit payments to the school are delayed?
What is the school’s policy for incomplete, dropped, or failed classes for those attending on veteran benefits program?
How flexible is the school when determining financial aid for veterans? Does the school participate in the Yellow Ribbon program? Does it provide matching funds in any other way or offer some kind of help for vets who don’t have quite enough benefit money to finish the program?
What opportunities are offered specifically to veterans by the college? This can include work-study, student unions or other activities, campus organizations, etc. Ask about the veteran culture at the college–does it thrive? Or is it non-existent?
What is the school’s transfer policy? Will the school accept your military credits and experience or is the school more stingy about the credits you bring to your new school?
How long do you have to complete your program? What happens if you are called to active duty as a member of the Guard or Reserve, and how do you deal with interrupted class schedules due to duty, illness, VA appointments, or other issues?
What specific differences should veterans expect in terms of payment deadlines, graduation rules, incomplete or dropped classes, etc. compared to non-veteran students?

Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter for Air Force Television News

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Veteran Friendly Colleges Guide

by MilitaryBenefits

If you are on the hunt for a college and are on active duty, a veteran, qualifying spouse/dependent of a veteran, reservist, or part of the National Guard, you have got to read our guide to veteran-friendly colleges! You’ll also want to do a bit of research on your own so you can find a college that provides services that cater to your individual needs.

Most schools honor government-funded educational benefits like the GI Bill but finding a veteran friendly college that takes care of you, will go a long way in making your college experience one you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

We have created this guide to help you find a college that will help you use your military experience to get you the most college credit or get you the services you are entitled to. From the GI Bill to service-related programs to help spouses and qualifying dependents, we’ll give you the inside scoop on how to make the most of your military experience.

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How Do I Know If A School Is Veteran Friendly?

You can start your search by checking out our list of military friendly colleges. If the school you are looking for is not on the list, you can find out what support they provide by visiting their website, review social media sites, or find feedback from former students. One of the best ways to find out if a college is veteran friendly is by talking to their admissions office. Here are just a few things that make a school military-friendly?

They should have:

signed the VA Principles of Excellence
a chapter of the Student Veterans of America
a full-time veteran’s counselor
campus clubs or associations for veterans
accept Credit for Military Experience and CLEP Exams

We’ll go into some of these programs in detail later in the guide. Let’s start with ways you can use your veteran’s benefits to pay for your college education.

Financing Your College Education

There are many pathways to paying for your college education. Veterans have the GI Bill, active-duty members have Tuition Assistance, and spouses and qualifying dependents have a variety of programs that will help pay for a college degree or certification program. You can also get financial aid through your school, you may qualify for unsubsidized loans and Pell grants, or you may be eligible to apply for scholarships, some of which are specific to military members.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

This is the first step to finding out your financial aid entitlements. The FAFSA gathers information about your income and family size, which is then reviewed by the government to determine how much financial aid you can get. The FAFSA is also used to see if you qualify for state aid, college scholarships, and local scholarships given by small businesses and organizations.

Military Discounts

This is where a military-friendly college shines. Many schools are committed to providing an affordable option to veterans by offering discounts on tuition or vouchers for free housing, books, supplies, or fees. Discounts vary by college and based on the degree program or your military status (active-duty, veteran, reservist, spouse, or dependent). Make sure to check the military section of their website. Those discounts should be front and center on their page. If you are unsure of what discounts they offer, just ask.

Military Training Credit

The amount of college transfer credit you may get for military training and experience varies widely by school. If the school is an ACE (American Council on Education) participant, you will have the best chance of getting the most college credits for your military training. Some will award for military training courses but not for military occupational specialties. This is just one of the factors you need to consider when picking a school.

Transfer Credits

If you don’t transfer in college credits from another school, you are paying for a class twice. You’ll just need to verify that your credits will transfer. Typically, you must have taken the course from a regionally accredited school and earned the equivalent to a “C” or 2.0 in the course for it to transfer.

State Veterans Education Benefits

You can also get additional educational benefits from the state you live in. Many states provide additional veterans education benefits. Check your State Veterans Affairs Office for more information.

What Programs are out there to help me Pay for College?

Depending on your current status, there are many programs available to help you finance your college education. Let’s look at what programs are available based on your current situation

Veterans

GI Bill

The original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944 by then-President Franklin D. Roosevelt and named after American Legion National Commander Harry W. Colmery, a champion for veteran’s benefits. Over the years, the GI Bill has gone through a lot of changes, but at its core, it provides educational benefits to qualified members and their spouses by helping with:

Tuition and fees
Money for housing (if you’re in school more than half time)
Money for books and supplies

Forever GI Bill – You qualify for the Forever GI Bill if you were last discharged or released from active duty on or after January 1, 2013. If you were discharged before that date, you qualify for benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill or the Montgomery Era GI Bill.

Post-9/11 GI Bill – You qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill if:

you served at least 90 days on active duty after September 11, 2001, and were discharged before January 1, 2013.
you received a Purple Heart after September 11, 2001, and were honorably discharged.
you served for at least 30 continuous days on or after September 11, 2001, and were honorably discharged with a service-connected disability.
you are a dependent child who had benefits transferred to you.

If you were last discharged or released from active duty on or after January 1, 2013—you qualify for the Forever GI Bill.

Montgomery-Era GI Bill – The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) is available if you met certain criteria.

Yellow Ribbon Program

The Yellow Ribbon Program can help you pay for out-of-state tuition, private school, or graduate school tuition that the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn’t cover. You have to meet certain criteria to be eligible, and your school has to participate in the program.

Purple Heart Recipients

If you were awarded a Purple Heart and honorably discharged on or after September 11, 2001, you may be entitled to Post-9/11GI Bill benefits at the 100-percent benefit level for up to 36 months, no matter how long you served.

Spouses and Qualifying Dependents

Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA)

If you’re a military spouse, the MyCAA program provides up to $4,000 (over 2 years) of financial assistance if you are pursuing a license, certification or an associate’s degree in a portable career field or occupation.

Fry Scholarship

If you’re the child or surviving spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001, you may qualify for the Fry Scholarship. You’ll get 36 months of benefits, including money tuition, housing, books, and supplies.

Active Duty Members

Each service offers active duty members the chance to earn college credits or a degree while serving. The programs partner with non-military educational institutions and often are offered online. Here are the most widely used programs administered by the military branch themselves:

eArmyU

eArmyU provides soldiers access to over 100 degree plans at regionally-accredited colleges and universities. Through this program, soldiers have the chance to earn a certificate or an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree from a home school while taking classes from multiple colleges.

College of the American Soldier

The College of the American Soldier provides two separate education programs for active-duty Army soldiers, reservists, and National Guard members. The college works with more than two dozen higher education institutions to provide individualized academic tracks for enlisted soldiers and NCOs.

NCO Program: The NCO program is based on civilian degrees that incorporate components crucial to military career advancement. All credits earned are fully transferable.

Enlisted Education Program: This program is perfect for entry-level service members who have little or no college background. It allows them to complete an associate degree during their first enlistment. All credits are fully transferable among the more than two dozen participating schools.

Community College of the Air Force (CCAF)

The Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) is dedicated to the higher education needs of Air Force enlisted members. The CCAF is a federally-chartered degree-granting institution accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. They help airmen achieve their academic goals by using on-the-job training and traditional educational programs as part of a flexible degree program that grants airmen an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science (AAS).

Military Tuition Assistance

This benefit is provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The amount of this benefit can be equal to the difference between the total cost of a college course and the amount of Tuition Assistance that is paid by the military for the course. There are significant differences between Tuition Assistance, Tuition Assistance TOP- UP, and how Tuition Assistance interacts with VA benefits.

Tuition Assistance is educational payments made by your branch of the Armed Service while you are on active duty.
Tuition Assistance TOP-UP is educational payments made by the VA, which reimburse you for course charges not paid by your branch of the Armed Service.

Note: Tuition Assistance can’t be used with any VA benefits other than the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty and the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

Veteran Friendly Programs

Here are some programs that you’ll find at veteran-friendly schools:

Veterans Counselors

If you qualify for veteran’s benefits, you will need to have someone in your corner to make sure that you get all of the services you are due. A school that has a veteran’s counselor or office that deals only with military members, veterans, or spouses, can cut through the red tape and bureaucracy. Do your research and find schools that offer staff who are specially trained in military and VA benefits.

VA Principles of Excellence Program

VA Principles of Excellence are guidelines for schools and institutions receiving federal military and veterans educational funding. Participating schools agree to principles and guidelines that provide service members, veterans, spouses, and dependents like you with the information, support, and protection you deserve.

American Council on Education (ACE)

American Council on Education (ACE) ensures that active-duty and veterans like you earn academic credit for the knowledge and training you received during your service. Institutions that participate in ACE are experienced at translating your military learning experiences into college credit. They collaborate with the DoD to review military training and experiences to recommend appropriate college credit. ACE will also provide recommendations for formal courses and occupations based on your military training and experience. Getting college credit for your military experience can help save your hundreds or even thousands of dollars in tuition.

Defense Activity for Nontraditional Education Support (DANTES)

The DoD is committed to you to achieve your educational goals. Through DANTES, you can get college and career training credits through testing. These tests measure and provide credit for the knowledge you acquire through military experience and training. Tests are administered on military bases or at national testing facilities. DANTES provides upfront funding of CLEP test fees for eligible military members taking any exam for the first time. You may be charged a fee if you want to retake the test.

DANTES programs consist of two types of tests that award credit:

DSST Exams

DSST exams are college subject tests that you can take to earn college credit for knowledge you acquired outside of a traditional classroom. There are 38 subject exams from which to select in disciplines such as Business, Humanities, Mathematics, Physical Science, and more.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Exams

A CLEP exam measures your understanding of the coursework typically taken by first or second-year students. If you pass the CLEP exam, you can earn anywhere from 3 to 12 college credits, depending on how high you scored. The 33 CLEP tests fall into five areas: history and social sciences, composition and literature, science and math, and business and world languages.

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Jim spent 22 years on active duty, climbing the ranks from Airman Basic to a decorated Air Force Major. Stationed all over the world, he held many high-level posts, including Chief of Foreign Military Sales at the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Jim earned his Ph.D. through the Montgomery Era GI Bill and spent 13 years teaching African Studies in Pennsylvania. Jim is also an award-winning travel writer.

Education Options for Military Spouses

by MilitaryBenefits

As a military spouse, finding a great job that moves with you is probably at the top of your bucket list. You want a job that turns into a real career and makes great money. So, don’t let constant relocations stop you from pursuing a college degree and landing that dream job. The best way to do that is by getting your college degree in a highly portable career field. This will greatly increase your chances of finding new employment after a Permanent Change of Station (PCS)—no matter where you are stationed!

So, let’s look at some of the best degree options that will allow military spouses like you to land a great job where you are today, develop it into a career, and build it into something you can take with you, no matter where your next duty station may be.

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Best Degrees for Military Spouses

Bachelor’s Degree in Education

There are schools, colleges, and students no matter where you are stationed, and the demand for teachers has never been higher. The life of an educator is rewarding, personally satisfying, and can offer a career that you can take anywhere. Getting into the education field can lead to the following jobs:

Public or private school teacher (including Department of Defense Dependent School System (DoDDS)) (Avg Salary: $49,529)
College instructor (may require a Master’s Degree) (Avg Salary: $50,021)
Tutor (Avg Pay: $17.80/hr)
Trainer (Avg Salary: $53,451)

An Education Degree is highly portable because many states have “reciprocity” arrangements, where one state will accept the licensing requirements of another. Many states also accept a national teacher certificate. Just remember that you’ll have to get your state license to teach and may have to go through an internship or residency training.

Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

Healthcare is one of the most portable careers out there. You won’t be stationed anywhere that there aren’t hospitals, urgent care centers, or clinics. Nurses are the lifeblood of the healthcare field and are always in high demand. A degree in nursing can lead to these rewarding nursing careers:

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) (Avg Salary: $44,686)
Registered Nurse (RN) (Avg Salary: $64,640 )

You will have to get your state license to get into the field of nursing. But the good news is that all 50 states now practice reciprocity (your state license accepted by another state) ever since the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) was nationally standardized. That means you can apply for a license once you relocate to a new state without having to take additional tests. A fee is involved in the process.

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science/Information Technology (IT)

You won’t have any trouble finding a job with a computer-related degree. It will give you the skills you’ll need to pursue a career in one of many high-paying tech-focused career fields. A degree in computer science or IT can lead to these exciting jobs:

Software Developer (Avg. Salary: $71,428)
Computer Support Specialist (Avg. Salary: $49,413)
Web Developer (Avg. Salary: $59,514)
IT Manager (Avg. Salary: $88,216)

Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration

A degree in business administration will give you the tools you need to succeed in the business world and one of the most portable degree options for military spouses. You will be able to find a job in many areas, from retail sales to working with local or government businesses. You’ll also have the chance to pursue your Master’s of Business Administration (MBA). Here are some great jobs for anyone with a degree in business administration:

Retail Salesperson (Avg. Salary: $43,880)
Business Manager (Avg. Salary: $61,604)
Bookkeeper (Avg. Salary: $43,147)
Accountant (Avg. Salary: $51,218)

Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies

There are law firms in every city or town in the country. There are also legal offices located on every military base in the world. A degree in paralegal studies can open many doors for you and could even lead to a career as a lawyer after you complete an advanced degree. A paralegal studies degree can lead these great jobs:

Paralegal (Avg. Salary: $48,516)
Claims Adjuster/Investigator (Avg. Salary: $51,729)
Collections Specialist (Avg. Salary: $43,348)
Lawyer (Requires your J.D.) (Avg. Salary: $84,771)

Pharmacy Tech Degree/Certificate

Demand for pharmacists and pharmacy techs is expected to increase as the number of the elderly rises. With a Rite Aid or Walgreens on just about every street corner or strip mall, a Pharmacy Tech degree is very portable. You’ll help licensed pharmacists dispense prescription medication to customers or health professionals. Many states require pharmacy techs to complete an internship program or get a certificate before starting work.

Pharmacy Tech (Avg Salary: $35,126)

Associate’s Degree/Certificate in Child Development

Even though you don’t need a certificate or degree to work as a child care worker, having those credentials will go a long way in getting you right into a position at a child care center. There are plenty of daycare centers in the local community, or you could work at one of the centers on your military installation. If you plan to make this line of work a career, an advanced degree could set you up as a director or owner of a childcare center. Here are some jobs you can get with a degree or certificate in child development:

Child Care Worker (Avg Salary: $29,317)
Day Care Teacher (Avg Salary: $28,914)
Day Care Center Director (Avg. Salary: $40,018)

Licensing and Certification

Many jobs that military spouses pursue have specific licensing and state certification requirements—especially for careers in teaching, healthcare, and social work. We know how stressful it is to worry if your license or certification will be honored at your next duty station. Don’t let that be a roadblock! You have worked hard to get that degree, land that job, and complete all the requirements needed to work in that field. The good news is that many states have passed legislation and best practices to remove licensure obstacles for military spouses. Visit the Department of Labor Military Spouse License Recognition Map for current information for your specific state.

Also, if you PCS, you can get reimbursed up to $1,000 for costs connected with exams or registration fees if you work in that job in your new state. Each military branch has its own procedures for reimbursement.

Education Assistance for Military Spouses

Knowing what’s available when it comes to financial aid and education funding is vital if you want to pursue your college degree. So, where do you start?

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

This is usually the first step to finding out your financial aid entitlements. The FAFSA gathers information about income and family size, which is then reviewed by the government to determine how much financial aid you can get. The FAFSA is also used to see if you qualify for state aid, college scholarships, and local scholarships given by small businesses and organizations.

Source for salary data: www.payscale.com

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15 Online Degree Programs with Great Pay & Career Potential

by MilitaryBenefits

Today, online learning is one of the fastest-growing ways for you to get your associate, bachelor’s, and even master’s degree—all from accredited schools. Those top-paying online programs span a wide range of career fields, from business and information technology to healthcare and engineering. You can earn an online degree in a variety of fields. In fact, you can get degrees in engineering, economics, web design, psychology, accounting, software development, database management, and much more.

Just remember, money isn’t everything. There are many online programs out there that not only have great pay, but are rewarding and fun. So, if you’re a motivated veteran looking for an online degree program with a rewarding future, think about these Top 15 Online Degree Programs with the best pay and great career potential.

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Associate Degrees

You don’t have to spend countless years studying to get a well-paying job. It only takes two years to get your associate degree online, but there are accelerated programs out there that can be completed in just over a year. Check out these online associate degree programs that can lead to great pay.

Web Design

If you love computers and are creative, then making websites may be your perfect career. Getting a degree in Web Design is ideally suited for online learning. In this program, you’ll learn scripting languages, design techniques, and computer security. You may also study content strategies and how to enhance a site for search engines.

Possible jobs and average salary:

Web developer: $59,568
Web content manager: $58,719
Web designer: $50,256

*Note: All salary estimates from Payscale.com

Network Technology

Every organization has a computer and network system to run its business, and an Associate Degree in Network Technologies can put you in a great position of responsibility. Your coursework will focus on programs like Linux, Microsoft, or Cisco. Some courses you may take include operating systems, network troubleshooting/design, web design, and information security.

Possible jobs and average salary:

Network systems administrator: $60,923
Computer network support specialist: $58,413
Computer support specialist: $55,540

Paralegal Studies

If you want to play a part in the legal process without spending years going to law school, then getting your degree in paralegal studies may just be the ticket. You’ll learn how to do research, prepare documents, review trial transcripts, and file appeals. You can also specialize in different areas like criminal, family, or contract law.

Possible jobs and average salary:

Court Reporter: $52,797
Paralegal: $48,510
Transcriptionist: $48,500

Bachelors Degrees

A bachelor’s degree, aka a four-year-degree, is one of the most common degrees that employers are looking for when they hire a new employee. With over 5,000 online bachelor’s degrees to choose from, how do you know which one is the best for you? Well, we have done the research and came up with eight of the best degrees that come with great pay and career potential.

Management Information Systems

Management information systems degrees combine the elements of both business and technology. You’ll focus on how to use computers to make a company’s operations more efficient and effective. Some courses you’ll take include database design, project management, networks, information security, and business ethics.

Possible jobs and average salary:

Information Security Analyst: $98,000
Information systems manager: $83,261
Computer Systems Administrator: $81,000

Marketing

Marketing is all about influencing people to buy products. In your coursework, you’ll learn about market analysis, product management, and promotional strategy. Many marketing programs will have you working on practical projects in a local area business.

Possible jobs and average salary:

Search Marketing Strategist: $90,000
Media Director: $90,964
Marketing manager: $80,000

Human Resources Management

People are a company’s most valuable asset, and as a Human Resources Manager, you’ll train to manage an organization’s employees. You’ll learn about labor relations, workplace safety, recruitment, training, compensation/benefits, and organizational behavior.

Possible jobs and average salary:

Human Resources Manager: $89,000
Training and Development Manager: $76,023
Human Resources Consultant: $73,787

Software Development

If you want to jump on the fastest moving train, explore a career as a software developer. People who design and develop software applications will be in great demand over the next 10 years. You’ll get training in programming languages, operating systems, online software development programs, and computer security.

Possible jobs and average salary:

Software Engineer: $71,436
Applications Software Developer: $69,585
Game Developer: $64,530

Cybersecurity

Every company in the world has a crucial need to protect their computer systems and data from hackers and security breaches. As a cybersecurity engineer, you’ll learn how to recognize potential security risks and defend against attacks. Coursework will cover networks, system architecture, ethical hacking, and operating systems.

Possible jobs and average salary:

Network Security Engineer: $125,000
Cybersecurity Engineer: $120,000
Information Security Analyst: $90,000

Database Management

We live in a digital world, and if you are skilled in the design, implementation, and optimization of the systems that store all that data, you will be in high demand. Your database management degree program will have you studying topics like cloud computing, database development, programming logic, data mining, and network management.

Possible jobs and average salary:

Database Administrator: $74,336
Database Manager: $59,540

Finance

If you like to manage money and want to help others do the same, then a degree in finance might be the perfect fit for you. You’ll learn how to evaluate market conditions and implement a variety of strategies to maximize income or create wealth. In this program, you’ll learn about financial planning, managing portfolios, commercial lending, investment principles, and risk management.

Possible jobs and average salary:

Financial Manager: $$72,893
Financial Analyst: $60,781.
Budget Analyst: $60,941.

Accounting

Every business has a team of accountants to help track all of its financial activities and to maintain financial health. An online accounting program will have you focusing on creating your analytical and quantitative skills through coursework in financial management, information systems, budgeting, taxation, and business strategy.

Possible jobs and average salary:

Certified Public Accountant (CPA): $66,542
Certified Financial Planner: $$66,631
Staff Accountant: $50,843

Masters Degrees

A Master’s Degree opens up even more doors to high-paying jobs. If you are going full-time, you can get your online master’s degree in about two years, Most students are also working, so it may take longer. Most schools will allow you three to four years to complete your master’s program.

Master’s in Business Administration (MBA)

What do the Chief Executives of Fortune 500 companies like Walmart, Facebook, and the Harvard Business School have in common—an MBA. An MBA is still one of the most sought-after graduate business degrees and could set you up for a very successful career in the business world. A full-time MBA program is usually two years, but many accelerated full-time MBA programs can be completed in one year. An MBA includes courses in accounting, finance, marketing, ethics, economics, and management.

Possible jobs and average salary:

Business Operations Manager: $100,930
Medical and Health Services Manager: $99,530
Senior Management Consultant$103,520

Engineering Management

If you are an engineer who wants to move into management, then this online master’s degree is just for you. You can develop the people and business skills you need to supervise and manage engineering projects. You’ll learn about quality control, project management, and engineering law.

Possible jobs and average salary:

Engineering Project Manager: $93,430
Construction Management Engineer: $74,730
Industrial Management Engineer: $101,813

Economics

An online Master’s in Economics will teach you how to make high-level business decisions and give you the training you need to open the door to many high-paying jobs in business. Coursework will include financial analysis, econometrics, economic theory, and statistics.

Possible jobs and average salary:

Economist: $124,555
Data Scientist: $96,009
Statistician: $73,546

Industrial-Organizational Psychology

What online master’s degree can you add to your undergraduate degree in psychology that will land you a great job? You might want to consider a Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. You would work for a company to help improve the overall work environment, including performance, communication, professional satisfaction, and safety. You’ll learn about research methods, performance evaluation and feedback, labor relations, and compensation and benefits.

Possible jobs and average salary:

Industrial-Organizational Psychologist: $77,114
Behavioral Analyst: $60,179
HR Organizational Development Specialist: $64,482

Conclusion

Online degrees are more popular than ever, and you can cash in on this great opportunity by earning your associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree in just a few short years. You’ll be able to find an accredited school that offers a degree that matches your talents and interests and set yourself up for a career with great pay and career potential.

Don’t forget your veteran’s benefits! Most every school offering online degree programs will work with veterans and honor your military benefits. All branches of the service offer active-duty tuition assistance to help you on your path to an online degree, plus The Forever GI Bill and the Post-911 GI Bill are there for you after you get out.

If you’re not interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree you can also utilize GI Bill benefits to attend GI Bill approved coding bootcamps.

*Note: All salary estimates from Payscale.com

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The College Search For Veterans: Location Counts

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What Veterans Should Look For In A College

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Best Degrees for Military Spouses

Bachelor’s Degree in Education

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Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science/Information Technology (IT)