Online Learning

10 Jobs You Can Get with an Online Degree

If you’re thinking about going back to school to earn a degree or new qualification, you’ve probably wondered if online school is really worth it, and if you’ll be able to get a job by the end of your program. This blog highlights some great jobs you can get with an online degree and how Penn Foster can help get you started.

Laura Amendola

May 28, 2026

11 min read

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Is online school really worth it, and will it help you get a job by the end of your program? Learn about some of the best jobs you can get with an online degree.

Key Takeaways

Online degrees can lead to real career opportunities across many industries.
97% of Penn Foster online program completers report achieving the goal they set when they enrolled, in a wide variety of industries according to a 2025 Impact Report.
The “best” online degree depends on your personal goals and career timeline.
Different careers require different levels of education—from career diplomas and certificates to associate and bachelor’s degrees. Choosing the right path should depend on factors like your interests, desired salary, how quickly you want to start working, and whether flexibility matters to you.
Accredited online programs can provide real value and improve employability.
Accredited online degrees are usually considered equivalent to traditional degrees and can help demonstrate knowledge, work ethic, and commitment to employers. While no program guarantees a job, earning an online credential can strengthen your qualifications and help prepare you for certifications and career advancement.

What is the best online degree to get?

Quick answer: There are several great careers you could get with an associate degree or career diploma. These include healthcare management, medical billing and coding, sterile processing, pharmacy technician, veterinary technician, HVAC, IT support specialist, event planning, business management, and criminal justice. These fields offer a mix of flexibility, growth potential, and solid earning opportunities, with average salaries in this list ranging from about $43,000 to $77,000+ depending on the role and experience level.

The best online degree will depend on what you’re interested in doing. Some careers require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, while others may only need a career certificate or career diploma, and others may be looking for something in between, like an associate degree.

If you’re starting from scratch and not sure of which career route you want to take, consider what your personal goals are. Some people want to make sure they’re doing something they really love, regardless of salary. Others may consider salary to be a top priority. Everyone has different priorities.

10 great jobs you can get with an online degree

Ready to start looking into an online degree? Check out these ten careers that you can start with the help of an online degree from Penn Foster. Based on a 2025 impact report, 97% of Penn Foster program completers report achieving the goals they set when they enrolled, showing that earning that online diploma or degree can really make a difference after graduation!

1. Healthcare management

Careers in healthcare often have a great outlook. We’ll always need some form of healthcare, and many careers in this field are expected to experience growth over the next few years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you have a desire to work in the medical field, a Healthcare Management Associate Degree is a great start to help you work towards leadership and administrative roles in a variety of settings like doctor’s offices, healthcare clinics, and hospitals.

Median annual salary: $55,734

Certifications to consider: Certified Coding Associate or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) and Certified Professional Coder*

*Always check your state’s requirements when considering certification.

2. Medical billing and coding

Medical billers and coders manage the records for doctors’ offices, clinics, hospitals, and insurance companies. And, an additional perk is that it’s a job that can often be done from home and with flexible hours! A Medical Billing and Coding program could help get you started.

Median annual salary: $50,250

Certification to consider: Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS)*

*Always check your state’s requirements when considering certification.

3. Sterile processing

Though a less well-known medical career, sterile processing is a growing, behind-the-scenes career that is vital to the healthcare industry. These are the individuals who ensure medical and surgical equipment is clean and functioning to the highest standard. In a Sterile Processing Technician program, you’ll learn the duties required to be a sterile processing technician, the procedures for aseptic technique, and even HIPAA regulations.

Median annual salary: $47,410

Certification to consider: Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST)*

*Always check your state’s requirements when considering certification.

4. Pharmacy technician

Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, assisting with most parts of the pharmacy, from hospitals to clinics to retail and everything in between. To become a certified pharmacy technician, you’ll need to pass the necessary certification exam and register with your State Board of Pharmacy, and a Pharmacy Technician Career Diploma can help you do just that, by learning through interactive lessons and real-world simulations.

It can be a lot of work, but if you’re interested in working with people and embarking on a rewarding career, learn about the top ten reasons to become a pharmacy technician.

Median annual salary: $43,460

Certifications to consider: Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) and Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT)*

*Always check your state’s requirements when considering certification.

Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Pharmacy Technician

5. Veterinary technician

If you have a love for our furry friends, you can earn a Veterinary Technician Associate Degree in as little as nine months from Penn Foster. Veterinary technicians work under the supervision of a veterinarian to help animals. A clinical role, Vet techs are often the first people to see an animal, assessing them, taking their health history, and even completing laboratory tests, as well as helping to educate pet parents.

Kelsy Richardson, a Penn Foster Vet Tech student, shares how she feels moving through the program. “I was just telling an employee a few days ago that if it was more of a structured program, I don't think that I could have completed it. So I think the flexibility, there's been challenges even with that and especially with externships. But you know, the flexibility of it truly has really helped me succeed. So I'm very grateful for that.”

Median annual salary: $45,980

Certification to consider: Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE)*

*Always check your state’s requirements when considering certification.

Read more: What does a Vet Tech Do?

6. HVAC

HVAC technicians are responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems in buildings. Since all buildings need these ventilation systems, HVAC technicians can work in either commercial or residential settings. HVAC falls under the skilled trades, an industry expected to experience growth over the next decade. You can expect to experience job security in a career in this field since it’s a necessary service that will never go away. You can earn an HVAC Career Diploma while preparing for your EPA certification, the cost of which is included in your tuition.

Median annual salary: $59,810

Certification to consider: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification*

*Always check your state’s requirements when considering certification.

Read more: What is an HVAC Technician?

7. IT support specialist

With an increased reliance on computers in the workplace, jobs in IT can lead to more job security. An IT Support Specialist Career Diploma course can help you learn the skills needed for computer security, as well as the foundational skills such as hardware repair, troubleshooting, and networking.

Median annual salary: $61,550

Certification to consider: CompTIA A+*

*Always check your state’s requirements when considering certification.

8. Event planning

Most people don't think about event planners outside of weddings, but event planners use their skills for everything from birthday parties, bridal and baby showers, bar and bat mitzvahs, to corporate events. An Event Planning Career Diploma can help you hone your problem-solving and organizational skills, as well as help you widen your knowledge of different customs, traditions, and business management.

Median annual salary: $59,440

9. Business management

If you’re looking for a great foundation for well-paying entry-level jobs, you may want to consider a degree in business management. Regardless of whether you decide to study for an associate or bachelor’s degree, Penn Foster can help you learn the skills needed to pursue a variety of jobs in fields like sales, marketing, and finance.

2025 Penn Foster graduate Trevinte D. shares “From mastering the technical rigor of accounting to excelling in business management, each step has strengthened my ability to lead with clarity, analyze with depth, and execute with purpose.”

Median annual salary: $58,041

10. Criminal justice

Criminal justice can provide you with a rewarding career in public service, covering all aspects of the legal system, like police work, legal prosecution and defense, as well as corrections. In addition to knowing the laws and how they work, you’ll also need an understanding of peoples’ life experiences and motivations. Either an associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited criminal justice degree program can provide you with the credentials you need to get started.

Median annual salary: $77,270

Read more: 9 Best Careers for the Future

Can you get a degree entirely online

Depending on the degree, yes. Some online education programs also include externship experiences or other opportunities to use your newly acquired skills in the “real world” as part of your education.

Just like a traditional degree or certificate program, in an online program you’ll have assignments and exams; you’ll just study and complete the courses for your program wherever and whenever it is convenient for you.

Does an online degree have any value?

One of the biggest questions any student should ask before enrolling in a school is whether or not they are accredited. Accreditation means that an institution and its programs meet the quality standards of accreditors. Without these credentials, you may struggle to take the next steps in your education or career. Penn Foster Career School, Penn Foster High School, and Penn Foster College are accredited through the Distance Education Accreditation Commission (DEAC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as an accrediting agency. Penn Foster High School and Career School are also accredited by Commission on Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and Penn Foster High School is accredited by Cognia. It’s these rigorous standards that give your online degree value.

Read more: Is Penn Foster Legit?

Is an online degree the same as a regular degree?

Yes, your degree is the same as if you were attending any other licensed, accredited institution.

Does education make a difference? Key: Unemployment Rate (Average 3.3%) Median Earnings (Average $55,432) Less than a high school diploma 6.2% | $38,376 High school diploma 4.2% | $48,360 Some college but no degree 3.8% | $53,040 Associate degree 2.8 | $57,148 Bachelor’s degree 2.5 | $80,236 *Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Can online classes get me a job?

While there’s no definite guarantee that taking online classes will get you a job, they can indeed help you on your path towards getting one. An increase in knowledge coupled with a degree, certificate, or other qualification can help you show potential employers that you have the skills and information needed for a particular position. They also provide an employer with an idea of your work ethic and determination. Taking the time to go to school to earn a new credential can show a hiring manager that you aren’t afraid of a challenge, can work hard, and reach your goals, all desirable qualities for an employee.

Study online with Penn Foster

If you’re ready to kickstart a new career with an online degree, Penn Foster can help. You can request more information to see if our programs are right for you. Call an Admissions Specialist at 1-888-427-6500 to learn more, or enroll online to get started today.