Choosing a degree can feel like a daunting decision, especially if you want one that doesn’t take too long to complete but still leads to a well-paying career.
Fortunately, there are degrees that are known for being easier to obtain, while still opening doors to lucrative jobs.
These degrees typically require fewer technical skills and can be completed in less time, making them ideal for students looking for a quicker path to a rewarding career.
Let’s dive into some easy degrees that pay well, where to study them, expected salaries, and why they might be a great fit for you.
1. Business administration
A Business Administration degree is one of the most versatile and straightforward programs you can choose.
It covers essential topics like marketing, management, and finance without requiring advanced technical knowledge or heavy scientific coursework.
Students who are good with communication and organization tend to excel in this field.
- Where to study: You can find business administration programs at most universities, but top schools include the University of Florida and Arizona State University.
- Expected salary: Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in business administration earn an average of $65,000 per year, with the potential to rise into six figures with experience and management roles.
- Why is it easy? Business courses often focus on practical knowledge rather than theoretical concepts or complex calculations, making it a more approachable option for many students.
- Who is it suitable for? This degree is ideal for students who are organized, enjoy working in teams, and are interested in leadership roles or entrepreneurship.
| Career Path | Position | Expected Yearly Income |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | Marketing Manager | $135,000 |
| Financial Analyst | $85,000 | |
| Sales Manager | $130,000 |
2. Communications
A Communications degree focuses on writing, public speaking, and media, making it perfect for individuals who enjoy expressing ideas and connecting with others.
It doesn’t require complex technical skills or heavy math, making it one of the easier degrees available.
- Where to study: Syracuse University and University of Southern California offer strong communications programs.
- Expected salary: The average starting salary for communication graduates is around $60,000 per year, with higher earnings in fields like public relations and corporate communications.
- Why is it easy? Communications is heavily based on creativity and interpersonal skills rather than technical or scientific mastery. It’s generally considered less intensive than degrees in STEM fields.
- Who is it suitable for? This degree is perfect for students who are outgoing, enjoy storytelling, and want a career in media, journalism, or public relations.
| Career Path | Position | Expected Yearly Income |
|---|---|---|
| Communications | Public Relations Specialist | $63,000 |
| Content Writer | $55,000 | |
| Corporate Communications Manager | $120,000 |
3. Psychology
A Psychology degree is not only interesting but also relatively easy compared to more math-heavy or technical programs.
While you’ll study human behavior and mental processes, most psychology programs focus on theory and research rather than complex scientific principles.
- Where to study: Top programs include Stanford University and University of Michigan.
- Expected salary: The average salary for psychology graduates is around $55,000 per year, with the potential to grow if you pursue advanced degrees or specialized roles like counseling.
- Why is it easy? Psychology is often seen as easy because it focuses on human behavior, which is more intuitive for most people. There’s also flexibility in assignments, as much of the work is theory-based and involves essay writing.
- Who is it suitable for? This degree is ideal for students interested in understanding human behavior and who plan to work in counseling, human resources, or social services.
| Career Path | Position | Expected Yearly Income |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology | School Counselor | $60,000 |
| Human Resources Specialist | $65,000 | |
| Mental Health Technician | $50,000 |
4. Liberal arts
A Liberal Arts degree provides a broad education in subjects like history, literature, and social sciences.
It’s one of the most flexible degrees available, allowing students to explore various fields without the heavy technical or scientific demands.
- Where to study: University of Massachusetts and Indiana University offer highly regarded liberal arts programs.
- Expected salary: Graduates can expect to start with an average salary of $50,000 per year, but salaries can vary depending on the industry and job type.
- Why is it easy? Liberal arts degrees are known for being easy due to their focus on a wide range of subjects without the deep specialization required in other fields.
- Who is it suitable for? This degree is a great fit for students who are undecided about a specific career path and want the flexibility to explore different areas while honing critical thinking and writing skills.
| Career Path | Position | Expected Yearly Income |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts | Editor | $65,000 |
| Market Research Analyst | $70,000 | |
| Paralegal | $55,000 |
5. English
An English degree focuses on reading, writing, and analyzing texts, which makes it less challenging for students who enjoy literature and have strong writing skills.
It is also one of the most flexible degrees, with career opportunities in education, writing, and communications.
- Where to study: Harvard University and Columbia University are known for their excellent English programs.
- Expected salary: Graduates with an English degree typically earn around $55,000 per year, with potential increases in fields like publishing, content creation, or teaching.
- Why is it easy? The workload revolves around reading, writing, and discussion, making it a more straightforward degree for those with a passion for literature and communication.
- Who is it suitable for? This degree is perfect for students who love reading and writing and are interested in careers in writing, editing, education, or journalism.
| Career Path | Position | Expected Yearly Income |
|---|---|---|
| English | Technical Writer | $78,000 |
| Content Manager | $90,000 | |
| High School English Teacher | $65,000 |
6. Education
An Education degree prepares you for teaching and is one of the more straightforward degrees due to its focus on practical skills and classroom management rather than technical knowledge.
If you have a passion for helping others learn, this degree can lead to a fulfilling career with a solid income.
- Where to study: Vanderbilt University and University of Georgia are well-known for their education programs.
- Expected salary: Elementary and high school teachers typically earn around $60,000 per year, with opportunities for growth as you gain experience or pursue advanced degrees.
- Why is it easy? Education programs are practical and hands-on, focusing on real-world teaching methods rather than abstract theories or complex data.
- Who is it suitable for? This degree is perfect for students who are patient, enjoy working with children or young adults, and want to make a difference in the education system.
| Career Path | Position | Expected Yearly Income |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Elementary School Teacher | $60,000 |
| Curriculum Developer | $75,000 | |
| School Principal | $98,000 |
7. Health sciences
A Health Sciences degree provides a foundation in healthcare without the intense science courses required for more technical medical fields.
It offers broad knowledge, making it easier to complete while still opening doors to various healthcare careers.
- Where to study: University of Central Florida and Boston University offer top health sciences programs.
- Expected salary: Health science graduates can expect to earn around $70,000 per year, depending on their specialization and location.
- Why is it easy? While you’ll study anatomy and healthcare basics, this degree doesn’t require the advanced math or chemistry found in nursing or medical programs, making it more approachable.
- Who is it suitable for? This degree is ideal for students interested in healthcare who want a quicker path to the workforce without becoming a doctor or nurse.
| Career Path | Position | Expected Yearly Income |
|---|---|---|
| Health Sciences | Health Administrator | $100,000 |
| Medical Equipment Sales Rep | $85,000 | |
| Public Health Educator | $60,000 |
8. Marketing
A Marketing degree is another excellent option for students seeking a balance between a manageable course load and high earning potential. This program focuses on understanding consumer behavior, digital marketing strategies, and branding—skills that are always in demand in today’s business world.
- Where to study: University of Pennsylvania and University of Texas at Austin have strong marketing programs.
- Expected salary: Marketing graduates earn an average salary of $65,000 per year, with higher earnings in specialized roles like digital marketing or brand management.
- Why is it easy? Marketing degrees tend to focus more on creativity and strategy than on technical or math-heavy coursework, making it accessible for students with strong communication skills.
- Who is it suitable for? This degree is ideal for creative thinkers who enjoy problem-solving, advertising, and working with digital platforms or social media.
| Career Path | Position | Expected Yearly Income |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing | Brand Manager | $95,000 |
| Digital Marketing Specialist | $75,000 | |
| Advertising Account Executive | $85,000 |
9. Criminal justice
A Criminal Justice degree is one of the simpler paths to entering a well-paying career in law enforcement, legal studies, or corrections.
The degree covers topics like criminology, legal systems, and criminal behavior without the need for complex scientific or mathematical concepts.
- Where to study: Florida State University and University of Maryland are known for their criminal justice programs.
- Expected salary: Graduates in this field can expect to earn around $55,000 annually, with the potential to rise into the $70,000+ range in law enforcement or federal agency roles.
- Why is it easy? Criminal justice programs focus on real-world applications and legal concepts, which are easier to grasp than the technical or highly specialized content in other fields.
- Who is it suitable for? This degree is ideal for students who are detail-oriented, interested in law enforcement, or looking for a career in public service or security.
| Career Path | Position | Expected Yearly Income |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice | Police Officer | $65,000 |
| Parole Officer | $55,000 | |
| FBI Agent | $95,000 |
10. Public relations
A Public Relations (PR) degree involves managing communication between organizations and the public, making it a great option for students who excel in writing, speaking, and networking.
It’s also considered one of the easier degrees since it doesn’t involve heavy technical or theoretical coursework.
- Where to study: Boston University and University of Miami are known for their excellent PR programs.
- Expected salary: PR specialists earn an average of $63,000 per year, with the potential to earn much more in corporate or high-profile positions.
- Why is it easy? The degree focuses on practical communication strategies, media relations, and writing, rather than intensive technical or scientific work.
- Who is it suitable for? This degree is perfect for extroverted individuals who are skilled in communication, networking, and managing public image, especially in corporate or nonprofit sectors.
| Career Path | Position | Expected Yearly Income |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations | PR Manager | $115,000 |
| Social Media Manager | $70,000 | |
| Event Coordinator | $50,000 |
Wrapping up
These additional degrees further expand the list of easy options that lead to well-paying careers. Here’s a complete summary of all the degrees, expected salaries, and top places to study:
| Degree | Top Schools | Expected Salary | Why It’s Easy | Who It’s For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | University of Florida, Arizona State | $65,000 | Practical, less theoretical work | Organized, leadership-oriented students |
| Communications | Syracuse University, USC | $60,000 | Creative, focuses on public speaking and writing | Outgoing, creative individuals |
| Psychology | Stanford University, University of Michigan | $55,000 | Theory-based, intuitive understanding of human behavior | Students interested in human behavior |
| Liberal Arts | University of Massachusetts, Indiana University | $50,000 | Broad focus, minimal specialization | Undecided students seeking flexibility |
| English | Harvard University, Columbia University | $55,000 | Reading and writing-focused | Passionate readers and writers |
| Education | Vanderbilt University, University of Georgia | $60,000 | Practical, hands-on teaching methods | Patient, student-focused individuals |
| Health Sciences | University of Central Florida, Boston University | $70,000 | Basic healthcare knowledge, fewer advanced science requirements | Students interested in healthcare careers |
| Marketing | University of Pennsylvania, University of Texas at Austin | $65,000 | Creative strategies, minimal math requirements | Creative thinkers, problem-solvers |
| Criminal Justice | Florida State University, University of Maryland | $55,000 | Real-world application, straightforward concepts | Law enforcement, public service enthusiasts |
| Public Relations | Boston University, University of Miami | $63,000 | Focus on communication, media relations, minimal technical work | Extroverted, communication-focused students |
By selecting one of these degrees, you can create a clear path to a rewarding career while avoiding the intense workload often associated with more complex fields.