Easiest Online Degrees and Majors 2023

Explore the easiest online degrees and majors of 2023, like English, business administration, and social work.
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Updated September 18, 2023

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AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

One student's difficulty may be another student's difficulty. But even though the level of ease of a college major varies by your skills, aptitudes, and interests, some programs are more challenging than others.

Now, we're not advocating that you choose a major because it's easy. But when you're looking for the major that best aligns with your academic and career goals, having an idea of what to expect is never a bad thing. That's why we've crafted this list.

Keep reading to learn more about the easiest online degrees and majors of 2023.

AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Popular Bachelor's Degrees

Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.

Easiest Online Majors

Check out the easiest college majors below:

Finding the major that meets your needs is essential, and having a clear idea of how challenging a major might be is valuable. Read on as we highlight the easiest online degrees.

1. Anthropology

Anthropology not only offers you a less stressful academic pathway, but allows you to hone effective communication and research skills. During your online anthropology program, you'll tackle courses like human origins, cultural anthropology, and environmental anthropology. These programs typically require you to complete 120 credits over about four years.

5 Popular Jobs for Anthropology Graduates
Career Median Annual Salary (May 2021)
Fundraising Manager $100,810
Museum Worker $50,120
Market Research Analyst $63,920
Community Service Manager $74,000
Environmental Engineer $96,820
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Popular Anthropology Programs

2. Business Administration

One of the most popular college majors in the United States, a bachelor's in business administration introduces foundational business topics as well as specialized areas like business analytics, operations management, and accounting.

If you have a knack for critical thinking, problem-solving, and foundational math skills, a business administration degree shouldn't be too challenging.

5 Popular Jobs for Business Administration Graduates
Career Median Annual Salary (May 2021)
Sales Manager $127,490
Marketing Manager $135,030
Market Research Analyst $63,920
Purchasing Manager $127,150
Financial Manager $131,710
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Popular Business Administration Programs

3. Communications

Learning how to communicate effectively is a valuable skill that applies to countless jobs. A bachelor's in communications consistently ranks among the easiest college majors, and you'll tackle classes such as public speaking, introduction to communication theory, and organizational communication. Graduates often work in fields such as sales, marketing, and public relations.

5 Popular Jobs for Communications Graduates
Career Median Annual Salary (May 2021)
Technical Writer $78,060
Editor $63,350
Public Relations Specialist $62,800
Fundraising Manager $100,810
Advertising Sales Agent $52,340
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Popular Communications Programs

4. Creative Writing

If you've got a way with words, a bachelor's in creative writing will definitely feel like one of the easiest online degrees. Throughout a creative writing bachelor's, you'll hone essential reading, writing, and critical thinking skills while encountering classes like the craft of writing fiction, fundamentals of creative reading, and literature and the environment.

Alongside writing careers, graduates often find jobs where effective communication is paramount.

5 Popular Jobs for Creative Writing Graduates
Career Median Annual Salary (May 2021)
Writer $69,510
Technical Writer $78,060
Editor $63,350
Journalist $48,370
Public Relations Specialist $62,800
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Popular Writing Programs

5. Criminal Justice

Although criminal justice often ranks alongside the easiest online degrees, graduates often go on to tackle challenging careers. During a bachelor's in criminal justice, you'll typically encounter courses that cover topics like the U.S. legal system, corrections, and constitutional law. Common careers for graduates include various law enforcement and corrections jobs.

5 Popular Jobs for Criminal Justice Graduates
Criminal Justice Careers Median Annual Salary (May 2021)
Police and Detectives $66,020
Correctional Officer $47,920
Emergency Management Director $76,730
Private Investigator $59,380
Probation Officer $60,250
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Popular Criminal Justice Programs

6. Education

While teachers encounter their fair share of professional challenges, their academic pathway is often easier than most. A bachelor's in education introduces the theoretical and practical knowledge that educators rely on, and you'll likely complete courses like educational foundations, childhood development, and elementary reading methods. Typical careers for education grads include teachers, administrators, and instructional coordinators.

5 Popular Jobs for Education Graduates
Career Median Annual Salary (May 2021)
Elementary School Teacher $61,400
Middle School Teacher $61,320
High School Teacher $61,820
Special Education Teacher $61,820
Career and Technical Education Teacher $61,160
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Popular Education Programs

7. English

While not the most challenging degree, English majors hone a set of valuable skills that apply to numerous careers. Throughout your bachelor's in English, you commonly complete classes such as intro to creative writing, survey of African American literature, and poetry in the 20th century. Graduates go on to work in diverse fields like teaching, marketing, and healthcare.

5 Popular Jobs for English Graduates
Career Median Annual Salary (May 2021)
High School Teacher $61,820
Writer $69,510
Technical Writer $78,060
Advertising Manager $127,150
Public Relations Specialist $62,800
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Popular English Programs

8. Health Sciences

If you're comfortable with business and leadership coursework and want to work in healthcare, a health sciences degree is a solid option. Often leading to careers in areas like public health and healthcare administration, health sciences students complete courses like healthcare delivery, leading change, and introduction to public health.

5 Popular Jobs for Health Sciences Graduates
Career Median Annual Salary (May 2021)
Clinical Laboratory Tech $57,800
Health Services Manager $101,340
Health Information Technologist $55,560
Medical Records Specialist $46,660
Manufacturing Sales Representative $61,600
Source: The Bureau of Labor Statistics

Popular Health Sciences Programs

9. History

Like other humanities degrees, a bachelor's in history allows you to develop marketable skills in research and writing. If you're interested in history, research, and writing, this degree shouldn't be too challenging.

Throughout your bachelor's in history, you'll complete courses in various historical areas, including American, European, and ancient history. Many students also use this degree as preparation for graduate-level study.

5 Popular Jobs for History Graduates
Career Median Annual Salary (May 2021)
Museum Worker $50,120
Paralegal $56,230
High School Teacher $61,820
Editor $63,350
Writer $69,510
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Popular History Programs

10. Humanities

Another one of the easiest online degrees, a bachelor's in humanities is an interdisciplinary track that covers areas like history, philosophy, religion, and literature. Similar to other degrees on this list, you'll develop effective communication, critical thinking, and research skills that apply to countless professional fields. Many humanities graduates go on to complete graduate-level degrees.

5 Popular Jobs for Humanities Graduates
Career Median Annual Salary (May 2021)
Writer $69,510
Human Resources Manager $126,230
Market Research Analyst $63,920
Technical Writer $78,060
Public Relations Specialist $62,800
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Popular Humanities Programs

11. Liberal Arts

Similar to a general humanities degree, a bachelor of liberal arts is an interdisciplinary track that covers art, humanities, social science, and math coursework. These programs allow you to craft a curriculum that mirrors your academic and career goals. Common classes include diverse topics such as introduction to computer science, introduction to psychology, and composition.

5 Popular Jobs for Liberal Arts Graduates
Career Median Annual Salary (May 2021)
Public Relations Specialist $62,800
Paralegal $56,230
Journalist $48,370
Community Service Manager $74,000
Project Management Specialist $94,500
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Popular Liberal Arts Programs

12. Linguistics

In a linguistics program, you'll learn how language works by exploring the structure, use, and development of languages around the world. If you're culturally curious and love languages, consider a bachelor's in linguistics. You'll tackle classes such as the philosophy of language, indigenous languages of Latin America, and the linguistics of contemporary English.

5 Popular Jobs for Linguistics Graduates
Career Median Annual Salary (May 2021)
Translator $49,110
ESL Teacher $59,720
High School Teacher $61,820
Training and Development Specialist $61,570
Human Resources Specialist $62,290
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

13. Music

If you're musically inclined and passionate about the field, a bachelor's in music shouldn't be especially challenging. Throughout your bachelor's in music, you'll tackle courses in music theory, performance, and history. Upon graduation, music majors commonly work as teachers, performers, and for various music-related organizations.

5 Popular Jobs for Music Graduates
Career Median Annual Salary (May 2021)
Musician $30.49/hour
Music Director $49,130
High School Teacher $61,820
Preschool Teacher $30,210
Fundraising Manager $119,860
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

14. Psychology

A bachelor's in psychology ranks among the easiest majors. You can develop skills that apply to varying careers in counseling or marketing. As you complete your undergraduate psychology degree, you'll take classes such as human development, psychology theories, and research in the psychology field.

5 Popular Jobs for Psychology Graduates
Career Median Annual Salary (May 2021)
Market Research Analyst $63,920
Behavior Analyst $68,000 (Based on data from Mar. 2023)
Survey Researcher $59,740
Training and Development Specialist $71,570
Substance Misuse Counselor $48,520
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics & Payscale

Popular Psychology Programs

15. Religious Studies

Another one of the easiest online degrees, a bachelors in theology or religious studies can open up careers both inside and outside religious institutions. Throughout your online religious studies degree, you'll complete classes such as biblical studies, theological history, and principles of ministry. Some schools also offer concentrations in areas like ministry administration, pastoral counseling, and religious education.

5 Popular Jobs for Religious Studies Graduates
Career Median Annual Salary (May 2021)
Clergy $55,550
Social Service Manager $74,000
Social Worker $50,390
Facilities Manager $97,930
Preschool Teacher $30,210
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

16. Social Work

If you're interested in a career helping others but want a low-stress degree, social work is a solid choice. During a bachelor's in social work, you'll gain the knowledge and hone the skills essential to competent and compassionate social work.

In addition to core social work classes, many schools offer specializations in areas like community advocacy, aging, public health, mental health and substance misuse.

5 Popular Jobs for Social Work Graduates
Career Median Annual Salary (May 2021)
Social Worker $50,390
Community Health Worker $46,590
Correctional Treatment Specialist $60,250
Community Service Manager $74,000
Human Services Assistant $37,610
Source: The Bureau of Labor Statistics

Popular Social Work Programs

17. Sociology

If you're looking for an easy college degree while exploring topics like social justice, human behavior, and diversity, a bachelor's in sociology may be the perfect match. Typically taking four years to complete, sociology students complete core classes alongside specializations in areas like mass media and popular culture, social welfare, and social change.

5 Popular Jobs for Sociology Graduates
Career Median Annual Salary (May 2021)
Sales Manager $127,490
Market Research Analyst $63,920
Social Worker $50,390
Survey Researcher $59,740
Financial Analyst $95,570
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Popular Sociology Programs

Student Reviews About Earning Online Degrees

We believe the best people to share about online learning experiences are students who have really done it, which is why we surveyed 600 unique students. Filter to find a student like you or sort to read the good, the bad, and everything in between. By leaving a review, students were entered to win a sweepstakes.

* means this student may have had to visit the campus a few times a year for their program.

  • Age 40
  • M.Sc Geology
  • University of California
  • Online *

Experience

4.0
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Value

4.0
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Affordability

4.0
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Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?

"It's appealing to me, and it's very easy to navigate through the process."

  • First generation student
  • Works in field of study
  • Has support system
Recommends
  • Age 37
  • Master of Medicine
  • Oxford University
  • Online

Experience

4.0
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Value

4.0
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Affordability

3.0
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Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?

"Because it will be safe and easy for me"

  • Financial assitance
  • First generation student
  • Works in field of study
  • Has support system
Recommends
  • Age 35
  • Business Administration
  • Ezenwata Academy
  • Online *

Experience

5.0
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Value

5.0
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Affordability

4.0
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Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?

"Because I tend to find it very easy and affordable compared to other online classes and so on."

  • Financial assitance
  • First generation student
  • Works in field of study
  • Has support system
Recommends
  • Age 36
  • BA in Accountancy, Major in Banking and Finance
  • University of New Mexico
  • Online *

Experience

5.0
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Value

5.0
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Affordability

5.0
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Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?

"More easy and convenient for me to still have time for my family"

  • First generation student
  • Works in field of study
  • Has support system
Recommends
  • Age 28
  • Bachelor of Science Information Technology
  • LSU
  • Online *

Experience

5.0
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Value

5.0
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Affordability

4.0
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Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?

"I picked online online because it was easy on my family life."

  • Financial assitance
  • First generation student
  • Works in field of study
  • Has support system
Recommends
  • Age 45
  • Master of Business Administration
  • Master of Business Administration
  • Online

Experience

4.0
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Value

4.0
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Affordability

4.0
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Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?

"I find it an easy and effective means of acquiring a good quality education"

  • Financial assitance
  • First generation student
  • Works in field of study
  • Has support system
Recommends
  • Age 49
  • Bachelor of Science in Statistics
  • University of California
  • Online *

Experience

5.0
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Value

5.0
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Affordability

5.0
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Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?

"Because it was easy"

  • Financial assitance
  • First generation student
  • Works in field of study
  • Has support system
Recommends
  • Age 25
  • Business Education Master's Degree Financial Studies
  • University of Phoenix
  • Online

Experience

5.0
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Value

5.0
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Affordability

4.0
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Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?

"Your study schedule was very easy"

  • Financial assitance
  • Works in field of study
  • Has support system
Recommends
  • Age 25
  • Information Technology
  • Oxford University
  • Online *

Experience

4.0
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Value

4.0
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Affordability

4.0
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Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?

"Easy and convenient for me"

  • Financial assitance
  • Works in field of study
  • Has support system
Recommends
  • Age 35
  • Master of Business Administration
  • PHOENIX University
  • Online *

Experience

5.0
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Value

5.0
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Affordability

4.0
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Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?

"Online education is very easy programming, and you will have time to work and some others thing. Online class is the best for working class."

  • Works in field of study
  • Has support system
Recommends
  • Age 36
  • Master of education
  • Wilkes
  • Online

Experience

5.0
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Value

4.0
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Affordability

4.0
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Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?

"Easy and cheap"

  • Financial assitance
  • First generation student
  • Works in field of study
  • Has support system
Recommends
  • Age 40
  • Master's Degree
  • California State University, Los Angeles
  • Online

Experience

5.0
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Value

5.0
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Affordability

5.0
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Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?

"Because it's more easy and stress free"

  • Financial assitance
  • First generation student
  • Works in field of study
  • Has support system
Recommends
  • Age 40
  • Master of Information Technology
  • Harvard University
  • Online

Experience

5.0
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Value

5.0
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Affordability

5.0
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Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?

"For easy access to class"

  • Financial assitance
  • Has support system
Recommends
  • Age 35
  • Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
  • University of Arizona
  • Online

Experience

5.0
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Value

5.0
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Affordability

4.0
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Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?

"Everything about an online degree is very interesting and easy to understand"

  • Financial assitance
  • First generation student
  • Works in field of study
  • Has support system
Recommends
  • Age 38
  • Master of Business Administration
  • Oregon State University
  • Online

Experience

5.0
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Value

5.0
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Affordability

5.0
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Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?

"Because it's very good and easy"

  • Works in field of study
  • Has support system
Recommends
  • Age 35
  • Master of Banking and Finance
  • University of California
  • Online *

Experience

5.0
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Value

5.0
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Affordability

5.0
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Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?

"It is affordable and easy"

  • Financial assitance
  • First generation student
  • Works in field of study
  • Has support system
Recommends
  • Age 35
  • Web Development Bachelor's Degree
  • Udemy
  • Online

Experience

4.0
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Value

4.0
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Affordability

3.0
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Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?

"Because it is more convenient and easy"

  • Financial assitance
  • First generation student
  • Has support system
Recommends
  • Age 40
  • Master's Degree in Information and Technology
  • Indiana Wesleyan
  • Online

Experience

4.0
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Value

4.0
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Affordability

4.0
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Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?

"Due to my work I have to make it easy for myself"

  • Financial assitance
  • First generation student
  • Works in field of study
  • Has support system
Recommends
  • Age 35
  • Technology, Software Developer
  • Coursera
  • Online *

Experience

4.0
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Value

4.0
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Affordability

4.0
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Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?

"I found it a good and easy way to have certificate"

  • Works in field of study
  • Has support system
Recommends
  • Age 38
  • Medical Billing
  • Study USA
  • Online

Experience

5.0
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Value

5.0
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Affordability

4.0
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Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?

"because it is easy to learn"

  • First generation student
  • Works in field of study
  • Has support system
Recommends
  • Age 35
  • Associate - General Studies
  • Columbia College
  • Online

Experience

5.0
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Value

5.0
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Affordability

5.0
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Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?

"Easy access and flexible hours."

  • Has support system
Recommends

Frequently Asked Questions About the Easiest Online Degrees


What are the easiest online degrees to get?

Determining what online degree is easiest is primarily based on your unique skills. That said, don't be discouraged if coursework is challenging, and be sure to utilize any of your school's ample resources to help you along the way.

What are the easiest college majors?

No college would advertise a major as "easy," because a major's level of difficulty is mostly subjective. A student with a knack for STEM may thrive in math classes but struggle when faced with writing a paper about Shakespeare.

What are the hardest college majors?

Your individual strengths, weaknesses, and interests will determine how hard you'll find various college majors. That said, some programs have a reputation for being especially difficult. Some of these include engineering, physics, architecture, and computer science.

What is the fastest bachelor's degree?

For the most part, a bachelor's degree will take you about four years to complete. But some online programs offer accelerated pathways that allow you to complete coursework more quickly.

What makes an online degree easy?

An easy online program is one that aligns with your skills and interests. Still, coursework will become increasingly challenging as you progress through your program.

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AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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