8 Easy Degrees That Pay Well

Discover 8 Easy Degrees That Pay Well and learn how to choose a high-paying, low-stress college degree that fits your lifestyle and career goals.

Choosing a college degree can feel overwhelming, especially if you want something that pays well without drowning in stress or endless prerequisites. What if you could find degrees that balance affordability, workload, and future salary? In this guide, we’ll explore 8 easy degrees that pay well, giving you real options to start your career confidently. Whether you’re someone who prefers hands-on learning, a shorter curriculum, or a path that avoids grueling exams, there’s likely a degree here that fits your goals. We’ll break down each degree’s earning potential, workload, and practical tips to succeed in the field. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of how to invest in education without sacrificing financial returns or sanity.

Communications – Turning Words into Wealth

Imagine graduating with a degree that lets you craft messages, manage campaigns, and influence audiences—all while avoiding nightmarish science labs or advanced calculus. A Communications degree is often seen as approachable because it emphasizes writing, public speaking, and media understanding rather than dense theory.

Many employers value graduates who can clearly articulate ideas, manage social media, and create marketing campaigns. Graduates can enter roles such as public relations specialists, marketing coordinators, or corporate communications managers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, communications roles average around $60,000 annually, and positions in management or consulting can surpass $90,000. Success in this field often comes from internships, networking, and showcasing a strong portfolio rather than memorizing complex formulas.

FAQ: Do Communications graduates struggle to find jobs? Not necessarily. A strong portfolio, internships, and networking often outweigh GPA, making employment achievable if you’re proactive.

Job Role	Average Salary	Ease of Entry	Notes
Public Relations Specialist	$61,000	Easy	Great for social and outgoing personalities
Marketing Coordinator	$57,000	Moderate	Portfolio can outweigh formal experience
Corporate Communications Manager	$90,000	Moderate	Often requires some leadership experience

Tip: Focus on building a digital portfolio early, including blogs, social media campaigns, and multimedia projects.

Information Technology – Coding Without Crushing Stress

Have you ever wondered if you could enter the tech world without dedicating endless hours to advanced algorithms? Information Technology (IT) degrees can be surprisingly accessible. Unlike Computer Science, which dives deep into theory, IT focuses on practical skills like network administration, cybersecurity basics, and troubleshooting.

Students in IT programs often learn through hands-on labs and projects, which can feel more manageable than theoretical exams. Graduates frequently land roles as IT specialists, network administrators, or systems analysts, with salaries ranging from $60,000 to $85,000. Certifications like CompTIA or Cisco can enhance your resume without additional semesters of coursework, making IT both lucrative and flexible.

FAQ: Can I get an IT job without a degree? Yes, but a degree simplifies hiring for larger companies and offers a structured path to certifications.

Warning: Don’t ignore soft skills like communication and problem-solving—IT roles often require explaining technical issues to non-technical colleagues.

Nursing – Caring and Cashing In

Picture yourself in a hospital setting, helping patients recover while building a stable, high-paying career. Nursing is often considered challenging, but many associate it with hands-on learning, predictable class structure, and clear professional paths. Compared to other healthcare degrees like medicine or dentistry, nursing programs are more straightforward and shorter.

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can lead to registered nurse positions with salaries averaging $75,000 annually, while specialized roles like Nurse Practitioners can exceed $120,000. Nursing combines technical skill with emotional intelligence, offering both immediate job opportunities and long-term growth. Clinical rotations prepare students with real-world experience, often leading directly to employment after graduation.

FAQ: Is nursing too difficult for someone seeking an “easy” degree? While demanding, nursing provides structured pathways, clear exams, and practical training, making it more predictable than other healthcare degrees.

Tip: Volunteer in healthcare settings during your studies—it strengthens your resume and reduces stress by building confidence before graduation.

Economics – Numbers with Less Stress

Have you ever looked at an economics class and thought, “This is practical math, not rocket science”? An Economics degree balances numbers and real-world thinking, making it appealing for students who want high pay without grinding through endless formulas. Economics programs teach market principles, finance, and decision-making with practical case studies rather than abstract theory.

Graduates can work in finance, consulting, or policy analysis, earning anywhere from $65,000 to $100,000 depending on the role. The degree is versatile and allows entry into sectors that value analytical thinking but don’t require mastering every advanced math topic. Many students find the combination of reading, research, and basic statistics easier to manage than pure STEM tracks.

FAQ: Do I need an advanced math background for economics? Not necessarily—many programs focus on applied math and data interpretation, which is more manageable than theoretical courses.

Tip: Use internships to connect your knowledge with real-world business scenarios—this often leads to higher starting salaries.

Human Resources – Managing People, Not Stress

Imagine being the person who helps teams thrive, hires top talent, and handles workplace challenges without coding or lab work. Human Resources (HR) degrees are considered low-stress because they focus on interpersonal skills, organizational behavior, and basic employment law rather than technical mastery.

HR specialists earn around $65,000, with HR managers approaching $100,000. Courses emphasize communication, leadership, and conflict resolution, which many students find engaging and practical. Real-world projects, such as developing training programs or conducting employee surveys, provide hands-on experience without overwhelming theory.

FAQ: Can HR graduates find jobs quickly? Yes, especially if they complete internships or participate in student organizations that simulate real HR functions.

Tip: Attend networking events and workshops offered by your university’s career services—they often lead to job opportunities faster than online applications.

Education – Teaching for Pay and Ease

Imagine entering a career where your workday is structured, your tasks are predictable, and your impact is tangible. Education degrees can be surprisingly straightforward, especially for fields like elementary or special education. Coursework often focuses on pedagogy, classroom management, and curriculum design, which many students find more approachable than abstract sciences.

Starting salaries for teachers average $50,000–$60,000, and specialized teaching roles or administrative positions can earn significantly more. Student teaching provides real-world experience, preparing graduates for classrooms without the stress of multiple standardized exams.

FAQ: Is teaching low-paying compared to other “easy” degrees? While starting salaries may be modest, benefits, job stability, and advancement opportunities often compensate, especially in administration or specialized education roles.

Warning: Classroom management requires patience—soft skills are essential for long-term success.

Finance – Making Money Work for You

Have you ever wanted a career that literally deals with money every day? Finance degrees teach investment strategies, accounting principles, and risk management in a structured, manageable way. Unlike highly theoretical STEM degrees, finance often relies on practical calculations and case studies.

Graduates can enter roles as financial analysts, advisors, or accountants, earning between $60,000 and $100,000 initially, with senior roles surpassing $120,000. Internships and networking are critical in finance, allowing students to translate classroom concepts into real-world results.

FAQ: Do I need advanced math for finance? Basic algebra and statistics are usually sufficient, with most programs focusing on practical application rather than abstract math.

Tip: Join student investment clubs or participate in finance competitions to enhance your résumé and build real experience.

Marketing – Creativity That Pays

Imagine using creativity to sell products, design campaigns, and analyze trends, all while earning a solid paycheck. Marketing degrees focus on branding, market research, and consumer psychology rather than complex theory, making them accessible to many students.

Roles such as marketing managers, brand strategists, and digital marketing specialists earn $60,000–$95,000 on average. Success comes from building portfolios, internships, and networking rather than memorizing dense technical knowledge. Courses often include hands-on projects like social media campaigns or market analysis, giving students practical skills for immediate employment.

FAQ: Can marketing graduates work remotely? Many marketing positions, especially digital roles, allow remote work, adding flexibility to salary potential.

Tip: Keep up with digital trends—social media platforms, analytics tools, and content strategies change rapidly, and employers value up-to-date skills.