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Looking for a credential without juggling a full‑time job, family duties, or a campus commute? You’re not alone. Many people wonder easiest online degree that can be earned fast, cheaply, and without sacrificing quality. Below you’ll discover what makes a program “easy,” which degrees consistently rank as the least demanding, and a step‑by‑step plan to enroll today.
What does “easy” really mean for an online degree?
“Easy” isn’t a synonym for “low‑quality.” Instead, it refers to a blend of three measurable factors:
- Course load flexibility: Programs that let you pace yourself, use self‑paced modules, or apply prior learning credits.
- Curriculum simplicity: Degrees that focus on general education or applied skills rather than deep technical or scientific theory.
- Time to completion: Typically under two years for an associate’s, and three to four years for a bachelor’s, when you study part‑time.
When these elements line up, the path feels smoother, especially for students juggling work or family.
Top five degrees that consistently rank as the easiest to get online
Below is a quick snapshot of the programs that offer the best mix of flexibility, low credit intensity, and fast graduation timelines.
| Degree | Typical duration | Average total tuition (USD) | Key coursework | Job outlook (US Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate of Arts in General Studies | 12-18 months (full‑time) | $4,200 | English composition, basic math, intro to social sciences | 6% growth for post‑secondary non‑degree occupations |
| Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts | 2.5-3 years (part‑time) | $9,800 | Critical thinking, cultural studies, electives | 5% growth for education support occupations |
| Bachelor of Science in Business Administration | 3-4 years (part‑time) | $12,500 | Management principles, marketing basics, finance fundamentals | 10% growth for management occupations |
| Associate of Science in Information Technology | 14-20 months (full‑time) | $5,600 | Computer basics, networking fundamentals, technical support | 15% growth for computer support specialists |
| Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration | 3-4 years (part‑time) | $11,400 | Health systems, medical terminology, ethics in healthcare | 8% growth for health services managers |
These programs share low‑entry barriers, a focus on transferable skills, and tuition that stays well below the national average for online degrees.
Why the Online degree is a flexible credential that can be earned from anywhere with an internet connection is a smart choice
Choosing an Online degree over a traditional campus program gives you three practical perks:
- Location independence: Study from a coffee shop in Cape Town, a dorm in Ohio, or a home office in Mumbai.
- Cost efficiency: No commuting, no on‑campus housing, and often lower tuition per credit hour.
- Self‑paced learning: Many institutions let you accelerate or decelerate as life demands.
When you pair these benefits with a degree that’s inherently less rigorous, you get a truly low‑effort path to a credential.
How to pick the right easy online degree for your goals
Even an “easy” degree should align with what you want to achieve, whether it’s a raise, a career switch, or simply a personal milestone. Follow this quick checklist:
- Career relevance: Does the degree open doors in a field you enjoy? For example, a Business Administration degree can lead to entry‑level management, sales, or entrepreneurship.
- Accreditation status: Look for regional accreditation (e.g., Middle States, Higher Learning Commission) or national accreditation from the DEAC. This ensures employers and other schools recognize your credential.
- Credit transferability: Some programs let you transfer prior coursework or professional certifications, shaving months off your timeline.
- Tuition transparency: Verify per‑credit costs and any hidden fees like technology or assessment charges.
- Student support: Access to mentors, career services, and technical help can make a seemingly easy program feel smoother.
Cost breakdown: What you’ll actually pay
Below is a typical cost structure for the five easy degrees listed earlier. All figures are average tuition per credit hour multiplied by required credits, plus a modest technology fee (usually $50‑$100 per semester).
| Degree | Credits required | Cost per credit (USD) | Tech fee per semester | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate of Arts in General Studies | 60 | $70 | $75 | $4,200 |
| Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts | 120 | $80 | $90 | $9,800 |
| Bachelor of Science in Business Administration | 120 | $95 | $100 | $12,500 |
| Associate of Science in Information Technology | 60 | $85 | $80 | $5,600 |
| Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration | 120 | $90 | $110 | $11,400 |
Many schools also offer scholarships or employer tuition assistance, so always check the financial aid portal before you commit.
Accreditation and credibility: Why they matter
Even a simple degree needs a stamp of legitimacy. DEAC (Distance Education Accrediting Commission) is a nationally recognized accreditor for many pure‑online institutions. Regional bodies like the Higher Learning Commission carry even more weight, especially if you plan to transfer credits later.
Here’s a quick rule of thumb:
- If the school is regionally accredited, you can generally trust the degree’s rigor.
- If it’s only nationally accredited, it’s fine for entry‑level jobs but may limit graduate‑school options.
One of the most affordable, fully accredited options is University of the People. It offers tuition‑free associate’s and bachelor’s programs in Business Administration and Computer Science, charging only a small fee per exam.
Step‑by‑step guide to enroll in an easy online degree
- Identify your target degree: Use the comparison table above to pick a program that fits your timeline and budget.
- Check accreditation: Visit the school’s website and look for regional or DEAC accreditation logos.
- Gather transcripts: Most schools accept scanned PDFs of high‑school diplomas or prior college transcripts.
- Apply: Fill out the online application. Many institutions have a ``no‑deadline`` intake, so you can start as soon as paperwork clears.
- Secure funding: Apply for federal financial aid (FAFSA for US students) or explore employer tuition reimbursement.
- Plan your schedule: Decide whether you’ll take a full load (12‑15 credits per term) or a lighter pace (6‑9 credits).
- Start learning: Log in to the learning management system (LMS), download the syllabus, and begin with the introductory module.
- Track progress: Most LMS platforms let you see earned credits in real‑time; aim for at least 75% of your credits each semester to stay on track.
- Graduate: Once you meet the credit and GPA requirements (usually a 2.0), submit the graduation request and receive your digital diploma.
Tip: If you already hold a certification-say, a CompTIA A+ for IT-you can often convert those hours into credit, shaving off a semester or two.
Common pitfalls and pro tips for staying on the easy track
Even a low‑effort program can trip you up if you’re not careful. Here are the usual culprits and how to sidestep them:
- Procrastination: Self‑paced courses tempt you to delay. Set a weekly study block and treat it like a part‑time job.
- Underestimating assessments: Some “easy” degrees still require final projects or proctored exams. Budget extra time for these.
- Skipping tech checks: Make sure your internet speed meets the LMS requirements (usually 5 Mbps download, 1 Mbps upload).
- Ignoring student services: Many schools offer free resume reviews and interview prep-use them to boost employability.
- Not leveraging credit transfer: If you’ve taken MOOCs or community‑college courses, ask the admissions office about credit equivalency.
Quick takeaways
- Ease = flexible schedule + simple curriculum + short time to finish.
- Top easy degrees: Associate of Arts (General Studies), BA Liberal Arts, BS Business Administration, AS Information Technology, BS Healthcare Administration.
- Look for regional or DEAC accreditation to keep the degree credible.
- Budget $4k‑$13k total tuition for the most affordable options.
- Follow a step‑by‑step enrollment plan and stay disciplined to finish on time.
Can I get a degree in under a year?
Yes, an associate’s degree in General Studies or Information Technology can be completed in 12‑18 months if you take a full‑time load and transfer existing credits.
Is an online degree from an unaccredited school worth anything?
Generally no. Employers and graduate schools look for regional or nationally recognized accreditation. Unaccredited programs may still be useful for personal enrichment, but they rarely help with career advancement.
How do I transfer prior learning or certifications into credit?
Contact the admissions office with documentation of your certifications (e.g., CompTIA, PMP). Many schools have a CLEP or ACE credit‑by‑exam policy that converts these into college credits.
What’s the difference between regional and national accreditation?
Regional accreditation is granted by one of six U.S. agencies and is widely accepted for credit transfer and graduate study. National accreditation (e.g., DEAC) is common for fully online schools and is recognized for federal aid, but may limit credit transfer to regionally accredited institutions.
Do I need a high GPA to finish an easy online degree?
Most programs require a minimum 2.0 GPA. Because the coursework is less intensive, maintaining this average is usually straightforward if you stay consistent with assignments.
