Which degree is the cheapest?

The cheapest degrees often fall into fields like Business, Education, Computer Science, and Healthcare Administration, especially through public universities or online programs with low tuition, like those at CUNY or state colleges, with some providers even offering tuition-free options (requiring fees) or low-cost master's programs in subjects like nursing or IT. Anthropology can also be an affordable pathway with good potential salaries in related fields.

What degree is the cheapest?

Top 4 Cheapest Degrees To Go to College For

• Associate Degree in Health-related Fields. ...
• Bachelor's Degree in Education. ...
• Associate Degree in Information Technology (IT) ...
• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. ...
• Online and Hybrid Learning Formats. ...
• Scholarships, Grants, and Financial Aid.

What is the lowest paid degree?

10 of the lowest-paying majors

1. Theology. Average salary: $40,000 per year A theology major studies various religious texts, religions and the relationship between humans and religion. ...
2. Fine and performing arts. ...
3. Public policy and social services. ...
4. Education. ...
5. Library science. ...
6. Liberal arts. ...
7. Psychology. ...
8. English.

What is the #1 easiest major?

There's no single #1 easiest major, as it depends on your strengths, but Psychology, Education, English, and Criminal Justice frequently rank as the easiest due to higher average GPAs and less demanding technical skills compared to STEM fields, often focusing on human behavior, societal structures, and communication. Majors like Sociology, Social Work, and Communications are also commonly cited as easier liberal arts options. 

What degree is the lowest?

"Associate degrees are known as a 2-year degree and are the first degree you can obtain beyond completing a high school diploma, or equivalent," said Dylan Talbot '23, an admission counselor at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).

The Only College Degrees Still Worth It in 2026

What's the shortest degree you can get?

An associate degree is an undergraduate degree students can earn through an academic institution that focuses on general and vocational courses. Associate degrees at a glance: Usually take 2 years to complete.

What are the least useful degrees?

5 Degrees That No Longer Hold Up

• General Liberal Arts (With No Clear Direction) ...
• Visual And Performing Arts. ...
• Communications. ...
• Gender Studies, Ethnic Studies And Similar Fields. ...
• General Psychology Or Sociology (Undergrad Only) ...
• Computer Science And IT. ...
• Nursing. ...
• Engineering.

What is the least stressful major?

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.

What college has 100% acceptance?

Colleges with a 100% admission rate, often called "open admissions," focus on providing access, accepting most or all applicants who meet basic requirements, including Broward College, Utah Valley University, Cameron University, and Montana State University--Billings. Many other schools, like University of Mississippi and Nevada-Las Vegas, have acceptance rates above 90%, while selective institutions like Harvard and Caltech have rates below 10%.
 

What's the easiest 2 year degree to get?

The "easiest" associate degree depends on your strengths, but General Studies, Liberal Arts, and Communications are often cited as flexible options with broad requirements, while degrees like Information Technology, Healthcare Administration, or Criminal Justice offer direct career paths with high demand and potential for online completion. For speed, look into self-paced or competency-based programs in areas like Business or IT.
 

What is the most regretted degree?

The most regretted college degrees often fall under humanities, education, and social sciences, with Journalism, Sociology, Liberal Arts, Communications, and Education frequently topping lists due to poor job prospects and low earning potential compared to the investment. In contrast, STEM fields like Computer Science and Engineering are among the least regretted due to strong job markets, with many graduates wishing they'd chosen them instead.
 

What are the 4 types of degrees?

The four main types of academic degrees, in ascending order, are Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees, representing increasing levels of education from introductory (Associate) to the highest academic achievement (Doctorate) for specialized research or professional practice.
 

What colleges give free tuition under 200k?

Yes, many colleges offer free tuition for families with incomes under $200k, including Harvard, MIT, University of Pennsylvania, Stanford, and Wake Forest, often covering full costs (room/board) for even lower incomes (e.g., <$100k). Other schools like Northwestern, Columbia, and Tufts have similar programs for those earning below $150k or $70k, while some universities (like UT Austin) and states (NM) offer free tuition for residents meeting income thresholds. These programs use generous financial aid to make elite education accessible without loans for many middle-class families.
 

What's the quickest bachelor's degree to get?

The quickest bachelor's degrees are often in fields like Business, IT, Communications, Psychology, Organizational Leadership, or Healthcare, achievable in 1-3 years through accelerated, competency-based, or self-paced programs at schools like WGU, ASU Global, or UMPI, by leveraging prior credits and taking summer courses, with some individuals finishing in under a year using "degree hacking" techniques like testing out of courses. 

What college accepts everyone?

Liberty University

With a 100% acceptance rate, all students can pursue certificates, associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in numerous fields.

What is the #1 hardest college to get into?

There isn't one single #1 hardest school, as it changes slightly by year and criteria, but Harvard University, Stanford University, MIT, and Caltech consistently rank among the top with extremely low acceptance rates (often 3-4%) and intense competition for spots, though other top global universities like Oxford and Tsinghua are also incredibly selective. Harvard is frequently cited as the hardest due to its high volume of applications and focus on global leadership potential, while Caltech is known for its extreme difficulty in STEM. 

What is the #1 party school?

For 2026, the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) is widely ranked as the #1 party school by sources like Niche and Business Insider, followed by schools like Florida State University and Tulane University, based on student surveys about campus party culture, access to bars, and Greek life.
 

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

You can earn $3,000 a month without a degree in roles like Dental/Medical Assistant (with short training), skilled trades (Electrician, HVAC), Delivery Driver (UPS, FedEx), specialized sales, Real Estate Agent, and some tech roles like AI Trainer or Medical Coder, often requiring certifications, apprenticeships, or a strong work ethic for entry, with remote options available in customer service or data entry if you have strong computer skills, notes www.nysmda.com, Tallo, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/3000-A-Month-Jobs-No-Degree. 

What majors are not in demand?

Precision Production, Library Science, Military Technologies, and Theology are among the least common majors. Some majors are uncommon due to limited career demand, niche interest areas, and limited access to specialized equipment or resources.

How to make $100,000 a year with no degree?

You can earn $100k a year without a degree by pursuing skilled trades (electrician, plumber), tech roles (software developer, cybersecurity), sales (tech, insurance), or specialized positions like air traffic controller or elevator mechanic, focusing on certifications, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and building practical experience to qualify for high-paying, in-demand roles. 

What degree is most regretted?

The most regretted college degrees often fall under humanities, education, and social sciences, with Journalism, Sociology, Liberal Arts, Communications, and Education frequently topping lists due to poor job prospects and low earning potential compared to the investment. In contrast, STEM fields like Computer Science and Engineering are among the least regretted due to strong job markets, with many graduates wishing they'd chosen them instead.
 

What's the best job with no degree?

The "best" job without a degree depends on your interests, but high-paying options often involve skilled trades (electrician, plumber, HVAC), technology (wind turbine tech, industrial mechanic), or transportation (pilot, logistics manager). Other great paths include sales, law enforcement (after experience), or roles in healthcare like EMT or medical coding, often requiring certifications or apprenticeships for solid income without a four-year degree.
 

What degree is most unemployed?

Anthropology consistently ranks as the bachelor's degree with the highest unemployment rate, often around 9.4%, followed by other arts, humanities, and some science/tech fields like Physics, Fine Arts, and Computer Engineering, according to recent 2025 data from sources like the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and Business Insider.