We all want the easiest path through school, it’s only natural. Who in their right mind wouldn’t want to experience the path of least resistance when getting a degree? So, it’s natural to wonder what the easiest degree is to get online.
Now, when we say ‘easiest’ to get, we mean easy due to a number of factors that don’t have to do with studying or curriculum at all.
An online degree program’s difficulty is based on things like your personal schedule, financial situation, and the field you’re studying.
Schools today offer more options than ever for students who want to learn on their own time and budget. Keep in mind, the term “easy degree” doesn’t mean easy in terms of academic rigor—it means the logistics are smoother.
That said, let’s explore some factors that make earning your online degree more convenient. Then, we’ll list some of the easiest online degree options available in 2025.
What Would Make a Program Qualify as the “Easiest Degree to Get Online”?
Let’s take a look at some key factors that make certain bachelor’s degree programs easier to complete with online learning.
1. Number of Programs
One thing that makes some degrees easier to obtain than others is the sheer availability of programs. For example, it’s far easier to find a good online business administration or liberal arts program than a specialized field like aerospace engineering.
2. Online vs On-Campus
Even before factoring in tuition and textbook costs, earning a degree online saves you money.1 You will avoid things like commuting costs, parking fees, and on-campus housing expenses.
When doing your research, make sure you check the school’s official site for whether the program is 100% online, hybrid, or accelerated. If you see outdated course listings or broken links, it might signal the program isn’t actively maintained, which is something you want to avoid.
3. Can You Afford It?
Finding affordable programs can still be a challenge in 2025, but options have grown. Some accredited schools, like Western Governors University, offer flat-rate tuition that allows you to take as many classes as you can handle per term. Others, like University of the People, offer tuition-free degree programs (you just pay minimal assessment fees).
Remember, out-of-state tuition can be much higher than in-state, so look into public universities in your home state first.
4. Go at Your Own Pace
Many online degree programs now offer asynchronous learning, where you can complete coursework anytime during the week completely on your own schedule. This flexibility is ideal for working professionals and parents.
Some schools also offer accelerated programs, which lets you finish in as little as 18–24 months if you transfer credits or take heavier course loads. Something to note is to be sure that the program is properly accredited before enrolling.
5. Support Options
Technical issues are inevitable, so look for schools with reliable IT support. Many now have 24/7 help desks, dedicated online learning coordinators, and peer discussion boards. If you will be living far from your online institution, this is especially important.
Career services are another big plus, as many online students now have access to the same job placement resources and coaching as on-campus students. This type of support can make a degree feel a lot more “doable.”
So, What Is the Easiest Degree to Get Online? There Are Actually Several!
All the convenience factors above shaped our list of the most accessible online degrees in 2025, along with reputable schools offering them.
Liberal Arts Degree
Liberal arts remains one of the most flexible degrees online, often covering courses in English, history, languages, writing, and other humanities. It’s broad, adaptable, and offered at hundreds of accredited institutions.
Where’s the Best program?
- University of Oklahoma has a college of liberal arts studies now referred to as the College of Professional and Continuing Studies. OU offers a comprehensive blend of affordability, student support, and online scholarships. It has a flat cost (for both in-state and out-of-state students) of $515 per credit hour.
- Sam Houston State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in liberal studies degree. The program balances quality and cost, with cost per credit at $244 per credit hour.
Business Degree
Business degrees are still one of the most sought-after degrees online, and business programs typically cover accounting, economics, marketing, ethics, and more.
Where are the Best Programs?
- University of Florida (UF Online) holds one of the top spots for Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 rankings, this program offers both B.S. and B.A. business administration tracks with elite faculty and customizable specialties.
- Arizona State University (ASU Online) also holds one of the top spots in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 rankings for best online Bachelor’s degrees in business. ASU online delivers broad access and innovative courses and has a vast catalog of business majors and certificates through the AACSB-accredited W. P. Carey School.
English Degree
Perfect for readers, writers, and language enthusiasts, an online English degree focuses on literature, composition, and critical analysis.
Where’s the Best Program?
- University of Central Florida (UCF Online) is a great option for earning your Bachelor of Arts in English. With online tuition coming to $105.07 per credit hour, it is one of the most cost effective online bachelor degrees out there.
- Florida International University (FIU) has a Bachelor of Arts in English and Writing if you are specifically interested in concentration in writing as part of your degree. This program is a very strong option for affordability and quality. Unlike UCF, tuition is separated by Florida residents and non-residents, with tuition totaling $3,534 per semester for residents and $9,733 per semester for non-residents. This is a pretty big discrepancy, so if you are a non-Florida resident, this cost is something to take into consideration when looking at online English programs.
Criminal Justice Degree
A popular option for those interested in law enforcement or legal careers, criminal justice programs cover criminology, ethics, and the justice system.
Where’s the Best program?
- City University of New York has the John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY John Jay) for students that are interested in criminal justice studies. Forbes ranked this specific CUNY program as the best for lowest student debt among Online Bachelors programs in Criminal Justice in 2025. This makes it an excellent option for cost-conscious students looking to minimize post-graduation financial burden.
- San Diego State University (SDSU Online) stands out for the best graduation rate in the same ranking by Forbes, with a completion rate of 77%.2 SDSU is a solid pick for distance learners that are looking for a strong and dedicated cohort of other undergraduate students.
Nursing Degree
While nursing coursework is demanding, it offers high job security. Online programs often pair virtual coursework with local clinical requirements—plus, many include virtual simulations that make at-home study possible without sacrificing practical training.
Where’s the Best Program?
- CUNY Lehman College has a fully online Bachelor of Science in Nursing program that offers year-round enrollment, low cost, and solid preparation in clinical decision-making and nursing management. It can be completed in as little as one year and has no GRE requirement for entry.
- Cleveland State University (CSU) is known for its accessible and affordable nursing programs. CSU offers an online RN-to-BSN program that is designed for working professionals. The program pairs flexible coursework with strong local healthcare partnerships, giving students both convenience and valuable clinical experience. The program costs $240 per credit for in-state students and $243 per credit for non-Ohio residents.
Psychology Degree
Psychology majors study behavior, development, and research methods, often charting paths in HR, counseling, social services, or graduate studies. With more online options offering flexibility and support than ever, knowing which programs truly stand out matters.
Where’s the Best Program?
- Penn State World Campus holds one of the top spots in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 ranking for online bachelor’s in psychology programs. PSU offers fully online and asynchronous Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts Psychology degrees.
- Oregon State University (OSU Ecampus) has an online psychology degree that emphasizes research, cross-cultural perspectives, and career preparation. It’s known for strong faculty engagement and multiple pathways to graduate study, and costs $384 per credit hour.
Computer Science Degree
Tech skills are in high demand, and computer science programs prepare students for roles in programming, cybersecurity, web development, AI, and more. As the digital economy continues expanding, the top online CS programs are those that balance flexibility, affordability, and real-world relevance.3
Where’s the Best program?
- Auburn University Online has a degree‑completion format with accelerated 7.5-week terms. The computer science degree covers essential areas like algorithms, mobile development, and software engineering. Tuition costs $574 per credit hour, making it about $38,580 total to earn your bachelor’s degree.
- University of Illinois Springfield (UIS Online) offers a fully online BS in Computer Science with coursework in programming, systems security, and data structures. The program takes four years to complete (as with other standard bachelor degrees) and tuition is about $113 per credit hour, making it one of the most budget-friendly accredited options.
Conclusion
In 2025, the easiest degrees to earn online aren’t necessarily the easiest academically; they’re the most accessible in terms of program variety, flexibility, affordability, and support.
If time is a factor, you might also consider accelerated online degree programs that let you graduate faster without sacrificing quality. Remember: easy to earn doesn’t mean easy to learn!
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
Sources
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
