Are you looking to earn a six-figure income without getting crushed by student loan debt? You’re not alone. With tuition fees skyrocketing and traditional college becoming less practical, many students and professionals are now turning to online degrees backed by fully funded scholarships. And the good news? In 2025, you can access prestigious scholarships that lead to remote tech jobs, high-paying freelance gigs, or even remote startup roles — all without spending a dime on tuition.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best scholarships for online degrees in 2025, what careers they lead to, and how you can qualify. We’ll also link you to credible sources, compare options using a helpful table, and show you actionable steps to build a debt-free future with a $100k income.
Why Choose an Online Degree in 2025?
- Lower cost: Many online universities charge a fraction of what traditional colleges do.
- More flexibility: You can learn at your own pace, often while working.
- Remote job opportunities: Online tech degrees are designed for the remote workforce.
- Scholarships available: Many scholarships now fund online education exclusively.
According to Forbes, more than 50% of students prefer online learning over in-person programs in 2025.
Top High-Paying Careers You Can Land With Online Degrees
The best scholarships are those that lead to profitable, in-demand careers. Here are some online degrees that can open doors to $100k+ salaries:
- Computer Science / Software Engineering
- Cybersecurity
- Data Science & AI
- Digital Marketing
- UX/UI Design
- Cloud Computing
- Project Management
- Finance & Blockchain
These are the exact fields where remote jobs and freelancing platforms offer top-dollar rates.
Best Scholarships for Online Degrees in 2025
Here are top scholarships offering 100% tuition coverage for online degrees that can lead to $100k+ jobs:
1. Google Career Certificate Scholarship
- Covers: Google-backed certificates in UX Design, Data Analytics, IT Support, and Cybersecurity
- Platform: Coursera
- Duration: 6 months or less
- Careers: Entry-level tech jobs paying $60k to $100k+
- Who Can Apply: No college degree required
2. University of the People Full Tuition Scholarships
- Covers: Bachelor’s and Associate online degrees
- Fields: Computer Science, Business Administration, Health Science, Education
- Accreditation: DEAC-accredited and tuition-free
- Scholarship: Apply here
- Careers: Remote business, tech, and education jobs
3. Arizona State University (ASU) Online Scholarships
- Program: ASU Earned Admission & Scholarships
- Fields: Engineering, Technology, Marketing, Psychology
- Scholarships: Covers up to 100% of online tuition
- Learn more: ASU Online
4. Western Governors University Scholarships
- Fields: IT, Health, Business, Teaching
- Amount: Up to $6,000 per year
- Accredited: Yes (NWCCU)
- Apply: WGU Scholarships
5. edX MicroMasters & Master’s Scholarships
- Institutions: Harvard, MIT, Berkeley, and others
- Programs: Online Master’s or professional certificates
- Careers: Cloud computing, AI, Business, Public Health
- Link: edX scholarships
Comparison Table: Scholarships for Online Degrees (2025)
| Scholarship Program | Degree Type | Cost Covered | Fields Covered | Earning Potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Career Certificates | Certificate | 100% | IT, Data, UX, Cyber | $60k – $120k |
| University of the People | Bachelor/Associate | Tuition-Free | Business, Tech, Health | $40k – $100k |
| ASU Online Scholarships | Bachelor/Master’s | Up to 100% | Engineering, Marketing | $60k – $110k |
| WGU Scholarships | Bachelor/Master’s | Up to $6,000 | IT, Health, Education | $50k – $100k |
| edX MicroMasters Scholarships | Certificate/Master’s | Partial to Full | AI, Business, Cloud, Data | $70k – $130k |
Fully Funded Online Degrees
Online degrees used to be viewed as less valuable. That has changed. In 2025, fully funded online degrees from accredited institutions like UoPeople or WGU are not only credible but can help you land jobs at Amazon, Google, or startups.
You don’t need a traditional degree to earn six figures. These programs offer industry-relevant training that matches market needs.
Scholarships for Remote Tech Jobs
If you want to break into remote tech roles, scholarships for IT, cybersecurity, and cloud computing can be life-changing. Google and IBM offer training programs with scholarships that lead directly to high-paying remote work.
Online Degrees That Pay Well
Not all degrees are worth it. Focus on those with high ROI (return on investment). Some of the best-paying online degrees in 2025 include:
- AI & Machine Learning
- Blockchain & FinTech
- Cybersecurity
- Project Management
- Digital Product Design
These skills are highly sought after and often lead to freelance or remote work paying $50/hr or more.
How to Apply for Online Scholarships
Follow these steps to improve your chances:
- Identify eligible programs early (January to April 2025)
- Prepare a strong resume and personal statement
- Gather recommendation letters
- Highlight financial need and career ambition
- Apply directly on the institution’s site or platform (e.g., Coursera, edX)
Use scholarship search engines like:
Actionable Tips to Graduate Debt-Free and Earn More
- Use free trials and grants from Coursera, edX, and FutureLearn
- Apply for stipends that cover living expenses
- Freelance while you study (e.g., on Upwork or Toptal)
- Target careers with remote-first companies that offer paid internships
- Use LinkedIn Learning and Google Certs to boost your resume
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you really get a $100k job with an online degree?
Yes. Many tech companies prioritize skills over pedigree. Online degrees in tech, data, and digital business can get you there.
2. Are online degree scholarships legitimate?
Yes. Accredited universities and major tech companies offer them. Just make sure the program is accredited and has good reviews.
3. Which online degree is best for remote work?
Tech-related degrees like cybersecurity, cloud computing, data science, and UX design are your best bet.
4. What is the easiest online scholarship to get in 2025?
Google Career Certificates and UoPeople tuition-free programs are the most accessible with no degree or GPA requirements.
5. Do I need a computer science background to apply?
Not always. Many programs start at beginner level and build up.
Final Thoughts: Your Path to $100k Starts Here
You don’t need to drown in student loan debt to land a six-figure job. With the right scholarship, the right online program, and the right plan, you can set yourself up for long-term success — completely tuition-free.
So, start applying today. Every month you wait is a month of opportunity lost.
Ready to begin? Check out:
- Google Career Certificates
- University of the People Scholarships
- ASU Online Programs
- WGU Scholarships
- edX Financial Aid
