What is the best degree for someone over 50?

Asked by: Mrs. Estelle Carroll DDS  |  Last update: February 15, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (35 votes)

The best degree for a 50-year-old depends on career goals, but strong options leverage existing experience for stability or pivot into high-demand fields like Healthcare (Admin, Informatics), Technology (Data Analytics, IT), or Business (Accounting, Project Management), with many programs offering flexible online formats and shorter certificate paths. Fields like Psychology, Education, and Human Resources are also popular for career change, while specialized skills in Digital Marketing or Foreign Languages can offer unique advantages.

What is a good career to start at 50?

The best new careers at 50 leverage experience in fields like Consulting/Coaching, Healthcare Admin/Tech, and IT/Data Analytics, offering flexibility and stability through certifications (PMP, Google Data Analytics) or licensing (Real Estate). Roles in Finance (Advisor), Education (Teacher/Tutor), Real Estate, and Trades (Stump Removal) are also excellent, capitalizing on maturity, communication skills, and growing demand for experienced professionals, with options ranging from remote work to hands-on local service. 

Is it worth getting a college degree after 50?

It does not make sense (most of the time) to get a college degree after 50 in order to reinvent your career. However, getting a college degree after 50 can work for preserving your career, if – and it is a big if – you plan carefully. You must do your research.

What degree is best for older adults?

The best degrees for older adults often leverage existing experience in high-demand fields like Healthcare (Nursing, Health Admin), Business (MBA, Accounting, Management, Marketing, Data Analytics), and Technology (Computer Science, IT, Cybersecurity) for career shifts or advancement, while Psychology, Counseling, and Education offer fulfilling paths focused on helping others, with flexibility and accreditation being key considerations. 

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

You can earn $100k without a degree through high-demand skilled trades (electrician, plumber, elevator technician), tech roles (software developer, IT), sales (tech, insurance, management), specialized fields (air traffic controller, commercial pilot, nuclear technician, construction manager), or entrepreneurship, focusing on certifications, apprenticeships, experience, and high-value skills over formal education. Success relies on practical expertise and building a portfolio, often bypassing college debt for faster, lucrative entry. 

Brutally Honest Career Advice for People Over 50.

36 related questions found

What is the best career to start at 55 with no experience?

Customer service roles are great jobs for people over 50, and they're ideal for individuals who enjoy helping others and solving problems. Many customer service positions require strong communication skills and empathy, rather than prior experience, making them accessible to career changers.

What is the most fun job that pays well without a degree?

Fun, well-paying jobs without a degree often involve skilled trades (Electrician, Elevator Mechanic), creative fields (Makeup Artist, Writer, Web Developer), tech (Ethical Hacker, IT Support), or sales (Real Estate Broker), with paths to success through certifications, apprenticeships, portfolios, or starting in entry-level roles and building up skills and experience. The "most fun" depends on your interests, but options like Ethical Hacking (around $100k+) or a successful Real Estate career (high six figures) offer high earning potential without a traditional degree.
 

What is the best career change after 50 without a degree?

In-demand jobs for over 50s in the UK

The UK job market offers several opportunities suitable for individuals over 50: Healthcare: Care assistants, support workers, and NHS roles. Education: Part-time teaching, tutoring, and training positions. Driving and logistics: Delivery drivers, couriers, and transport roles.

Is $70,000 a good starting salary out of college?

Yes, $70,000 is generally a very good starting salary for a new college graduate, especially compared to the overall average, though it depends heavily on your major (STEM/Finance often higher) and the cost of living in your city, but it's a strong income for most entry-level roles and puts you well above average. 

What is the #1 happiest profession?

There's no single #1 happiest job, as it varies by individual, but recent studies and surveys often point to Construction as a top industry for overall worker satisfaction due to good pay, culture, and time outdoors, while specific roles like Data Scientists, Surgeons, Firefighters, and Psychologists are frequently cited for high satisfaction, often linked to meaningful impact, good compensation, or autonomy. 

How to start over in life at 50 with no money?

Starting over at 50 with no money requires focusing on leveraging existing skills for immediate income, drastically cutting expenses, building a strong support network, and creating a strategic, step-by-step financial plan, potentially including online work or side hustles, to stabilize your situation and build towards long-term financial health. While challenging, it's never too late to take control, but it's crucial to act decisively, even if slowly at first, to create a foundation for a better future. 

How can I make $2000 a week working from home?

$2,000 week jobs in Remote

  1. Office Support. Easily apply. ...
  2. Customer Support Specialist. Easily apply. ...
  3. List Moderator. Easily apply. ...
  4. Traveling Detention Officer. ...
  5. Entry-Level Healthcare Opportunity. ...
  6. Customer Support Associate - Weekends. ...
  7. Work From Home Medical Answering Service Operator. ...
  8. Problem Resolution Associate.

What jobs pay $2000 a day?

Earning $2000 daily often involves high-skill freelancing (consulting, specialized writing), high-ticket sales, advanced digital marketing (SEO, funnel building), or specialized gig economy work (luxury pet care, event services), with some paths like content creation or e-commerce taking significant time to scale; quick cash might come from selling valuable items or intense gig work (Uber, TaskRabbit, Rover), while long-term potential lies in building assets like courses or membership sites. 

What job pays $400,000 a year without a degree?

Yes, jobs paying over $400,000 without a college degree exist, with Walmart Store Managers being a prominent example due to increased bonuses and stock, while other high earners include roles in enterprise tech sales, commercial real estate, high-level trades (like nuclear operators, air traffic controllers), and self-made entrepreneurs/influencers, all relying on high skill, performance, and market demand, not just degrees, according to sources from Tallo and The Wall Street Journal. 

What is the easiest job that pays 100k a year?

No experience $100,000 jobs

  • Work From Home Agent (Entry Level) ...
  • Entry Level Account Executive (work from home) ...
  • Home Health Technician. ...
  • Entry-Level Financial Professional (Remote | Flexible Schedule) ...
  • Account Manager - No Travel. ...
  • Houston Tax Preparer - Remote & In-Person Opportunities.

What career should a 50 year old start?

The best new careers at 50 leverage experience in fields like Consulting/Coaching, Healthcare Admin/Tech, and IT/Data Analytics, offering flexibility and stability through certifications (PMP, Google Data Analytics) or licensing (Real Estate). Roles in Finance (Advisor), Education (Teacher/Tutor), Real Estate, and Trades (Stump Removal) are also excellent, capitalizing on maturity, communication skills, and growing demand for experienced professionals, with options ranging from remote work to hands-on local service. 

What is the 3 month rule for jobs?

The "3-month rule" in jobs usually refers to a probationary period, a standard trial phase (often 90 days) where employers assess a new hire's performance, skills, and cultural fit before granting permanent status, with easier termination for both parties during this time. It also signifies a common benchmark for new employees to feel truly productive and settled, understanding new tools, teams, and company dynamics. It allows companies to evaluate fit and employees to learn the ropes, often impacting benefits eligibility and job security until completed.
 

What is the easiest career to get a degree in?

Here is a list:

  1. Accounting. If numbers are your thing, a degree in accounting could be just what you're looking for. ...
  2. Criminal Justice. ...
  3. Early Childhood Education. ...
  4. General Studies. ...
  5. Healthcare Administration. ...
  6. Computer Information Systems. ...
  7. Marketing. ...
  8. Psychology.

What is the least stressful job that pays well?

Low-stress, high-paying jobs often involve analytical, technical, or specialized roles with good work-life balance, such as Actuary, Data Scientist, Technical Writer, Hydrologist, or Water Resource Specialist, with potential for high earnings and autonomy, even some requiring certifications or degrees in fields like Wind Turbine Tech or specialized IT roles. Roles like Librarian, Archivist, or certain Government/University roles offer steady hours, while freelance writing and digital marketing provide flexibility.
 

What's the fastest trade to learn?

The fastest trades to learn often involve certifications or apprenticeships in high-demand fields like HVAC technician, welding, phlebotomy, medical coding, or heavy equipment operation, with some requiring just weeks for training (CDL, forklift) to under a year for entry-level competency, allowing you to earn while you learn and quickly gain specialized skills for steady income.
 

What is a good second career for a woman over 50?

The top 10 careers for women over 50 include real estate agent, financial advisor, nurse, occupational therapist, personal trainer, curriculum developer, tutor, freelance writer, personal chef, and counselor.

What jobs pay $400 an hour?

400 per hour jobs

  • Journeyman Electrician $36.28 - $43.19 per hour ** NO TRAVEL REQUIRED. ...
  • LPN - Licensed Practical Nurse - FT FLEX. ...
  • LPN - Licensed Practical Nurse - FT Nights/Weekends. ...
  • LPN - Licensed Practical Nurse - FT Nights. ...
  • LPN Long Term Care (LTC) (Straight Nights) ...
  • LPN/RN LTC (PT Night)

Who hires older people?

Many companies actively hire seniors, especially in sectors like healthcare, retail, finance, and tech, with major employers including CVS Health, Home Depot, Aetna, UnitedHealth Group, and Starbucks, often valuing their experience for roles in customer service, management, and specialized fields, with many offering flexible or remote options through programs like AARP's Employer Pledge. Specialized job boards like Seniors4Hire also connect older workers with age-friendly employers. 

What new careers are in high demand?

These 12 careers are your best chance to get a job in 2026

  • Home Health and Personal Care Aides. 765,000+ new hires projected. ...
  • General and Operations Managers. ...
  • Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers. ...
  • Registered Nurses. ...
  • Construction Laborers. ...
  • Accountants and Auditors. ...
  • Software Developers. ...
  • Medical Assistants.