Business Administration
Career Paths: Financial Analyst, Marketing Manager, Operations Manager
Median Salary: $65,000–$105,000
Job Outlook (2022–2032): 7% growth | Estimated Openings: 750,000+
Tasks: Managing operations, analyzing markets, developing business strategies, and leading teams.
Recommended CLEP Exams: Principles of Management, Financial Accounting, Business Law, Principles of Marketing, Information Systems
Computer Science / IT
Career Paths: Software Engineer, Cybersecurity Analyst, Data Scientist
Median Salary: $95,000–$130,000+
Job Outlook (2022–2032): 23% growth | Estimated Openings: 680,000+
Tasks: Writing code, managing networks, securing digital systems, developing software applications.
Recommended CLEP Exams: Information Systems, College Algebra, College Mathematics
Nursing / Health Sciences
Career Paths: Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Healthcare Manager
Median Salary: $75,000–$120,000
Job Outlook (2022–2032): 6% growth | Estimated Openings: 1,100,000+
Tasks: Providing patient care, administering medication, monitoring health conditions, supporting treatment plans.
Recommended CLEP Exams: Biology, Chemistry, College Algebra, Human Growth and Development
Psychology / Social Sciences
Career Paths: Case Manager, Human Services Specialist, Counselor (with grad study)
Median Salary: $45,000–$80,000
Job Outlook (2022–2032): 8% growth | Estimated Openings: 520,000+
Tasks: Assessing clients, creating treatment plans, coordinating social services, working with diverse populations.
Recommended CLEP Exams: Intro to Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Intro to Sociology
Education / Teaching
Career Paths: Elementary Teacher, Instructional Coordinator, Curriculum Developer
Median Salary: $50,000–$85,000
Job Outlook (2022–2032): 5% growth | Estimated Openings: 640,000+
Tasks: Planning lessons, delivering instruction, assessing student performance, collaborating with educators and families.
Recommended CLEP Exams: College Composition, Human Growth and Development, U.S. History I & II, American Government
Engineering
Career Paths: Mechanical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer
Median Salary: $80,000–$120,000
Job Outlook (2022–2032): 6% growth | Estimated Openings: 650,000+
Tasks: Designing, testing, and building systems or structures, solving technical problems, ensuring compliance with regulations.
Recommended CLEP Exams: College Algebra, Precalculus, Calculus, Chemistry
Criminal Justice
Career Paths: Police Officer, Paralegal, Probation Officer
Median Salary: $50,000–$75,000
Job Outlook (2022–2032): 3% growth | Estimated Openings: 330,000+
Tasks: Enforcing laws, conducting investigations, preparing legal documents, supervising individuals on probation.
Recommended CLEP Exams: American Government, Introductory Sociology, Criminal Justice (DSST)
Accounting
Career Paths: Accountant, Auditor, Budget Analyst
Median Salary: $60,000–$90,000
Job Outlook (2022–2032): 5% growth | Estimated Openings: 470,000+
Tasks: Preparing financial reports, ensuring compliance, analyzing budgets, managing audits.
Recommended CLEP Exams: Financial Accounting, College Algebra, Business Law
Communications
Career Paths: Public Relations Specialist, Media Planner, Corporate Communications Manager
Median Salary: $50,000–$85,000
Job Outlook (2022–2032): 6% growth | Estimated Openings: 400,000+
Tasks: Writing press releases, crafting marketing campaigns, managing social media, and coordinating messaging strategies.
Recommended CLEP Exams: College Composition, Intro to Sociology, Analyzing and Interpreting Literature
Political Science
Career Paths: Policy Analyst, Legislative Assistant, Political Consultant
Median Salary: $60,000–$100,000
Job Outlook (2022–2032): 5% growth | Estimated Openings: 200,000+
Tasks: Researching political systems, drafting policy proposals, working with government agencies and lawmakers.
Recommended CLEP Exams: American Government, U.S. History I & II, Social Sciences and History
Graphic Design
Career Paths: Graphic Designer, UX/UI Designer, Brand Strategist
Median Salary: $48,000–$78,000
Job Outlook (2022–2032): 3% growth | Estimated Openings: 250,000+
Tasks: Creating visual content, working with design software, developing brand identities, and presenting client concepts.
Recommended CLEP Exams: College Composition, Intro to Humanities, Information Systems
Environmental Science
Career Paths: Environmental Consultant, Conservation Scientist, Sustainability Analyst
Median Salary: $55,000–$85,000
Job Outlook (2022–2032): 6% growth | Estimated Openings: 100,000+
Tasks: Conducting field studies, analyzing environmental data, developing sustainability solutions, and writing reports.
Recommended CLEP Exams: Biology, Chemistry, Natural Sciences, College Algebra
Paralegal Studies
Career Paths: Paralegal, Legal Assistant, Title Examiner
Median Salary: $45,000–$70,000
Job Outlook (2022–2032): 4% growth | Estimated Openings: 130,000+
Tasks: Conducting legal research, drafting documents, assisting attorneys during trial preparation.
Recommended CLEP Exams: American Government, Intro to Law (DSST), College Composition
Dental Hygiene
Career Paths: Dental Hygienist
Median Salary: $70,000–$95,000
Job Outlook (2022–2032): 7% growth | Estimated Openings: 125,000+
Tasks: Cleaning teeth, taking x-rays, educating patients on oral health.
Recommended CLEP Exams: Biology, Chemistry, College Algebra
HVAC Technology
Career Paths: HVAC Technician, Refrigeration Mechanic
Median Salary: $48,000–$65,000
Job Outlook (2022–2032): 6% growth | Estimated Openings: 190,000+
Tasks: Installing and maintaining heating and cooling systems in residential and commercial buildings.
Recommended CLEP Exams: College Math, Information Systems
Radiologic Technology
Career Paths: Radiologic Technologist
Median Salary: $60,000–$85,000
Job Outlook (2022–2032): 6% growth | Estimated Openings: 140,000+
Tasks: Performing x-rays and diagnostic imaging procedures under the supervision of physicians.
Recommended CLEP Exams: Biology, Chemistry, College Algebra
Early Childhood Education
Career Paths: Preschool Teacher, Childcare Center Director
Median Salary: $30,000–$50,000
Job Outlook (2022–2032): 5% growth | Estimated Openings: 250,000+
Tasks: Teaching basic skills, creating educational activities, managing classroom behavior.
Recommended CLEP Exams: Human Growth and Development, College Composition
Medical Assisting
Career Paths: Medical Assistant, Clinical Assistant
Median Salary: $38,000–$55,000
Job Outlook (2022–2032): 14% growth | Estimated Openings: 250,000+
Tasks: Taking patient histories, preparing patients for exams, assisting with procedures.
Recommended CLEP Exams: Biology, College Mathematics
Web Development
Career Paths: Web Developer, Front-End Developer
Median Salary: $60,000–$85,000
Job Outlook (2022–2032): 16% growth | Estimated Openings: 200,000+
Tasks: Designing and coding websites, maintaining content, optimizing performance and accessibility.
Recommended CLEP Exams: Information Systems, College Algebra
Criminal Justice (A.A.)
Career Paths: Correctional Officer, Court Clerk, Police Dispatcher
Median Salary: $40,000–$60,000
Job Outlook (2022–2032): 2% growth | Estimated Openings: 120,000+
Tasks: Overseeing incarcerated individuals, maintaining courtroom procedures, dispatching emergency calls.
Recommended CLEP Exams: American Government, Intro to Criminal Justice (DSST)