Best way to start?

[bettyboopjkt]

Hi, 

I'm 40 and live outside of the US but would like to get an online degree from an institution registered in the US. 

I completed high school and did some tertiary level courses over 20 years ago- lost transcripts due to moving around a lot, and in order to get copies, I have to submit forms in person (can't travel due to pandemic). 

So basically, I have no transcripts, can I even enroll in any uni-level courses or should I get an online high school diploma from somewhere like Penn Foster etc?

I'd like to get a degree in psychology, liberal arts, or English and ideally would like to complete it in less than 2-3 years, for under 5000 dollars in total if possible, then continue my studies and get a Masters. 

I would really appreciate any advice from this forum. 

Thank you!