Best Online Finance Degrees of 2024
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A finance degree is all about understanding and managing money: How it behaves in the market, how individuals should use it, and how to leverage it for business growth.
A bachelor's degree in finance is particularly valuable right now. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nearly 1 million new business and financial jobs are projected to open up each year from now until 2032. The BLS reports that business and financial professionals earned an annual median salary of $79,050 in May 2023 — and depending on your specialization, you can make much more.
Online finance programs make it easier than ever to break into the industry. Check out our rankings below to find a school that works for you.
Featured Online Finance Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Bachelor's in Finance Programs
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Florida International University
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB International
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $206
Out-of-State | $619
Credits to Graduate: 120
FIU's online bachelor of business administration in finance delivers a 100% remote, AACSB-accredited curriculum that uses a global lens to explore banking, finance, and investment management. Coursework also covers risk analysis and financial engineering.
Before they begin business classes, learners must complete prerequisite courses in accounting, economics, statistics, and calculus. The degree's 24-credit business core explores marketing, business law, operational and strategic management, and information systems.
In addition to upper-division courses in finance, enrollees also complete two professional development classes.
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB International
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $432
Out-of-State | $950
Credits to Graduate: 120
OSU's online bachelor of science in business administration in finance runs in a 100% online asynchronous format. The curriculum features a 72-credit core divided into three areas: the finance major, upper-division finance electives, and business coursework.
Courses in the finance major explore accounting, economics, statistics, investment, and financial management. Business courses cover topics like data analytics, business regulations, and strategic management.
OSU offers a flexible transfer credit policy. Students can transfer in up to half of their major requirements.
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB International
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $375
Out-of-State | $375
Credits to Graduate: 180 quarter credits
Oregon State's online finance degree includes BA and BS options. Students can choose from four start dates per year. Enrollees complete 85 credits in the program's business core and 28 credits of finance coursework, including classes like investments, advanced financial management, and principles of financial planning.
The degree also offers a financial planning specialization. Learners can pursue the degree as an honors program or enroll in the university's accelerated master's program to begin MBA or MS in business coursework while finishing their bachelor's degree.
University of Wisconsin Whitewater
Whitewater, WI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB International
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $395
Out-of-State | $395
Credits to Graduate: 119-123
UWW's online bachelor's in finance centers on enterprise financial management, investment analysis, and commercial banking. The degree also explores topics like real estate and insurance.
Learners take business courses such as operations management, principles of marketing, and organizational behavior. The degree requires twelve credits of upper-level finance electives, including an internship option.
Though the program does not include any in-person commitments, students should research course offerings, as the university does not offer every finance elective online.
Texas A&M University-Central Texas
Killeen, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB International
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $260
Out-of-State | $668
Credits to Graduate: 120
TAMUCT's online bachelor of business administration in finance prepares students for careers in enterprise finance, wealth management, and banking. In addition to coursework in money management and financial planning, students can pursue nine-credit microcredentials in five areas: business analytics and intelligence, cybersecurity, financial management and analysis, project management, and supply chain management.
The program develops business skills in domains like administration, communication, strategic thinking, and financial analysis. Students also build technical proficiencies in business software.
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB International
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $626-$671
Out-of-State | $626-$671
Credits to Graduate: 120
Penn State's online bachelor of science in finance equips students with the knowledge required to earn valuable professional certifications. Coursework helps prepare learners for chartered financial analyst (CFA) and certified financial planner (CFP) professional certification examinations.
Classes run in a 100% online asynchronous learning model and cover business management principles alongside finance concepts. Enrollees can access extracurricular learning activities like finance-related student organizations, a speaker series, and a student-managed investment fund.
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB International
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $42
Out-of-State | $208
Credits to Graduate: 120
WCU's online BSBA in finance features a concentration in personal financial planning. The program's structure includes a 36-credit business core and 21 credits of finance coursework. Required classes in the financial planning concentration focus on income taxation; personal money management; and retirement, trust, and estate planning.
Graduates of this program meet the academic requirements for the CFP professional certification exam. The school offers internship and study-abroad opportunities. The program also holds an annual financial services career fair on campus.
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB International
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $667
Out-of-State | $667
Credits to Graduate: 120
UAB's online bachelor of science in finance begins with foundational courses in financial literacy and business. Lower- and upper-level courses in accounting, economics, marketing, quantitative analysis, and related areas develop well-rounded business skills.
Finance major requirements cover financial accounting, real estate, portfolio management, and research proficiencies. The program also includes finance electives like cost accounting, risk management, and case studies in financial management. The degree concludes with a capstone experience in strategic business management.
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB International
Cost per Credit:
North Carolina Resident | $184
Outside North Carolina | $369
Non-North Carolina Resident | $840
Credits to Graduate: 120
UNCG's online bachelor of science in finance examines enterprise finance through analytical, operational, and theoretical lenses. This 100% online program emphasizes quantitative and mathematical proficiencies and prepares students for the CFA professional certification exam.
Enrollees complete a core of business courses, exploring topics like leadership development, global and cultural development, and the international economy. Finance-specific classes include investments, financial institutions and markets, and business finance.
The institution reports almost 80% of the school's finance alumni go on to secure in-field employment, while others pursue advanced degrees.
University of Minnesota Crookston
Crookston, MN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $442
Out-of-State | $442
Credits to Graduate: 120
U of M Crookston's online bachelor of science in finance highlights analysis and theory in its course content. The program's 40-credit finance core includes classes such as corporate finance, insurance and risk management, estate planning, and taxation.
In addition to finance coursework, U of M Crookston requires 22 credits of business classes that explore topics like management, marketing, and accounting. Students also complete an internship and a spreadsheet applications course to build technical proficiency.
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
Ranking Methodology Summary
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
What Can You Do With an Online Finance Degree?
-
What It's About
Finance majors study business, financial management, and economics. The degree emphasizes analytical skills through courses in investment strategy, financial analysis, and risk management. -
Purpose
With a bachelor's in finance, you'll qualify for in-demand, high-paying careers, like being a financial analyst. And a finance degree also prepares you for an MBA or other graduate programs. -
Popular Jobs
A finance degree can lead to a variety of finance careers in various industries. You might work as a financial analyst, budget analyst, or accountant.
Why Should I Get an Online Bachelor's Degree in Finance?
Trying to choose your major? Finance offers a strong return on investment. You'll qualify for high-paying jobs with a finance degree. And finance majors are also prepared for graduate programs like an MBA or a master's in finance.
Once you choose a major, consider whether an online format is the right fit for you.
Benefits of a Bachelor's Degree in Finance
- Finance majors gain in-demand analytical and management skills through their core business classes and advanced finance courses.
- A bachelor's in finance can lead to lucrative finance degree roles like financial analyst.
- The degree provides a solid foundation for business careers if you're interested in jobs outside of finance.
- With a bachelor's degree, you can also apply to graduate programs, such as an MBA.
Reasons to Get Your Finance Degree Online
- Attend a top-ranked online program with a strong placement record without having to relocate.
- An online format makes it easier for students to work while pursuing their bachelor's degrees.
- Compare online schools based on cost to find an affordable option that fits your budget.
- Build a national network while also gaining experience through a finance internship in your local area.
How Much Does a Finance Bachelor's Degree Cost?
Cost is one of the most important factors for prospective college students — and it's easy to see why. As costs continue to rise, many students are looking for ways to save on their degrees.
Choosing a public school can lower your costs. So can earning your finance bachelor's degree online. Make sure to research financial aid opportunities when comparing schools.
Average Annual Tuition Cost of a Bachelor's Degree | 2021-2022
Public Institution
$9,596
Private Institution
$34,041
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor's Degree in Finance Online?
Most online finance degrees consist of 120-128 credit hours, depending on your program and specialization. These programs take about four years of full-time enrollment to complete. Some schools offer accelerated bachelor's programs that reduce the time to completion.
Required Course Credits
120 Credits
Field Study Requirements (Y/N)
No
Concentrations for a Bachelor's in Finance Degree
Several concentrations lie within the broad scope of a finance degree. Concentrations enable students to develop specialized skills in their area of interest. Common concentrations include the following:
-
Financial Accounting
This concentration places an emphasis on accounting concepts, including analyzing financial statements and interpreting data to inform business decisions. -
Investments
With a focus on investment vehicles and security markets, students come away from this concentration with a strong understanding of investment practices. Graduates often go on to pursue careers as financial planners. -
International Finance
Graduates with this concentration garner knowledge that prepares them to succeed in the global marketplace. -
Risk Management
A focus on risk management entails learning the art of forecasting, analyzing, and managing financial risks. Graduates often go on to pursue careers in insurance. -
Corporate Finance
This concentration teaches you about financial planning, investments, and capital structuring, as well as other corporate-specific financial strategies.
Popular Finance Undergraduate Courses
As a finance major, you will most likely be required to complete a core curriculum focusing on economics, business, mathematics, and accounting. From there, you will get to dig into more focused finance coursework. Some popular courses include:
- Financial Modeling: Learn to build and analyze financial models to help make sound business decisions.
- Business and Economic Forecasting: Learn to predict, analyze, and leverage financial trends in order to protect your company and drive profits.
- Mergers and Acquisitions: Use real-world case studies to explore the many legal, ethical, strategic, and financial aspects of major corporate transactions that contribute to business growth.
- Federal Taxation for Businesses: Learn all about tax regulation, reporting, compliance, and planning.
How Much Do Finance Majors Make?
Median Annual Wage by Occupation
Business and Financial Occupations
$79,050
Financial Analysts
$99,010
Many finance majors work in business or finance. These professionals reported a median wage of $79,050 in May 2023. That's over $30,000 more than the median wage for all occupations, and some finance degree jobs pay even higher salaries.
What Jobs Can I Get With a Bachelor's in Finance Degree?
Career Path | Median Annual Salary (2023) | Job Outlook (2022-2032) |
---|---|---|
Financial Analyst | $99,010 | 8% |
Budget Analyst | $84,940 | 3% |
Management Analyst | $99,410 | 10% |
Market Research Analyst | $74,680 | 13% |
Personal Financial Advisor | $99,580 | 13% |
As a business degree, finance trains you for many career paths. You can become a financial analyst, gain work experience, and move into financial management roles. Or you can pursue budget analyst, financial manager, or risk analyst roles.
Related career paths include data analyst, actuary, or management analyst. Your business training can also lead to jobs in marketing, human resources, sales, and international business. A finance degree gives you a strong foundation for specialized training at the graduate level.
Everything Else You Need to Know About Bachelor's in Finance Degrees
Is finance a tough major?
It certainly involves some pretty complex concepts like financial modeling, quantitative analysis, and advanced accounting. But if you have an aptitude for math and can manage your schedule, you should do well.
What courses will I take in an online bachelor's in finance program?
Expect your coursework to cover topics like corporate finance, risk management, investments, financial analysis, and financial planning. Electives may be available that support your specific goals as well, including real estate finance, international finance, and financial technology.
What are the best-paying jobs with a bachelor's in finance?
In 2023, financial risk specialists working in securities, commodity contracts, and investments earned a median salary of $143,690, according to the BLS. The top 10% of financial analysts earned more than $175,840.
Is an online finance degree worth it?
It certainly can be. Students with an aptitude for mathematics, business, and analysis will find that an online finance degree can really pay off -- especially if they aim for high-paying roles with strong projected job growth, like personal financial advisor or management analyst.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed Jan. 18, 2024.