Best Online Finance Degree Programs of 2025
Considering a degree in finance? Here’s what you can expect when it comes to cost, requirements, and job outlook.
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2025Business might be one of the most popular majors, but among business degrees, finance stands out.
A finance degree will teach you skills in financial analysis, investment, risk management, and budgeting to help businesses and individuals make strategic economic decisions. These skills can open doors to careers such as financial manager or investment banker.
Also, note that finance majors benefit from higher starting salaries and employment rates compared to other business majors, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
If you’re considering earning a finance degree, check out our list of the best online finance degree programs that offer a flexible schedule and lower tuition costs.
Finance Degree Highlights
- Starting salaries for finance majors are $8,500 higher than average.
- Financial analysts earn a median pay of over $100,000.
- Finance is one of the top 5 most popular business concentrations.
Top Online Finance Degree Programs
How We Rank Schools
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Minneapolis, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
UMN's online BS in finance offers both an affordable and rigorous educational experience. The multidisciplinary program complements a core business focus with courses in accounting, operations management, and marketing. We like how this helps students understand finance in a broader business context.
The 120-credit curriculum emphasizes the balance between financial performance and risk. It also covers finance strategies, investment management, and personal financial management. The online degree program also offers more elective slots than UMN's campus-based finance program, enhancing personalization opportunities.
Highlights
- 100% online
- Accredited by ACBSP
- $448 per credit
Know Before You Apply
- No concentration tracks
- Allowable maximum of two "D" grades in required coursework
37%
$14,496
91%
$34,410
- Acceptance Rate
- 77%
- Students Enrolled
- 54,890
- Institution Type
- Public
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
- Stillwater, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
OSU Online's BSBA in finance program combines a 45-credit finance curriculum with a nine-course general business sequence to build a strong and versatile foundation for career entry. We like how the program also includes 18 upper-division open finance electives, which allows students to self-design a specialization pathway.
Finance and business coursework emphasizes quantitative skills through required courses in data analytics and statistical analysis. The curriculum also covers communication skills, business management, accounting, economics, and banking to develop highly transferable professional skills and knowledge.
Highlights
- Asynchronous 100% online coursework
- Specialized scholarship opportunities
- Accredited by AACSB
Know Before You Apply
- Limitations on transfer credits
- Minimum GPA of 2.50 required for graduation
53%
$ 5,417
84%
$20,937
- Acceptance Rate
- 71%
- Students Enrolled
- 26,008
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
- Whitewater, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
UWW's online bachelor's in finance highlights convenience and flexibility with a self-paced, 100% online delivery structure. The program emphasizes concepts including corporate finance, security valuation methods, and banking strategies. It leads to career opportunities in both personal financial management and corporate settings.
We especially like UWW's networking profile. The program specifically prompts interpersonal interactions, creating many opportunities to form potentially valuable peer relationships. UWW also has an extensive alumni network, thanks to its status as Wisconsin's largest AACSB-accredited business school.
Highlights
- Asynchronous delivery
- No campus requirements
- $412 per credit
Know Before You Apply
- Candidates can "test drive" the online program before applying
- Some electives are not offered online
55%
$ 8,146
78%
$17,688
- Acceptance Rate
- 94%
- Students Enrolled
- 11,522
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Birmingham, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
UAB's online BS in finance features a customizable curriculum with options in banking, corporate finance, insurance, investment management, and real estate. We like the program's practical focus: Finance students have the opportunity to help manage UAB's Green & Gold Fund, which contains assets valued at more than $1 million.
Learners also have the option of pursuing an accelerated bachelor's-to-master's path, which saves advanced degree-seekers time and money. Master's degree options extend to accounting, management information systems, and UAB's acclaimed MBA program.
Highlights
- Accredited by AACSB
- Internships available year-round
- Enhanced online learning experience
Know Before You Apply
- Minimum "C" grade required in all finance courses
- Experiential education requirements apply
- Much higher out-of-state tuition fees
68%
$11,040
82%
$26,520
- Acceptance Rate
- 87%
- Students Enrolled
- 21,639
- Institution Type
- Public
The Pennsylvania State University
- University Park, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Penn State's online BS in finance prepares students to succeed in advanced business careers. The curriculum builds the specialized knowledge needed to pass exams leading to Chartered Financial Analyst and Certified Financial Planner credentials.
Coursework covers everything from personal financial management to large corporate investment portfolios. We like how the program proceeds into specialized finance coursework after building accounting, business, and economics fundamentals.
Beyond comprehensive hard skills in finance and financial management, the program also develops important supplementary proficiencies. Areas of focus include professional ethics, critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving.
Highlights
- Self-paced coursework
- 100% online delivery
- Accredited by AACSB
Know Before You Apply
- Entry-to-major requirements apply
- Dean's review required for applicants with 45+ transfer credits
54%
$15,400
87%
$25,084
- Acceptance Rate
- 92%
- Students Enrolled
- 88,914
- Institution Type
- Public
Oregon State University
- Corvallis, OR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
OSU's online finance program leads to the student's choice of a BA or BS. The 180-quarter-credit curriculum also includes opportunities to earn microcredentials and certificates.
We like the program's built-in specialization options. Students can pursue an honors degree, an accelerated bachelor's-to-master's pathway, or a concentration in financial planning or international business.
OSU's College of Business also features a Career Success Center, which is fully available to online students. The center offers recruitment programs, internship support, networking events, and career development guidance.
Highlights
- $392 per credit
- Four start dates
- Accredited by AACSB
Know Before You Apply
- Extensive general education requirements
- Limited experiential coursework
56%
$10,425
87%
$31,200
- Acceptance Rate
- 83%
- Students Enrolled
- 34,292
- Institution Type
- Public
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- Greensboro, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
UNCG's online BS in finance offers a close study of financial markets and their profit opportunities. Coursework also covers managerial proficiencies, finance analytics, and oral and written communication skills.
Students have the additional option of pursuing an accelerated bachelor's-to-master's program. This pathway combines a BA in finance with an MBA or a master's in applied economics or international business.
We like the program's pedigree. In addition to prestigious AACSB accreditation, the BS in finance was also recognized with a UNCG Assessment of Learning Award for academic excellence.
Highlights
- Enriched learning opportunities through Spartan Investment Club
- Optional internships
- Sustainability-focused electives available
Know Before You Apply
- Pre-major requirements apply
- Minimum "C" grade required in all upper-level accounting, economics, and finance courses
69%
$ 4,422
76%
$19,582
- Acceptance Rate
- 90%
- Students Enrolled
- 17,743
- Institution Type
- Public
DeSales University
- Center Valley, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
DeSales' online BS in finance offers a generalist track and concentrations in data analytics or financial planning. We like how each option emphasizes sharply focused analytical skills that incorporate key concepts from both accounting and economics.
With accelerated courses and flexible scheduling, the program specifically appeals to adult learners balancing schooling with external commitments. Students with existing college coursework can take advantage of generous transfer credit policies, which allow them to transfer up to 75 of the program's required 120 credits.
Highlights
- Accredited by ACBSP
- Receive credit for non-academic experience
- Tuition deferments available
Know Before You Apply
- Eligibility restricted to nontraditional learners
- Required Christian theology coursework
44%
$41,100
81%
$41,100
- Acceptance Rate
- 79%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,929
- Institution Type
- Private
Northwood University
- Midland, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Northwood's online finance program offers an "anytime, anywhere" delivery model that excels at accommodating busy adults and working professionals. The curriculum also offers courses that specifically prepare students for the Chartered Financial Analyst or Certified Financial Planner examinations.
We like the breadth of the 100% online, ACBSP-accredited program. Beyond the intensive finance requirements, students complete required courses in business management, economics, productivity software, oral communication, environmental science, and ethics. This structure develops well-rounded viewpoints and skills that are highly relevant to modern business environments.
Highlights
- Immediate immersion in major-related coursework
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- Customizable curriculum
Know Before You Apply
- Accelerated bachelor's-to-MBA track not available online
- Online course requirements may differ from the face-to-face program
70%
$30,020
81%
$30,020
- Acceptance Rate
- 80%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,246
- Institution Type
- Private
Missouri State University-Springfield
- Springfield, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Missouri State's online BS in finance offers concentration tracks in corporate finance and investing, financial planning, and financial technology (fintech). Each path offers extensive coursework in the concentration area, with the fintech path also offering internship opportunities.
We especially like how each of the three concentration pathways offers its own unique sequence of specially focused courses. Missouri State helps students navigate their many course options through the Business Advisement Center, an academic support resource uniquely available to business majors and minors.
Highlights
- Accredited by AACSB
- Job placement assistance
- Prepare for Chartered Financial Analyst Level 1 examination
Know Before You Apply
- Pre-major academic requirements apply
- Students must declare a concentration
53%
$ 7,812
79%
$16,716
- Acceptance Rate
- 91%
- Students Enrolled
- 23,418
- Institution Type
- Public
Why You Should Get a Finance Degree
Access Varied Career Paths: A finance degree can open the door to careers in finance, insurance, business, tech, healthcare, and many other growing industries.- Build Important Skills: While studying finance, you’ll strengthen analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
- Prepare for Grad School: You can prepare for an MBA program or another business degree with a bachelor’s in finance.
Benefits of Getting a Finance Degree Online
- 94% of online business students and grads say their degree has a positive ROI.
- 97% of online students would recommend online education.
- Accredited online programs meet the same high academic standards as in-person programs.
How to Choose the Best Online Finance Degree Program for You
Consider the total cost, program length, application requirements, and job outlook when researching online finance programs to find the best fit for you.
How Much Does an Online Finance Degree Cost?
In-State Median Tuition and Fees (2020)
$8,235
In-State Median Net Price (2020)
$4,219
Out-of-State Avg. Tuition & Fees (2019-2020)
$21,129
Out-of-State Avg. Net Price (2019-2020)
$12,392
Source: NCES PowerStats
Tuition costs vary widely between public and private schools. According to 2022-23 data from the National Center for Education Statistics, tuition at an in-state public institution can cost around $10,000 per year. On the other hand, private nonprofit institutions may charge as much as $40,000 per year.
On top of tuition, you’ll need to factor in textbooks and living expenses.
Fortunately, financial aid can significantly lower the sticker price of college. Make sure to complete the FAFSA, apply for scholarships, and look into grants or other tuitions assistance programs to lower your expenses. If you need any help determining your options, contact your school’s financial aid department.
Find Financial Aid for Your Online MSW
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor’s in Finance Degree?
Typical # of Credits
120 Credits
Typical Program Length
4 Years
Earning a bachelor’s in finance as a full-time student usually takes around four years. You can shorten that timeframe by transferring credits or gaining credit for experience. Also, consider an accelerated online program, as these allow you to complete courses in less time by offering condensed schedules or year-round classes.
Bachelor of Science in Finance Application Requirements
Official transcripts- Standardized test scores
- Resume
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
What Can You Do With a Finance Degree?
A bachelor’s in finance prepares you for many high-paying, in-demand roles. Financial analysts, for example, earn a median pay of $101,910 per year, with a projected job growth of 9% from 2023-33, according to May 2023 BLS data.
Learn more about other popular finance jobs in the table below.
| Job | 2024 Median Annual Salary | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Analysts | $87,930 | Create budget reports, track spending, and ensure budget proposals follow regulations |
| Financial Managers | $161,700 | Develop investment strategies, evaluate financial risks, oversee financial analysts |
| Personal Financial Advisors | $102,140 | Recommend saving and investing strategies, manage portfolios |
| Financial Services Sales Agents | $78,140 | Consult on financial services for businesses and clients, manage investments |
| Financial Risk Specialists | $106,000 | Evaluate investment strategies to limit loss and minimize financial damage |
Is an Online Finance Degree Worth It?
Earning your finance degree online can pay off. Adult learners benefit from the flexibility of an online learning format, which makes it easier to work while advancing your education. And with a bachelor’s in finance, you can increase your earning potential and move into higher-paying roles.
Recent finance majors reported a starting salary of over $72,000, according to 2023 NACE data. And finance professionals can increase their salaries with experience, specialized skills, or a master’s degree.
Frequently Asked Questions About Finance Degrees
Earning a bachelor’s degree in finance provides the best preparation for finance careers, including as a financial analyst. You can also consider related business majors or a finance minor to pursue careers in this high-paying field.
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