Best Online MBA in Finance Programs

Charlotte Cornbrooks
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Updated on September 23, 2024
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What exactly is an MBA in finance? Take a look at common courses and careers in this field and learn what to expect from an MBA in finance program.
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Best Online MBA Programs in Finance

If you’re interested in finance — a fast-paced environment, high salaries, maybe even a job on Wall Street — earning an MBA in finance could be an important step toward your dream career.

A finance MBA is a concentration option offered by many MBA programs. In addition to the basic financial management courses offered in standard MBA programs, finance students study more advanced concepts like business analytics and portfolio management. And online program options provide increased flexibility, letting you balance work or other responsibilities with school.

Once you complete an in-person or online MBA in finance, you’re prepared to pursue careers like financial manager, financial analyst, and maybe even chief financial officer. With many starting salaries around $95,000, this field often provides a good return on investment.

Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects faster-than-average growth for financial analysts and management analysts from 2022-2032.

Depending on whether you’re a young professional or midway through your career, you can find an MBA program that meets your needs online, in person, or in a hybrid format.

Still unsure about which MBA type of program to choose? Check out our ranking of the best online MBA programs.

Related MBA in Finance Programs That Might Interest You

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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The Best Accredited Online MBA in Finance Programs

#1 Best Online MBA in Finance Programs

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

  • Location-markerChapel Hill, NC
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,019
  • Out-of-state$34,198
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$10,552
  • Out-of-state$28,278
  • Retention Rate95%
  • Acceptance Rate25%
  • Students Enrolled30,092
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment91%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Online MBA in Finance Programs

Villanova University

  • Location-markerVillanova, PA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$56,730
  • Out-of-state$56,730
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$20,619
  • Out-of-state$20,619
  • Retention Rate96%
  • Acceptance Rate31%
  • Students Enrolled11,032
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment95%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Online MBA in Finance Programs

Pennsylvania State University-World Campus

  • Location-markerUniversity Park, PA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Retention Rate0%
  • Acceptance Rate0%
  • Students Enrolled0
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment0%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Online MBA in Finance Programs

Babson College

  • Location-markerWellesley, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$54,144
  • Out-of-state$54,144
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$89,550
  • Out-of-state$89,550
  • Retention Rate92%
  • Acceptance Rate27%
  • Students Enrolled3,340
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment79%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Best Online MBA in Finance Programs

University of Maryland-College Park

  • Location-markerCollege Park, MD
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$8,824
  • Out-of-state$34,936
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$13,158
  • Out-of-state$29,250
  • Retention Rate95%
  • Acceptance Rate51%
  • Students Enrolled40,709
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment93%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 Best Online MBA in Finance Programs

Purdue University-Main Campus

  • Location-markerWest Lafayette, IN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,208
  • Out-of-state$28,010
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$9,208
  • Out-of-state$28,010
  • Retention Rate93%
  • Acceptance Rate67%
  • Students Enrolled46,655
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment82%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 Best Online MBA in Finance Programs

Texas A & M International University

  • Location-markerLaredo, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$3,818
  • Out-of-state$13,634
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$3,350
  • Out-of-state$10,712
  • Retention Rate74%
  • Acceptance Rate59%
  • Students Enrolled8,525
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment59%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 Best Online MBA in Finance Programs

Webster University

  • Location-markerSaint Louis, MO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$28,500
  • Out-of-state$28,500
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$13,500
  • Out-of-state$13,500
  • Retention Rate77%
  • Acceptance Rate53%
  • Students Enrolled8,197
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment59%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 Best Online MBA in Finance Programs

University of North Carolina Wilmington

  • Location-markerWilmington, NC
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,443
  • Out-of-state$18,508
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$4,719
  • Out-of-state$18,548
  • Retention Rate84%
  • Acceptance Rate68%
  • Students Enrolled17,915
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment95%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 Best Online MBA in Finance Programs

University of Delaware

  • Location-markerNewark, DE
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$12,730
  • Out-of-state$34,160
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$34,164
  • Out-of-state$34,164
  • Retention Rate90%
  • Acceptance Rate66%
  • Students Enrolled23,613
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment96%
  • AccreditationYes
#11 Best Online MBA in Finance Programs

Bethel University

  • Location-markerSaint Paul, MN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$38,870
  • Out-of-state$38,870
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,700
  • Out-of-state$11,700
  • Retention Rate85%
  • Acceptance Rate87%
  • Students Enrolled3,814
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment71%
  • AccreditationYes
#12 Best Online MBA in Finance Programs

Ball State University

  • Location-markerMuncie, IN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,482
  • Out-of-state$26,470
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$9,328
  • Out-of-state$25,542
  • Retention Rate80%
  • Acceptance Rate87%
  • Students Enrolled21,597
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment90%
  • AccreditationYes
#13 Best Online MBA in Finance Programs

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

  • Location-markerAmherst, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$15,791
  • Out-of-state$35,779
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$14,014
  • Out-of-state$30,120
  • Retention Rate89%
  • Acceptance Rate65%
  • Students Enrolled31,642
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment96%
  • AccreditationYes
#14 Best Online MBA in Finance Programs

Florida Atlantic University

  • Location-markerBoca Raton, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$2,522
  • Out-of-state$14,374
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$5,467
  • Out-of-state$16,695
  • Retention Rate82%
  • Acceptance Rate75%
  • Students Enrolled30,805
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment97%
  • AccreditationYes
#15 Best Online MBA in Finance Programs

Syracuse University

  • Location-markerSyracuse, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$53,432
  • Out-of-state$53,432
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$40,392
  • Out-of-state$40,392
  • Retention Rate89%
  • Acceptance Rate69%
  • Students Enrolled21,322
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment15%
  • AccreditationYes

What Is an MBA in Finance?


Programs can vary considerably, but an MBA in finance often focuses on one or more subdisciplines, such as corporate or international finance. MBA programs often feature the same two-year commitment as a standard master’s program, although some MBA pathways offer flexible study options to better accommodate working professionals.

These programs can be demanding, emphasizing experience-driven and practical training, and students often complete internships. In online programs, degree-seekers may need to satisfy residency requirements — distance learners should keep those in mind when choosing a school.

What Can I Expect From an Online MBA in Finance Program?

Like a standard MBA program, an online MBA in finance covers general business topics. However, these programs place additional emphasis and provide training specifically in finance. Graduates can manage finance teams, provide consulting and analytical services, and help organizations make more informed financial decisions.

Online programs often offer students improved flexibility and accessibility. An online degree may pay off for students in many ways, with some programs offering asynchronous classes, innovative online technologies, and flat tuition rates for all learners.

  • minus

    Corporate Finance

    Many of these finance courses are upper-level or elective classes in traditional MBA programs. However, a finance concentration offers a more comprehensive overview of the topic than a single course.
  • minus

    Financial Management

    A financial management course covers topics related to investment portfolio management, including asset allocation, portfolio optimization, trading, and more.
  • minus

    Supply Chain Management

    This course focuses on analytical tools to help with business operations, specifically risk mitigation, efficiency, and strategic management, among other things.
  • minus

    Business Analytics

    This class is tech-heavy, focusing on data analysis through predictive modeling. Some universities classify business analytics as a STEM course.
  • minus

    Portfolio Management

    This course builds on basic financial concepts and includes topics such as hedge funds, index funds, socially responsible investments, and more.

What Can I Do With a Finance MBA?

An MBA in finance can position you well for a rewarding, high-paying career. The BLS projects 17% job growth for financial managers between 2023 and 2033, which is more than five times faster than the average projected growth rate for all occupations. In addition to opening up numerous job opportunities, an MBA in finance qualifies professionals for some of the most lucrative positions in the business sector.

Degree-seekers can also boost their employability even more by specializing in a subdiscipline. Choosing a specialization like corporate finance, portfolio management, risk management, or financial management can help learners focus their training and strengthen their chances of finding meaningful employment in those fields.

Financial managers supervise major financial activities for organizations. They manage staff, optimize financial processes, and look for investment opportunities. These professionals need a bachelor’s degree at minimum, although many employers prefer hiring candidates with a graduate degree.

Median Annual Salary (2023):$156,100


Finance Not for You? Check Out These Related Careers

Is an MBA in Finance Worth It?

An MBA in finance can help graduates gain access to specialized industries, careers, and projects. These advanced degrees can provide graduates with a competitive advantage over their peers.

All MBA applicants should consider the possible return on investment for their degree, comparing tuition rates and average salaries of potential careers. MBA in finance graduates may qualify for positions like financial manager, financial analyst, and financial examiner. The top 10% of earners in each of these professions make $160,000 per year or higher.

However, an MBA does not automatically qualify all graduates for the same positions, nor does every student meet admission requirements for these oftentimes competitive programs. As an alternative, aspiring or current finance professionals may consider pursuing a graduate certificate in a specific finance discipline, an industry certification, and/or a standard master’s degree in finance.

Find the Tools You Need to Get Started on Your Degree

Why Get an MBA in Finance Instead of a Master’s in Finance?

Prospective finance students can choose between an MBA in finance and a master of science in finance. While both degrees can lead to similar career paths, MBA programs typically feature more leadership training and may better equip graduates for management positions.

While many of the best online master’s in finance programs offer similarly in-depth finance education, MBA programs may better connect the theory covered in coursework to broader organizational activities.

Aspiring learners might also decide to enroll in a dual MBA and master’s in finance program, which features an interdisciplinary approach. For more information on these types of programs, check out our dual-degree program guide.

Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs.

Frequently Asked Questions About MBA in Finance Programs

Like any degree program, the difficulty will depend largely on the specific program and your preparation going into it. Generally, an MBA in finance is not harder than an MBA with a different concentration.

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