Best Online Finance Degrees 2024

An online finance degree can really pay off on the job market. Find out how to earn yours.
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Best Online Bachelor's Programs in Finance

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 $76,850 in May 2022 — 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.

What Are the Best Online Bachelor's in Finance Programs?

We use datasets from sources like 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. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.

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#1 Best Online Finance Degrees 2024

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. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,721
Out-of-state
$16,529
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,912
Out-of-state
$21,393
Retention Rate
90%
Acceptance Rate
64%
Students Enrolled
56,664
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
65% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Online Finance Degrees 2024

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. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,417
Out-of-state
$20,937
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,611
Out-of-state
$21,114
Retention Rate
83%
Acceptance Rate
68%
Students Enrolled
24,577
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
52% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Online Finance Degrees 2024

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.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,065
Out-of-state
$29,456
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,446
Out-of-state
$27,297
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
89%
Students Enrolled
33,193
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
52% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#4 Best Online Finance Degrees 2024

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.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,519
Out-of-state
$15,391
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,270
Out-of-state
$18,153
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
83%
Students Enrolled
11,446
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
70% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Online Finance Degrees 2024

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.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,593
Out-of-state
$16,385
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,558
Out-of-state
$12,920
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
96%
Students Enrolled
2,219
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
90% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Best Online Finance Degrees 2024

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. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,400
Out-of-state
$25,084
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$23,189
Out-of-state
$39,248
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
88,914
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
54% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#7 Best Online Finance Degrees 2024

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. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$1,000
Out-of-state
$5,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,435
Out-of-state
$14,842
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
79%
Students Enrolled
11,877
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
54% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Best Online Finance Degrees 2024

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.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,568
Out-of-state
$20,400
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,100
Out-of-state
$19,188
Retention Rate
84%
Acceptance Rate
89%
Students Enrolled
22,289
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
66% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 Best Online Finance Degrees 2024

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.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,422
Out-of-state
$19,581
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,219
Out-of-state
$18,937
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
91%
Students Enrolled
19,038
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
82% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Best Online Finance Degrees 2024

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.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,822
Out-of-state
$10,822
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
70%
Acceptance Rate
48%
Students Enrolled
2,304
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
57% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

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

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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.

Featured Online Programs

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

What Can You Do With an Online Finance Degree?

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    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.
  • Check Circle

    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.
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    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 Finance Degree?

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 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

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

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:

  • Minus

    Financial Accounting

    This concentration places an emphasis on accounting concepts, including analyzing financial statements and interpreting data to inform business decisions.
  • Minus

    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.
  • Minus

    International Finance

    Graduates with this concentration garner knowledge that prepares them to succeed in the global marketplace.
  • Minus

    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.
  • Minus

    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
$76,850

Financial Analysts
$96,220

Source: BLS, May 2022

Many finance majors work in business or finance. These professionals reported a median wage of $76,850 in May 2022. 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?

Finance Careers
Career Path Median Annual Salary (2022) Job Outlook (2022-2032)
Financial Analyst $96,220 8%
Budget Analyst $82,260 3%
Management Analyst $95,290 10%
Market Research Analyst $68,230 13%
Personal Financial Advisor $95,390 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?

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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?

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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?

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In 2022, financial risk specialists working in securities, commodity contracts, and investments earned a median salary of $128,880, according to the BLS. The top 10% of financial analysts earned more than $169,940.

Is an online finance degree worth it?

Chevron Down

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.

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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