The best online bachelor's degrees in finance equip graduates with the expertise and credentials to pursue positions including financial advisory, examiner, and analyst careers.
The ever-increasing complexities of the financial world has created a demand that can only be satisfied by trained financial professionals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the addition of more than 750,000 business and financial occupations 2020-30.
Here, we take a look at the best online finance degrees that could help meet the growing demand in the field.
Top 5 online schools for finance
College | Program stats | How much? |
Florida International University Miami, FL |
| Per credit hour $228.81 in-state $345.87 out-of-state Application fee: $30 |
University Park, PA |
| Per semester (full-time): $7,169 per semester Application fee: $65 |
Commerce, TX |
| Per semester (12 credits) $4,331.55 in-state $9,239.55 out-of-state Application fee: $75 |
University of Wisconsin Whitewater Whitewater, WI |
| Per credit hour: $389 Application fee: Free |
University of Minnesota Crookston Crookston, MN |
| Per semester (full-time): $11,382 Application fee: $30 |
The 25 best online bachelor's in finance degrees
To provide the most relevant rankings for readers, we pull publicly available data from the most reputable sources. Read ZDnet's ranking methodology to find out what information we used to create the below ranking of the best online bachelor's in finance degrees.
Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard.
1. Florida International University
Miami, Florida
About the program: FIU's 120-credit online finance degree combines theoretical and practical training in financial engineering, corporate finance, and international finance. The degree also prepares graduates to solve complex financial problems using the latest technologies.
- Acceptance rate: 65%
- Graduation rate: 58%
- Annual net price: $7,296
- Years to degree: Four (part-time and accelerated schedules may be available)
- SAT range: 570-650
- Minimum GPA: 2.5
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
2. Penn State World Campus
University Park, Pennsylvania
About the program: Penn State's online finance degree features 120 credits of training in fields such as capital management, personal finance, and financial analysis. The program prepares graduates for certified financial planner and chartered financial analyst certifications.
- Acceptance rate: 76%
- Graduation rate: 73%
- Annual net price: $27,372
- Years to degree: Four (part-time and accelerated schedules are available)
- SAT range: 540-640
- Minimum GPA: 2.0
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
3. Texas A&M University-Commerce
Commerce, Texas
About the program: TAMUC's online finance degree includes 120 credits of studies in investment and portfolio management, capital management, and financial institutions. The training prepares graduates to earn industry certifications.
- Acceptance rate: 43%
- Graduation rate: 55%
- Annual net price: $13,017
- Years to degree: Four (part-time schedules may be available)
- SAT range: 480-580
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery methods: Online, synchronous and asynchronous
4. University of Wisconsin Whitewater
Whitewater, Wisconsin
About the program: UWW's 120-credit online finance degree covers corporate financial management, real estate, banking, and insurance. The program also includes a 20-hour community service practicum.
- Acceptance rate: 79%
- Graduation rate: 63%
- Annual net price: $15,249
- Years to degree: Four (part-time schedules are available)
- SAT range: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
5. University of Minnesota Crookston
Crookston, Minnesota
About the program: UMC's online finance degree features 120 credits of training in tax, insurance, investments, and corporate finance. Students also acquire technology and business analytics skills.
- Acceptance rate: 68%
- Graduation rate: 56%
- Annual net price: $10,952
- Years to degree: Four (part-time and accelerated schedules are available)
- SAT range: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: Varies
- Enrollment periods per year: Two
- Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
6. University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, Massachusetts
About the program: UMass Amherst's 120-credit online finance degree includes training in bank management, financial modeling, and advanced corporate finance.
- Acceptance rate: 64%
- Graduation rate: 77%
- Annual net price: $22,501
- Years to degree: Three to four (part-time and accelerated schedules may be available)
- SAT range: 590-680
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
- Enrollment periods per year: Four
- Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
7. University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama
About the program: UAB's online finance degree provides training in financial analysis, real estate investment, and portfolio management. The business school emphasizes leadership and innovation.
- Acceptance rate: 74%
- Graduation rate: 55%
- Annual net price: $16,953
- Years to degree: Four (part-time schedules may be available)
- SAT range: 560-680
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery methods: Online, synchronous and asynchronous
8. SUNY Canton
Canton, New York
About the program: SUNY Canton's online finance degree features 121 credits of classroom and hands-on instruction, including training in global investments and managerial accounting.
- Acceptance rate: 85%
- Graduation rate: 47%
- Annual net price: $13,864
- Years to degree: Four (part-time schedules may be available)
- SAT range: 460-550
- Minimum GPA: 2.0
- Enrollment periods per year: Two
- Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
9. Louisiana State University in Shreveport
Shreveport, Louisiana
About the program: LSUS' 120-credit online finance degree has a financial analysis concentration and features courses in business finance, international finance, and investments.
- Acceptance rate: 84%
- Graduation rate: 35%
- Annual net price: $8,952
- Years to degree: Four (accelerated and part-time schedules may be available)
- SAT range: 493-583
- Minimum GPA: 2.0
- Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
- Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
10. Missouri State University
Springfield, Missouri
About the program: MSU's online finance degree features tracks for financial planning and corporate and investment finance. The program prepares graduates for the chartered financial analyst certification exam.
- Acceptance rate: 88%
- Graduation rate: 57%
- Annual net price: $16,725
- Years to degree: Four (part-time schedules may be available)
- SAT range: 520-620
- Minimum GPA: 2.5
- Enrollment periods per year: Two
- Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
11. University of Houston-Downtown
Houston, Texas
About the program: UHD's online finance degree includes courses in small business finance and treasury risk management. The program prepares graduates for the certified treasury professional, chartered financial planners, and chartered financial analysts certifications.
- Acceptance rate: 89%
- Graduation rate: 43%
- Annual net price: $6,848
- Years to degree: Four (part-time and accelerated schedules may be available)
- SAT range: 460-540
- Minimum GPA: 2.5
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery methods: Online, synchronous and asynchronous
12. University of Houston-Clear Lake
Houston, Texas
About the program: UHCL's 120-credit online finance degree focuses on corporate investing, valuation, and budgeting. The program offers various practical opportunities, including internships.
- Acceptance rate: 74%
- Graduation rate: 70%
- Annual net price: $10,612
- Years to degree: Four (part-time and accelerated schedules may be available)
- SAT range: 510-600
- Minimum GPA: Varies
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
13. Dickinson State University
Dickinson, North Dakota
About the program: DSU's 117-credit online finance degree combines training in mathematics, accounting, finance, and business. Courses include financial markets, international finance, and investments.
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Graduation rate: 35%
- Annual net price: $10,855
- Years to degree: Four (part-time schedules may be available)
- SAT range: 490-560
- Minimum GPA: 2.0
- Enrollment periods per year: Two
- Course delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
14. Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, New Hampshire
About the program: SNHU's online finance degree features 120 credits of training in financial planning, forecasting, and decision-making.
- Acceptance rate: 88%
- Graduation rate: 47%
- Annual net price: $41,095
- Years to degree: Four (accelerated and part-time schedules are available)
- SAT range: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
- Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
- Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
15. Old Dominion University
Norfolk, Virginia
About the program: ODU's 120-credit online finance degree features courses in financial decision-making, international financial management, and portfolio management.
- Acceptance rate: 89%
- Graduation rate: 58%
- Annual net price: $16,493
- Years to degree: Four (part-time and accelerated schedules are available)
- SAT range: 500-600
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
- Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
- Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
16. Regis University
Denver, Colorado
About the program: Regis' 120-credit online finance degree provides training in financial analysis, forecasting, planning, and management.
- Acceptance rate: 71%
- Graduation rate: 57%
- Annual net price: $25,483
- Years to degree: Four (part-time and accelerated schedules may be available)
- SAT range: 520-630
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
- Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
- Course delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
17. Thomas Edison State University
Trenton, New Jersey
About the program: TESU's online finance degree features 120 credits of training, focusing on investments, financial markets and institutions, and financial management.
- Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
- Graduation rate: 46%
- Annual net price: Not publicly available
- Years to degree: Four (part-time and accelerated schedules are available)
- SAT range: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: 2.0
- Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
- Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
18. Metropolitan State University
St. Paul, Minnesota
About the program: Metropolitan State's 120-credit online finance degree emphasizes training in investments, portfolio and asset management, financial analysis and decision-making.
- Acceptance rate: 56%
- Graduation rate: 57%
- Annual net price: $15,225
- Years to degree: Four (part-time and accelerated schedules may be available)
- SAT range: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
19. Oral Roberts University
Tulsa, Oklahoma
About the program: ORU's 120-credit online finance degree offers courses in federal income tax accounting, capital markets, and principles of estate planning.
- Acceptance rate: 68%
- Graduation rate: 46%
- Annual net price: $22,248
- Years to degree: 3.5 (part-time and accelerated schedules are available)
- SAT range: 498-630
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
- Enrollment periods per year: Two
- Course delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
20. LeTourneau University
Longview, Texas
About the program: LETU's 120-credit online finance degree focuses on financial modeling and provides training in capital budgeting analysis, risk management and insurance, and value securities.
- Acceptance rate: 45%
- Graduation rate: 56%
- Annual net price: $23,196
- Years to degree: Four (part-time schedules may be available)
- SAT range: 550-650
- Minimum GPA: 2.0
- Enrollment periods per year: Two
- Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
21. Albertus Magnus College
New Haven, Connecticut
About the program: Albertus' online finance degree prepares graduates for the personal financial planning and corporate finance fields. The program features courses in business, accounting, and financial management.
- Acceptance rate: 83%
- Graduation rate: 65%
- Annual net price: $26,015
- Years to degree: Four (accelerated and part-time schedules are available)
- SAT range: 430-560
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
- Enrollment periods per year: Two
- Course delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
22. University of Maryland Global Campus
Largo, Maryland
About the program: UMGC's online finance degree features 120 credits of theoretical and practical training in financial information analysis, security markets, and business decision-making. The program prepares graduates for the certified financial planner certification.
- Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
- Graduation rate: 28%
- Annual net price: $14,288
- Years to degree: Four (accelerated and part-time schedules are available)
- SAT range: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: 2.0
- Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
- Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
23. Columbia College
Columbia, Missouri
About the program: CC's online finance degree provides 120 credits of training in individual, small business, and corporate finance. Students also learn about the markets and investments.
- Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
- Graduation rate: 32%
- Annual net price: $26,730
- Years to degree: Four (part-time and accelerated schedules are available)
- SAT range: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
- Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
- Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
24. Davenport University
Grand Rapids, Michigan
About the program: DU's 120-credit online finance degree includes courses in data analysis, budgeting, and international business and controls. A financial planning specialty is available.
- Acceptance rate: 82%
- Graduation rate: 27%
- Annual net price: $16,098
- Years to degree: Four (part-time schedules are available)
- SAT range: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
- Enrollment periods per year: Six
- Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
25. National University
San Diego, California
About the program: NU's online financial management degree includes training in tax laws and regulations, corporate finance, and financial decision-making.
- Acceptance rate: 89%
- Graduation rate: 34%
- Annual net price: Not publicly available
- Years to degree: Three to four (accelerated and part-time schedules are available)
- SAT range: 370-600
- Minimum GPA: 2.0
- Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
- Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Insights from a finance graduate
Lea Landaverde is a first-generation, queer Latina. She received her bachelor's degree in finance from Dixie State University. She is the founder of The Riqueza Collective, a wealth coaching business; podcast host of Mi Riqueza Podcast; and a financial literacy professor for incarcerated youth.
Lea has six-plus years of experience in the financial industry, including wealth management, investment banking, and financial literacy education. Her mission is to break generational money curses for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ through finding building wealth. Lea is also an advocate for mental health, immigrants, and BIPOC and LGBTQ+ rights.
ZDNet: What's a typical day for you, working in finance?
Lea Landaverde: I coach clients to create relationships with money. Together, we implement healing mechanisms for their money mindsets, create budgets, identify spending habits, and create saving plans and debt strategies. However, when I'm not working with clients, I'm creating content for them through social media platforms with either collaborations or independent content. Additionally, I'm a professor who teaches basic personal finance topics like budgeting, career planning, and college planning.
I use a lot of concepts of personal finance and investing theory. I also use my corporate finance knowledge from school, especially when working on my own financial reporting with my business.
I am an entrepreneur, so I make my schedule. I like to keep it 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or I split my days 9 a.m. to noon and noon to 5 p.m., depending on how busy I am.
ZDNet: What are the most rewarding aspects of your career? What are the most challenging aspects of your career?
LL: The most rewarding aspect of my career is that finance has so many aspects it touches on. I've been in wealth management through retirement planning and investment banking through client onboarding. I've gotten to work on building tech for the firm. Especially now, I get to work in education with coaching and teaching, and I've fallen in love with it. Find your niche that you enjoy!
The most challenging aspect of my career is that the industry is made to be intimidating, which then pushes out minorities and women. The percentage of women and people of color in finance is small, but the more of us that enter, the more we challenge this system and fear of finance.
ZDNet: What misconceptions do people have about majoring in finance, and what would you tell them?
LL: Many people think there is just one sector of finance and that it has to do with investing, but that's not the case. There are various sub-industries in finance, such as corporate finance, financial services, financial coaching, investment banking, financial operations, financial tech, wealth management, and many others.
ZDNet: What was the most challenging course you took as a finance major? What advice would you give to students who are about to start this course?
LL: The most challenging course I took was investing, especially when we got into the theory of returns on investments. A lot of statistics ends up being involved with portfolio returns and individual stock returns. My advice would be:
Decimals matter in formulas.
The theory can be intimidating, but the application of it in one's life or in a job doesn't always get that technical, unless if you're a financial engineer or in quantitative analysis.
Most importantly, take time to study it. Don't rush the concept.
What to expect in an online bachelor's in finance degree program
Though bachelor's in finance programs vary by specialization and teaching methods,most feature training in taxation, investments, and financial decision-making.
Completing an online finance degree requires independent work, though classroom collaborations, practical assignments, and internships may still play a significant role. Online learners need to be self-motivated, proactive, and detail oriented.
Finance degrees often combine theoretical and practical training, along with traditional instruction, group projects, presentations, and exams.
In addition to electives, which allow learners to customize their training, many programs offer specialization paths such as international finance, financial management, and capital markets.
Finance courses
The following list highlights common courses found in finance degrees at the bachelor's level.
Financial accounting
This course covers basic operations and processes involved in the typical accounting cycle. Students learn about financial statements, transactions, and general financial and accounting concepts.
Income taxes
In this course, students learn tax policies for individuals and organizations. They master preparing tax returns, analyzing taxes, and making adjustments.
Financial planning principles
This course teaches how to help individuals and organizations arrange their finances and plan for the future. The training delves into savings and investment strategies, asset management, and taxation.
Investments
In this course, learners look at investment strategies for individuals and corporations. The training examines portfolio management, diversification, security trading, and international investments.
Finance degree levels
Prospective students should set their sights on the degree that best fits their goals.
Below, we provide details on various finance degree levels, highlighting what they offer and where they might lead.
Associate in finance
Length: Two years
Cost: $11,389 per year
Post-grad careers: Claims adjuster, accounting clerk, and insurance sales agent
An associate finance degree usually covers the field's fundamentals, preparing graduates for entry-level careers and further education. Students learn how to complete many basic financial duties within an organization and how to use finances to improve businesses' operations and decision-making.
Associate degrees often emphasize business foundations and general education, widely applicable training that can provide transfer credits if needed.
Bachelor's in finance
Length: Four years
Cost: $28,123 per year
Post-grad careers: Accountant, financial examiner, and financial manager
A finance bachelor's degree prepares graduates for many entry-level business and financial occupations. The training at this level often explores business fundamentals so learners can apply their financial expertise to business operations.
In addition to traditional instruction, these programs typically feature practical components, such as internships and simulations. Many bachelor's programs also offer specialization options, allowing learners to channel their training toward a certain field or career.
Master's in finance
Length: Two years
Cost: $19,792 per year
Post-grad careers: Budget analyst, financial analyst, and management analyst
A finance degree at the master's level delves into advanced financial theory, financial reporting, mathematics, and analysis. Students learn to support businesses through investing, financial decision-making, and different forms of analysis.
A finance master's usually incorporates research and practical components. Learners can typically choose a specialization. Graduates can pursue leadership positions, certifications, or further training.
Doctorate in finance
Length: 4-6 years
Cost: $19,792 per year
Post-grad careers: Postsecondary teacher, top executive, and compensation and benefits manager
A doctoral finance degree focuses on theoretical and empirical research. Students search for new theories, approaches, and practical applications. Graduates can pursue teaching or research positions in academia, and leadership positions in business and regulatory environments.
Ph.D. students usually concentrate their efforts and research on a specialization.
In conclusion
A finance degree offers flexibility in curricula, teaching methods, specializations, and career paths.
Graduates can pursue professions in business, healthcare, or the government. Their knowledge can improve decisions, operations, and financial outcomes.
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I'm a finance expert with in-depth knowledge and practical experience in the field. I hold a bachelor's degree in finance and have over six years of experience in various areas, including wealth management, investment banking, and financial literacy education. As the founder of The Riqueza Collective, a wealth coaching business, and a financial literacy professor for incarcerated youth, I have actively contributed to breaking generational money curses for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Now, let's dive into the concepts mentioned in the article about the best online bachelor's degrees in finance. The article highlights the top 5 online schools for finance and provides insights from a finance graduate, Lea Landaverde.
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Top 5 Online Schools for Finance:
- Florida International University (Miami, FL)
- Penn State World Campus (University Park, PA)
- Texas A&M University-Commerce (Commerce, TX)
- University of Wisconsin Whitewater (Whitewater, WI)
- University of Minnesota Crookston (Crookston, MN)
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Program Stats:
- Acceptance rate
- Graduation rate
- Program details such as credit hours, cost per credit hour, application fee, and additional features like success coaching or community service practicum.
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Insights from a Finance Graduate - Lea Landaverde:
- Lea's background, including being a first-generation, queer Latina.
- Her bachelor's degree in finance from Dixie State University.
- Her experience in the financial industry, covering wealth management, investment banking, and financial literacy education.
- Her mission to break generational money curses for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Lea's typical day in finance, her coaching approach, and content creation for social media.
- Challenges and rewards in her career, emphasizing the need for diversity in finance.
-
Common Finance Courses:
- Financial accounting
- Income taxes
- Financial planning principles
- Investments
-
Finance Degree Levels:
- Associate in finance (Two years)
- Bachelor's in finance (Four years)
- Master's in finance (Two years)
- Doctorate in finance (4-6 years)
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Key Information on Finance Degree Levels:
- Duration, cost, and post-grad career options for each degree level.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable information on top online schools, program stats, insights from a finance graduate, common courses, and various finance degree levels, offering flexibility in curricula and career paths for graduates. If you have any specific questions or need more details on a particular aspect, feel free to ask.
