2023 Best Online Bachelor's in Finance Degrees
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An online bachelor's degree in finance is versatile, preparing graduates for a diverse range of career opportunities. Some of the many possibilities include financial analyst, personal financial planner, loan officer, and securities, commodities, and financial services salesperson. A bachelor's degree also provides a firm foundation for a master's degree in finance, which may be required for some occupations.
Some of the important learning outcomes of online bachelor's programs in finance include knowing how to evaluate data found in financial statements and other documents, use technological tools to study investments and manage portfolios, and make smart business decisions. Above all, students discover how real-world legal and economic influences impact monetary systems.
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Online Finance Bachelor's Degrees You May Be Interested In
Arizona State University
Southern New Hampshire University Online
Annual Tuition: $9,600
3 Programs (view all)
Grand Canyon University
2023 Best Online Bachelor's in Finance Degrees
| Rank | School | Salary Score | Median Starting Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Minnesota Online | $62,103 | ||
| Pennsylvania State University | 91 | $61,200 | |
| Rutgers University - Camden | 90 | $60,547 | |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | 83 | $57,557 | |
| Southern New Hampshire University Online | 76 | $55,580 | |
| University of Utah | 75 | $55,325 | |
| Utah State University | 72 | $54,241 | |
| Northeastern University Global Network | 65 | $52,540 | |
| University of Cincinnati | 63 | $52,015 | |
| Brigham Young University - Idaho | 62 | $51,955 |
2023 Online Colleges Offering Bachelor's Degrees
Ranking Details
#1 University of Minnesota Online
- Salary Score: 93
- Median Starting Salary: $62,103
- Locations: Minneapolis (MN) (and 4 others)
- Accreditation: HLC
The University of Minnesota Online (UMN), which is a public institution, offers an online Bachelor of Science in Finance. Some students complete the required 120 credit hours in four years, while others may need five to six years to earn their degree.
UMN students use the Canvas platform to access course materials, complete homework assignments, and interact with peers and instructors. In addition to classes in management, marketing, business communications, and accounting, students enrolled in this program take courses such as Managerial Finance, Corporate Finance, Financial Modeling and Valuation, and Investments. To graduate, students must also complete an internship.
#2 Pennsylvania State University
- Salary Score: 91
- Median Starting Salary: $61,200
- Locations: State College (PA)
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Students considering a finance degree from Pennsylvania State University have two online options: a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance or a Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration in financial services. Both programs require 120 credit hours, which some full-time students accomplish in four years.
At Penn State, students access their online courses through the Canvas learning system. The BS in business program gives students a broad foundation in all aspects of business with additional emphasis on wealth management, risk management, estate planning, portfolio analysis, and personal financial and retirement planning. The BS in finance is more tightly focused and designed to help students prepare for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Certified Financial Planner (CFP) examination.
#3 Rutgers University - Camden
- Salary Score: 90
- Median Starting Salary: $60,547
- Locations: Camden (NJ)
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Through the Rutgers University - Camden campus, students can earn an online Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in corporate finance. Many students complete the 120-credit hour program in four to five years. Rutgers, a public university, has a 67% acceptance rate and a 68% graduation rate.
Using the Canvas learning management system, corporate finance students take a range of common business courses as well as Short Term-Financial Management, Multinational Finance, and Business Valuation. Graduation also requires the completion of a capstone course in business policy. Enrollees who want to gain a global perspective on business and finance may want to participate in Rutgers' Learning Abroad program.
#4 University of Maryland Global Campus
- Salary Score: 83
- Median Starting Salary: $57,557
- Locations: Adelphi (MD)
- Accreditation: MSCHE
The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), which is a public university, offers exclusively online degree programs, including an online Bachelor of Science in Finance. The program requires 120 credit hours, and many students complete this degree in four to five years. This school accepts nearly all applicants and has a graduation rate of 28%.
UMGC uses the LEO learning platform to deliver its online courses. Finance majors take a mix of general business courses, such as management, economics, and accounting, with in-depth courses on financial analysis, money and banking, and more. Students who are interested in earning Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification can also opt for a course of study that prepares them to sit for the CFP exam.
#5 Southern New Hampshire University Online
- Salary Score: 76
- Median Starting Salary: $55,580
- Locations: Manchester (NH)
- Accreditation: NECHE
At Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), a private, nonprofit institution, prospective students can select from an online Bachelor of Science in Economics/Finance, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Finance, Bachelor of Science in Accounting Finance, or Bachelor of Science in Finance with an optional concentration in financial planning. All programs require 120 credit hours and are designed to be completed in four to five years.
Naturally, there is a great deal of variation in the curricula for these programs, but all combine general business courses with finance classes covering topics such as financial management, valuation, investments, and risk management. Finance majors who are already considering a master's degree may be interested in SNHU's accelerated BS-to-MS pathway.
Overview of Online Finance
Finance students have the option of earning degrees at every level through online programs. The associate degree curriculum introduces students to key topics in the field, such as financial institutions, financial statement analysis, global economic trends, and investments. Bachelor’s programs offer students a broader, more well-rounded education with additional general education and business core courses. Finance major courses may include analysis for financial management, ethics, financial markets and institutions, and investments and portfolio management. Bachelor’s programs usually include a capstone course, which requires enrollees to complete a business project.
Online graduate degrees in finance are designed for those who want to expand upon their undergraduate knowledge base. The core of the finance master's program includes courses in advanced business and finance areas, such as financial accounting, econometrics, and financial modeling. The curriculum of doctoral programs integrates theory, research, and students’ personal reflection with practice. Doctoral students are also required to take a comprehensive exam, conduct an original research project, and write a dissertation.
Is a Finance Degree Better Than an Accounting Degree?
Both finance and accounting are math-heavy programs that involve a great deal of analytical thinking, which some students may find challenging. However, these majors are well suited to those who are detail-oriented and enjoy working with numbers. Accounting focuses on documenting, tracking, and interpreting financial data primarily for business organizations, where finance is focused on the management, growth, and protection of money for individuals and organizations. Finance may be the more versatile of the two, as a degree in finance prepares students for a broad range of occupations in many types of work environments.
Interested in learning about similar degree programs? View OnlineU's lists of the best online bachelor's in accounting, best online bachelor's in business management, and accredited online bachelor's in economics programs.
Online Bachelor's Degrees in Finance
A bachelor’s degree in finance combines a core of business classes with the financial expertise to develop financial reports, analyze financial data, and effectively invest an individual's or organization’s capital. Some finance programs include courses from the arts and humanities for a Bachelor of Arts degree, while others focus on building industry-specific skills, leading to a Bachelor of Science degree. There are also some schools that offer a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in finance.
A bachelor’s degree in finance combines a core of business classes with the financial expertise to develop financial reports, analyze financial data, and effectively invest an individual's or organization’s capital.
Like most bachelor's degrees, a finance degree typically requires the completion of 120 credit hours of coursework. Most students need approximately four years to complete graduation requirements. However, students who have already taken some college classes may be able to graduate in less time, and those who've earned associate degrees may earn a bachelor's degree in as little as two years. Applicants need a high school diploma or the equivalent to be considered, and they may be required to have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and high scores on the ACT or SAT. Tuition rates for online finance programs vary, but some schools offer in-state resident tuition to online students.
Online Bachelor's in Finance Courses
Although finance programs include a number of specialized courses on finance, they often begin by introducing students to the fundamental concepts of business. Among the core business courses typically included in an online finance program are Principles of Management, Accounting, Business Law, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Business Information Systems, and Introduction to Corporate Finance. Students then proceed to take core courses in finance, which may include the following.
- International Finance: Especially useful for students headed toward careers in international business, this course explores some of the common characteristics and financial uncertainty involved in global finance. Key concepts include fixed versus floating exchange rates, currency swaps, currency derivatives, international tax management, diversification, and emerging equity markets.
- Investments: Some finance majors may decide to become financial planners, and this course helps prepare students for a career in managing investments. Students learn various methods, techniques, and strategies for developing and maintaining financial portfolios that meet specific investment goals. Additional topics include mutual funds, retirement savings, and commodities.
- Money and Banking: In this course, students explore the role of banking and other financial institutions in the economy. Some of the many topics covered include money markets, interest rates, capital markets, the Federal Reserve system, bank management, foreign exchange markets, and monetary theory and policy. Coursework may also explain the causes and outcomes of recent financial crises.
- Risk Management and Insurance: All business organizations face some degree of financial risk, so this course teaches students common methods of risk assessment and strategies for minimizing an organization's exposure. Coursework also covers the need for insurance — one of the primary tools used in managing risk — and details various types of insurance, such as life, property, medical, and liability insurance.
- Advanced Corporate Finance: While introductory Corporate Finance courses typically provide a broad overview for all business students, this advanced course expands on many key topics such as valuation, cost of capital, capital management, equity and debt financing, and option pricing theory and applications. Coursework challenges students to think like financial executives when making strategic decisions. This course may be considered a capstone course in some programs.
Accreditation for Finance Degrees
When researching programs, it's important for prospective students to look for accredited online finance programs. Accreditation is a designation granted to institutions of higher education that meet high standards with regard to their curricula, faculty members, student resources, and research capabilities. Institutional accreditation means that the entire school has been accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency, and programmatic accreditation means that one particular program within the school has been approved. Finance degree programs are often accredited by one of two agencies that specialize in business programs: the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs.
Accreditation helps reassure students that they're receiving a high-quality education and that their online finance degree will be valued by future employers. Attending an accredited school is also necessary for students who plan to apply for federal financial aid or graduate school. To confirm a school's accreditation status, students can check the U.S. Department of Education or Council for Higher Education Accreditation databases.
Attending an accredited school is also necessary for students who plan to apply for federal financial aid or graduate school.
Is an Online Finance Degree Worth It?
In the finance industry, a bachelor's degree in finance or business is a requirement for most entry-level positions. Yet, it's not unusual for prospective students to wonder whether earning a degree will be worth the investment of money, time, and effort. Most students have personal circumstances that need to be factored into their decision, such as career goals, responsibilities, and financial resources. Individuals who are trying to decide if they should pursue an online finance degree may want to consider some of the following pros and cons:
Potential Advantages
- The study of finance develops a broad base of skills. Finance programs typically require students to take courses from several different business disciplines. In the process, they learn such skills as how to prepare financial documents and how to use common business software programs. These courses also provide opportunities to enhance "soft" skills, including analysis, problem solving, and strategic thinking.
- A finance degree can lead to a wide range of occupations. The financial expertise and business acumen students gain while earning their degrees helps prepare them for many different career paths. Some graduates may prefer to work with individuals and families as advisors or bankers, while others may want to manage the finances of business organizations. Additionally, the well-rounded education in business that comes with a finance degree allows alumni to branch out into far more business-related careers, even venturing into entrepreneurship.
- Distance learning means having more education options. By including online finance programs in the mix of possibilities, prospective students can select the best finance program to fit their career aspirations and budget without having to relocate.
Potential Drawbacks
- Finance professionals often work in stressful environments. Many finance occupations require employees to put in long days with the possibility of evenings and weekends devoted to work. Additionally, the work can be intellectually and emotionally taxing because professionals are managing large amounts of money for other people.
- The distance learning environment makes it more difficult to network. Because online students don't typically connect with peers and professors in person, they may have to put more effort into establishing relationships, primarily through discussion boards and email.
What Can You Do With an Online Bachelor's in Finance Degree?
A career in finance may be an excellent choice for those interested in wealth management and growth, whether it's for individuals or business organizations. Bachelor's in finance graduates earn $73,000 a year on average, but many finance professionals earn higher wages. For example, personal financial advisors and financial analysts have median annual salaries over $80,000, while financial managers are among the highest paid, earning annual wages well over $100,000. The following list includes some entry-level careers open to finance majors, as well as potential paths for growth in the field.
Loan Officers
Median Annual Salary: $63,960Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents
Median Annual Salary: $64,770Personal Financial Advisors
Median Annual Salary: $89,330Financial Analysts
Median Annual Salary: $83,660Financial Managers
Median Annual Salary: $134,180Certifications for Finance Professionals
Finance professionals may decide to pursue some form of certification, depending on their chosen occupation. In many cases certification is optional, but it may make job candidates more attractive because it demonstrates expertise and a commitment to professional growth. The following are just some of the more common certifications in the finance industry.
Chartered Financial Analyst
The CFA program, sponsored by the CFA Institute, is a certification for investment professionals. The certification assures that its holders are adept in concepts of portfolio management, wealth planning, and financial analysis. To earn CFA certification, candidates must pass a three-part exam, and test preparation tools are available.
Certified Financial Planner
Becoming a Certified Financial Planner — which is not necessarily required but is often preferred — is a rigorous process that can take up to two years to complete. In addition to holding a bachelor's degree, candidates must accumulate many hours of professional experience before passing the CFP exam, sponsored by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards.
Chartered Financial Consultant
Another possible credential for financial planners is the Chartered Financial Consultant, sponsored by the American College of Financial Services. Candidates for the ChFC must have a bachelor's degree, complete eight additional courses, and have accumulated three years of full-time work experience before sitting for the exam.
Financial Risk Manager
The Financial Risk Manager certification is not required, but this designation may help candidates stand out to many of the top banks and financial institutions. The Global Association of Risk Professionals monitors the exam and provides test-preparation study tools.
Mortgage Loan Originator
Those who aspire to become mortgage loan originators are required to obtain state licensure and pass the SAFE MLO test, monitored by the National Mortgage Licensing Service. Licensing requirements vary by state. Candidates must complete 20 hours of licensing courses before taking the exam.
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