People with strong quantitative skills and an interest in economic and financial systems often excel in finance programs. An online bachelor's degree in finance meets the educational requirement for many lucrative careers in diverse industries.
Graduates with a finance degree can pursue a variety of business and financial occupations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), business and finance professionals earn a median salary of $72,250 per year. Many finance positions pay even higher median salaries. For example, financial managers earn a median annual salary of $134,180, and the BLS projects employment for these managers to increase 17% from 2020-2030.
Applicants to the best online finance degrees often need a minimum 2.5-3.0 GPA and strong ACT or SAT scores. To apply to the major, applicants may need to complete prerequisite coursework and provide recommendations from professors. This guide explores common online finance degree requirements and benefits, along with career paths for graduates.
Finance Degree Outlook and Salary
What do you do with a major in finance?
Online finance degree holders can pursue various business and financial occupations. Graduates often become financial examiners, financial analysts, and market research analysts. They can also work as personal financial advisors.
How much do finance jobs pay?
According to the BLS, many finance jobs pay above-average salaries. For example, financial analysts and financial advisors earn median salaries of $83,660 and $89,330 per year, respectively.
Is a degree in finance a BA or BS?
Most finance programs lead to a BS, although some schools offer a BA in finance. BA programs typically feature more diverse coursework. BS curricula focus more heavily on finance.
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Online Bachelor's in Finance Degrees
#1 Best Online Finance Degrees 2022
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Florida International University enrolls students in 250 programs and is located in Miami. The public institution delivers bachelor's programs in online and in-person learning formats. The school's online program options include a degree for students interested in finance.
Online enrollees in the BBA in finance program benefit from scheduling flexibility and receive a high-quality educational experience. General education requirements help students develop widely applicable skills, such as critical thinking abilities. The curriculum blends classroom learning and hands-on experiences to prepare degree-seekers to succeed in the field. Undergraduates can receive academic and professional guidance from faculty mentors.
The institution's affordable tuition rates make undergraduate studies more accessible. The school's financial aid counselors support online learners as they search for funding options.
Florida International University at a Glance:
Number of Online Students: 39,863
Percent of Applicants Accepted: 58%
Total Bachelor's Programs: 78
Online Bachelor's Programs: 36
Transfer Credits Allowed: No
Percent Online Enrollment
68%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Online Finance Degrees 2022
Texas A&M University-Commerce
- Commerce, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
With a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University-Commerce, graduates can move into new fields and advance their careers. The school has 51 bachelor's programs, including 12 online options. Students can conveniently earn accredited degrees online while they juggle work and other obligations.
The institution offers a BBA in finance in an online format. The flexible learning format allows learners to work full time while earning their degree. Bachelor's degree-holders often qualify for promotions and raises. Bachelor's degree-seekers without transfer credits typically graduate in about four years.
Texas A&M University-Commerce Fast Facts:
Tuition for Undergrads: $4,790/year in-state, $17,460/year out-of-state
Average Price With Aid: $12,477
Applicants Admitted: 43%
Learners Awarded Financial Aid: 91%
The school has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Percent Online Enrollment
65%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Online Finance Degrees 2022
Missouri State University
- Springfield, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The bachelor of science in finance program at Missouri State University is one of the top-ranked online programs in the field. Located in Springfield, the public institution offers on-campus and online bachelor's programs. The flexible learning format appeals to busy students balancing school with other responsibilities.
During the online bachelor's program, degree-seekers build foundational and advanced skills in finance. Degree-seekers work with faculty mentors and academic advisors to design a customized course of study based on their career goals. Services like online tutoring, financial aid advising, and career counseling also help distance learners reach their goals.
The school's accreditation status means that distance learners can qualify for federal financial aid programs such as the Pell Grant. In addition to federal aid, students may receive institutional scholarships and state grants.
Missouri State University Facts:
Total Bachelor's Programs: 89
Online Bachelor's Programs: 24
Number of Online Students: 9,079
Admission Rate: 88%
Student Graduation Percentage: 56%
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No
Percent Online Enrollment
39%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Online Finance Degrees 2022
University of Wisconsin Whitewater
- Whitewater, WI
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Wisconsin Whitewater enrolls learners as a public institution. Students enrolled in the school's bachelor's programs can study online or on campus. After completing the online bachelor's in finance from the institution, graduates often enter rewarding careers.
Degree-seekers complete at least 120 credits. The online finance degree features core courses, general education requirements, and upper-division classes. Faculty mentors help learners customize the program based on their professional goals. Internship opportunities help students gain hands-on experience.
The institution holds accreditation, which means enrollees can submit the FAFSA to receive federal loans and grants, such as the Pell Grant. Of the school's undergraduates, 76% receive financial aid. For details about application deadlines and requirements, prospective students can review the institution's website.
Percent Online Enrollment
38%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Online Finance Degrees 2022
University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Amherst, MA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Massachusetts Amherst's online bachelor of science in finance program benefits distance students seeking career advancement in the finance field. The online finance program's flexible scheduling options can make it easier for busy learners to complete degree requirements.
A public institution, the University of Massachusetts Amherst delivers academic programs online and on campus. Distance students benefit from a variety of options, with 45 online programs available from the school. The institution's academic offerings also include nine online bachelor's programs.
While pursuing the bachelor's degree in finance, learners complete general education requirements and field-specific classes. The school requires at least 120 credits for the bachelor's degree. While earning the degree, enrollees complete a rigorous curriculum comprising core and specialized coursework.
Learners at the school can access academic and professional support services. Online undergraduates and alumni can work with faculty advisors and career counselors. Financial aid counseling can help students explore options for reducing out-of-pocket expenses, including work-study programs, scholarships, and grants.
Percent Online Enrollment
15%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
What Are the Goals of a Finance Degree?
Prospective online bachelor's degree in finance students usually pursue a BS in finance, a BA in finance, or a bachelor of finance (BFin). They can also pursue a bachelor of business administration (BBA) in finance. Generally, these programs require core coursework in statistics, banking, quantitative methods, and economics.
BA and BBA programs in the field offer various courses. However, BBA curricula emphasize management skills and topics. Both a BA and a BBA can lead to a variety of business careers, and they prepare learners for graduate studies.
Ideal for aspiring financial analysts and advisors, BS and BFin programs usually feature more technical classes. These degrees also qualify holders for graduate programs. Many BS and BFin programs offer specialization options in niche fields such as risk management, investments, and asset management.
Why Get a Finance Degree?
Earning a finance online degree can lead to many professional and personal benefits. In addition to obtaining specialized skills, graduates may access lucrative careers, promotions, and salary increases.
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A bachelor's degree in finance meets the minimum degree requirements for many high-paying careers. Graduates often become personal financial advisors, financial analysts, and financial managers.
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Entry-level professionals often pursue a bachelor's degree to qualify for promotions. A bachelor's degree can also help professionals transition to a field with better job prospects.
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Working professionals can earn a bachelor's degree to increase their earning potential. Many companies set pay scales that award higher salaries to employees with higher levels of education.
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Some finance programs allow learners to specialize in niche fields. Common specialization options include hedge funds, private equity and venture capital, and investment banking.
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Online programs often attract working professionals who need flexible scheduling options. Degree-seekers often receive opportunities to network with peers and create connections that can lead to employment opportunities.
What Are the Requirements for a Finance Degree?
The best finance programs typically require applicants to hold a minimum 3.0 GPA. Some programs require above-average ACT or SAT scores. Candidates usually submit an application essay. To enter the finance major, students may need recommendation letters and a sufficient GPA in prerequisite coursework.
Finance bachelor's programs usually require 120 credits, including about 60 credits of core and elective coursework in the field. Seniors typically complete an internship to develop practical skills. Some programs also require a capstone research project.
AffordableCollegesOnline.org 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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