Best Online Bachelor’s in Finance

An online bachelor’s degree in finance prepares students for careers in the financial industry and for graduate study.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that roles for financial advisors — a popular job for graduates with a bachelor of finance — will grow by 13% from 2022-2032. Financial advisors enjoy lucrative careers, earning a median annual salary of $95,390.

When researching the best finance schools, students should consider several factors, such as cost, transfer policies, and on-campus requirements. We cover several important program considerations for prospective bachelor of finance students below.

Students can typically save money by attending a public institution rather than a private institution. Additionally, some online programs offer tuition discounts to in-state students, while others charge all distance students the same tuition rate, regardless of residency.

Transfer policies vary by school. Students who already hold some college credits should look for schools with generous transfer policies to ensure they can receive credit for prior academic work. Some schools also offer transfer credit for professional, military, and volunteer experience.

Some students prefer to attend larger schools, which typically provide more diverse course offerings and programs than small schools. Alternatively, some learners prefer the more individualized attention often found at smaller schools.

A bachelor of finance program typically takes four years of full-time study to complete, but some programs offer accelerated timelines that may allow students to graduate in less time.

Some online programs may offer or require on-campus requirements. Students should ensure they can meet all of a program’s requirements before committing to a school.

Students planning to pursue graduate school benefit from attending a program with a thesis requirement, while students planning to work immediately after graduation may benefit more from a program with a fellowship or internship requirement.

Accreditation indicates that a school meets high academic standards with respect to faculty qualifications, student learning outcomes, and academic rigor. Attending an accredited school expands a student’s employment, education, and financial aid opportunities. Schools may hold national or regional accreditation, with regional accreditation generally considered the more prestigious of the two. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education oversee six independent regional accrediting bodies that accredit schools based on where a school is located.

Certain programs within a school may also receive specialized accreditation. Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in finance should look for programs accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

An online bachelor’s degree in finance typically takes four years of full-time study to earn. However, some programs offer accelerated timelines, allowing students to expedite graduation. Additionally, students seeking to balance their studies with work and family obligations may prefer to study part time, which extends the length of a program.

Courses vary by program, but online bachelor’s degree in finance programs typically cover topics like investments, bank management, and financial statements. We cover several common courses for bachelor of finance students below.

Graduates of top finance schools can pursue many positions in corporate and personal finance, such as financial advisor, budget analyst, and financial analyst. We cover several common jobs for graduates below.