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.
Best Online Bachelor’s in Finance Degree Programs
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $330
Out-of-State | $330
Credits to Graduate: 120
SNHU's online BS in finance degree accepts up to 90 transfer credits from past education. The 120-credit program offers a Certified Financial Planner Board-registered concentration in financial planning as the only degree to do so in New Hampshire.
The curriculum provides a foundation in business fundamentals while sharpening collaboration, entrepreneurial thinking, and communication skills. You can take classes like fundamentals of investments, investment portfolio analysis, and corporate finance. The program culminates with a capstone course that explores real-world financial case studies.
- In-State$15,000
- Out-of-state$15,000
- In-State$18,900
- Out-of-state$18,900
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled145,533
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment96%
- AccreditationYes
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $236
Out-of-State | $649
Credits to Graduate: 120
FIU's online bachelor of business administration in finance from the R. Kirk Landon Undergraduate School of Business can prepare you for careers in corporate finance, banking, investing, and general business. The program offers three start dates each year and pairs you with a success coach to keep you on track toward your degree.
You can explore topics like financial engineering, portfolio management, banking, and international finance. Major courses include commercial bank management, securities analysis, intermediate finance, and financial markets and institutions.
- In-State$6,168
- Out-of-state$18,566
- In-State$911
- Out-of-state$2,003
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled54,906
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
Texas A&M University-Central Texas
- Killeen, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $260
Out-of-State | $668
Credits to Graduate: 120
A&M Central Texas' online BBA in finance degree focuses on financial planning and financial management. After graduation, you may qualify for jobs in commercial banking, financial planning, investment banking and management, and corporate finance.
While pursuing your degree, you can earn micro-credentials in areas like cybersecurity, supply chain management, and financial management. The curriculum includes major courses like international financial management, business ethics and corporate responsibility, fintech, and investments. You must complete a business capstone assessment to graduate.
- In-State$6,242
- Out-of-state$16,034
- In-State$5,353
- Out-of-state$12,697
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled2,156
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment90%
- AccreditationYes
Thomas Edison State University
- Trenton, NJ
- 4 year
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $419
Out-of-State | $545
Credits to Graduate: 120
TESU's online BSBA degree in finance from the School of Business and Management can prepare you to start or advance in a finance or banking career. The program emphasizes investments, organizational financial management, and financial markets and institutions.
Required major classes include small business finance, security analysis and portfolio management, fundraising for nonprofits, and risk management. To graduate, you must complete a strategic management capstone course, and the program strongly suggests including a business ethics class.
- In-State$7,372
- Out-of-state$9,556
- In-State$12,150
- Out-of-state$12,150
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled12,496
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
National University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 year
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $370
Out-of-State | $370
Credits to Graduate: 180 quarter units
NU's online bachelor of science in financial management program covers corporate finance, financial management business skills, financial decision-making, and ethical and legal issues in financial management. Coursework provides methods of maximizing profits, with students receiving hands-on data analysis training.
Finance requirements include working capital management, analysis of financial statements, valuation of a corporation, and capital structure and financing. You must complete a financial project capstone at the end of the program. The financial management BS program offers year-round admission and four-week courses.
- In-State$13,320
- Out-of-state$13,320
- In-State$15,480
- Out-of-state$15,480
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate55%
- Students Enrolled17,972
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment80%
- AccreditationYes
Pennsylvania State University
- University Park, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $626
Out-of-State | $626
Credits to Graduate: 120
Penn State World Campus's online BS in finance degree, offered in partnership with Penn State Behrend, can help you prepare for the certified financial planner or chartered financial analyst exams. The program is part of the CFA® Institute University Affiliation Program.
The curriculum explores investment and portfolio management, personal finance, and capital management. You can participate in extracurricular activities like the investment research challenge team, the financial planning club, or the finance speakers series. Graduates can apply for jobs in corporate finance, banking, and personal financial planning.
- In-State$15,400
- Out-of-state$25,084
- In-State$23,189
- Out-of-state$39,248
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled88,914
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
University of West Florida
- Pensacola, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $219
Out-of-State | $648
Credits to Graduate: 120
UWF's online finance BSBA degree can provide you with hands-on experience managing an investment portfolio. The program features small class sizes, one-on-one attention from instructors, and 15-week courses. Potential careers for graduates include financial analyst, financial manager, and personal financial advisor.
The finance specialization requires classes like security analysis and portfolio management, financial theory and practice, financial statement analysis, and investments. The program can prepare you to take the chartered financial analyst or the certified financial planner exams.
Out-of-state online learners can qualify for waivers to reduce their overall tuition costs.
- In-State$3,735
- Out-of-state$16,004
- In-State$7,088
- Out-of-state$22,166
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate53%
- Students Enrolled13,288
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment88%
- AccreditationYes
Johnson & Wales University
- Providence, RI
- 4 year
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB; Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $495
Out-of-State | $495
Credits to Graduate: 122
JWU's bachelor of science in finance degree can prepare you to pursue a career as a financial analyst or advisor. The fully online program includes experiential learning opportunities and instructors with years of experience in the financial field. You can choose from four start dates each year.
The curriculum covers financial institutions, financial management, and capital management. Classes include HR management, business analytics, financial markets and institutions, and organizational dynamics. You can develop business skills in communication, management, decision-making, and leadership.
- In-State$13,365
- Out-of-state$13,365
- In-State$14,706
- Out-of-state$14,706
- Retention Rate0%
- Acceptance Rate45%
- Students Enrolled2,349
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Fort Hays State University
- Hays, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $188
Out-of-State | $560
Credits to Graduate: 120
FHSU's online bachelor of business administration degree with a major in finance from the Department of Economics, Finance, and Accounting covers corporate finance, entrepreneurial finance, and financial planning. You can participate in extracurricular activities like FHSU's finance club or the financial planning national championship.
The finance curriculum requires major classes like money and banking, fundamentals of investments, financial markets and institutions, and intermediate finance. You also take business core courses that explore topics like accounting, strategic business communication, and business law.
- In-State$4,140
- Out-of-state$14,580
- In-State$3,726
- Out-of-state$10,602
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate90%
- Students Enrolled14,102
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
Oklahoma State University
- Stillwater, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $432
Out-of-State | $950
Credits to Graduate: 120
OSU's online BSBA in finance program from the Spears School of Business can prepare you to pursue careers in investment banking, portfolio and wealth management, and commercial banking. The program focuses on financial analysis and can help you develop decision-making and financial management skills.
The BSBA in finance curriculum includes major classes like advanced accounting tools and technologies, money and banking, financial management, and investments. Students also explore general business topics like strategic management, data analytics, entrepreneurship, and macroeconomic principles.
- In-State$5,417
- Out-of-state$20,937
- In-State$4,208
- Out-of-state$15,836
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate71%
- Students Enrolled25,390
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
Best Online Programs
Bachelors in Finance
2024
Online Bachelor’s in Finance Degrees Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Rankings MethodologyChoosing an Online Bachelor of Finance Degree Program
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.
Program Cost
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
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.
School Size and Type
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.
Program Length
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.
On-campus Requirements
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.
Thesis, Fellowship, and Work Requirements
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 for Online Finance Degrees
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.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance?
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.
Online Finance Degree Curriculum
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.
Investments
Investment courses cover common investment terminology and models. Topics include trade mechanics, security markets organization, security classification, financial intermediation, and the application of general asset principles. Students learn how to apply financial principles to various types of investments, including real estate, variable-returns, futures, and brokerage operations.Bank Management
This class covers basic bank management topics, like loan type classifications, asset-liability management, domestic and international banking laws, and the role of the Federal Reserve system. These courses often incorporate guest lectures from banking professionals that allow students to ask questions about standard bank management offerings and operations.Introduction to Financial Management
This introductory course covers basic financial management principles and how to use them to stabilize and increase company valuations. The course examines principles of accounting, economics, and statistical methods to help students understand concepts such as cash flow, risk analysis, capital budgeting, and capital management.Applications for Managerial Finance
With a focus on corporate financial principles, this class examines how to maximize company value. Learners study topics like corporate finance theories, value-based capital management, payout policies, capital structure, and ongoing trends and challenges in managerial finance.
Finance Jobs
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.
