Best Online Master's in Finance

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Updated May 31, 2023

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Earning an online master's in finance from an accredited program is a great way to advance your career.

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Earning an online master's in finance from an accredited program is a great way to advance your career. By earning this degree, you will gain expertise in areas like financial analysis, portfolio management, and business valuation. You'll also develop skills such as investment strategy, financial planning, and market analysis. You may also decide to continue your education and pursue a doctorate in finance.

With a master's in finance, you can pursue a variety of careers, such as stockbroker, financial advisor, or asset manager. Additionally, there may be internships and networking opportunities available, and many schools offer financial aid and scholarships to help with tuition costs.

Explore Featured Master's in Finance Programs

Overview: Master's in Finance

A student pursuing a master's in finance online can expect to complete their program in about two years. Common topics covered include corporate finance, investments, financial planning, and risk management. Students can gain a variety of skills, including financial model building, financial statement analysis, and data analysis.

At the end of their program, students typically complete a capstone project. This project often involves hands-on experience and can be tailored to the student's interests. Depending on the institution and program, students may also be required to take exams or complete other requirements before graduating. Continue reading for more information about the best online master's in finance programs.

Top 5 Master's in Finance Degrees

The school and/or program descriptions below were drafted using natural language generation technology and have been edited for clarity and accuracy. The data is primarily sourced from government databases such as IPEDS – see sources section for more details.

#1 Best Online Master’s in Finance

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

  • Chapel Hill, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a top-tier choice for those seeking a master's degree in finance online. This public institution offers a total of 86 master's programs and 25 online programs, giving students a wide range of choices. With a graduation rate of 91% and an admission rate of 25%, the University of North Carolina enables academic success for the students it admits.

The student-to-faculty ratio of 13-to-1 gives students the opportunity to get the individual attention they need to succeed. Those wishing to gain hands-on experience can take advantage of internship programs and other opportunities.

In terms of funding opportunities, 64% of students receive some form of aid, with an average of $14,182 awarded per student. The average price per student after financial aid is $10,038. Additionally, 24% of students receive loans.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,019
Out-of-state
$34,198
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,552
Out-of-state
$28,278
Retention Rate
95%
Admission Rate
25%
Students Enrolled
30,092
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
91% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Best Online Master’s in Finance

Florida International University

  • Miami, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Florida International University is an excellent choice for students looking to pursue a master's in finance online. The public university offers 259 total programs, including 80 online programs, making it one of the most comprehensive schools in the nation. With 86% of its students enrolled in its online programs, FIU is dedicated to providing a quality virtual learning experience.

To make the online education experience more accessible, 94% of students receive some form of financial aid, and 26% are awarded loans. This helps make FIU's graduate tuition of $8,912 for in-state students and $21,393 for out-of-state students more affordable.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,721
Out-of-state
$16,529
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,912
Out-of-state
$21,393
Retention Rate
91%
Admission Rate
58%
Students Enrolled
58,836
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
86% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 Best Online Master’s in Finance

Southern New Hampshire University

  • Manchester, NH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Southern New Hampshire University is an excellent choice for those seeking an online master's degree in finance. This private university is based in Manchester, New Hampshire and offers an impressive 134 programs. Of those programs, 103 are available online, making it an excellent choice for distance learners. The school enjoys a robust online community, with a 96% enrollment rate for its online programs.

SNHU is also highly accessible, with an admission rate of 94%. Furthermore, the school awards 81% of its students with aid, and 65% of students receive loans. This makes SNHU an affordable option for those interested in pursuing a master's degree in finance.

SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, ensuring that students receive a quality education. The school also offers career services and internship opportunities to its students, helping them to find success after graduation.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,600
Out-of-state
$9,600
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,810
Out-of-state
$18,810
Retention Rate
67%
Admission Rate
94%
Students Enrolled
134,345
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
96% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#4 Best Online Master’s in Finance

Liberty University

  • Lynchburg, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Liberty University is a great choice for those looking for a top-notch online master's in finance. This private school offers an impressive 174 online programs and is widely respected for its academic excellence. With an impressive 99% of students receiving financial aid and a surprisingly low tuition rate of $7,935 for out-of-state graduate students, Liberty University is a very affordable option.

Online students at Liberty University have access to a number of services and resources that can help them succeed. Career advisors are available to help master's in finance students identify potential career paths, create a professional resume, and even connect with employers through virtual job fairs. Internship opportunities are available to help students gain valuable hands-on experience.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$14,791
Out-of-state
$14,791
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,935
Out-of-state
$7,935
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
50%
Students Enrolled
93,349
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
93% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 Best Online Master’s in Finance

Johns Hopkins University

  • Baltimore, MD
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Johns Hopkins University is a highly respected institution offering a comprehensive range of educational opportunities. Located in Baltimore, Maryland, the private school offers 371 programs across the undergraduate and graduate levels, with 103 of these programs available online.

The school's online graduate program in finance has become an increasingly popular choice for students looking to further their education. The program offers a master's degree and is taught by experienced faculty, providing students with a high-quality academic experience. Johns Hopkins also has a commitment to student success, with a 94% graduation rate and a student-faculty ratio of 6-to-1. 

In addition to providing quality education, Johns Hopkins strives to make its online finance program accessible to students from all backgrounds, with 65% of students receiving some form of financial aid. The graduate tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students is $57,010.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$54,160
Out-of-state
$54,160
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$57,010
Out-of-state
$57,010
Retention Rate
97%
Admission Rate
11%
Students Enrolled
28,890
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
88% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Our Methodology

Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.

Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at TBS.

While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.

  • Academics
  • Affordability
  • Online Enrollment

Data Sources

The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.

The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the College Navigator.

Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from AcademicInfluence.com, subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.

Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology

About Our Ranking Factors

Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.

Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.

We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.

Academics - 75%

Affordability - 15%

Online Enrollment - 10%

In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research and compile each ranking list, and as stated in our advertising disclosure, we do NOT permit financial incentives to influence rankings. Our articles never promote or disregard a school for financial gain.

If you have questions about our ranking methodology, please feel free to connect with our staff through contact page.

We thank you for your readership and trust.

Salary and Demand for Finance Occupations

If you are considering a master's in finance, it is important to understand the career and salary outlook for the field. Common occupations related to finance include:

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that financial managers earned a median annual salary of $131,710 per year in 2021, while business and financial operations occupations earned $76,570. Financial and investment analysts earned a median salary of $91,580 in 2021, and personal financial advisors had a median salary of $94,170.

The BLS also provides data on the projected growth of careers related to finance. For example, financial managers are expected to grow 16.8% over the next 10 years, while business and financial operations occupations are projected to grow 7.2%.

Paying for a Program

You're likely concerned about financing your master's in finance program. It's important to understand the various sources of financial aid and how to access them. According to a 2017 report from the National Center for Education Statistics DataLab, about 10.4% of graduate students borrowed money for their education. The average amount borrowed for graduate students across all demographics is $25,600.

For most students, scholarships, fellowships, and need-based financial aid are preferable to loans. There are many sources of financial aid, including state and private financial aid, work-study, fellowships, and 529 plans. Additionally, the cost is often different for online versus on-campus programs, and for in-state versus out-of-state students. Make sure to fill out the FAFSA to see what federal aid you qualify for.

Online vs. On Campus

Online programs provide the flexibility to learn on your own time from the comfort of home, often at a lower cost. On-campus programs, on the other hand, provide students with the traditional college experience and access to a variety of campus amenities.

The choice between an online or on-campus master's in finance will depend on the student's particular needs and preferences.

Public vs. Private

Public colleges typically offer a wider range of programs and classes due to government funding. They also tend to have larger student bodies, offering more opportunities for student diversity and extracurricular activities.

Private colleges typically have smaller class sizes and a better student-to-faculty ratio, but with higher tuition costs. Ultimately, the decision between private and public colleges is one that rests on the individual student.

Applying to a Finance Program

If you are applying to a master's in finance program, there are a few key factors to consider: application requirements, program length, and school reputation.

Many programs prefer applicants with a bachelor's degree in finance. Undergraduate work in finance or a related field will prepare you to dive deeper into the subject in your graduate studies. Additionally, you should look into the program’s duration to determine if it fits your schedule. If you need to complete the program quickly, an accelerated option may be ideal. Finally, you should research the school's reputation to ensure it is accredited and has credibility in the finance industry. Solid programs and faculty reputation are also important factors to consider.

Take time to compare these key elements to help you to make an informed decision when applying.

FAQs about Finance Degrees

What is the future demand for careers in the finance field?

The BLS projects that several careers in the finance field will experience growth between 2021 and 2031. For example:

What qualifications do I need to work in finance?

Depending on the career, qualifications for the finance field can vary. Generally, the BLS reports that careers like accountants and auditors, financial managers, and personal financial advisors require a bachelor's degree. Some careers like certified financial planner (CFP) require additional certification. Some positions like postsecondary business teachers may require a doctorate or professional degree.

What kind of salary can I expect to earn in the finance field?

Graduates of finance programs can enter lucrative occupations. For example, according to the BLS, the median salary for financial managers was $131,710 in 2021, while the median salary for personal financial advisors was $94,170.

This article was drafted using natural language generation technology and has been edited for clarity and accuracy. See our AI-assisted content disclosure for more details.

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