Are you fascinated by numbers? Do you have a propensity for mathematics? Then a career in finance may be in your future. For most jobs in this field, you’ll need a four-year degree, however. To help you choose a suitable program, we’ve compiled this list of the 30 most affordable bachelor’s in finance using the rubric described here . You can use this handy guide to find the program that best fits your interests and pocketbook.
Are you undecided as to what major to pursue? Check out our article 5 of the Easiest Online Bachelor’s Degrees . If you are looking for a way to find high-quality, online degree programs for the best price, check out our ranking of the Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degrees .
#1 – Dickinson State University
Dickinson, North Dakota
Bachelor of Business Administration with a Major in Finance Online
School Profile
Points
: 18
Enrollment
: 1,392
Tuition
: $11,044
Dickinson State University was established in 1918. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 10 to 1, the school offers an online bachelor of business administration with a major in finance that is a 120 credit hour program including coursework in corporate finance and business valuation. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#2 – Granite State College
Concord, New Hampshire
Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance Online
School Profile
Points
: 17
Enrollment
: 2,025
Tuition
: $9,015
Granite State College was established in 1972. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 18 to 1, the school offers an online bachelor of science in accounting and finance, a 120 credit hour program including coursework in managerial accounting and taxation. The school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
#3 – Thomas Edison State University
Trenton, New Jersey
Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Finance
School Profile
Points
: 16
Enrollment
: 10,934
Tuition
: $9,856
Thomas Edison State University’s school motto translates from the Latin as, “Learning Throughout Life.” With a student-to-faculty ratio of 15 to 1, the school offers an online bachelor of science in business administration in finance. This BS offering is a 120 credit hour program including coursework in derivatives and risk management. The school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
#4 – Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, Indiana
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Financial Planning Online
School Profile
Points
: 16
Enrollment
: 10,614
Tuition
: $9,743
Indiana Wesleyan University was established in 1920 and is affiliated with the Wesleyan Church. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 13 to 1, the school offers an online bachelor of science in business administration with a concentration in financial planning. The BSBA option is a 60 credit hour degree completion program including coursework in business statistics and managerial accounting. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#5 – Bemidji State University
Bemidji, Minnesota
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Concentration in Finance Online
School Profile
Points
: 15
Enrollment
: 5,111
Tuition
: $8,940
Bemidji State University began life as a teacher’s college in 1911. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 21 to 1, the school offers an online bachelor of science in business administration with a concentration in finance. This unique BS option is a 120 credit hour program including coursework in risk management and corporate financial policy. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#6 – Northern State University
Aberdeen, South Dakota
Online Bachelor of Science in Banking and Financial Services
School Profile
Points
: 15
Enrollment
: 3,493
Tuition
: $11,821
Northern State University was established in 1901. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 21 to 1, the school offers an online bachelor of science in banking and financial services. This BS plan is a 120 credit hour program including coursework in management information systems and financial statement analysis. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#7 – University of Minnesota-Crookston
Crookston, Minnesota
Bachelor of Science in Finance Online
School Profile
Points
: 15
Enrollment
: 2,810
Tuition
: $12,116
The University of Minnesota-Crookston was established in 1966. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 16 to 1, the school offers an online bachelor of science in finance. This BS offering is a 120 credit hour program including coursework in income tax and business law. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#8 – Brandman University
Irvine, California
Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance Online
School Profile
Points
: 15
Enrollment
: 8,766
Tuition
: $12,440
Brandman University is a separate fully accredited school in the Chapman University System. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 17 to 1, the school offers an online bachelor of business administration in finance. This BSBA option is a 93 credit hour degree completion program including coursework in statistics and organizational communication. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission.
#9 – SUNY College of Technology at Canton
Canton, New York
Online Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance
School Profile
Points
: 14
Enrollment
: 3,213
Tuition
: $12,580
SUNY College of Technology at Canton was established in 1906, and the school mascot is the Kangaroo. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 18 to 1, the school offers an online bachelor of business administration in finance. This offering is a 123-124 credit hour program including coursework in statistics and microeconomics. The school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
#10 – Metropolitan State University
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Online Bachelor of Science in Finance
School Profile
Points
: 14
Enrollment
: 7,861
Tuition
: $15,428
Metropolitan State University is a public institution of higher learning that was established in 1971. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 16 to 1, the school offers an online bachelor of science in finance. This BS offering is a 120 credit hour program including coursework in linear algebra and strategic management. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#11 – University of North Carolina-Pembroke
Pembroke, North Carolina
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Finance Track Online
School Profile
Points
: 14
Enrollment
: 7,137
Tuition
: $7,490
The University of North Carolina-Pembroke is a historically Native American institution of higher learning. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 18 to 1, the school offers an online bachelor of business administration with a finance track. This BBA option is a 120 credit hour program including coursework in business finance and portfolio management. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#12 – University of Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee
Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance Online
School Profile
Points
: 14
Enrollment
: 21,458
Tuition
: $13,752
The University of Memphis was established in 1912, and the school mascot is the Tiger. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 15 to 1, the school offers an online bachelor of business administration in finance. This BBA plan is a 120 credit hour program including coursework in fixed income securities and derivatives. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#13 – Missouri State University Springfield
Springfield, Missouri
Online Bachelor of Science in Finance
School Profile
Points
: 13
Enrollment
: 23,697
Tuition
: $15,898
Missouri State University-Springfield was founded in 1905 as a Normal School, or teacher’s college. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 21 to 1, the school offers an online bachelor of science in finance. This robust BS option is a 120-credit hour program including coursework in principles of real estate and entrepreneurial finance. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#14 – Indiana University East
Richmond, Indiana
Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Concentration in Finance
School Profile
Points
: 13
Enrollment
: 3,722
Tuition
: $19,978
Indiana University-East was established in 1971. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 15 to 1, the school offers an online bachelor of science in business administration with a concentration in finance. This BSBA offering is a 57 credit hour degree completion program including coursework in finite math and commercial law. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#15 – Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Concentration in Finance
School Profile
Points
: 12
Enrollment
: 11,081
Tuition
: $19,556
Northwestern State University of Louisiana was established in 1884. With a student to faculty ratio of 19 to 1, the school offers an online bachelor of science in business administration with a concentration in finance. This BSBA option is a 120 credit hour program including coursework in business administration and psychology. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#16 – University of Maryland-Global Campus
Adelphi, Maryland
Online Bachelor of Science in Finance
School Profile
Points
: 11
Enrollment
: 60,603
Tuition
: $12,336
The University of Maryland-Global Campus is one of the largest online higher education providers around. With a student to faculty ratio of 19 to 1, the school offers an online bachelor of science in finance. This BS option is a 120 credit hour program including coursework in analyzing financial statements and financial planning scenarios. The school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
#17 – Golden Gate University-San Francisco
San Francisco, California
Bachelor of Science in Business, Finance Concentration Online
School Profile
Points
: 11
Enrollment
: 2,515
Tuition
: $15,840
Golden Gate University began life as YMCA Evening College. With a student to faculty ratio of 14 to 1, the school offers an online bachelor of science in business with a finance concentration. This BS offering is a 75 credit hour degree completion program including coursework in financial analysis and banking. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission.
#18 – California State University-East Bay
Hayward, California
Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Finance Option
School Profile
Points
: 11
Enrollment
: 15,628
Tuition
: $18,880
California State University-East Bay’s school motto translates from the Latin as, “Through Adversity to the Stars.” With a student to faculty ratio of 26 to 1, the school offers an online bachelor of science in business administration, finance option. This BSBA offering is a 120 credit hour program including coursework in investment analysis and derivatives markets. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission.
#19 – Charleston Southern University
Charleston, South Carolina
Online Bachelor of Business Administration with a Major in Financial Management
School Profile
Points
: 11
Enrollment
: 3,414
Tuition
: $26,000
Charleston Southern University is affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention. With a student to faculty ratio of 12 to 1, the school offers an online bachelor of business administration with a major in financial management. This BBA option is a 125 credit hour program including coursework in commercial law and information systems concepts. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#20 – Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Bachelor of Business Administration with a Specialization in Finance Online
School Profile
Points
: 11
Enrollment
: 79,152
Tuition
: $22,747
Liberty University was established in 1971. With a student to faculty ratio of 18 to 1, the school offers an online bachelor of business administration with a specialization in finance. This BBA offering is a 120 credit hour program including coursework in financial statement analysis and intermediate accounting. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#21 – Florida International University
Miami, Florida
Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance Online
School Profile
Points
: 10
Enrollment
: 57,942
Tuition
: $18,963
Florida International University is a public research institution of higher learning. With a student to faculty ratio of 26 to 1, the school offers an online bachelor of business administration in finance. This BBA option is a 120 credit hour program including coursework in calculus for business and accounting for decisions. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#22 – University of Houston-Victoria
Victoria, Texas
Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance Online
School Profile
Points
: 10
Enrollment
: 4,336
Tuition
: $16,909
The University of Houston-Victoria was established in 1971. With a student to faculty ratio of 15 to 1, the school offers an online bachelor of business administration in finance. This comprehensive BBA option is a 120 credit hour program including coursework in capital markets and investment principles. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#23 – Kansas State University
Manhattan, Kansas
Online Bachelor of Science in Personal Financial Planning
School Profile
Points
: 10
Enrollment
: 22,221
Tuition
: $26,316
Kansas State University is a public, flagship, land-grant institution of higher learning in the Sunflower State. With a student to faculty ratio of 18 to 1, the school offers an online bachelor of science in personal financial planning. This BS offering is a 120 credit hour program including coursework in business and economic statistics and personal investing concepts. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.
#24 – Old Dominion University
Norfolk, Virginia
Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Finance
School Profile
Points
: 10
Enrollment
: 24,176
Tuition
: $30,840
Old Dominion University was established in 1930. With a student to faculty ratio of 17 to 1, the school offers an online bachelor of science in business administration in finance. This BSBA option is a 120 credit hour program including coursework in legal environments of business and investments. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#25 – University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Platteville, Wisconsin
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Finance Emphasis Online
School Profile
Points
: 9
Enrollment
: 8,955
Tuition
: $15,473
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville was established in 1866. With a student to faculty ratio of 21 to 1, the school offers an online bachelor of science in business administration with a finance emphasis. This BS offering is a 120 credit hour program including coursework in diversity and global business. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#26 – University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama
Bachelor of Science in Finance Online
School Profile
Points
: 9
Enrollment
: 21,923
Tuition
: $20,400
The University of Alabama at Birmingham was established in 1966, and the school mascot is Blaze the Dragon. With a student to faculty ratio of 19 to 1, the school offers an online bachelor of science in finance. This BS option is a 120 credit hour program that covers essential financial topics, such as financial analysis, portfolio management, and real estate investment and analysis. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#27 – Northeastern University
Boston, Massachusetts
Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting Management Online
School Profile
Points
: 9
Enrollment
: 21,627
Tuition
: $53,506
Northeastern University was established in 1898. With a student to faculty ratio of 14 to 1, the school offers an online bachelor of science in finance and accounting management. This BS option is a 120 credit hour program including coursework in cost accounting and principles of taxation. The school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
#28 – Dallas Baptist University
Dallas, Texas
Bachelor of Business Studies in Finance Online
School Profile
Points
: 8
Enrollment
: 4,766
Tuition
: $30,320
Dallas Baptist University is a Christian liberal arts institution of higher learning that is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. With a student to faculty ratio of 13 to 1, the school offers an online bachelor of business studies in finance. This comprehensive offering is a 120 credit hour program including coursework in principles of management and public law. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#29 – Excelsior College
Albany, New York
Online Bachelor of Science in Business (Finance)
School Profile
Points
: 8
Enrollment
: 30,008
Tuition
: not reported
Excelsior College was established by the New York State Board of Regents in 1971 but spun off as a private entity in 2005. With a student to faculty ratio of 18 to 1, the school offers an online bachelor of science in business (finance). This BS option is a 120 credit hour program including coursework in financial markets and risk assessments. The school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
#30 – Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, New Hampshire
Online Bachelor of Science of Business Studies in Finance
School Profile
Points
: 7
Enrollment
: 104,068
Tuition
: $31,136
Southern New Hampshire University is a private non-sectarian institution of higher learning. With a student to faculty ratio of 24 to 1, the school offers an online bachelor of science in business studies in finance. This BS offering is a 120 credit hour program including coursework in corporate finance and macroeconomics. The school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
This ranking was updated in June 2020. Although the 2020 updates may affect the ranking order, the list has not been re-ordered.
About Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Finance
Most careers in finance require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. This credential can open up many doors of opportunity in the field and pave the way for a successful, lucrative career in business. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for business and financial occupations is nearly $70,000—much higher than the average salary for all occupations.
About Online Bachelor of Finance Degree Programs
Online bachelor’s degree programs in finance are becoming increasingly popular, especially amongst working adults and busy or non-traditional students. These flexible programs can provide all of the same rigor and benefits of a traditional on-campus offering minus the commute. Even top colleges and universities are jumping on the distance learning bandwagon, offering their high-quality four-year finance degrees in an online format.
Bachelor of Finance Online Degree Programs: Admissions
For many, the first step towards a rewarding career in finance is gaining entry into an online bachelor’s degree program in finance. To do so, you’ll be required to meet certain admissions standards set by the college or university offering the program. These may include a minimum GPA, specific ACT or SAT scores, and satisfactory writing samples, for instance. Some of these admissions standards are more rigorous than others, and competition for available program slots will vary in intensity from one school to the next. To be considered for admission, you’ll typically need to submit your academic transcript, college entrance exam scores, letters of reference, and a personal statement. Some schools may have additional admissions requirements. It’s best to speak to an admissions counselor at the college or university you’re considering for specific guidelines.
Online Bachelor’s in Finance: Curriculum
Bachelor’s degree programs in finance are typically four-year programs that require approximately 120 credit hours of coursework. There is no single standard curriculum for these programs, so the courses you take will depend on the school and program that you choose. Still, all bachelor’s-level finance degree programs cover similar topics even as they vary in terms of breadth and scope.
General Education Courses
General education courses are an important part of an online bachelor’s degree program in finance. These classes cover fundamental subjects in important academic areas like the liberal arts and humanities, behavioral and social sciences, statistics and mathematics, and more. Below you will find some sample course titles representative of the types of general education classes you’re likely to encounter in your undergraduate finance program:
- Applied Statistics
- Perspectives in the Humanities
- Rhetoric and Composition
- Introduction to Logical and Critical Thinking Skills
- Introduction to Macroeconomics
Business Core Classes
Another vital component of any online bachelor of finance program is the business core. This component includes non-major specific courses that together, build a solid foundation for work in the corporate world. Taking core business courses coupled with classes in finance results in well-rounded graduates prepared for successful careers in the industry. Some examples of core business classes include:
- Introduction to Marketing
- Operations Management
- Business Communications
- Principles of Accounting
- Business Law
- Developing a Business Perspective
- Principles of Management
Major-Specific Courses
The central component of an online bachelor’s in finance degree program is comprised of major-specific courses directly related to the finance industry. These are the prescribed classes designed to prepare you for the work you will do after graduation. Below are some course titles representative of major-specific courses you can expect to take in an undergraduate finance degree program:
- Financial Regulations and Ethics
- Wealth Management
- Financial Statement Analysis
- Intermediate Financial Management
- Financial Research Methods
- Equity Portfolio Management
- Personal Financial Management
Popular Concentrations for Online Bachelor of Finance Degree Programs
Finance is a broad field of study. That’s why some colleges and universities offer concentrations within an online bachelor of finance degree plan so that students can specialize in a sub-field of the financial industry. Some of these concentration options are listed below for the sake of example. Keep in mind that not all schools will offer every concentration.
General Finance: Students unsure of which career path in the industry they’d like to follow may consider a concentration in general finance. This broad specialization allows students to sample different areas of the field to develop more specific academic and career interests.
Financial Planning: Students interested in pursuing a career as a personal financial advisor or individual financial planner should consider an online bachelor of finance degree program with a concentration in Financial Planning. This specialization will explore topics in risk management, investments, estate planning, and more.
Real Estate Finance: Real estate finance is a highly specialized area of the field that deals specifically with financial matters related to the real estate industry. Students who elect this concentration will develop a unique skillset that will make them particularly appealing to real estate agents and other clients within this industry.
Wealth Management: Students enrolled in an online bachelor’s in finance program with a concentration in wealth management will learn specific skills within the finance industry that will enable them to work with affluent clients to manage large amounts of money. Topics covered within this specialization will include portfolio management, risk assessment, and investment strategies, for instance.
Types of Online Bachelor’s Finance Degree Programs
When choosing an online bachelor’s degree in finance program, it’s important to know the different options you have to choose from. One of the primary differences between these types of offerings is their content delivery methods. Generally speaking, there are two types: synchronous content delivery and asynchronous content delivery.
Synchronous Online Bachelor of Finance Degree Programs
Synchronous online bachelor’s in finance programs are the most interactive of the two. Once enrolled in a synchronous program, you’ll be expected to log in to your virtual learning platform at specific times mandated by the professor. During these required online class meetings, you’ll participate in real-time discussions with cohorts and view streaming lectures.
Asynchronous Bachelor of Finance Online Programs
While synchronous online bachelor’s degree programs in finance may be more engaging, their asynchronous counterparts are much more flexible. These programs don’t require specific meeting times. Instead, students are given the freedom to work on their assignments at their own pace and view prerecorded lectures when it’s convenient for them. While class discussions do take place within these programs, they usually occur via online discussion boards rather than teleconferencing.
Frequently-Asked Questions About Online Finance Bachelor’s Degree Programs
When considering online bachelor’s degree programs in finance, it’s natural to have questions. Below, we’ve fielded some of the most common questions we receive related to these types of virtual degree programs. Keep in mind that the advice provided here is general in nature and should not be substituted for information received from admissions counselors or other school representatives.
Q: Can I complete my bachelor’s degree in finance entirely online?
A: Yes. While some hybrid options do exist, most online bachelor of finance degree programs are offered 100% online. These convenient academic offerings allow students to complete all of their coursework and meet all program requirements without ever stepping foot on campus.
Q: How long will it take to earn my bachelor’s in finance online?
A: Four years is the standard completion time for online bachelor’s of finance degree programs, but this can vary depending on your course load. Part-time students may take longer to finish their degree programs. On the other hand, some schools offer accelerated programs that enable students to earn their credentials in less than four years.
Q: Do online bachelor of finance programs accept transfer credits?
A: Some of them do, yes. If you’ve attended college classes in the past, some of these credits may transfer to an online bachelor’s degree in finance degree program, especially if they are general education or business related credits. To be sure, you’ll need to speak with an admissions counselor at the school you’re considering attending, though.
Q: Do online bachelor of finance degree programs offer part-time tracks?
A: Many of them do, yes. Online programs are intended to be convenient, so many colleges and universities offer part-time programs for their busiest students. Keep in mind that these programs may take longer to complete, though.
Q: How do I choose the best online bachelor’s of finance degree program?
A: There is no one-size-fits-all program that’s best for everyone. However, there are some things you can consider to make the best personal choice. Some of these factors include tuition costs, scheduling options, curriculum features, and content delivery methods, for instance.
Q: Are all online bachelor of finance programs legitimate?
A: No, but most of them are. To ensure the program you’re considering is the real deal, check to be sure the college offering the program is accredited by a regional or national accrediting body. Some programs also hold program-specific accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Career Questions Regarding Online Bachelor of Finance Degrees
Q: What can I do with a bachelor’s degree in finance?
A: Graduates of online bachelor of finance degree programs go on to enjoy successful careers as financial analysts, credit counselors, bank managers, financial planners, loan officers, insurance underwriters, and more.
Q: How much will I make with an online bachelor of finance degree?
A: Your exact salary will depend on numerous variables like your specific job title, duties, employer, and years of related experience, for example. Even so, PayScale reports the average annual wage for individuals with this particular credential to be just shy of $64,000.
Q: Are jobs in finance in demand?
A: Yes. Jobs in business and finance are growing faster than average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Q: Do I need to be licensed in order to practice in the finance industry?
A: It depends on what career path you pursue. For example, some financial advisors need to be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and financial analysts are often required to be licensed by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, for instance.
Q: What professional organizations are available in the field of finance?
A: There are many different professional organizations you can join with a bachelor of finance degree. Doing so will provide benefits like career development opportunities, professional resources, and networking. Some examples are listed below for reference:
- Financial Planning Association
- American Finance Association
- Association of Finance Professionals
- National Investor Relations Institute
- Institute of Management Accountants
Related Rankings:
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Sources:
- National Center for Education Statistics
- School websites