Online Finance Degree Programs
Derick de Souza
Derick is a business and education consultant working on various projects and scopes. With about 25 years of experience in different settings, he loves to tell others about “how not to be a failure” rather than “how to be successful.” Derick writes and edits articles on online learning, business, employment, and skill development, among others. His hobbies include photography, web design and development, and traveling.
Degrees
Master of Social Work, Master of Health Psychology
Areas of Expertise & Credentials
None to disclose in particular; the basics are covered in the short bio.
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Finance is at the heart of any business. Every transaction usually has a financial connotation to it, making it necessary for people to keep track of numbers, trends, inflows, outflows, etc. An online bachelors degree in finance program is designed to give students the knowledge and abilities they will need to work in the accounting field and financial world and further their careers. Finance graduates can apply financial concepts to a wide range of financial circumstances, particularly those involving enterprises. They compile, evaluate, analyze, and transmit critical information on financial operations using several tools and skills. Students of a bachelor of finance will study business law, finance, management, and economics in addition to accounting concepts, theories, and practice. Communication, computer applications, financial analysis, portfolio management, risk management, strategic planning, critical thinking abilities, and ethics are all areas where related skills can be cultivated and used. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for business and financial occupations was $72,250 in May 2020, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations, and business and finance jobs are projected to grow 8% between 2020 & 2030. This indicates that finance-related jobs are well-paying, making a finance degree worthwhile. This page lists complete information on an online bachelor’s degree in finance. It provides vital information on what the degree entails, how to fund it, specializations available, the best colleges for finance, career options, types of finance degrees, and more.
Best Online Bachelor’s Degree
in Finance Courses
Students who want to pursue an online bachelor’s in finance will find that many top finance schools offer a finance undergraduate program. The best undergraduate finance schools, however, must have experienced and qualified teachers, decent infrastructure, be inexpensive, provide excellent student services, have high graduation rates, and provide assistance with job placement. Furthermore, they must also have a finance major ranking or feature in reputable undergraduate finance program rankings. Here are some of the best online finance bachelor degree programs in the United States, based on all of these characteristics plus numerous more parameters: *
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
Find Online Bachelor’s Degree
in Finance Near Me
For many students considering an online bachelor’s degree program in finance, the location of the college might be a major deciding factor. In-state tuition is typically less expensive than out-of-state tuition, which is why prospective students should consider the state in which they plan to pursue their finance bachelor’s degree. Fortunately, most online institutions and programs charge a standard tuition fee regardless of the student’s domicile. Nonetheless, there may be other important variables for a student to consider when deciding whether or not to pursue a bachelor’s degree in finance in a different state or closer to home. To assist students in their quest for the best and most affordable ‘finance degree near me’, several teams at FBD have compiled the following list:
What to expect from the Online Bachelor’s
Degree in Finance?
Types of Online Bachelor’s
Degree in Finance
BA in Finance Vs BS
in Finance
Areas of Specialisation for Online
Bachelor’s Degree in Finance
Specializations provide students with the exposure they will require to enter specific roles in the financial world. They not only widen one’s knowledge and perspective, but they also improve one’s career prospects and pay and growth potential. Here are a few concentrations and focus areas in finance for bachelor degree students:
| Specialization | Description | Careers |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Finance and Investment | This specialization is a popular choice among many finance students and emphasizes the study of alternative opportunities and the evaluation of an investment’s expected return and risk. Students learn how businesses can invest excess cash, how banks can invest deposits, how insurance firms can invest premium payments, and how individuals can invest their savings. | Investment Management Specialists can work in banks, insurance companies, businesses, portfolio managers, or independent consultants. |
| Bachelor’s Degree in Finance & Risk Management | This specialization deals with identifying, assessing, and mitigating pure risk situations for businesses and individuals. Students learn how to minimize investment risks, hedge funds, and deploy various solutions to manage risk. | Risk Management Specialists can work in businesses, insurance companies, government agencies, wealth management companies, or independent consultants. |
| Bachelor’s Degree in Finance – Financial Institutions Specialization | This specialization prepares students to deal with the management of and functions performed by employees of financial firms. Students can choose from two tracks – a corporate track that has to do with the management of financial institutions, international finance, financial modeling, etc., and a personal finance track that has to do with individual income taxation, personal finance planning, retirement, and employee benefit planning, etc. | Financial Institutions Specialists can work in credit unions, insurance companies, commercial banks, or as savings and loans advisors and independent consultants. |
| Bachelor Degree in Corporate Finance | This specialization focuses on the management of financial resources of non-financial firms and business houses. It involves the planning, acquisition, and financing of resources for businesses. | Corporate Finance Specialists can work in businesses, non-banking financial corporations, or as independent consultants. |
| Online Personal Finance Degree | This specialization prepares students to deal with the development of comprehensive financial plans in the combined areas of investments, tax, insurance, retirement, and estate planning, for oneself or other individuals, families, or trusts. | Person Finance Specialists can work as independent consultants or portfolio managers or in wealth management firms. |
Some examples of other concentrations/specializations include:
Business Finance
Degree
There are several iterations of a finance degree in addition to the standard Bachelor of Arts in finance and Bachelor of Science in finance. For example, a bachelor’s in business and finance degree will cover business topics such as commerce and trade, business law, marketing, etc., and also touch upon topics in finance, such as the principles of accounting, cost analysis, personal finance, capital markets, etc. It is worth noting that most colleges title this degree as the bachelor’s in business administration (BBA) with a concentration in finance or a bachelor of science in business administration (BSBA) with a concentration in finance. Freno State and the University of Alaska Anchorage offer such programs.
Another example is a bachelor’s in economics and finance that will combine economics-related courses such as micro and macroeconomics, international markets, industry, trade, etc., with finance courses such as investment analysis, financial modeling, and financial accounting. Universities such as the University of Dallas, Constantin College of Liberal Arts, and the Bay Atlantic University offer a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Finance
Why should I do an Online Bachelor’s
Degree in Finance?
Free Courses for Online Bachelor’s
Degree in Finance
Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in finance who want to learn more while keeping their educational costs low might take advantage of free courses. Even though many of these free courses do not lead to a certificate, they provide enough knowledge and information to broaden one’s horizons and study beyond the textbook. The following are some examples of free courses and websites that provide free courses:
| Course | Description | Offered by |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Finance-related Topics | EdX, a leading study portal, offers a host of finance and finance-related topics across different learning levels. Topics include ‘Essential Career Skills for Investment Banking and Finance’, ‘Fundamentals of Financial Mathematics and Capital Budgeting’, ‘Financial Accounting Made Fun: Eliminating Your Fears’, etc. | EdX |
| Finance and Finance-related Topics | Coursera is home to a variety of courses on finance topics connected with the Accelerated Introduction to Managerial & Financial Accounting, the Fintech Revolution, Finance & Economics, Quantitative Finance, Investment Management Practices and Trends, Financial Literacy for Informed Decisions, and more. | Coursera |
| Finance and Finance-related Topics | Udemy has some 93 courses under the label of finance. Some of them include ‘Business Finance Essentials’, ‘Capital Budgeting and Project Evaluation Techniques’, ‘Learn Financial Statement Basics: A beginner’s journey’, and ‘Introduction to Corporate Finance (Mergers & Acquisitions)’, among others. | Udemy |
How to get into the Online Bachelor’s
Degree in Finance program?
How to get a finance degree? To get into an online bachelor’s in finance degree program, students should hold at least a High School Diploma or GED with a minimal GPA, ACT, or SAT scores that vary by college. Some programs may also require students to take some courses as prerequisites for finance degree before formal admission to the finance program, especially if they do not have any prior employment experience in the field. Because admission requirements can differ depending on the school and program one chooses, it is always advisable for students getting a degree in finance to get exact information on admission requirements from the school’s admissions office.
Here are some of the primary finance degree requirements for admission into a bachelor’s program:
How long does it take to complete the Online
Bachelor’s Degree in Finance?
Accreditation For Online Bachelor’s
Degree in Finance
Accreditation is a vital requirement for any credible school. Accrediting agencies examine the administrative support and policies, instructor hiring and evaluation, quality of programs, infrastructure, and curriculum requirements of accredited institutions and programs to ensure that they satisfy the demands of students and employers. Accreditation from one of the six major regional accrediting bodies recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the U.S Department of Education is essential for both legitimacy and transferability. The following are the six regional accrediting bodies:
- New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Community and Junior Colleges Accrediting Commission (WSCUC)
Accreditation can also be awarded by specialty accreditors, who examine the same characteristics as general accreditors but with a focus on the expert capabilities expected from students. They verify that programs have appropriate business acumen, that instructor standards are based on real-world experience, and that the curriculum is in accordance with current business practices. Moreover, a specialist-certified degree implies that the program has adhered to subject-specific criteria established by the business community, such as the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). The three foremost CHEA-recognized specialty accreditors in the United States, which are:
Accelerated Programs for Online Bachelor’s
Degree in Finance
Accelerated and fast-track finance degree programs are great options for students who want to finish their studies as early as possible and join the workforce. An accelerated online degree program in finance may begin at any time of the year, providing flexibility to students when enrolling. In addition, accelerated classes have a distinct edge over regular classes in that they are twice as quick. Students can finish a standard 16-week semester in as little as eight weeks and complete a typical 4-year degree in about 2 to 3 years (depending on transfer credits and course load per term). However, one must bear in mind that the fastest online finance degree programs can be pretty rigorous and hectic.
Here are a few examples of accelerated online bachelor’s in finance:
How to Pay for Online Bachelor’s Degree
in Finance Programs?
Scholarships for Online Bachelor’s
Degree in Finance
Students who have always maintained a strong academic track record should explore the many undergraduate scholarships available to study finance. Universities, as well as other organizations and associations, offer scholarships to deserving students each year or for a particular program. Here are a few examples:
| Scholarship | Description | Amount/Award | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance (AFWA) Finance and Accounting Scholarship | The Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance (AFWA) Finance and Accounting Scholarship is primarily for women in accounting and finance to ensure that they have the tools and resources to achieve every career success they desire. The scholarship supports the costs of attending 3rd, 4th, or 5th year when pursuing an accounting or finance degree. | Varies | TBA |
| Lincoln Financial Scholars Program | The Lincoln Financial Scholars Program, in partnership with the Lincoln Financial Foundation, provides a select group of African American students scholarship assistance, internships with Lincoln Financial Group, and early-career readiness support to help prepare them for rewarding careers in the insurance and asset management industries. | $5,000 | January 17, 2023 |
| Collaratory.org Scholarships | Collaratory.org, by the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, offers scholarships for students and adult learners seeking or continuing education at vocational/technical colleges, community colleges, state colleges, and universities. | Varies | January 12, 2023 |
| Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship | The Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship, awarded by the Government Finance Officers Association, recognizes and encourages outstanding minority students enrolled in a course of study preparing for a career in state or local government finance. | $10,000 | January 14, 2023 |
FAQs about Online Bachelor’s Degree
in Finance Programs
What is a finance degree?
How to get a bachelor’s degree in finance?
How long is a bachelor’s degree in finance?
Can I do a bachelor’s in finance online?
Is an online finance degree worth it?
What are the best colleges to do a finance degree?
What is the difference between a BS in finance and BBA in finance?
Career Opportunities and Salaries Online
Bachelor’s Degree in Finance
Armed with a bachelor’s degree in finance, graduates can enter a wide range of industries and businesses in various roles. They will use their analytic, strategic, critical, and communications skills to analyze financial data, determine the value of assets and the return on risk, manage investments, and do much more, making them readily employable. Career opportunities can typically be found in small and large businesses, manufacturing houses, hospitals, schools, governmental agencies, stock-broking firms, insurance companies, start-ups, real-estate establishments, and more. Here are some typical job titles online bachelor’s in finance graduates can expect:
The salary a finance bachelor graduate gets is primarily based on the specialization, the years of experience, certification, location, etc. Nevertheless, salary and growth potential in finance careers are relatively good. This is evident in the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics (BLS) report that, as an example, jobs as Financial Examiners is set to grow 18% between 2020 and 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations, and the median annual wage of a Financial Examiner is $81,430.
Here is a quick run-down of jobs online bachelor’s degree finance graduates can explore, and their salaries and growth potential, as reported by the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
| Occupation | Skills Required | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2030) | Job Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Analyst | A Financial Analyst advises organizations and people on how to spend money to make money. | $83,660 | 6% (as fast as average) | Computer skills, analytical skills, detail-oriented, communication skills, math skills, decision-making skills |
| Financial Manager | Detail-oriented, communication skills, organizational skills, analytical skills, math skills. | $134,180 | 17% (much faster than average) | A Financial Manager creates financial reports, directs investment activities, and develops plans for the long-term financial goals of an organization. |
| Personal Financial Advisor | A Personal Financial Advisor advises to help individuals manage their money and plan for their financial future. | $89,330 | 5% (slower than average) | Math skills, analytical skills, speaking skills, interpersonal skills, sales skills. |
| Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agent | A Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agent connect buyers and sellers in financial markets. | $64,770 | 4% (slower than average) | Customer-service skills, initiative, math skills, decision-making skills, analytical skills, detail-oriented. |
| Budget Analyst | Communication skills, writing skills, analytical skills, detail-oriented, communication skills, math skills. | $78,970 | 5% (slower than average) | A Budget analyst helps public and private organizations plan their finances. |
Certifications and Licensing for Online
Bachelor’s Degree in Finance
Additional Resources for Online Bachelor’s
Degree in Finance
Author Bio:
Derick de Souza
Derick is a business and education consultant working on various projects and scopes. With about 25 years of experience in different settings, he loves to tell others about “how not to be a failure” rather than “how to be successful.” Derick writes and edits articles on online learning, business, employment, and skill development, among others. His hobbies include photography, web design and development, and traveling.
Degrees
Master of Social Work, Master of Health Psychology
Areas of Expertise & Credentials
None to disclose in particular; the basics are covered in the short bio.
Disclaimer:
The average tuition (based on degree type for in-state students), average graduation rates, and rankings are based on data from various sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and are variable over time. All rankings and statistics are subject to change. The rankings are solely the opinion of Find Best Degrees (FBD) and are based on our proprietary methodology. They do not represent the views of the institutions or organizations mentioned, nor do they represent any official government census or survey. Furthermore, any views or opinions expressed on this page are of FBD’s researchers and teams. Unless otherwise specified, they do not represent the thoughts and opinions of the individuals, institutions, or organizations mentioned. This page’s content is provided solely for informational purposes, with data drawn from various sources, including IPEDS. FBD and its employees make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information found on this page or by following any link. FBD will not be held liable for any errors or omissions in this material nor any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the exposure or use of this information. Although the information on this page is/was correct at the time of publication, readers should exercise caution because some or all of the provided information may have changed over time, potentially resulting in inaccuracies. For more information, please read our Terms of Service. Trademarks and logos are the property of their registered owners. | Page last updated: Dec 2023.