A finance degree equips graduates with the expertise and credentials to pursue positions including financial advisory, examiner, and analyst careers.
The ever-increasing complexities of the financial world has created a demand that can only be satisfied by trained financial professionals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the addition of more than 750,000 business and financial occupations 2020-30.
Here, we take a look at the best online finance degrees that could help meet the growing demand in the field.
The best online bachelor’s in finance degrees
To provide the most relevant rankings for readers, we pull publicly available data from the most reputable sources. Read ZDnet’s ranking methodology to find out what information we used to create the below ranking of the best online bachelor’s in finance degrees.
Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard.
1. Florida International University
Miami, Florida
About the program: FIU’s 120-credit online finance degree combines theoretical and practical training in financial engineering, corporate finance, and international finance. The degree also prepares graduates to solve complex financial problems using the latest technologies.
Acceptance rate: 65{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Graduation rate: 58{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Annual net price: $7,296
Years to degree: Four (part-time and accelerated schedules may be available)
SAT Range: 570-650
Minimum GPA: 2.5
Enrollment periods per year: Three
Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Accreditation: Florida International University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
2. Penn State World Campus
University Park, Pennsylvania
About the program: Penn State’s online finance degree features 120 credits of training in fields such as capital management, personal finance, and financial analysis. The program prepares graduates for certified financial planner and chartered financial analyst certifications.
Acceptance rate: 76{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Graduation rate: 73{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Annual net price: $27,372
Years to degree: Four (part-time and accelerated schedules are available)
SAT Range: 540-640
Minimum GPA: 2.0
Enrollment periods per year: Three
Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Accreditation: Penn State World Campus is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
3. Texas A&M University-Commerce
Commerce, Texas
About the program: TAMUC’s online finance degree includes 120 credits of studies in investment and portfolio management, capital management, and financial institutions. The training prepares graduates to earn industry certifications.
Acceptance rate: 43{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Graduation rate: 55{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Annual net price: $13,017
Years to degree: Four (part-time schedules may be available)
SAT Range: 480-580
Minimum GPA: 3.0
Enrollment periods per year: Three
Course delivery methods: Online, synchronous and asynchronous
Accreditation: Texas A&M University-Commerce is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
4. University of Wisconsin Whitewater
Whitewater, Wisconsin
About the program: UWW’s 120-credit online finance degree covers corporate financial management, real estate, banking, and insurance. The program also includes a 20-hour community service practicum.
Acceptance rate: 79{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Graduation rate: 63{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Annual net price: $15,249
Years to degree: Four (part-time schedules are available)
SAT Range: Not publicly available
Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
Enrollment periods per year: Three
Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Accreditation: The University of Wisconsin Whitewater is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
5. University of Minnesota Crookston
Crookston, Minnesota
About the program: UMC’s online finance degree features 120 credits of training in tax, insurance, investments, and corporate finance. Students also acquire technology and business analytics skills.
Acceptance rate: 68{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Graduation rate: 56{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Annual net price: $10,952
Years to degree: Four (part-time and accelerated schedules are available)
SAT Range: Not publicly available
Minimum GPA: Varies
Enrollment periods per year: Two
Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Accreditation: The University of Minnesota Crookston is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
6. University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, Massachusetts
About the program: UMass Amherst’s 120-credit online finance degree includes training in bank management, financial modeling, and advanced corporate finance.
Acceptance rate: 64{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Graduation rate: 77{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Annual net price: $22,501
Years to degree: Three to four (part-time and accelerated schedules may be available)
SAT Range: 590-680
Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
Enrollment periods per year: Four
Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Accreditation: The University of Massachusetts Amherst is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE).
7. University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama
About the program: UAB’s online finance degree provides training in financial analysis, real estate investment, and portfolio management. The business school emphasizes leadership and innovation.
Acceptance rate: 74{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Graduation rate: 55{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Annual net price: $16,953
Years to degree: Four (part-time schedules may be available)
SAT Range: 560-680
Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
Enrollment periods per year: Three
Course delivery methods: Online, synchronous and asynchronous
Accreditation: The University of Alabama at Birmingham is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
8. SUNY Canton
Canton, New York
About the program: SUNY Canton’s online finance degree features 121 credits of classroom and hands-on instruction, including training in global investments and managerial accounting.
Acceptance rate: 85{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Graduation rate: 47{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Annual net price: $13,864
Years to degree: Four (part-time schedules may be available)
SAT Range: 460-550
Minimum GPA: 2.0
Enrollment periods per year: Two
Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Accreditation: SUNY Canton is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
10. Louisiana State University in Shreveport
Shreveport, Louisiana
About the program: LSUS’ 120-credit online finance degree has a financial analysis concentration and features courses in business finance, international finance, and investments.
Acceptance rate: 84{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Graduation rate: 35{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Annual net price: $8,952
Years to degree: Four (accelerated and part-time schedules may be available)
SAT Range: 493-583
Minimum GPA: 2.0
Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Accreditation: Louisiana State University in Shreveport is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
10. Missouri State University
Springfield, Missouri
About the program: MSU’s online finance degree features tracks for financial planning and corporate and investment finance. The program prepares graduates for the chartered financial analyst certification exam.
Acceptance rate: 88{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Graduation rate: 57{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Annual net price: $16,725
Years to degree: Four (part-time schedules may be available)
SAT Range: 520-620
Minimum GPA: 2.5
Enrollment periods per year: Two
Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Accreditation: Missouri State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
11. University of Houston-Downtown
Houston, Texas
About the program: UHD’s online finance degree includes courses in small business finance and treasury risk management. The program prepares graduates for the certified treasury professional, chartered financial planners, and chartered financial analysts certifications.
Acceptance rate: 89{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Graduation rate: 43{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Annual net price: $6,848
Years to degree: Four (part-time and accelerated schedules may be available)
SAT Range: 460-540
Minimum GPA: 2.5
Enrollment periods per year: Three
Course delivery methods: Online, synchronous and asynchronous
Accreditation: The University of Houston-Downtown is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
12. University of Houston-Clear Lake
Houston, Texas
About the program: UHCL’s 120-credit online finance degree focuses on corporate investing, valuation, and budgeting. The program offers various practical opportunities, including internships.
Acceptance rate: 74{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Graduation rate: 70{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Annual net price: $10,612
Years to degree: Four (part-time and accelerated schedules may be available)
SAT Range: 510-600
Minimum GPA: Varies
Enrollment periods per year: Three
Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Accreditation:
The University of Houston-Clear Lake is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
13. Dickinson State University
Dickinson, North Dakota
About the program: DSU’s 117-credit online finance degree combines training in mathematics, accounting, finance, and business. Courses include financial markets, international finance, and investments.
Acceptance rate: 100{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Graduation rate: 35{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Annual net price: $10,855
Years to degree: Four (part-time schedules may be available)
SAT Range: 490-560
Minimum GPA: 2.0
Enrollment periods per year: Two
Course delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
Accreditation: Dickinson State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
14. Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, New Hampshire
About the program: SNHU’s online finance degree features 120 credits of training in financial planning, forecasting, and decision-making.
Acceptance rate: 88{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Graduation rate: 47{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Annual net price: $41,095
Years to degree: Four (accelerated and part-time schedules are available)
SAT Range: Not publicly available
Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Accreditation: Southern New Hampshire University is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE).
15. Old Dominion University
Norfolk, Virginia
About the program: ODU’s 120-credit online finance degree features courses in financial decision-making, international financial management, and portfolio management.
Acceptance rate: 89{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Graduation rate: 58{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Annual net price: $16,493
Years to degree: Four (part-time and accelerated schedules are available)
SAT Range: 500-600
Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Accreditation: Old Dominion University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
16. Regis University
Denver, Colorado
About the program: Regis’ 120-credit online finance degree provides training in financial analysis, forecasting, planning, and management.
Acceptance rate: 71{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Graduation rate: 57{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Annual net price: $25,483
Years to degree: Four (part-time and accelerated schedules may be available)
SAT Range: 520-630
Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
Course delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
Accreditation: Regis University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
17. Thomas Edison State University
Trenton, New Jersey
About the program: TESU’s online finance degree features 120 credits of training, focusing on investments, financial markets and institutions, and financial management.
Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
Graduation rate: 46{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Annual net price: Not publicly available
Years to degree: Four (part-time and accelerated schedules are available)
SAT Range: Not publicly available
Minimum GPA: 2.0
Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Accreditation: Thomas Edison State University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
18. Metropolitan State University
St. Paul, Minnesota
About the program: Metropolitan State’s 120-credit online finance degree emphasizes training in investments, portfolio and asset management, financial analysis and decision-making.
Acceptance rate: 56{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Graduation rate: 57{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Annual net price: $15,225
Years to degree: Four (part-time and accelerated schedules may be available)
SAT Range: Not publicly available
Minimum GPA: 3.0
Enrollment periods per year: Three
Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Accreditation: Metropolitan State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
19. Oral Roberts University
Tulsa, Oklahoma
About the program: ORU’s 120-credit online finance degree offers courses in federal income tax accounting, capital markets, and principles of estate planning.
Acceptance rate: 68{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Graduation rate: 46{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Annual net price: $22,248
Years to degree: 3.5 (part-time and accelerated schedules are available)
SAT Range: 498-630
Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
Enrollment periods per year: Two
Course delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
Accreditation: Oral Roberts University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
20. LeTourneau University
Longview, Texas
About the program: LETU’s 120-credit online finance degree focuses on financial modeling and provides training in capital budgeting analysis, risk management and insurance, and value securities.
Acceptance rate: 45{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Graduation rate: 56{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Annual net price: $23,196
Years to degree: Four (part-time schedules may be available)
SAT Range: 550-650
Minimum GPA: 2.0
Enrollment periods per year: Two
Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Accreditation: LeTourneau University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
21. Albertus Magnus College
New Haven, Connecticut
About the program: Albertus’ online finance degree prepares graduates for the personal financial planning and corporate finance fields. The program features courses in business, accounting, and financial management.
Acceptance rate: 83{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Graduation rate: 65{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Annual net price: $26,015
Years to degree: Four (accelerated and part-time schedules are available)
SAT Range: 430-560
Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
Enrollment periods per year: Two
Course delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
Accreditation: Albertus Magnus College is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE).
22. University of Maryland Global Campus
Largo, Maryland
About the program: UMGC’s online finance degree features 120 credits of theoretical and practical training in financial information analysis, security markets, and business decision-making. The program prepares graduates for the certified financial planner certification.
Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
Graduation rate: 28{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Annual net price: $14,288
Years to degree: Four (accelerated and part-time schedules are available)
SAT Range: Not publicly available
Minimum GPA: 2.0
Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Accreditation: The University of Maryland Global Campus is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
23. Columbia College
Columbia, Missouri
About the program: CC’s online finance degree provides 120 credits of training in individual, small business, and corporate finance. Students also learn about the markets and investments.
Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
Graduation rate: 32{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Annual net price: $26,730
Years to degree: Four (part-time and accelerated schedules are available)
SAT Range: Not publicly available
Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Accreditation: Columbia College is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
24. Davenport University
Grand Rapids, Michigan
About the program: DU’s 120-credit online finance degree includes courses in data analysis, budgeting, and international business and controls. A financial planning specialty is available.
Acceptance rate: 82{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Graduation rate: 27{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Annual net price: $16,098
Years to degree: Four (part-time schedules are available)
SAT Range: Not publicly available
Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
Enrollment periods per year: Six
Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Accreditation: Davenport University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
25. National University
San Diego, California
About the program: NU’s online financial management degree includes training in tax laws and regulations, corporate finance, and financial decision-making.
Acceptance rate: 89{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Graduation rate: 34{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}
Annual net price: Not publicly available
Years to degree: Three to four (accelerated and part-time schedules are available)
SAT Range: 370-600
Minimum GPA: 2.0
Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Accreditation: National University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WSCUC).
What to expect in an online bachelor’s in finance degree program
Though bachelor’s in finance programs vary by specialization and teaching methods,most feature training in taxation, investments, and financial decision-making.
Completing an online finance degree requires independent work, though classroom collaborations, practical assignments, and internships may still play a significant role. Online learners need to be self-motivated, proactive, and detail oriented.
Finance degrees often combine theoretical and practical training, along with traditional instruction, group projects, presentations, and exams.
In addition to electives, which allow learners to customize their training, many programs offer specialization paths such as international finance, financial management, and capital markets.
Finance courses
The following list highlights common courses found in finance degrees at the bachelor’s level.
Financial accounting
This course covers basic operations and processes involved in the typical accounting cycle. Students learn about financial statements, transactions, and general financial and accounting concepts.
Income taxes
In this course, students learn tax policies for individuals and organizations. They master preparing tax returns, analyzing taxes, and making adjustments.
Financial planning principles
This course teaches how to help individuals and organizations arrange their finances and plan for the future. The training delves into savings and investment strategies, asset management, and taxation.
Investments
In this course, learners look at investment strategies for individuals and corporations. The training examines portfolio management, diversification, security trading, and international investments.
Finance degree levels
Prospective students should set their sights on the degree that best fits their goals.
Below, we provide details on various finance degree levels, highlighting what they offer and where they might lead.
Associate in finance
Length: Two years
Cost: $11,389 per year
Post-grad careers: Claims adjuster, accounting clerk, and insurance sales agent
An associate finance degree usually covers the field’s fundamentals, preparing graduates for entry-level careers and further education. Students learn how to complete many basic financial duties within an organization and how to use finances to improve businesses’ operations and decision-making.
Associate degrees often emphasize business foundations and general education, widely applicable training that can provide transfer credits if needed.
Bachelor’s in finance
Length: Four years
Cost: $28,123 per year
Post-grad careers: Accountant, financial examiner, and financial manager
A finance bachelor’s degree prepares graduates for many entry-level business and financial occupations. The training at this level often explores business fundamentals so learners can apply their financial expertise to business operations.
In addition to traditional instruction, these programs typically feature practical components, such as internships and simulations. Many bachelor’s programs also offer specialization options, allowing learners to channel their training toward a certain field or career.
Master’s in finance
Length: Two years
Cost: $19,792 per year
Post-grad careers: Budget analyst, financial analyst, and management analyst
A finance degree at the master’s level delves into advanced financial theory, financial reporting, mathematics, and analysis. Students learn to support businesses through investing, financial decision-making, and different forms of analysis.
A finance master’s usually incorporates research and practical components. Learners can typically choose a specialization. Graduates can pursue leadership positions, certifications, or further training.
Doctorate in finance
Length: 4-6 years
Cost: $19,792 per year
Post-grad careers: Postsecondary teacher, top executive, and compensation and benefits manager
A doctoral finance degree focuses on theoretical and empirical research. Students search for new theories, approaches, and practical applications. Graduates can pursue teaching or research positions in academia, and leadership positions in business and regulatory environments.
Ph.D. students usually concentrate their efforts and research on a specialization.
In conclusion
A finance degree offers flexibility in curricula, teaching methods, specializations, and career paths.
Graduates can pursue professions in business, healthcare, or the government. Their knowledge can improve decisions, operations, and financial outcomes.
