Top 10 Best Online Finance Degrees Of 2024
Want to know the secret to a successful business? It’s having at least one finance expert on your team. They keep everything running smoothly with their knowledge of financial theory, risk management, and budgeting.
Financial professionals work in all kinds of offices, from insurance companies and credit unions to government agencies and brokerages. They have different titles like financial planner, loan officer, appraiser, and insurance adjuster. The best part? These jobs are usually stable and pay well. Plus, all you need is a finance degree to get started.
If you’re interested in starting a career in finance, I’ve got good news for you! Many academic institutions now offer online bachelor’s degrees in finance that work for people with busy schedules.
However, each program is different. So, if you’re up for a challenge and want to join the competitive marketplace, keep reading to learn about the best U.S. schools offering online finance degrees.
Top 10 Best Online Finance Degree
1. Western Carolina University
- Undergraduate Tuition: $66/ credit (in state)
- Overall Student Retention Rate: 80%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 64%
- School Type: Public
- Application Fee: Free
- Degree Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Program Enrollment Options: Full time, part time
- Notable Major-Specific Courses: Macroeconomics, microeconomics, fundamentals of information technology in institutions, investment and portfolio analysis
- Concentrations Available: N/A
- In-Person Requirements: No
Why We Picked It
Western Carolina University(WCU) is located in Cullowhee, an Appalachian Mountain city of Cullowhee, North Carolina, offers an online bachelor of business administration (BBA) with a focus of personal planning for financial success.
Students can quickly take the certification test as a Certified Financial Planner(r). The online finance program at WCU lets students earn credit for their internships.
Students can also take part in WCU’s Finance Club. WCU Finance Club to gain knowledge of managing equity investments and to learn about the market for stocks.
2. Metropolitan State University
- Undergraduate Tuition: $286/credit (in state)
- Overall Student Retention Rate: 72%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 57%
- School Type: Public
- Application Fee: Free
- Degree Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Program Enrollment Options: Full time, part time
- Notable Major-Specific Courses: Macroeconomics, microeconomics, fundamentals of information technology in institutions, investment and portfolio analysis
- Concentrations Available: N/A
- In-Person Requirements: No
Why We Picked It
Metropolitan State University was founded in 1971 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as an upper-level school catering to working students.
The tradition is still in place since it offers a virtual bachelor of science in finance, which prepares students for careers in finance for corporations and financial institutions, as well as personal investment services.
Online students can also choose one of three minors in applied economics, statistics, or insurance and risk management.
Every student in the program is assigned an advisor who can answer questions and help with the course schedule and academic development.
3. Northwood University
- Undergraduate Tuition: $480/credit (in state)
- Overall Student Retention Rate: 79%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 64%
- School Type: Private
- Application Fee: Free
- Degree Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated, part time, full time
- Notable Major-Specific Courses: Real estate finance and analysis, capital markets and analysis
- Concentrations Available: N/A
- In-Person Requirements: No
Why We Picked It
Northwood University is a business school located in Midland, Michigan. Although the online finance course at Northwood is entirely on the Internet, with no campus visits needed, students still have regular interactions with their teachers and have access to online resources that their classmates share.
Graduates of the program are prepared to take the professional certification test by passing exams such as the Series 7 and Financial Data Professional tests.
Northwood online learners also run their own Timberwolf Investment Fund, a student club run by advisors from the faculty. Members of the club gain experience in making portfolios and managing financial risk.
4. Old Dominion University
- Undergraduate Tuition: $393/credit (in state)
- Overall Student Retention Rate: 72%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 58%
- School Type: Public
- Application Fee: $50
- Degree Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated, full time, part time
- Notable Major-Specific Courses: International financial management, financial decision making
- Concentrations Available: N/A
- In-Person Requirements: No
Why We Picked It
The university in Norfolk, Virginia, Old Dominion University, offers an online bachelor of science degree in finance administration. The program provides business fundamentals, including investment management, financial management, and portfolio administration. The live courses are not offered. Instead, the course contents are structured into learning modules with clearly defined goals and assignments.
Students interested in pursuing a master’s degree in business administration can earn graduate credit as they finish their bachelor’s degrees by enrolling in the ODU MPA Early Start program. ODU also offers reduced undergraduate tuition for active military personnel.
5. SUNY College of Technology at Canton
- Undergraduate Tuition: $295/credit (in state)
- Overall Student Retention Rate: 70%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 48%
- School Type: Public
- Application Fee: Free
- Degree Credit Requirements: 121 credits
- Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated, part time, full time
- Notable Major-Specific Courses: Introduction to management, global investments
- Concentrations Available: N/A
- In-Person Requirements: No
Why We Picked It
A New York-based SUNY College of Technology in Canton offers students an online bachelor’s degree in business administration in finance. It provides a comprehensive foundation in the modern financial system.
Students can look forward to hands-on assignments and case studies on investments and domestic. Financial courses cover important areas like mortgage and loan amortization, valuation of stock bonds and adequate diversification.
Online learners can be part of investment clubs, independent studies and one-semester internships in financial services.
6. Baker College
- Undergraduate Tuition: $435/credit (in state)
- Overall Student Retention Rate: 52%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 22%
- School Type: Private
- Application Fee: $30
- Degree Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated, part time, full time
- Notable Major-Specific Courses: Personal financial planning, Business analytics
- Concentrations Available: N/A
- In-Person Requirements: No
Why We Picked It
In Owosso, Michigan, Baker College has offered online courses since 1994. The online bachelor of management in finance program trains students to apply their math and analytical knowledge and finance theories in banking, corporate finance, and financial planning. The curriculum for finance also offers two 120-hour working experiences.
The Accelerated “4+1” program allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in business administration over five years.
As of October 2023, the Higher Learning Commission has placed Baker College under governmental investigation regarding marketing and recruitment practices. Baker College remains accredited while under investigation. For the most current information about Baker College’s status as an accredited institution, visit the HLC’s website.
7. Fort Hays State University
- Undergraduate Tuition: $243/credit (in state)
- Overall Student Retention Rate: 76%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 57%
- School Type: Public
- Application Fee: $30
- Degree Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Program Enrollment Options: Full time, part time
- Notable Major-Specific Courses: Principles of finance, money and banking
- Concentrations Available: Banking
- In-Person Requirements: No
Why We Picked It
The university is located in Hays, Kansas; Fort Hays State University has provided distance education for over 100 years. Its online bachelor of Business administration in finance offers instruction in various business fields such as banking, entrepreneurial finance, corporate finance, and financial management.
Courses online include video discussions, discussion boards, and presentations. They also offer projects for teams and individuals. Fort Hays State offers credit for prior learning so students can reduce time and expense by proving their competence in specific areas.
8. LeTourneau University
- Undergraduate Tuition: $380 to $410/credit (in state)
- Overall Student Retention Rate: 79%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 51%
- School Type: Private
- Application Fee: Free
- Degree Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated, part time, full time
- Notable Major-Specific Courses: Financial markets and institutions, risk management and insurance
- Concentrations Available: N/A
- In-Person Requirements: No
Why We Picked It
The Texas-based Christian business college LeTourneau University offers an online bachelor of business administration with an emphasis on finance.
This program gives students a thorough study of corporate finance and acquiring and applying finance modelling techniques. LETU’s instructors bring Christian principles to the world of business.
They regularly incorporate prayers and the Bible into class discussions. The finance degree can be obtained completely online, or with classroom instruction in person at the school’s educational center located in Longview, Texas.
9. University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- Undergraduate Tuition: $235/credit (in state)
- Overall Student Retention Rate: 78%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 57%
- School Type: Public
- Application Fee: $65
- Degree Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated, part time, full time
- Notable Major-Specific Courses: Investments; financial institutions and markets
- Concentrations Available: N/A
- In-Person Requirements: No
Why We Picked It
The University of North Carolina-Greensboro‘s Bryan School of Business and Economics offers an online finance bachelor’s degree that delves into financial systems theory, organization, and analysis. A majority of the business courses offered by UNC-Greensboro involve participation in group projects.
UNC Greensboro makes several services accessible to online students for free, such as an organization called the Spartan Investment Club, which hosts networking events and competitions and helps students prepare to take the Chartered Financial Analyst(r) certification test. The program also provides “company spotlights” to introduce students to local businesses and job opportunities.
10. Wilmington University
- Undergraduate Tuition: $409/credit (in state)
- Overall Student Retention Rate: 56%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 45%
- School Type: Private
- Application Fee: $35
- Degree Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Program Enrollment Options: Full time
- Notable Major-Specific Courses: Intro to global derivatives; advanced Excel and data analytics
- Concentrations Available: N/A
- In-Person Requirements: No
Why We Picked It
The university is located in Delaware, Wilmington University is an independent university that offers an undergraduate degree in finance, combining theory and practice.
The curriculum focuses on areas typically overlooked by other business schools that allow students to expand their professional networks by participating in internships and experience-based learning in groups.
Students can choose from a range of beginning dates throughout the year. Classes begin at the beginning of each eight week. The degree program is accredited through the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education.
Accreditation for Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Finance
Accreditation is a method for quality control in higher learning. Based on your professional path, employers, credentialing bodies, and graduate programs could require an accredited diploma. Additionally, you must be enrolled at an accredited institution to be eligible for Federal student loans.
There are two types of accreditation that you should consider. One is institutional, which can be applied to schools in general, and programmatic, a concern for particular degree programs and departments.
Institutions are accredited by organizations endorsed through the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). It is possible to search the school’s website for accreditation status or the CHEA website to search for school departments, degrees, and other institutions.
Institutional accreditation bodies like the Higher Learning Commission or the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges might accredit schools offering online finance degrees.
On a programmatic basis, finance degrees online may be accredited by ACBSP, the Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) as well as and the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) or the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Should You Enroll in a Finance Degree Online Program?
The decision to pursue an online degree in finance is a significant life choice you should not take lightly. Be aware of a few essential aspects before choosing a school.
Consider first how a course would work for your family, work and other obligations. Asynchronous courses are thought of for their flexibility, which is why they work well for students with busy schedules.
Then, take a look at your financial situation. Online students may receive tuition discounts; certain institutions offer reduced tuition for distance learners or cost all distance learners living in the state fees no matter where they reside. Online learners are not charged for housing and transportation expenses, which could be significant for students on campus.
Then, you can evaluate your learning style. Online classes are ideal for those who are driven, self-motivated and well-organized. If you require more assistance staying on the right track, in-person classes could be the best option.
How To Find the Right Online Finance Program for You
Consider Your Future Goals
A bachelor’s degree online in finance can lead to various lucrative careers in banking, corporate finance, insurance, real estate, and other business-related fields. If you have a vision of where you’d like to go, look for programs aligning with your ambitions.
Suppose you’re looking to begin working in finance immediately following graduation. In that case, you may prefer a program with extensive work-study or internship elements that will help you gain real-world experience. If you want to obtain a graduate degree, consider pursuing an additional degree in a dual format like an MBA/BBA dual program that permits you to complete both degrees within five years.
It is also important to consider the type of finance bachelor’s degree you’d like to earn. A BBA generally provides a broad understanding of business-related topics, while a bachelor of science degree in finance is more focused and usually more focused on math.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
The per-credit tuition rates in this list range between $66 and $480; the average bachelor’s degree will require 120 credits. This means that the tuition price for a finance bachelor’s online degree is between $7900 and $57,600.
The figures are nevertheless lower than other degrees available. Based on the National Center for Education Statistics, the average tuition and charges for four years of a bachelor’s degree was about $38,400 at the public institution and $136,200 for a private institution for the academic year 2021-22.
If you are eligible for financial aid, such as grants as well as loans and scholarships to be eligible for financial aid, you must fill out the Free application of Federal Student Aid. Remember, some schools provide work-study and assistantship opportunities to cover the cost of a degree.
FAQs About Online Finance Degrees
Is a degree in finance hard?
Financial professionals are usually meticulous and organized. It’s not a surprise that obtaining a finance education will require a lot of focus and time. The classes in the major require the use of a high degree of math, economics, statistics, and business terminology. These subjects may be challenging for some students.
Is it possible to get a finance degree online?
Yes, many reputable online degree programs can prepare students for lucrative jobs in finance and other related areas. Specific programs let students complete courses at their own pace, allowing for busy schedules.
