Find your degree

Online College Plan is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
finance major

Finance is a truly exciting major that opens people up to a diverse range of careers. Just a small selection of those careers includes bond brokering, corporate finance, financial analysis, financial planning, underwriting, and investment banking, among others. In this article, we’ve ranked the 20 best online schools for finance majors. If you know you want to earn a degree in finance but you’re unsure where to start, this list of schools will hopefully inspire your search for the best fit for your needs. If you know you’d like to earn a degree online, but finance isn’t your calling, you may enjoy our Top 100 Best Online Colleges ranking instead.

A Bachelor’s Degree in Finance

A finance bachelors degree is a great undergraduate option for those who want to go on to pursue a career in business, go on to study at the graduate level, or directly enter the workforce in the finance field. Because it is such a broad field, there are a few different bachelors degrees that you can consider. These include the following:


  • Bachelor of Science in Finance
  • Bachelor of Business Administration in FinanceBest Schools for a Finance Major
  • Bachelor of Business Studies in Finance
  • Bachelor of Arts in Finance

Degrees in banking and accounting are also related and can offer the same preparation, but we have chosen not to rank them. The core curriculum of any finance program will equip graduates with a broad understanding of economics, accounting, and more. Regardless of what professional goals that you have, a bachelors degree in finance is going to prepare you to think critically and creatively and it will give you a practical skill set in mathematics and analytical thinking. The degree path that you choose may feature different courses as part of the core curriculum that bolster your skills in certain aspects of the field; this is something to consider as you search. How will the program you choose advance you in a professional sense?

The primary areas of employment for those who hold a finance degree are corporate finance, banking, real estate, financial planning, and asset management. Within those areas, there are hundreds of specific positions that you could pursue according to your goals. Finance is also one of the fields that rank for having the highest starting salaries; it is the only non-technical type of degree that is among the top ten.

Earning an Online Finance Degree

A major in finance will expose you to courses that let you learn about how businesses function, how to predict patterns in business, analyze economic trends, and how to communicate effectively to set strategic changes in motion, along with a lot more. You will gain everything you need to understand complex data sets then interpret and apply them in a professional setting. The best part is that this is something that you can do from the comfort of your own home. Studying online will allow you to find a school that offers the perfect curriculum for you and will enable you to work on your classes when you want to. Many online finance programs will prepare you for credentialing exams in the field as well. Studying finance online opens you up to a lot of opportunities.

Methodology

To create our ranking of the top 20 best online schools for a finance major, we started by curating a list of schools that were based in the United States, duly accredited, and offered at least one fully-online or hybrid bachelors program in finance. We ranked those schools based on two factors* that we trust to indicate academic quality:

  • Freshman Retention Rate and
  • Graduation Rate.

*Each of these factors represents 50% of the final score.

Those two rates were added together to get a possible score of 200 points, and the schools with the highest scores are presented here. Due to incomplete data, there may be some schools that are not represented here that otherwise would have ranked. It is important to note that no institutions are ever awarded preferential treatment, and we do not feature for-profit institutions in our traditional rankings. We’re confident that our methodology would allow anyone to draw the same conclusions.

All of the data we collected and present in this ranking was gathered from the schools’ websites whenever it was available. Additional information was also collected from the following sources:

The average cost represents the average residential cost of attendance at each university and was accurate at the time of writing. Due to the fluid nature of tuition rates, you should always check with your chosen schools to obtain a more precise picture of what you’ll pay to attend. You should also always consider the vast amount of scholarship opportunities for online students that you may be eligible for.

Related Rankings:

Spread the love
  1. MERIT: 184
    View Profile Average Cost: $68,537

    Northeastern University
    Northeastern University offers a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting Management. The program is presented entirely online and can be completed from anywhere in the country. There are 120 credits required for completion, and at least 60 of them must be completed at Northeastern in order for you to earn the degree. The main components of the curriculum include foundation courses, major courses, and electives.

    The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business has accredited this program, meaning that it is a world-class program of study that prepares you to fill professional roles in the field. You will take classes that integrate finance, technology, globalization, and more in order to give you the knowledge and perspective you need to succeed.

    The major courses include Financial Reporting and Analysis, Principles of Taxation, Risk Management and Insurance, Investments, and more. That portion of your study culminates in a capstone project where you will be required to demonstrate your proficiency in business strategy, bringing together everything you’ve learned into a practical project. There are close to 40 credits worth of electives that you’ll take, which allows you to customize your plan of study to fit your professional needs.

    There are start dates in the fall, spring, and summer. You can choose to study at a full-time or part-time pace based on the demands of your current schedule. You may also find that this program allows you to accelerate your graduation by expanding your course load each term. You will have access to an academic advisor and will also have a lot of opportunities to add depth to your study with experiential learning, internships, and more.

    More Information
  2. MERIT: 178
    View Profile Average Cost: $25,055

    Pennsylvania State University
    The Penn State World Campus offers an online Bachelor of Science in Finance. The program is AACSB-accredited and gives students a unique opportunity. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the Chartered Financial Analyst and Certificated Financial Planning credentialing exams.

    The curriculum is rooted in fundamental concepts in business, economics, and accounting and then builds upon that with in-depth instruction in finance and financial management. The entire program is made up of 120 credits but the number of credits and time to completion varies based on how many eligible transfer credits you can bring with you. You will also have a personal, academic advisor to help you select the best courses for you.

    The required courses you’ll take will give you background knowledge in financial statement analysis, business writing, basic management concepts, investment and portfolio analysis, marketing, information systems, and more. Once you’ve gotten the prescribed courses out of the way, you can begin to explore your interests in the field through the diverse class options at Penn State.

    Pennsylvania State University’s online programs were ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. You will get the same education from home that you would if you were on campus because the same instructors teach both formats. You can choose classes that define your goals and develop the necessary skills to reach them with ease, and all of those classes are asynchronous for your convenience.

    More Information
  3. MERIT: 151
    View Profile Average Cost: $52,540


    DeSales University offers an accelerated online Bachelor of Science in Finance. First-year students are admitted to the program, which is an added bonus as many of the online bachelors programs require students to have completed at least some college courses. DeSales welcomes freshmen and transfer students alike. Transfer students can bring up to 75 credits with them out of the required 120.

    DeSales also gives credit for relevant work or life experience, CLEP tests, professional or military training, and more. This is another way that you can get ahead in this program, even if you’re just starting your journey with higher education. The BS in Finance online at the university is recognized by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs and can be completed from home in its entirety.

    You can select a traditional 15-week format for this program if you would like to complete it at an average pace or you can take classes that are condensed into six- and eight-week sessions to help you graduate faster. You are allowed to study part-time or full-time and can even attend some classes face-to-face if you live near campus. The delivery of this finance degree is extremely flexible, so it caters to your needs.

    The courses you’ll take cover a broad scope of financial concepts. It is important to note that this program is predominantly synchronous. There are set login times that require your attendance and participation. However, they are conducted in the evenings so as not to disrupt your professional life. Some components of the program will be asynchronous.

    More Information
  4. MERIT: 151
    View Profile Average Cost: $50,170

    Regis University
    Regis University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Finance. This degree is made up of 120 credits at least, but that could increase depending on your selected minor if you opt to include one in your program of study. Throughout the program, students will fulfill all the requirements of sitting for their CPA. There are also various certificates that you can earn with the courses in this program which will bolster your resume later on.

    The BS in Finance at Regis has a curriculum that presents students with long-standing concepts in business and finance and encourages them to explore current issues and trends in the field. This approach allows graduates to go on to become more dynamic employees that know the ground rules but are prepared to adapt when necessary.

    This online finance major can be taken from anywhere in the country and will never require you to attend the main campus in Denver, Colorado. You will still have access to the same experienced faculty, students services, and academic rigor as those who are taking this program at a brick and mortar school.

    Other benefits include the option to earn a graduate degree alongside your undergraduate degree through the Regis University College of Business and Economics. The classes you’ll take will cover a range of finance subjects like forecasting and planning, marketing, management, financial analysis, business strategy, and more.

    More Information
  5. MERIT: 145
    View Profile Average Cost: $23,690

    13 FIU-logo
    Florida International University’s R. Kirk Landon Undergraduate School of Business offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance online. There are 120 required credits for graduation, and all of them can be completed 100% online. You will be able to work with an academic advisor and select electives that are relevant to you, but there are no career-specific areas of focus provided at this time.

    Freshmen and transfer students are all eligible to enroll in the program, and they have the choice of three different start dates per year. Transfer students must have completed more than 60 credits including all of their general education courses or currently hold an associate-level degree. Tuition rates are competitively low even for those students that are not residents of Florida; it comes in at just under $330 per credit. The national average is close to $600 per credit.

    This online BBA in Finance is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The curriculum was crafted to give you a solid foundation upon which you can build a career or continue on to study at the graduate level in business, banking, corporate finance, investments, and more. The courses you take will expose you to the most cutting-edge technology used on the job and will foster strong critical thinking and the ability to analyze and apply financial data.

    You will also take courses that prepare you for managerial positions and strategic decision making. The major-specific courses you’ll encounter include Intermediate Finance, Commercial Bank Management, Financial Markets and Institutions, Securities Analysis, International Finance Management, and Financial Risk Management along with several electives.

    More Information
  6. MERIT: 137
    View Profile Average Cost: $28,403

    16 UAB-logo
    The University of Alabama at Birmingham has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review in a variety of areas. The Collat School of Business is also accredited by the AACSB. The degree we’ve ranked UAB for here is the online Bachelor of Science in Finance.

    The university asserts that it offers a rigorous program that covers essential topics in the area of finance. These include financial analysis, portfolio management, real estate investment and analysis, and more. First-year students and transfer students alike are both eligible to be admitted into the program. All students will have access to collaborative education and networking opportunities as well as scholarships.

    This online finance major is entirely online, and the curriculum was expertly designed with award-winning faculty and industry experts to ensure that it is directly relevant to the careers it prepares you for. This program seeks to equip graduates with an arsenal of essential skills to excel in finance like analytical skills, problem-solving techniques, and effective communication.

    You will take your classes asynchronously, so there are no set times to log in every day. You can work at your own pace, but you will be progressing through in a cohort. This technology-driven and innovative online bachelors in finance includes courses like Principles of Real Estate, Operations Management, Information Systems, and more. You will gain a richly varied background, and then the program culminates with you demonstrating that knowledge through a capstone project.

    More Information
  7. MERIT: 134
    View Profile Average Cost: $25,794


    Old Dominion University has ranked for its Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Finance distance degree program. This is a full program, but it can also function as a degree completion program for those students who already have significant college experience or have at least completed the majority of an associate-level degree. ODU also allows some students to earn graduate credits while they work on their finance BSBA if that is appropriate.

    The program is 100% online and allows you to access course materials no matter where you are. There are some synchronous classes you may encounter, which means that there will be set times that you need to get on your computer and participate in class in real time in a virtual setting. However, there are still plenty of asynchronous components as well so you will still get all of the flexibility you need from an online program.

    There are 120 credits required to graduate and transfer students must complete at least 30 of those credits at Old Dominion University in order to earn their degree. These credits are divided into two main components of the degree. Firstly, there is the business core that establishes your background. These courses include Principles of Accounting, Legal Environments of Business, Principles of Marketing, Statistical Analysis, and more.

    The finance major coursework component is where you’ll encounter the material that will prepare you for the day to day aspects of a career in the field. Courses in this section include Real Estate, Financial Decision Making, International Financial Management, and six electives to help you customize your experience to fit the role you aspire to fill.

    More Information
  8. MERIT: 132
    View Profile Average Cost: $16,943

    Missouri State University- Springfield
    Missouri State University operates a distance education initiative called Missouri State Online, through which it has a Bachelor of Science in Finance program of study. The university advertises the program as being comprehensive and not requiring a minor. In order to get accepted as an online finance major, there are ten courses you must complete.

    These ten courses are Accounting, Information Technology, Public Speaking, Economics, Writing, Business Communications, Math, Psychology, Business Statistics, and Legal Environment of Business. The online BS in Finance is a 120-credit program that you can complete entirely online. The curriculum is very broad, which is why the university doesn’t offer any majors. However, it does prepare students for CFA certification.

    Some of the careers that this degree program will prepare you for include jobs in banking, credit management, financial planning, or real estate. Tuition rates for the program are on par with the national average for students that don’t qualify for in-state rates. However, there may be fewer fees associated with an online course. You may not be able to take your general education requirements online, and there are some classes you may need to take as part of this program that are blended.

    The majority of this program, if not the entire thing, can be completed online depending on your course selections. You will have access to a student advisor to help you select what program of study is right for you. Online students at MSU can choose to study at a full- or part-time pace.

    More Information
  9. MERIT: 128
    View Profile Average Cost: $41,170


    Dallas Baptist University operates a College of Professional Studies through which it provides non-traditional academic opportunities. One of those is online degrees. The online finance major we’ve ranked Dallas for in this article is a Bachelor of Business Studies in Finance. The program consists of 120 credits; between 30 and 36 of these credits must be completed at the university.

    All of the business-oriented programs at the university are currently supported by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Because of the Christian focus of the school, principles of Christian faith are deeply integrated into the entire program of study in order to foster strong leadership, servitude, and faith in all students so that they can carry that into their professional lives.

    The finance major includes the following courses: Principles of Financial Accounting, Principles of Managerial Accounting, Corporate Financial Management, Securities Analysis, Principles of Management, Business and Public Law, Information Systems for Management, and Principles of Marketing. These classes have been selected to familiarize you with the whole range of competencies that finance encompasses.

    There is a diverse selection of electives you can use to enhance your skills in a particular area such as international finance, personal financial planning, real estate, and more. The online classes feature an average of just 11 students so you can get a one-on-one experience with your instructors without sacrificing the flexibility you depend on in an online program or even having to leave your home.

    More Information
  10. MERIT: 128
    View Profile Average Cost: $41,446

    9 Northwood-logo</a
    Northwood University features an online finance major that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Graduates of the program are also adequately prepared for the Series 7 and DFP exams. This Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance stands out because there aren’t all of the typical prerequisite hoops to jump through, you start working on your major courses right away.

    This is a career-oriented degree that imparts you with all of the skills and knowledge that you need to excel in your finance career and teaches you to view things through a distinctly entrepreneurial lens. For the ambitious among you, you can fast-track yourself through the BBA/MBA dual degree program and earn your masters degree in just four years.

    There are six start dates throughout the year, and you can choose to take classes in 16-week or eight-week formats based on the amount of time you have to dedicate to your studies and the pace at which you want to complete your degree. Students who are entering college for the first time take classes in the traditional 15-week semester format and have three start dates to select from. A typical student completes this degree between two and four years.

    The full program is 123 credits, and you can start taking major-specific classes in your first semester. You will take the typical courses in the field that provide you with the knowledge base you need in microeconomics, management, marketing, ethics, business law, and more. Northwood’s online finance undergraduate program also features classes that are unique to the school and will give you a competitive edge; these courses cover international trade, organizational behavior, strategies for success, and business productivity software.

    More Information
  11. MERIT: 125
    View Profile Average Cost: $23,352


    UMC offers a Bachelor of Science in Finance online. You can also supplement another online degree with a minor in finance if that is more fitting to your career aspirations. The program is welcoming to transfer credits and is available completely online or in a partially online format for any of you who live near campus and wish to attend. There are 120 credits required for graduation.

    Regardless of your residency, you will pay the same tuition rate as in-state students when you choose to enroll at the University of Minnesota Crookston. You will also have access to personalized attention thanks to small class sizes and a dedicated advisor. This program is rife with options for those who want to get more out of their degree. You will have opportunities to study abroad, conduct research as an online undergrad student, and could find yourself in one of many hands-on internships.

    Classes offered online are entirely asynchronous, so you will have access to your course materials 24/7, whenever it is most convenient for you to get some studying done. This is a convenient, world-class, and highly respected degree program from one of the nation’s top names in higher education. The curriculum of the program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills that you can apply on day one in the field.

    The courses you’ll take include a business core that covers accounting, finance, management, marketing, and business law. You will also take an internship as part of your business core so you can apply what you’ve learned and prepare yourself for your future career. The finance classes cover everything you may experience in a professional setting. Topics include estate planning, income tax, analytics, investments, and more.

    Graduates of this program will also benefit from the writing, speaking, and technology-focused classes as well. You will be well-versed in any area of finance you may want to work in and have the communication skills to excel. You will also be able to use all of the cutting-edge technology being implemented in the field of finance today.

    More Information
  12. MERIT: 119
    View Profile Average Cost: $50,277


    Franklin Pierce University offers a Bachelor of Science in Finance that the university has crafted to cater to adult learners. It consists of 120 credits and is exceptionally flexible. Transfer credit is accepted, and you could earn credit for any certifications or licenses you already hold, job or military training, or even just life experience.

    The program is available entirely online or in a blended format; you can also choose to study full-time or part-time. There are six academic terms per year, and you can start during any one of those. The university has done everything that it can to ensure that you have the option to study when you want to, at your own pace, and can easily fit your education into your busy schedule regardless of what it is you do.

    The faculty of the program are experts in their field, and the small class sizes will allow you to interact with them and make the most out of their experience so you can take it with you into your own lives and careers. As with most finance degrees, you will take a host of courses that fit into the business core curriculum.

    The business core includes courses in finance, accounting, business law, economics, management, marketing, ethics, strategy, and more. In addition to those courses you’ll find in any program, there are some unique courses that are designed to give you a technological edge. These are Microcomputer Applications, Database Applications, and Electronic Spreadsheets. You can pick which one best suits you to fulfill that requirement.

    The online finance major track only requires the following five courses: Money and Banking, Real Estate Investment, Managerial Finance, Investment Analysis, and Problems in Finance. This isn’t as thorough as some universities offer; however, you also must complete 27 credits worth of electives, which does allow you the flexibility to customize what you learn at Franklin Pierce.

    More Information
  13. MERIT: 115
    View Profile Average Cost: $30,682


    Davenport University offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. This is a very comprehensive program that requires at least 120 credits to graduate. You can complete all of the requirements online, and you even have the option to complete a specialization in Financial Planning. This specialization is registered with the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. so that graduates are eligible to sit for the CFP credentialing exam.

    The International Accreditation Council for Business Education accredits the program, and it is the first program featured in this ranked to hold that endorsement. Students can start in Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall. Classes are provided in traditional 15-week semesters as well as ten-week, seven-week, and even four-week sessions. You have the opportunity to earn credit for prior learning, and any students residing outside of Michigan receive a 33% discount on their tuition.

    The online finance major at DU fosters strong partnerships that allow for a relevant and rigorous curriculum, keeping you at the forefront of the industry. The core classes ensure that you have in-depth knowledge of budgeting, investments, international business, internal controls, and international business. The program will prepare you for a broad range of in-demand careers and give you the skills to edge out the competition during the hiring process.

    Even in your online courses, which could be either synchronous or asynchronous, there is a small student to faculty ratio to ensure personalized attention. The major-specific courses you’ll take include classes you won’t encounter as part of every program such as Federal Taxation, and Health Care Finance.

    You will complete an internship, field experience, and a practical capstone experience. If you choose not to specialize in Financial Planning, you will still be able to tailor your degree with electives like Behavioral Finance, Retirement Plan/Employee Benefits, Real Estate Finance, Estate Planning, Behavioral Finance, and more. DU prides itself on its diverse and rigorous curriculum.

    More Information
  14. MERIT: 107
    View Profile Average Cost: $50,436

    5 SNHU -logo
    Southern New Hampshire University likely offers more vast and diverse online degree options than any other institution in the nation, so it is no surprise that this reputable school also offers a Bachelor of Science in Finance. SNHU also features some of the fewest fees and lowest tuition rates in the nation and has generous discounts for those in the military, veterans, and their spouses.

    This is a 120-credit program that culminates in a capstone project. Those with some college education already completed can bring in up to 90 credits to help them achieve their degree even faster. All students will benefit from the six eight-week terms each year that allow them to start any time and complete their degree even quicker. You can choose to study part-time, full-time, or at an accelerated pace by working year-round.

    You will have dedicated academic and career support advisors to help you navigate your education and the increasingly expanding field of finance when you’re ready to enter the professional world. The curriculum includes your general education courses and a business core curriculum that covers the ten key competencies in business. On top of the theoretical knowledge, you’ll gain from these courses. State-Of-The-Art simulations will allow you to get practical experience.

    You can choose to specialize in Financial Planning to prepare for your CFP exam or take advantage of the variety of electives offered to learn what you need to in order to succeed in your chosen career. On top of the finance major requirements, you’ll take classes that strengthen your skills in writing, communication, analysis, and problem-solving.

    More Information
  15. MERIT: 100
    View Profile Average Cost: $15,231


    Metropolitan State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Finance online through its College of Management. You can choose to attend entirely online because the program is 100% accessible no matter where you may be. If you’re local to the campus or need some extra attention in a specific area, you can take some of your classes on campus if you should want to.

    The program requires 120 credits to graduate and is open to freshmen as well as transfer students. The university maintains partnerships with a variety of institutions in order to help you get the degree you want in the most convenient way possible. Transfer students must complete at least 20 credits at Metro State, meaning that this university has one of the most generous transfer policies in this ranking.

    42 of the credits will be the College of Management Foundation and the Business Core parts of the degree, which you’ll need in order to graduate and succeed. These classes cover topics like statistics, economics, operations management, finance, marketing, and information systems. You can fulfill your finance requirement with either Corporate Finance or Investments and Portfolio Analysis.

    The rest of your finance courses are electives, allowing for a truly customized education. The university offers a handful of minors as well, which are in Applied Mathematics, Applied Statistics, Economics, and Risk Management and Insurance. This program was designed to ensure students are proficient in and have a strong understanding of financial theory and application as well as graduate with advanced skills in quantitative thinking, communication, and more.

    There are several start dates per year, but this program runs on a traditional semester-based schedule.

    More Information
  16. MERIT: 96
    View Profile Average Cost: $18,407


    Dickinson State University offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. The program is a fully online finance major that requires 120 credits to graduate. Online students will have access to all of the student support services that DSU offers, which includes different types of software, an advisor for general questions, and a dedicated faculty advisor that is well-versed in your major who can assist you with more specific issues.

    All of the courses follow a traditional 15-semester schedule, but they are presented asynchronously. You will have access to all of your course materials beginning on the first day of class, and you will be able to get online 24/7 to complete your coursework and exams. Some exams may be proctored, in which case you can schedule to take your exam at an approved proctor that is local to you.

    There are four components of the program. The first is your general education requirements, which account for 31 credits. You will then complete 28 credits of pre-major courses; these cover basic concepts in accounting, economics, communication, statistics, and even how to use spreadsheets properly.

    The remaining two components account for the remainder of your credits, and they are your finance core courses and then your finance major courses. The curriculum is extremely broad, making this a great prerequisite to graduate study if that is in line with your goals. You will learn about business policy, law, ethics, and valuation. The finance-specific classes cover managerial finance, statement analysis, corporate and international finance, investments, and more.

    Additional courses you’ll take in marketing, organizational behavior, information systems, and entrepreneurship are perfect complements to the knowledge of the field that you’re gaining as well. You’ll be prepared to work in a variety of settings and positions upon graduation. Graduates of the program are also welcome to attend a commencement ceremony on campus in North Dakota.

    More Information
  17. MERIT: 70
    View Profile Average Cost: $20,708


    The University of the Southwest offers a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance. There is an optional General Business minor that you can take, or you can choose from a range of electives that prepare you for the job that you want. Students also have the option to select a specialty area of study from another school at the university.

    Faculty at USW’s College of Business Administration are professionals in the business industry that draw on knowledge from years of experience in accounting, finance, marketing, and management. The university also offers an MBA in Finance for students who want to continue their education; however, the curriculum has been designed to prepare graduates of the program to take on professional roles.

    This program is open to first-time college students and transfer students. The university awards credit for AP and CLEP tests and places no limit on the number of credits that you can bring with you; however, at least 30 hours towards a particular degree must be completed at the university in order for you to graduate.

    USW offers multiple start dates throughout the year. The main drawback of this degree program is that it is primarily synchronous. You will have set times that you must virtually attend your classes. However, you will still be able to earn your degree at an accelerated pace if you maximize your class schedule. There are eight-week terms in the fall and spring; two five-week sessions over summer and; there is even a mini-term with three-week classes in the summer and winter. Working with an advisor, you may be able to study year-round.

    USW is a Christian university that requires students to take religion and servant leadership courses as part of their core curriculum. When you progress into your finance major courses, you’ll cover topics such as creating a business plan, financial management, and investments. This is one of the more general programs we’ve featured.

    More Information
  18. MERIT: 57
    View Profile Average Cost: $13,922


    Granite State College is home to an online Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance. The college was recognized in 2018 by U.S. News & World Report for the quality of its online bachelors programs. It is also among the most affordable colleges in America, with undergraduate students paying an out-of-state per-credit cost of just $355.

    This is a 120 credit program that requires you to complete at least 30 credits at GSC. Transfer students can bring in up to 90 credits with them; the college also grants credit for prior experience or training in some cases. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and students can start during any term throughout the year. There are six-week and ten-week terms. The majority of the courses are asynchronous, and this online finance major requires no intensives or in-person instruction.

    Students must meet the general education requirements, and then they will complete courses specific to their finance major. The curriculum of this program prepares students for licensure as a CPA. However, you will still cover relevant topics in the field of finance such as financial modeling and decision making, money and banking, investment principles, and financial accounting.

    There are 15 different minors offered, which allows students to cater their degree to their own aspirations. All of the Finance minor courses are included in the core curriculum of this BS in Accounting and Finance. Additional minors related to the field that are currently offered include Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Global Business, Human Resources, Management, and Marketing.

    More Information
  19. MERIT: 47
    View Profile Average Cost: $12,483

    3 UMUC -logo
    The University of Maryland University College offers a Bachelor of Science in Finance that is 100% online. The program has been recognized for its quality and value by a handful of online publications and offers a course of study that is approved by the CFP Board. Upon graduation, you will be eligible to sit for the Certified Financial Planner exam. You can also opt to prepare for the Certified Management Accountant exam.

    This finance major requires 120 credits for you to graduate, of which 90 can be transferred from another institution. The major courses you’ll take cover risk management, security analysis, and investments, along with several other relevant topics in the field. This portion of your studies culminates in a practical capstone course that allows you to apply what you’ve learned.

    There are close to 40 credits worth of electives in this program, which gives you space to truly customize your course of study. UMUC offers dozens of minors for you to choose from. Some minors related to the field that you may want to consider include accounting, business administration, economics, human resources, information systems, business law, marketing, personal financial planning, and even small business management and entrepreneurship. You can also handpick electives outside of your selected minor.

    The university offers flexible scheduling options and guarantees that all courses are entirely accessible online and asynchronously. It prides itself on allowing you to genuinely earn your degree on your time. Classes for undergraduate students are offered in eight-week sessions. This will enable you to focus on fewer courses at a time in order to make the most out of each one.

    Despite having such exceptional flexibility, you still won’t feel like your on an island. Courses are very collaborative, you’ll have access to student support and resources, and you’ll be able to gain hands-on experience while you learn from industry experts dedicated to your success.

    More Information
  20. MERIT: 26
    View Profile Average Cost: $27,538


    Franklin University offers a Bachelor of Science in Financial Management. The program is IACBE accredited and is highly customizable. Franklin is focused on the needs of nontraditional students above all else. This means that you’ll be able to complete your program entirely online and experience unmatched flexibility at this university. Your courses are entirely asynchronous, and you will be able to see every assignment the day that you log in. This transparency is unique to Franklin and makes planning a busy life much more manageable.

    Classes come in a variety of formats for you to choose from including 12-week, six-week, and three-week sessions. The school year is broken up into three trimesters, and there are several start dates each trimester. A personalized advisor will help you select a format, balance your course load, and pick a start date that works best for you. Franklin goes above and beyond to make sure you can complete your degree the way you want to. First-time college students, as well as transfer students, are welcome. Up to 94 credits can be transferred in.

    The BS in Financial Management consists of general education, business core requirements, major-specific requirements, and electives. The business core accounts for 28 credits and includes courses that will introduce you to the field of finance along with business law, marketing, and management. You will take 28 credits of courses that are specific to your finance major.

    Required courses in the major include Financial Policy; Global Finance; Investments; Advanced Financial Management and; Money, Banking, & Financial Markets. You can then select two electives in your concentration. Some topics offered include Cost Management, Accounting, Risk Management, and Insurance Planning, or even an internship. 32 of the required credits are fulfilled with electives, and you can select from the full list of courses offered at Franklin. This gives you the chance to put a laser-focus on a particular aspect of the field, or explore a range of topics that are important to you.

    More Information