A bachelor’s in finance can prepare you to use financial resources to drive corporate success in a rapidly changing business world. This four-year academic program typically requires a general education core; finance courses in statistics, economics, and business; and a capstone project. Some programs may also feature internships or other real-world experience opportunities.
A finance degree can prepare you for various roles, including consultant, manager, and analyst. In October 2022, the National Associations of Colleges and Employers surveyed 15,962 finance graduates. They found that 76.2% of graduates were employed, and the mean starting salary stood at $62,163. You may even use your education to help meet your state’s requirements to become a certified public accountant (CPA).
Find out more about the best online finance degrees, what you can do with this major, and whether it’s a top online degree with the following guide.
Why Should You Choose an Online Finance Degree?
An online finance degree can provide a pathway to a fulfilling and in-demand career. These programs can impart valuable skills, including financial analysis, risk assessment, investment strategies, and financial planning. As a student, you can also develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
At graduation, you should be able to know how global issues affect corporate finance, explain changes in financial markets, and shape long-term organizational policy to improve financial health.
A finance degree is also highly versatile and applicable across various industries. Your degree can open doors to opportunities in finance-related fields like investment banking, corporate finance, financial planning, or financial analysis.
You can even meet many of the educational qualifications to become a CPA or chartered financial analyst (CFA) with a finance major, though you’ll likely need to pursue a graduate degree to earn the full amount of required CPA credits in most states.
Career opportunities for finance graduates include consultant, financial analyst, venture capitalist, and portfolio manager.
Top Colleges With an Online Bachelor’s Finance Degree
The following list includes four-year institutions that offer this degree program. Use the table below to compare the average net price and student population size.
| School | Location | Average Net Price | Student Population Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado State University Global | Aurora, Colorado | $14,826 | 9,565 |
| Johnson & Wales University-Online | Providence, Rhode Island | $20,242 | 2,505 |
| Ottawa University-Online | Ottawa, Kansas | N/A | 224 |
| Pennsylvania State University-World Campus | University Park, Pennsylvania | $19,551 | 13,979 |
Is an Online Finance Degree Worth It?
According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost of attending a public institution was $14,700, and $28,400 for private nonprofit institutions in the 2020-21 academic year.
As of Sept. 2022, Payscale reported that graduates with bachelor’s degrees in finance earned an annual average of $78,000, while those with master’s degrees in finance earned $85,000 annually.
Some business and finance leaders may earn even more. For example, financial analysts earn a median salary of $96,220, and personal financial advisors receive $95,390, according to 2022 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Achieving a high-paying role in finance may mean finding a mentor, networking through professional organizations, or earning a certification. An advanced degree, such as a master’s degree or an MBA in finance, may also help boost your career and salary.
Common Questions About Online Bachelor’s in Finance Degrees
Are online bachelor’s degrees respected?
Even before the pandemic, a survey from Northeastern University found that 61% of human resources leaders viewed online and on-campus degrees equally. In a post-COVID world, where nearly all students have learned from home, online bachelor’s degrees have largely assumed equal footing in the workplace.
How hard is a bachelor’s degree in finance?
Finance majors take challenging courses in mathematics and statistics, which can make it more strenuous than other business-related majors. However, finance may not demand the complex thinking required in some other STEM fields.
Is a finance degree a lot of math?
As a finance major, you take math courses such as financial accounting, statistics for business and economics, and calculus for business administration. Other business courses may require extensive math skills.
Is finance harder than accounting?
Accounting and finance each involve different skill sets and focus areas. Broadly speaking, finance degrees require a deeper understanding of economics, while accounting degrees emphasize complex and precise math skills. The “harder” subject depends on the individual student.
