The 10 Best Affordable Online Bachelor's in Finance for 2021

Updated November 17, 2022

Explore the top affordable online bachelor's degree programs in finance. This ranking is based on tuition rates, popularity, and coursework focus.

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An online bachelor’s degree in finance is designed to prepare students to enter the workforce and pursue careers in banking, investment, financial planning, financial services, or other finance-related positions. And, while the career options in this field are plentiful, there will be even more opportunities added to the mix in the near future. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of business and finance is expected to grow by about 5% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

If you pursue a degree in finance, you will study topics in a number of different areas, including business administration and math, which will teach you about analytics, planning, accounting, management, and other areas important to the world of finance. Your classes will give you the tools you need to enter the workforce or even pursue a master’s degree in finance, should you decide that’s the right route for you.

You aren’t limited to brick and mortar classes when studying finance, either. There are plenty of good online finance degree options to choose from. By earning a bachelor’s degree in finance online, you will have a flexible schedule that allows you to finish your degree requirements while meeting your other work and life obligations.

Top 10 Best Affordable Online Bachelor's in Finance Programs

#1 Florida International University Miami, FL
#2 Thomas Edison State University Trenton, NJ
#3 Dickinson State University Dickinson, ND
#4 Florida State College at Jacksonville Jacksonville, FL
#5 University of Minnesota Crookston Crookston, MN
#6 Missouri State University Springfield, MO
#7 University of Houston – Downtown Houston, TX
#8 National University La Jolla, CA
#9 University of Houston – Victoria Victoria, TX
#10 Louisiana State University in Shreveport Shreveport, LA

Methodology: Here's How We Rank Schools

At Best Value Schools, we help students of all ages get the best possible value for their education. When choosing the best schools and programs, we prioritize tuition rates, student debt, financial aid opportunities, graduation rates, and the availability of online programs. We source unbiased data from government and educational databases like the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for 6,374 schools across the U.S. We organize that data into five weighted categories to compile our school rankings.
Metric Data Used Percentage
Academic Quality Full-time faculty percentage, student-to-faculty ratio, student retention and graduation rates 25%
Affordability Tuition rates, median student debt, and financial aid 35%
Reputation Admission and enrollment rates 15%
Program Offerings Number of program options 10%
Online Enrollment Score Portion of learners taking at least one online course 15%
You can read more about our comprehensive evaluation process on our methodology page.

Degree Overview

An online bachelor's in finance program prepares students for entry-level jobs in business, insurance, real estate, and finance. The BLS projects globalization and changing tax regulations to fuel a 7% employment increase in business and finance jobs between 2018 and 2028.

Affordable online bachelor's in finance degrees prepare students for several careers in finance and business. Concentrations can prepare students for specific positions. For example, finance graduates can pursue careers as accountants and auditors who create and evaluate financials. These professionals earned a median annual salary of $71,550 in 2019. The BLS projects demand for accountants and auditors to rise 6% between 2018 and 2028.

Approximately 1.4 million accountants and auditors work in finance and insurance, government, accounting, tax preparation, and payroll services. These professionals work primarily in offices, clocking in 40 hours per week and sometimes overtime during the tax season or the end of the quarter.

Graduates can also become financial analysts, who earned a median annual salary of $85,660 in 2018. Primary responsibilities of financial analysts include advising companies about investments and examining financial records. About 23% of the 329,500 financial analysts employed in 2018 worked in securities, commodity contracts, and financial investments. Others worked in insurance, professional and technical services, and financial management.

After earning an affordable bachelor's in finance online, graduates can also begin careers as management analysts, who earned a median annual salary of $85,260 in 2019. Management analysts help companies improve efficiency to increase profits. Approximately 30% of management analysts work in professional, scientific, and technical services. Another 18% are self-employed.

Each program has different requirements for enrollment. Some colleges require high GPAs and high standardized test scores, while others have more lenient acceptance parameters.

In order to enroll in a finance degree program, you may need to show a higher-than-average GPA from your high school or community college transcripts. An ACT score over 20 or an SAT score over 1000 will place above the national average, which will help you to be competitive when applying for admission to bachelor’s degree in finance programs.

After you’re accepted into a program, you’ll need to complete about 120 credit hours to graduate from most programs. These credit requirements include a mix of core classes and finance-related classes, though what you’re required to take will depend heavily on the program you enroll in. There may also be GPA requirements to contend with while you’re enrolled in a finance degree program, so make sure you know what the admissions requirements are and what the requirements are that you will need to satisfy to earn your degree.

Career and Salary Outlook

There are a number of careers you can pursue with a finance degree. Some popular options include accounting, insurance analysis, and banking, though a degree in this field will allow you to pursue plenty of other opportunities, too. 

Financial advising is one of the highest-paying finance careers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median salary that averages over $80,000 per year. One of the fastest growing finance careers is marketing research analyst, a role that straddles business and finance. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook in this field is expected to increase by about 18% from 2019 to 2029, which is much higher than the national average for all careers. 

The job outlook for personal financial advisors is also showing promising growth, and is expected to increase by about 4% from 2019 to 2029, according to the BLS. The job outlook for financial analysts is equally promising, with an expected growth rate of about 5% from 2019 to 2029.

Common Bachelor's in Finance Courses

Legal environment of business
This course introduces learners to the fundamentals of government regulations in business, the nature of contracts, and the Statute of Frauds. Learners study topics such as contracts, taxation, antitrust legislation, and labor laws. At the culmination of this course, students can identify and respond to business legal risks. This course may include several court visits.
Financial management
This course teaches online learners about assessing risk factors in different financial scenarios and how to use capital pricing models and capital budgeting techniques. Students explore financial statement analysis, risk management, investments, and corporate finance. This course often uses case studies to present topics.
Risk management and insurance
This course helps students better understand the fundamental principles of insurance and risk management in nonprofits and for-profit companies. Coursework prepares students to identify and implement methods to manage financial, legal, and contractual risks. Students leave the course with the skills needed to find work as claims professionals and risk analysts.
Principles of marketing
During this course, learners study the marketing decisions business professionals make to promote and sell products and services. They learn about how marketing functions impact finance and management sectors. Additional topics include intellectual property concepts, product life cycles, target markets, and product decisions. Students also learn how to interpret market research.
Investment and portfolio analysis
This course teaches students to use modern portfolio theory to build diversified portfolios with various assets while avoiding risks. Throughout this course, students gain the knowledge to analyze investment performance. They also learn to navigate the global economy and learn about the risks and benefits of real estate, bonds, and hedge funds.

Bachelor's in Finance Concentrations

Students pursue concentrations to tailor their online bachelor’s in finance degree to suit their strengths, interests, and career goals. Employers may prefer to hire candidates with specific skills and knowledge. Online learners can diversify their skill sets by pursuing a concentration that applies directly to a specific job.

Each program offers different concentrations. Common options include asset management, business analytics, corporate finance, and financial accounting. Some programs also offer concentrations in information management, corporate finance, and risk management.

Financial Analysis and Reporting Concentration

Degree-seekers who want to become tax examiners, accountants, and auditors can pursue a concentration in financial analysis and reporting. This concentration may require learners to take courses like financial statement analysis, corporate tax strategy, and information management analytics technology. Students learn how to analyze a company’s financial situation to prepare statements, annual reports, and balance sheets.

Tax Concentration

Future tax accountants and tax advisors can benefit from a tax concentration, which focuses on how to prepare tax returns, manage tax liabilities, and resolve tax issues for individuals and companies.

Risk Management Concentration

Prospective risk analysts and risk control supervisors can enroll in a risk management concentration. Throughout this concentration, students learn about quantitative and qualitative models and methods that help professionals respond to market risks, fraud, and government regulations.

Real Estate Concentration

Some programs offer real estate concentration, which teaches online learners about laws related to property management, sales, and ownership. Real estate students may take courses in commercial debt markets, development, and real estate finance and mortgage securities. This concentration prepares graduates for careers in property management, investment banking, and asset management.

Certifications for Finance Majors

There are a number of certifications available for finance majors that will help boost employment prospects. These include:

Certified Financial Planner

Certified financial planners (CFP) are qualified in a wide range of finance duties. CFPs are trained in topics like stocks and bonds, estate planning, and insurance. These financial planners help people manage their financial situations and meet financial goals.

Chartered Financial Analyst

A chartered financial analyst is trained and demonstrates knowledge in accounting, economics, security analysis, and other related areas. After acquiring this certification, you may choose to go into analysis rather than planning. To get this certification, you have to pass three exams and have three years of work experience.

Certified Public Accountant

CPAs are trained in tax preparation, which is a small subsect of finance. Some CPAs choose to get multiple certifications to cover other areas of finance, analysis, and planning, but as a CPA, you will be very popular, and very busy, during tax season.

Certified Management Accountant

Certified management accountants work for public companies, private businesses, and government agencies to record and crunch numbers, choose and manage company investments, tackle risk management, budgeting, planning, and strategizing, and oversee decision making. This certification is typically for those focused on advanced accounting.

Financial Risk Manager

A financial risk manager generally works to identify and analyze threats to a company’s assets, earning capacity, and success. Financial risk managers often work in loan origination, trading and investments, financial services, or private banking. This certification isn’t easy to get, but if you acquire it, you will be an asset to any team. This type of certification requires testing and work experience in critical thinking and risk assessment, and offers you opportunities to work in risk management on a global scale.

Related Degrees

An accounting degree is centered around math, which is similar to a degree in finance. An accounting degree can also help you build a strong career in business and finance. Accountants typically work for corporations, nonprofits, government agencies, or businesses both large and small. Their job duties include creating financial reports, reviewing expenses, tracking income, preparing tax documents, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Marketing is another degree that aligns well with finance. The field of marketing analysis in particular may be of interest to you, as it is a combination of marketing and analytical math.

A degree in math or actuarial science also aligns with finance, as both are heavily steeped in math principles and can prepare you for a career in finance.

Scholarships can be a great way to help finance your education. If you’re looking for scholarships for finance students, consider these options:

AFWA Undergraduate Scholarship Program

The Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance (AFWA) has an undergraduate scholarship program designed to assist with the third, fourth, or fifth year finance degree. If you want to apply for this scholarship, you must have completed your sophomore year, have at least 60 credits, have a 3.0 GPA, and be attending school in the U.S. Amount: Varies Deadline: April 1

J.P. Morgan Launching Leaders Scholarship

The J.P. Morgan Launching Leaders Scholarship is designed for Black, Hispanic, and Native American students studying finance. Applicants must be in their sophomore or junior year, be enrolled in an accredited U.S. school, have a GPA of 3.2, and have a demonstrated desire to work in financial services. The scholarships are up to $15,000 each and include placement in the Summer Analyst Internship Program for hands-on training. Amount: $2,500 to $7,500 Deadline: January 17

Equitable Excellence Scholarship

The Equitable Excellence Scholarship offers numerous scholarships in the amount of $2,500, $10,000, and $25,000 to students from each state, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. Qualified applicants must be enrolling full-time in an accredited two-year or four-year university in the U.S. You must be a U.S. citizen, be a graduating high school senior, have volunteer experience, and have excelled in high school. Amount: $2,500, $10,000 or $25,000 Deadline: December 15

Best Affordable Online Bachelor's in Finance

  1. Florida International University
    Location

    Miami, FL

    A public university based in Miami, FIU serves more than 54,000 students but boasts just 200,000 alumni, a testament to the school’s recent growth. The addition of an online school significantly impacted FIU’s growth.The graduation rate is about 62% within six years.

    finance/index.cfm" target="_blank" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" class="achor-toggles">BBA in finance is FIU’s closest option to an online bachelor’s in finance. The 120-credit program includes 60 upper-division business and finance core courses, including securities analysis, intermediate finance, and commercial bank management. Students need a “C” grade or higher on all upper-division courses. FIU does not require a capstone course or final project.

    Applicants must submit high school transcripts and ACT or SAT test scores. Transfer students with more than 60 credits can submit official college transcripts. Tuition for the 2019-2020 school year was approximately $206 per credit for in-state students and $619 per credit for out-of-state students.

  2. Thomas Edison State University
    Location

    Trenton, NJ

    One of New Jersey’s only senior public institutions, TESU is also one of the first schools created specifically for working professionals. TESU’s programs stress flexibility and prepare graduates to launch careers or advance their current careers.

    Available entirely online, the bachelor of science in business administration in finance serves students who either currently work in finance or banking or intend to pursue a career in the field. The 120-credit program focuses primarily on investments, financial management, and financial markets and institutions. The program culminates with a strategic management capstone course. While not required, TESU recommends that all students take a business ethics course to increase their employability.

    TESU charges a full-time tuition rate with New Jersey residents receiving a tuition discount. Transfer students may bring in up to 90 credits. Full-time tuition for in-state students starts at about $3,500 per term and $4,600 for out-of-state students. Taking a full course load of at least nine credits in a term will save you a bit of money as well. The graduation rate at TESU is about 44%.

  3. Dickinson State University
    Location

    Dickinson, ND

    Located in Dickinson, North Dakota, DSU began as a small normal school with just over 100 students. Since becoming a public university in 1987, DSU expanded its offerings to reach as many learners as possible, including adding an online school that offers a BBA in finance.

    DSU’s online bachelor’s in finance provides an affordable way to begin a finance career. Coursework blends fundamental financial practices with advanced theory. Required courses include business law, applied calculus, and principles of marketing. Degree-seekers must complete 120 credits with a 2.25 cumulative GPA to graduate. DSU does not require a capstone or final project. Students can complete the program entirely online or in a hybrid format with in-person meetings at the Bismarck campus.

    Recent high school graduates and transfer students with fewer than 24 transferable credits must submit all transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. DSU waives 13 credits of CORE prerequisites for applicants over 25. Tuition starts at $249 per credit hour for in-state students and students residing in neighboring states. For out-of-state and international students, tuition starts at $319 per credit. DSU also charges mandatory fees per semester as well. The graduation rate at DSU is about 37%.

  4. Florida State College at Jacksonville
    Location

    Jacksonville, FL

    Often ranked among the most affordable schools in the region, FSCJ offers courses at campuses across Florida and online. Students can complete courses entirely online or in a hybrid format at any campus.

    The BS in financial services prepares students for a banking career. Available entirely online, the program requires 120 credits in courses such as financial accounting and principles of management. Most courses last just eight weeks with two terms per semester. During their final semester, degree-seekers complete a senior capstone project where they prepare a strategy to operate a bank for eight financial quarters.

    Most students complete the online bachelor’s in finance in four years, though FSCJ offers an accelerated option that takes just 18-24 months. FSCJ accepts applications throughout the year, though students applying for financial aid must meet specific application deadlines. Tuition for the 2017-2018 school year started at $105 per credit hour for in-state students and $401 per credit for out-of-state students. Non-resident online courses started at $219 per credit. The graduation rate is about 37%.

  5. University of Minnesota Crookston
    Location

    Crookston, MN

    UMC enrolls only 1,800 students, and half of them study online. Created for students with no college experience, the BS in finance takes four years to complete. Students complete 120 credits, 62 of which are specific to the major. Degree-seekers can study entirely online, mostly online with short face-to-face meetings several times per course, or split evenly between online and on campus in Crookston. While not required, UMC offers business core credit for an internship.

    UMC’s flexible and affordable online bachelor’s in finance allows students to study asynchronously. The University of Minnesota system extends study-abroad opportunities to online students. All online students receive the same tuition rate, and UMC works with transfer students to maximize transfer credits. Faculty also works with students as mentors and helps graduates find positions across Minnesota.

    Tuition at UMC works on a flat-rate basis, and any credits over 13 in one term are added at no additional cost. If you take 13 credits in a semester, the yearly cost is $10,438, whether or not you’re on campus. The graduation rate is about 51%.

  6. Missouri State University
    Location

    Springfield, MO

    Despite being spread across three campuses in Missouri, a campus in China, and a campus online, MSU emphasizes the importance of community engagement. To reach online students, MSU offers virtual assistance, online tutoring, and discussion boards.

    MSU’s online BS in finance is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and prepares students for various financial and banking careers. The program also prepares students to sit for the Chartered Financial Analyst Level 1 Exam. Degree-seekers choose a concentration in financial planning or corporate investments. Both options use most of the student’s elective courses. In total, the program requires 120 credits and takes four years to complete.

    Before starting the online bachelor’s in finance, learners must complete 54 hours of prerequisite courses, either through MSU or by transferring credits from another school. Next, students apply through the College of Business. Applicants need a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.

    Tuition at MSU is about $7,500 per year for both in-state and out-of-state students, based on a 14-credit semester. The graduation rate at MSU is about 56%.

  7. University of Houston – Downtown
    Location

    Houston, TX

    Founded in 1974, UHD extends many of its bachelor’s degrees online, including a BBA in finance. The online bachelor’s in finance readies students for careers in financial management, investment management, and banking.

    The curriculum focuses on the evolving nature of finance and implements courses that cover finance and banking software. UHD’s program also prepares students to sit for many exams, including the Chartered Financial Analyst, Certified Financial Planner, and Certified Treasury Professional exams. While not required, UHD recommends that students earn a major in accounting, marketing, or economics to increase their employability.

    UHD encourages learners to complete the online finance degree in four years. Transfer students take as little as 18 months to graduate. Full-time students also receive financial aid eligibility. UHD awards some scholarships specifically to business students.

    Tuition for in-state students in the 2019-2020 school year started at $231 per credit and $653 for out-of-state students. The graduation rate is about 41%.

  8. National University
    Location

    La Jolla, CA

    Founded in 1971 by a retired U.S. Navy Captain, NU is now the largest private nonprofit university in San Diego, California. Available online or in a hybrid format with evening or weekend classes, NU’s BS in financial management gives students hands-on experience with analyzing financial data and creating financial strategies to maximize profits. Learners must complete 180 quarter credits, 45 of which students must earn through NU. Required courses include financial planning, valuation of a corporation, and a financial project capstone.

    NU uses accelerated four-week classes offered every month. This allows full-time students to finish their degree faster than following a traditional format. Because a military member founded NU, military members and dependents receive sizable tuition discounts. Graduates gain access to an alumni network with more than 170,000 members.

    Tuition at National University started at $370 per quarter unit in 2019, and the graduation rate is about 36%.

  9. University of Houston – Victoria
    Location

    Victoria, TX

    Established in 1973 in Victoria, Texas, UHV offers students an affordable education. Ranked among the region’s most affordable schools, UHV provides low tuition and access to financial aid, including grants and scholarships.

    UHV’s BBA in finance prepares students for careers as financial advisors, bank managers, and research analysts. Students complete university core, business core, and finance specialization classes totaling 120 credits. Because students specialize in finance, they do not have much room for elective credits. Required courses run entirely online, though students can complete some required courses in Victoria or Katy. UHV does not require a capstone or final project.

    The online finance degree takes students four years to complete. Transfer students with sufficient credits complete the program in under two years. Applicants submit previous transcripts, including professional coursework, when applying.

    Tuition starts at $208 per credit for in-state students and $617 for out-of-state students at UHV. The graduation rate is about 57%.

  10. Louisiana State University in Shreveport
    Location

    Shreveport, LA

    Part of the greater LSU system, LSUS offers the quality of an LSU degree at a more affordable rate. Students who study through LSUS’ online campus receive an even more affordable education, and out-of-state students pay in-state tuition.

    LSUS offers three focuses for its online BS in finance: financial analysis, insurance, and real estate. Each option requires 120 credits and allows up to 90 credits. All three programs require university core and business core classes. Degree-seekers complete the specialization through 3-5 required courses. Even with the specialization, students have plenty of room for elective courses.

    Skills learned and career outcomes depend on the selected focus. However, all three teach basic levels of investing, taxation, and financial management. Transfer students need a 2.0 GPA on all previous college courses and must prove college-level English and math competency.

    Tuition for finance degrees at LSUS starts at $284 per credit hour, and the graduation rate is about 35%.

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Hedy Phillips

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Hedy Phillips is a freelance journalist based in New York who covers higher education for Best Value Schools, Grad School Hub, and Criminal Justice Degree Schools. Over the past 10 years, her bylines have appeared in MSN, Yahoo, Cosmopolitan, InStyle, and more.

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