Earning a finance degree online is a flexible and often more affordable option for students looking to enter business and financial careers. To find the right program for you, seek out options that align with your career plans without exceeding your educational budget.
Consider Your Future Goals
Bachelor’s in finance graduates can enter a variety of business and finance careers, including roles in banking, investment services, mortgage services, insurance and government. An undergraduate finance degree can also prepare you to pursue a graduate degree such as an M.B.A. in finance or a specialized finance master’s degree.
If you plan to enter the job market immediately after graduation, you might prioritize programs with internship opportunities and strong career support services, while a robust research focus could be more important to you if you plan to go to graduate school.
If you know what area of the finance field you want to specialize in, look for a program with concentrations or electives in that field. If you plan to sit for certification exams such as the CFP, CFA, CPA or SIE exams, ensure that your program covers the topics you’ll need to know. Note that most CPAs pursue postbaccalaureate education.
Pro Tip
If you plan to earn an M.B.A. or specialized business master’s, consider accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s programs. Offered at many of the schools on our list, these programs can save you time and money by allowing you to earn credits toward both degrees at the same time—and you can usually pay the lower bachelor’s tuition rate for some of your graduate credits.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
Average in-state tuition and fees at most of the colleges on our list fall roughly between $6,500 and $13,500 a year. The one major outlier is Maryville University, the only private school that made our list. At Maryville, the average price of tuition and fees comes to just over $27,000. However, like many other private higher education institutions, Maryville offsets its higher sticker price by offering more institutional financial aid than most public universities.
By comparison, the National Center for Education Statistics reports that as of the 2022–2023 academic year, in-state tuition and fees at four-year public universities averaged $9,750 per year, while the cost at private institutions (which typically do not charge different rates based on residency) stood at $35,248.
In addition to tuition and school fees, students should plan for incidental expenses such as technology and textbooks, as well as living expenses like housing, food and child care. As of 2023, NCES data shows that the average total cost of attendance—including tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses—was $27,800 at public schools and $57,500 at private schools for students paying for their own off-campus housing.
For many undergraduate students, financial aid can lower these costs significantly. Help funding your education can come from many sources, including the following:
- Scholarships can come from your school or outside organizations and may be awarded based on academic merit, financial need or a combination.
- Grants may be awarded by state and local governments or your school and are typically need-based.
- Fellowships are merit-based and support students’ research.
- Work-study provides opportunities for paid work through your school, but can be more difficult for remote learners to access.
- Loans may be provided by private or public lenders and must be repaid with interest.
