20 Best Affordable Online Colleges for Finance Degree (Bachelor’s) 2020

An affordable online bachelor's in finance studies provides students with the financial applications and knowledge they need to enter the field of finance or advance their current careers. In today's complex, ever-changing business world, employers in all industries are in need of skilled financial planners, analysts, and managers. This is mainly due to economic forces such as the industry's increasing reliance on technology and data analysis, expanding globalization, and an often-confusing regulatory environment.

Due to this increasing dependence on financial professionals, those who hold a bachelor's degree have a competitive edge over those with a diploma or GED. Programs include courses in such areas as:

• risk management

• global investments

• financial planning,

• commercial and credit lending

Students will be prepared for a number of career paths, including:

• real estate

• insurance

• banking

• brokerage firms

Earning a bachelor's online in finance will set you apart as you advance in your current position or launch into your chosen career path.

Methodology

Regardless of the specific title or role in finance you are looking to pursue after graduation, there are hundreds of affordable online bachelor's of finance degrees available across the country. There are a number of factors that go into making such an important decision, including:

• tuition rates

• student/faculty ratios

• graduation rates

• national rankings

We'vedone the hard work for you and ranked the following schools based on these four considerations. To develop our list of schools, we conducted a search for the term "online Bachelor's in Finance degree" at the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and narrowed down the initial search results of 70 schools into the top 20 based on the following methodology. We also checked each school's website to ensure we provided the most current information available.

Average Cost of Attendance

Keep in mind whether the schools in which you are interested offer certain specializations, concentrations, internships, or other must-haves on your list. Although the tuition rate is likely the first thing you look at in a program, the quality and offerings must be considered as well. For the purpose of this list, we ranked tuition based on the cost of one year of study for in-state students taking a 15-hour course load per semester. We have also provided out-of-state tuition rates for each school for your reference below.

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

When looking at student/faculty ratios, it is important to consider your own academic background and personal priorities. Do you value intimate classroom experiences? Do you learn better with high levels of accountability as is often the case in smaller settings? Will you benefit from individual attention from your professors? Is it important to have resources such as job fairs, athletics, organizations, and clubs? Although large universities are perfect for some students, there are a number of benefits associated with attending a school with low ratios, including fewer students, one-on-one attention, and smaller classes. For this reason, we awarded the most points to colleges and universities with student/faculty ratios of one faculty member for every 10 students.

College Ranking

College rankings use data provided by schools to provide prospective students with useful information about the programs offered. As you continue on your search, keep in mind how these programs compare to similar schools across the country. However, avoid basing your decision solely on rankings. The process of choosing a school is an extremely personal one; what one company ranks as the "best" in the nation might not offer everything you're looking for in an academic program. For this article, we consulted U.S. News & World Report'sBest Online Bachelor's Programs category as a resource for determining the quality of each online bachelor's program and awarded points based on the table below.

Graduation Rate

Finally, a school's graduation rate is critical to deciding if that particular institution is a good fit. After all, the point is to enroll in a program with the intent of remaining at that school and earning a degree. While we often look at admission rates, it is just as important to know how many students graduate successfully before committing our money and time to an institution. Schools with high graduation rates may be more likely to offer academic support, affordable programs, and experienced, helpful faculty members compared to schools with low graduation rates. For this reason, we awarded the most points to institutions that reported the highest graduation rates based on the following ranges.

Ranking Top 20 Undergraduate Degree Programs in Finance

20. Thomas Edison State University

Trenton, New Jersey

The online BSBA from Thomas Edison State University requires 120 credit hours of coursework.

Points: 6Program Website

Thomas Edison State University offers an affordable online 120-credit BS in Business Administration degree with an emphasis in finance. The program exposes students to core business topics in:

• marketing

• business law

• managerial accounting

• management

The curriculum also focuses on:

• the financial management of organizations

• financial markets and institutions

• investments

All students are required to complete a strategic management capstone experience that integrates content across the online program. Graduates are prepared for careers in:

• stock brokerage firms

• banks or other financial institutions

• the financial division of major organizations

• the financial services industry.

19. Columbia College

Columbia, Missouri

The online BA in Finance form Columbia College requires 120 credit hours of coursework.

Points: 6Program Website

Columbia College's low-cost online BA in Finance program is comprised of 120 semester hours of study. This includes general education requirements and a prescribed professional core. The curriculum focuses on business-related areas of study such as:

• ethics

• management

• marketing

• law

• communication

• finance,

• statistics

Finance-focused topics include:

• financial planning

• financial markets and institutions

• investments

Students may tailor their online degree through electives in:

• financial management

• risk and insurance

• international

• sports

• corporate finance

An internship is also available in the form of an elective for students who wish to gain hands-on experience.The program culminates in a capstone evaluation that students complete during their final 30 hours.

18. Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Natchitoches, Louisiana

The online BSBA from Northwestern State University of Louisiana is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Points: 6Program Website

The School of Business at the Northwestern State University of Louisiana offers an affordable online BS in Business Administration. Students may select electives to accentuate studies in:

• management

• marketing

• finance

• economics

• any combinations of the above

This affordable online degree program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Students complete general course requirements as well as studies in:

• management

• finance

• business administration

• marketing

• psychology

• economics,

• accounting

In addition, those pursuing careers in finance may choose to complete a finance concentration and take pre-licensing courses for licensure in real estate and/or insurance.

17. Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, New Hampshire

The online BS in Finance from Southern New Hampshire University offers a concentration in financial planning.

Points: 6Program Website

Southern New Hampshire University offers an affordable 120-credit online BS in Finance degree that prepares students for careers as:

• financial consultants

• risk analysts

• account managers

• personal bankers

• financial analysts

A concentration in financial planning is offered. The curriculum is grounded in core business knowledge that emphasizes:

• global orientation

• social and personal responsibility

• collaboration

• entrepreneurial thinking

• communication

Finance-specific online courses cover topics in:

• wealth management

• financial regulations and ethics

• investments

• multinational corporate finance

• financial markets

• corporate finance

Students must complete an undergraduate finance capstone to graduate. An accelerated online BS-to-MS pathway is also available. Students take two graduate-level courses during their bachelor's program at the online undergraduate tuition cost, thus saving money and time.

16. Bemidji State University

Bemidji, Minnesota

The online BBA from Bemidji State University offers four areas of academic emphasis.

Points: 6Program Website

Bemidji State University's low-cost online Bachelor of Business Administration offers a comprehensive background in business. It consists of four emphasis areas :

• finance

• marketing

• management

• entrepreneurship

Technology, full student participation, and hands-on learning are integrated throughout the curriculum. Online coursework includes core classes in:

• strategic management

• financial management

• operations management

• marketing

• statistics

• accounting

• investments

• corporate financial policies

Students then select two of three sequences in:

• income taxes

• statistics and financial statement analysis

• real estate and risk management/insurance.

15. Missouri State University

Springfield, Missouri

The online BS in Finance from Missouri State University requires 120 credit hours of coursework.

Points: 6Program Website

Students who earn an inexpensive online BS in Finance at Missouri State University are prepared to sit for the Level 1 Exam to become a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). This online degree program is comprised of general education requirements as well as requirements set by the College of Business. Students must complete either a finance option or a financial planning option. Topics of study may include:

• the management of financial institutions

• personal financial planning

• international financial management

• readings in finance

• financial decision-making

This online degree program is comprised of 120 total credit hours,. Students take about 15 to 16 credit hours per semester, earning their degree within four years.

14. Regis University

Denver, Colorado

The online BS in Finance from Regis University requires 120 credit hours of coursework.

Points: 7Program Website

Regis University offers a fully online affordable BS in Finance degree that provides students with a solid foundation in financial management. The 120-credit-hour online curriculum is comprised of coursework in the current practices, techniques, and trends in modern corporate finance. It places a strong emphasis on the global economy. Graduates are prepared for careers with:

• insurance firms

• consulting firms

• government agencies

• investment companies

• financial institutions,

• corporations

Regis also allows BS students to combine their bachelor's studies in finance with a master's degree, thus earning both degrees at a more affordable cost and at a faster pace.

13. Dallas Baptist University

Dallas, Texas

The online BBS in Finance from Dallas Baptist University requires 30 credit hours within the finance major.

Points: 7Program Website

Dallas Baptist University's College of Professional Studies offers an affordable online Bachelor of Business Studies in Finance. It consists of:

• 39 to 49 semester hours in general classes

• 41 to 51 credit hours in electives

• 30 credit hours in the finance major

Required areas of study cover topics in:

• marketing

• information systems for management

• securities analysis

• corporate financial management

• managerial accounting,

• financial accounting

Students may further tailor their online degree through classes in:

• international finance

• portfolio management

• risk management and insurance

• real estate finance and investments,

• personal financial planning.

12. Hiram College

Hiram, Ohio

The BA in Accounting and Financial Management is available completely online.

Points: 7Program Website

Hiram College's cheap inexpensive BA in Accounting and Financial Management degree is comprised of 120 semester hours. This includes:

• electives

• general graduation coursework

• required major coursework

The curriculum is available completely online. Students learn how to critique, analyze, and evaluate business transactions and strategies based on key aspects of:

• cost management

• taxation

• auditing

• accounting

Additional required courses cover:

• statistics

• corporate finance

• organizational behavior

• macroeconomics

The program culminates in a senior seminar/capstone course. Graduates are prepared with the skills to analyze, develop, use, and recognize the economic and financial effects different strategies can have on an organization's bottom line.

11. Upper Iowa University

Fayette, Iowa

The online degree in financial management offers internships for hands-on experience.

Points: 7Program Website

Upper Iowa University offers an affordable online financial management major. It provides students with the skills they need to:

• conduct financial management and analysis

• understand and create financial statements

• foster and manage teamwork

• provide an analytical assessment of financial opportunities

the online curriculum is comprised of integrated coursework in entrepreneurship and small business management. It includes courses in:

• accounting

• public finance

• international finance

• strategic management

• small business management

• investments

Students may also choose to complete an internship and gain hands-on experience. Classes are available completely online. Graduates are prepared for careers in:

• financial services and sales

• personal financial advising

• analysis

• financial operations.

10. Indiana Wesleyan University

Marion, Indiana

The online BSBA from Indiana Wesleyan University offers a focus in financial planning.

Points: 7Program Website

Indiana Wesleyan University offers a low-cost online BS in Business Administration with a specialization in financial planning. Students learn how to apply managerial and financial knowledge. They will also have critical thinking skills to successfully evaluate and implement strategic solutions to organizational problems. The 120-credit-hour online degree program integrates a biblical framework to guide students in incorporating critical analysis with the discipline of personal financial planning. Students take online courses in:

• income tax planning

• investments

• accounting

• statistics

• marketing

• technology

• management and leadership

• international issues in business

This affordable online degree program also exposes students to the areas of estate planning and wealth transfer as well as retirement and benefits planning.

9. Dickinson State University

Dickinson, North Dakota

The online BBA from Dickinson State University requires 120 credit hours of coursework.

Points: 7Program Website

Dickinson State University offers an inexpensive online Bachelor of Business Administration. It's comprised of:

• electives

• finance major core courses

• business core classes

• pre-major courses

• general education classes

Students develop a foundation in business in the areas of:

• entrepreneurship

• management

• organizational behavior

• leadership

• marketing

The curriculum also includes finance-focused classes that delve into:

• investments

• income tax

• accounting

• financial institutions and markets

• international finance

• corporate finance

Students must complete 120 hours of study to earn their online degree

Graduates are prepared to work in:

• financial institutions

• government settings

• large and small corporations.

8. Granite State College

Concord, New Hampshire

The online BS in Accounting and Finance from Granite State College requires 120 credit hours of coursework.

Points: 7Program Website

The affordable online BS in Accounting and Finance at Granite State College blends finance and accounting essentials with critical organizational processes. Students will learn how to help organizations:

• manage investments

• gain efficiencies

• plan budgets

• maximize assets

Graduates are prepared to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification examination. Coursework includes topics in:

• economics

• auditing

• investments

• legal and ethical issues

• taxation

• financial modeling and decision-making

• financial management

• managerial accounting

The inexpensive online degree program culminates in a strategic management integrative experience. Students must complete 120 hours of study to graduate from the program.

7. SUNY College of Technology at Canton

Canton, New York

The online BBA from SUNY College of Technology at Canton offers a finance concentration.

Points: 7Program Website

The School of Business at SUNY College of Technology at Canton offers an affordable online Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in finance. It's designed for students looking for a comprehensive education in accounting, business, and other management-related areas. Students complete online coursework in areas such as:

• risk management

• global investments

• advanced financial management

Students participate in a one-semester internship within a financial services area. They also participate in real case studies and hands-on projects in global and domestic risk management and investments. Available completely online, the low cost degree program is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).

6. Indiana University East

Richmond, Indiana

The online BSBA from Indiana University East offers multiple degree concentrations.

Points: 7Program Website

The affordable online BS in Business Administration is available at Indiana University East. Students may choose from optional online concentrations in finance as well as:

• marketing

• entrepreneurship

• economics

• computer information systems

• accounting

The 120-credit-hour affordable online degree program builds a foundation in core business areas such as:

• organizational behavior and leadership

• accounting

• management,

• marketing

Students pursuing the finance concentration can expect an additional 18 credits of online coursework in:

• international finance

• financial management

• investments

• financial statement analysis,

• money, banking, and capital markets.

Graduates are prepared for careers in investments, corporate finance, and banking.

5. University of Memphis

Memphis, Tennessee

The online BBA in Finance from the University of Memphis requires 120 credit hours of coursework.

Points: 8Program Website

The University of Memphis provides a low-cost online Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance with a concentration in business finance. It consists of 120 hours of study. It's offered through the Department of Finance, Insurance and Real Estate. The program aims to provide the basic analytical tools, principles, and concepts essential for business decisions in the finance industry. The concentration focuses on decisions concerning:

• the financial management of corporations

• capital budgeting

• capital markets

• foreign exchange

• derivatives

• fixed-income securities

• bonds

• stocks

Graduates are eligible to sit for the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) examinations.

4. Brandman University

Irvine, California

The online BBA from Brandman University offers an emphasis in finance.

Points: 9Program Website

Brandman University offers the affordable online Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in finance. It prepares students for advancement opportunities and new positions in the global business environment. Through the core online curriculum, students develop their knowledge of business fundamentals, taking classes on topics such as:

• capital markets

• international finance

• investments

• financial management

The finance emphasis consists of required courses in:

• financial institutions

• investments,

• intermediate financial management

There are also electives in:

• international finance

• taxation

• accounting and accounting information systems

• auditing

• finance for small businesses

Graduates are prepared for such careers as:

• compliance officers

• accountants

• personal financial advisors

• financial analysts

3. Old Dominion University

Norfolk, Virginia

The online BSBA from Old Dominion University requires 120 credit hours of coursework.

Points: 9Program Website

Old Dominion University offers an inexpensive online BS in Business Administration with a concentration in finance. The 120-credit-hour online program is comprised of:

• general education requirements

• business core courses

• classes in the finance major

Areas of study include:

• financial decision-making

• international financial management

• investments

• real estate

• risk management/insurance

This affordable online program can be completed entirely via distance learning, with some classes consisting of regular online meeting times. Graduates are able to perform relevant educational, applied, and basic research within global, national, and regional communities.

2. Florida International University

Miami, Florida

The online BBA in Finance from Florida International University requires 120 credit hours of coursework.

Points: 10Program Website

Florida International University offers the affordable online Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. It prepares students to enter positions in:

• government

• investment banks

• brokerage firms

• financial institutions,

• corporations

The 120-credit online program is divided into 60 credits of business pre-core courses and 60 credits of business electives, business core courses, and finance courses. The online curriculum provides an understanding of investments, corporate finance, and capital markets through coursework in:

• risk management

• financial management

• securities analysis,

• commercial bank management

In addition to completing finance-focused courses, students are also exposed to core business areas such as:

• statistics

• marketing

• strategic management

• financial management

• organizational management.

1. University of Massachusetts Amherst

Amherst, Massachusetts

The online degree in finance from the University of Massachusetts Amherst combines real-world case studies with rigorous training in technical knowledge.

Points: 11Program Website

The Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst offers an affordable online undergraduate program in finance. It combines real-world case studies with rigorous training in technical knowledge. This online finance program is comprised of:

• general education requirements

• business electives

• finance major courses

• non-business classes

Business core courses include:

• management communications

• accounting

• operations management

• marketing fundamentals

Students build financial expertise through courses in:

• basic and advanced corporate finance

• international finance

• bank management

• investments

• financial modeling

Graduates are prepared for careers in:

• accounting firms

• real estate development companies

• insurance companies

• brokerage firms,

• banks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Career Options for a Bachelor's in Finance Degree?

From financial analysis to management to accounting, an online bachelor's degree in finance can prepare graduates for careers across a broad spectrum of fulfilling and exciting fields. If you are interested in learning and using Microsoft Excel and other types of digital financial software and if you enjoy working as a team, a finance-based career may be a perfect choice. Keep in mind that those working in the field of finance should be open and willing to going above and beyond what is expected of them. Professionals should be reliable beyond measure as many positions require consistency and pinpoint accuracy. The following are several popular career options for a Bachelor's in Finance degree:

• Personal Financial Advisor

• Financial Service Sales Agent

• Financial Manager

• Accountant

• Financial Analyst

How Much Can You Earn in This Field?

There are a number of factors that will influence the salary earnings in this field, including location, position or title, level of experience, and level of education. In addition, there are many career paths for graduates with a Bachelor's in Finance degree, so we will highlight only a few to provide you with a general idea of salary expectations in order from highest to lowest according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

One of the highest-paying positions in this industry is that of the financial manager. According to the BLS, financial managers earned $127,990 per year as of May 2018, with the top 10 percent earning more than $208,000 and the lowest 10 percent earning less than $67,620. Employment of financial managers is expected to grow 19 percent between 2016 and 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. However, specific growth will vary by industry. Top-paying industries for financial managers are:

• Technical, scientific, and professional services: $151,610

• Management of enterprises and companies: $143,560

• Manufacturing: $127,710

• Insurance and finance: $124,250

• Government: $112,830

Other salary earnings include:

• Personal Financial Advisor: $88,890 per year

• Financial Analyst: $85,660 per year

• Accountant and Auditor: $70,500 per year

• Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agent: $64,120 per year

What Courses Will You Take in a Bachelor's Degree in Finance?

The fast-paced finance world is a high-stakes, complex field. Professionals who are confident, naturally analytic, and comfortable with decision-making and risk-taking may find success in the field. Students pursuing a bachelor's degree in finance online learn how financial institutions and capital markets function, including the execution of financial policies and the principles of corporate finance. Since the curriculum in most bachelor's in finance programs is largely based on theory, it translates well to distance education and online learning settings.

Although every finance program is different, concentrations may be available in areas such as financial accounting, risk management, and corporate finance. In addition, curriculum requirements and courses will also vary, but most online bachelor's in finance degrees delve into:

• fiscal responsibility

• intelligent investments

• sound planning

• raising capital.

Courses are typically offered on subjects such as:

• Economics

• Statistics

• Commercial Bank Management

• Financial Management

Most online bachelor's in finance programs consist of 120 to 130 credits of study. Students who wish to earn their degree faster may consider programs offered in accelerated sessions of 10-week, eight-week, or five-week semesters versus the traditional 16 weeks. Other factors that influence the time to completion include any requirements such as a capstone project in the form of a practicum or internship. Here students gain hands-on experience in real-world business settings.

Will You Be Prepared for Certification With a Bachelor's in Finance?

Although there are a number of positions one can attain with a bachelor's in finance degree, with appropriate certification or licensure, the number of opportunities increases. Although every program is different and students may need to meet additional eligibility requirements prior to taking their respective examinations, students may consider choosing a program that prepares them for the following certifications:

• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) who demonstrates knowledge and competence in information technology and risk control.

• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) who demonstrates competence and knowledge in:

• ethical and professional standards

• economics

• investment analysis

• portfolio management

If you have an interest in management and business, earning an online bachelor's degree in finance opens up many doors in terms of potential careers in:

• large and small corporations

• government

• banks

• other financial institutions

If you are struggling to attend a traditional on-campus program due to work or family commitments yet still looking to earn a college degree, we hope that our list of the top 20 affordable online bachelor's degrees in finance studies provides a more flexible, convenient learning option.

AS Staff

This concludes our ranking of the top 20 affordable online bachelor's degrees in finance.

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