Finding the best affordable colleges for a finance degree is a good investment for students who are interested in becoming a professional who works with money at any level in the industry. These professionals are sorely needed in the United States due to the changing nature of banking and finance in general; with more and more people banking online, cryptocurrency surging in popularity and the ability to trade stocks from a smartphone or tablet, there is a growing demand for professionals who can keep up with the trends while keeping in mind the theories and concepts that keep the field moving.
Students have hundreds of options when it comes to a Bachelor’s in Finance within the United States; private and public colleges and universities have quality degrees that are buoyed by respected faculties and accreditations that enable them to provide students with a pathway towards licensure or certification in the field. Additionally, all of these programs are cost-effective enabling students who are barred from some programs simply due to cost. This ranking includes 15 of the most affordable colleges for finance degrees.
Methodology
It was important to create a ranking that had a basis in accurate and up-to-date information. To begin with, we consulted the College Navigator database, a free tool that can be found on the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), to find colleges and universities that offered Bachelor’s in Finance degrees. To help narrow our search and find the most inexpensive colleges for finance degrees, we only selected schools that had a tuition of $15,000 a year or less.
While various factors were considered, the ones that held the most weight were tuition and student-to-faculty ratio as reported by the NCES. This is because tuition is often the biggest hurdle for students to overcome. Student-to-faculty ratio was also considered as studies have proven that students do better when class sizes at the university level are kept small. Here is how the point system broke down based on these factors:
Tuition for one year – based on 15 hours per semester:
Under $7,500 – 3 Points
$7,500 – $15,000 – 2 Points
$15,001 and above – 1 Point
Student to faculty ratio:
10:1 or less – 3 Points
11:1 to 15:1 – 2 Points
Greater than 15:1 – 1 Point
The 15 schools that made this list were chosen based on the total amount of points earned during the research process. They are listed below in descending order.
Ranking 15 Best Affordable Finance Degree Programs (Bachelor’s) 2019
15. Thomas Edison State University
Trenton, New Jersey
Total Points: 4
Program Website
Thomas Edison State University confers a cheap BSBA with a concentration in finance. This 120-credit hour best-value finance degree program is designed for students who wish to enter the workforce in either corporate finance or investing careers after graduation. This affordable finance degree is uniquely positioned as it is perfect for pre-service and early-service professionals who have not yet earned a degree. Students will find that this low-cost program focuses exclusively on finance topics relating to business, although other courses in consumer or private finance can be taken as elective courses. With a strong foundation in business and a concentration core consisting of 18 credit hours in finance, students are well prepared to enter the private sector as bankers, investors, or finance executives.
Tuition
In-State: $7,519
Out-of-State: $9,967
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
14. Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Total Points: 4
Program Website
Southeast Missouri State University offers an affordable degree in finance that is a great choice for students who are interested in co-curricular activities that will strengthen their understanding of the filed. This school confers a low-cost BSBA with a concentration in finance, a degree that is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This 120-credit hour economical finance degree is bolstered by small class sizes, practicing professionals on faculty, and the ability to study at Robert A. Dempster Hall, a business building that emulates the corporate environment. But it’s not just about coursework; students at this low-cost university will have the opportunity to attend finance conferences, take trips to financial institutions, manage mock portfolios, and study abroad, all while enjoying a world-class education at this excellent school.
Tuition
In-State: $7,418
Out-of-State: $13,155
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
13. CUNY Brooklyn College
Brooklyn, New York
Total Points: 4
Program Website
CUNY Brooklyn College is home to an inexpensive and high-value BBA in Finance degree. This 120-credit hour inexpensive finance degree is designed to be completed in four years. Students will find that this economical degree works organically from introductory to advanced courses, enabling students to figure out their interests along the way. This school also makes it possible for a student to complete a second major or take on a minor while in the program, giving them the chance to expand their knowledge of finance by completing courses in a related field. Affordable finance courses begin in the first year of the program and culminate in courses that closely resemble the workplace after graduation. This is a great choice for students interested in a cheap college for finance degrees that is close to New York City, one of the largest financial sectors in the country.
Tuition
In-State: $7,240
Out-of-State: $14,910
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
12. Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Total Points: 4
Program Website
The low-cost finance degree that is available to students through Northeastern State University was designed to focus a student’s education on various aspects of the field. The affordable BBA in Finance comes with two emphases: financial Management and financial planning; the degree also holds accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Students will also find that NSU can provide a pathway to licensure for the Certified Financial Planner licensure; it is recommended that interested students speak to their faculty member about how to meet the requirements to sit for the exam. This is a top-value 124-credit hour degree that is both comprehensive and rigorous; it is supported by a well-respected faculty and staff.
Tuition
In-State: $6,650
Out-of-State: $14,720
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
11. The University of Texas of the Permian Basin
Odessa, Texas
Total Points: 4
Program Website
The University of Texas of the Permian Basin confers a cheap BBA with a major in finance, a top-value degree that focuses on all aspects of finance as it pertains to the business sector. Students will find that this 120-credit affordable finance degree was designed to provide a foundational understanding of both finance and business, making graduates a great fit to work with both small businesses and large companies. As a general degree, students will be able to take on electives that will help them determine an area of specialty for later study, both in professional and education studies. Students at this economical university will take part in experiential learning opportunities as well, preparing them for the workforce after they have graduated from the program.
Tuition
In-State: $6,260
Out-of-State: $7,100
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
10. Brigham Young University at Provo
Provo, Utah
Total Points: 4
Program Website
The low-cost finance degree that is available from Brigham Young University at Provo was designed to fit a student’s interests. The affordable BS in Finance is a 120-credit hour program that will provide students with a focused degree that showcases all of the aspects of finance, including its sub-disciplines. This top-value degree is also highly flexible; students have a list of directed electives to choose for every requirement, enabling them to tailor their degree to what they would need for their career. From courses on global treasury management to organizational effectiveness available, students will be able to create a program of study with the help of their advisor that will help them with their career goals after graduation.
Tuition
In-State: $5,620
Out-of-State: $5,620
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
9. Brigham Young University at Hawaii
Laie, Hawai’i
Total Points: 4
Program Website
The cheap BS in Business Management with the finance concentration is a great choice for students interested in attending Brigham Young University at Hawaii. This affordable university for finance degrees provides a program that has tandem focus in both business and financial management, making it unique and useful to students who are interested in supervisory roles within the field. The 120-credit hour degree has a set curriculum and culminates with the Strategic Management capstone, which will bring together all of a student’s prior learning and practical experience. With courses focused on business finance, investments and global finance, this excellent inexpensive program will no doubt be well-regarded by its graduates.
Tuition
In-State: $5,560
Out-of-State: $5,560
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
8. Harris-Stowe State University
St. Louis, Missouri
Total Points: 4
Program Website
Harris-Stowe State University offers an economical finance degree that is perfectly positioned to provide students with an understanding of how the business and finance fields affect each other. This 120-credit hour low-cost finance degree program was designed to give students both coursework and experiential learning opportunities that will help them set themselves up for success in the workforce after graduation. Students will note that the school requires an internship, which is a great opportunity to work in the field, get to know professionals and figure out what their next career steps may be. The affordable BS in Finance is a comprehensive degree and will help students prepare for work in the private sector, making it a great choice for students interested in finance professions.
Tuition
In-State: $5,388
Out-of-State: $10,020
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
7. The University of North Georgia
Dahlonega, Georgia
Total Points: 4
Program Website
The University of North Georgia provides students with a low-cost BBA in Finance, a top-value degree geared towards students who are interested in organizational finance. This 120-credit hour cheap finance degree is rigorous and comprehensive, enabling students to take advantage of the small class sizes and professional faculty to learn more about the field through lectures, professional opportunities, and even travel abroad opportunities. While the course of study is sequential, students will have flexibility with the use of directed electives, allowing them to take the courses that most interest them within the field. With more focus being on the major and concentration core than general education requirements, students at this inexpensive university will spend the majority of their time in the degree focusing on the aspects of finance, empowering them to feel confident in their education.
Tuition
In-State: $4,692
Out-of-State: $13,514
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
6. Dalton State College
Dalton, Georgia
Total Points: 4
Program Website
Dalton State College offers a best-value finance degree nestled within a general business program. The school confers the cheap BBA in Finance and Applied Economics, a program that brings together the most important aspects of the field. Students will spend time analyzing real-world case studies as well as learning about current trends within the industry, both on a domestic and international scale. This affordable 122-credit hour program comes with small class sizes, a well-respected faculty, research and professional opportunities, and a stellar academic reputation. While it is rigorous, students will have a variety of directed electives to choose from in the curriculum, providing them with space to choose the courses that interest them the most. All of this combined with low tuition rates makes this school a big contender for one of the best schools for undergraduate finance degrees.
Tuition
In-State: $4,246
Out-of-State: $12,668
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
5. Brigham Young University in Idaho
Rexburg, Idaho
Total Points: 4
Program Website
Brigham Young University in Idaho is the home base of a best-value BS in Business Finance that focuses in the corporate space. The low-cost finance degree is focused on the different aspects of business finance, including business analytics, banking, and principles of business strategy. This 120-credit hour affordable finance degree program from BYU Idaho comes with a requirement for an internship, an experience that will help each and every student learn how the field works prior to graduating. This high-value finance degree also has a great deal of flexibility within the curriculum itself; students can choose from a list of directed electives, which are required for various core components of the degree, to ensure that they take the courses that would best help them in the workforce. With small class sizes and tuition rates that are the same for both in-state and out-of-state students, this is one school that takes pride in supporting its students.
Tuition
In-State: $4,118
Out-of-State: $4,118
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 25:1
4. Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, North Carolina
Total Points: 4
Program Website
The affordable degree in finance that is available from Western Carolina University was designed for students who are interested in learning more about the various aspects of finance. The cheap BS in Business Administration in Finance major is a four-year, 120-credit hour program that was carefully constructed to provide students with courses from each of the main disciplines. The coursework, research and case studies conducted in the classroom will come together when a student undertakes their internship requirement, enabling them to put into practice what they have learned in the classroom. Students at this top-value university will find that this degree is perfectly suited for both pre-service and early-service professionals, giving everyone the chance to earn the education they need in order to find a great job in the field.
Tuition
In-State: $3,926
Out-of-State: $7,926
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
3. Delta State University
Cleveland, Mississippi
Total Points: 5
Program Website
Delta State University confers the affordable BBA in Finance, a program that focuses on the modern financial institutions in the country today, including digital banking and investment services. The top-value finance degree, which consists of 119 credit hours of coursework, is fully accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs. The curriculum itself is consistently reviewed by professionals in the field to ensure that courses keep up to date with the changing trends in the finance sector. Students at this low-cost university will find a variety of courses available, including International Business, Personal Financial Planning, and Strategic Management. With small class sizes, a renown faculty and staff and tuition rates that are the same for both in-state and out-of-state students, this is a great school for students interested in becoming major players in the finance field.
Tuition
In-State: $7,246
Out-of-State: $7,246
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
2. Minot State University
Minot, North Dakota
Total Points: 5
Program Website
The best-value finance degree that is offered by Minot State University was designed to help students find the perfect career after graduation or move into graduate study, enabling them to move into law or politics, fields that would welcome them with their background in finance. Students will find that this affordable degree with a major in finance comes with a personal finance concentration, providing students with the opportunity to specialize at the undergraduate level. The inexpensive program at MSU is bolstered by internship opportunities, student-run business clubs and organizations, the chance to compete in competitions around the country, and even travel abroad for a better understanding of how international business works. Students will find that along with all of the opportunities available, the school also provides one tuition rate for all students, small class sizes, and a dedicated faculty and staff.
Tuition
In-State: $7,064
Out-of-State: $7,064
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
1. Dickinson State University
Dickinson, North Dakota
Total Points: 5
Program Website
Dickinson State University is the best affordable college for finance degrees on our list. The 120-credit hour top-value BBA in Finance was designed for students interested in entering the corporate finance world, working in banks, becoming executives in businesses, and more. This low-cost degree program also offers students a curriculum that reserves more than half of its credit hour requirements for the business and finance cores, making it possible for students to take more courses on their chosen major than general education requirements. Students will be happy to hear that this cost-effective degree can be earned in four years, offers extremely small class sizes, and is considered one of the best schools in North Dakota.
Tuition
In-State: $6,768
Out-of-State: $9,546
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Career Options for an Affordable Finance Degree?
The career options for an economical finance degree are varied and include positions in the finance, business, tech, nonprofit, government, and other sectors. There’s no end to the possibilities available with this degree! Here are some of the most popular career paths for students who are getting ready to graduate from an affordable college for finance degrees with their bachelor’s degree:
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- Financial Planner
- Actuary
- Senior Financial Analyst
- Finance Manager
- Accounting Manager
- Software Product Manager
- Senior Underwriter
- Corporate Controller
- Private Banker Specialist
- Credit Analyst
- Accounts Receivable Specialist
- Business Consultant
- Accounting Supervisor
- Certified Financial Planner
- Chief Credit Officer
Students will note that many of these careers will require licensure, certification or additional professional education. However, these careers do not require a graduate degree, meaning that students can work their way up to these positions with just a few online courses through professional organizations. Additionally, work experience matters, so these positions may take up to five years to earn but are well worth it in the end.
How Much Can You Earn with a Low-Cost Finance Degree?
The current average salary of a professional with a Bachelor’s in Finance is around $52,800 a year. However, after a few years of experience, a professional can earn as much as $149,000 a year. This does not include bonuses or commissions, which are common in the field.
Students will note that their wages are directly related to not only their education and work experience but also the area they are looking for work in. Cities with major banking and finance sectors, such as Los Angeles, New York, Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia, will offer higher wages but are more competitive. Alternatively, regions with smaller financial sectors may offer lower wages but also have a lower cost of living.
What are the Various Disciplines of Finance?
The finance field is a broad umbrella that encompasses a variety of sub-disciplines, all of which inform the bigger picture. However, for students who are just beginning their education in this field, a look at the disciplines that inform finance is necessary. Normally students will focus on these fields prior to choosing a specialization anyway, so it’s good practice to look at these first.
The main disciplines of finance are math, accounting, economics, politics, financial law, statistics, and behavioral finance. Psychology and sociology also have a role to play in the field as finance is directly connected to the psychology of the individual, society or organization that is engaging the field. Students will find that history, research and theories also play a role but are more foundational in nature, helping a student build up a foundation for advanced study in upper-level courses.
There are eight different sub-disciplines of finance: markets, instruments, corporate finance, personal or private finance, public finance, banking, financial law and regulation, and economic history. Each of these sub-disciplines corresponds to a specialization or concentration within the field that can be found at the university level; the reason for this is that these specializations do require some expertise in both training and education.
Do Affordable Colleges for Finance Have the Same High-Value Degrees?
It is a myth that affordable schools have lower-quality programs; it is also a myth that expensive colleges have the best programs. This is based on the perception of value; that if something is expensive, it is then seen as being of better quality. The truth is a bit more complicated.
The truth is, tuition rates are not necessarily determined by the quality of the program; tuition and associated fees more often consider the size of the campus and the amount of maintenance needed to keep up with the campus, any technological updates or renovations the school requires, the addition or elimination of certain programs, upgrading curricula, and paying for faculty and staff. While all of these are important, it does not denote the quality of a program.
Some schools have more affordable tuition based on sizable donations to the school given by donors or subsidies by the government. Others have high tuition rates because they are based in regions with higher costs of living; for example, schools based in Washington D.C., Boston and Los Angeles have higher tuitions because it’s more expensive to live in the city. This holds truer for private schools than public schools, but it is still valid.
In the end, what demonstrates a school’s academic quality are the following factors: student-to-faculty ratios, the reputation and experience of the professors teaching the courses, retention rates, and graduation rates. While these should be considered alongside tuition, there are several low-cost schools for finance that have excellent academic reputations such as the ones listed above in this ranking.
Finance is something that touches everyone’s lives; from children who rely on their parent’s ability to provide for them to adults who are looking for a way to make ends meet to even businesses and organizations trying to stay afloat, everyone will have to engage with finance in one way or another, most likely on a daily basis. Finance professionals, then, help to keep everything running smoothly, from corporate to private to public finance. Students who choose one of the best affordable colleges for finance degrees will find that they will be part of a group of experts that keeps the economy going.
AS Staff
August 2019
This concludes our ranking of the 15 Best Affordable Colleges for a Finance Degree (Bachelor’s) for 2019.
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