A bachelor's in finance can help prepare students for careers in financial planning, corporate finance, banking, accounting, and other in-demand roles.
As online degrees have become more common, many students choose to earn their finance degrees from home. Online programs provide increased flexibility in when and where students can complete their work, making them well-suited for learners with work or family responsibilities.
Most college students report positive experiences with online education. A 2022 Wiley University Services study found that 94% of U.S. college students enrolled in remote learning held positive or very positive views of their experience.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 7% employment growth in business and financial occupations from 2021 to 2031. Earning a finance degree can help students enter this thriving field.
Discover the best finance programs online and learn more about how a finance degree can advance your career.
What to Expect From an Online Finance Degree
On-campus and online finance degrees typically feature the same course content, requirements, and faculty. However, there are some differences that students should keep in mind.
Online students may need more self-discipline to stay on track than their on-campus peers. Especially in asynchronous programs without set class times, students should be self-motivated to stay on top of assignment deadlines.
Both online and in-person bachelor's in finance programs usually take about four years to complete. Students complete a mix of general education and finance courses regardless of the delivery format.
How Does an Online Bachelor's Differ From an On-Campus Bachelor's?
One of the main differences between online and in-person finance programs is scheduling. On-campus students generally attend classes on a fixed schedule, but online programs may or may not set specific times for learners to log in to their class portals.
Online students should also consider how to complete internships. Internships may not be required for the degree, but often provide elective course credit. These opportunities provide valuable education and experience and can help students land jobs after graduation.
Online students can often complete local or remote internships. The recent rise in remote work has made it easier to find remote internships. Depending on the school, some online students can access on-campus internship resources and job fairs.
Comparing Online and On-Campus Bachelor's in Finance Degrees
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Factor
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Online Program
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On-Campus Program
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Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour
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$66-$437
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$182-$437
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Program Credit Hours
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120 credits
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120 credits
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Additional Costs
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Textbooks, online subscriptions, required technology
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Room and board, commuting expenses, textbooks, required technology
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Program Length
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4 years
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4 years
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Delivery format
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Asynchronous, synchronous, or a combination
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In person or hybrid
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Sources: Florida International University, Western Carolina University, University of Minnesota Crookston, University of Massachusetts Amherst, West Texas A&M University
Online and in-person finance degrees maintain similar graduation timelines and course requirements. Transfer students who have already completed general education requirements may be able to graduate more quickly.
Some online finance programs charge lower tuition than their in-person counterparts, while other schools price online and on-campus tuition at the same rate. In-state students at public colleges typically pay less tuition than out-of-state enrollees.
Delivery Formats for Online Finance Degrees
Online finance degrees offer various delivery formats. Students should consider each program's delivery format to find the right fit for their needs.
The first consideration is whether to choose a hybrid program or a fully online program. Hybrid programs have some in-person requirements. These requirements can include periodic on-campus meetings, in-person exams, or regular class attendance.
Fully online classes can be synchronous or asynchronous. Asynchronous learning does not require students to log in at any set time. Students can review recorded lectures and complete assignments on their own schedules. This flexibility can benefit finance students with work or internship commitments.
Synchronous learning features set times for virtual classes. This format may suit finance students without previous work experience or education in the field. Synchronous classes can make it easier for students to get real-time answers about complex finance topics.
Accreditation for Online Finance Degrees
When searching for the best online finance program, accreditation is a key factor. Accreditation shows prospective students, parents, financial aid providers, and employers that a school or program meets rigorous academic standards.
Institutionally accredited schools undergo a thorough review by an independent accrediting agency. Institutional accreditation is important for financial aid and may affect hiring decisions.
Programmatic accreditation applies to specific programs within a school. Business accreditors such as the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs and AACSB International accredit finance programs.
Another consideration is state authorization. State authorization permits a school located in one state to teach remote learners in other states. This authorization allows online colleges to qualify for financial aid.
How Much Will an Online Finance Bachelor's Cost?
Total tuition for a four-year online finance degree can cost from $8,000 to over $97,000. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, average in-state tuition and fees at U.S. public colleges cost $9,375 for the 2020-2021 school year. Adding room and board brought the average total cost of attendance for one year to $21,337.
Online students can save money by not paying for room and board on campus. However, remote learning may entail additional expenses such as subscriptions to online platforms and required software. Online students also need a laptop or desktop computer, though most in-person students also need computers.
Online finance students can access several financial aid options. Learners in accredited programs may qualify for federal student loans, state and federal grants, work-study programs, and scholarships. Many finance students also complete paid internships in finance or a related field.
Why Get Your Bachelor's in Finance Online?
Many students find that distance learning aligns well with their life outside of school. Earning your degree online can make it easier to pursue an education while working or taking care of family.
Online degree-seekers typically receive the same faculty instruction, career support, and learning opportunities as in-person students. When deciding whether to pursue an online finance degree, review the available delivery formats and student support resources, and check for school and program accreditation.
Pros
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Scheduling flexibility: Students who earn their finance degrees online often enjoy more flexibility in their schedules. Many classes take place asynchronously, which can help students maintain full-time jobs or complete internships during the school year.
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Affordability: Attending college online can be more affordable. Students do not have to factor in on-campus living costs or commuting.
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Fewer Limitations: On-campus students' choices are often limited by location. Remote learners can choose the programs and colleges that suit their needs best, even if they don't live in the area or plan to move.
Cons
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Fewer networking opportunities: Online students may have to work harder and be more proactive when it comes to networking. They can miss out on job fairs and may not get to know their classmates as well as in-person learners.
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Less structure: Depending on the delivery format, online programs may provide less structure than on-campus programs. Students who are less organized and self-motivated may fall behind without set meeting times and on-campus instruction.
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Limited extracurriculars: Online students often have fewer opportunities to join clubs or take part in Greek life. This can be a disadvantage for undergraduate finance students, since serving as a club treasurer or on the finance committee of a sorority, fraternity, or on-campus organization can be a good resume-builder.
Best Finance Programs Online
Looking for the best online undergraduate finance programs? Explore our ranking of the top finance programs for online learners. To learn more about how we rank schools, click the link below.
#1 Best Finance Programs Online 2023
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Since opening in 1972, Florida International University (FIU) has expanded beyond its Miami campus to include satellite campuses around the state and fully online distance learning options. Today, the school enrolls more than 56,000 students, making it one of the largest universities in the country.
Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance
Housed in Florida International University's R. Kirk Landon Undergraduate School of Business, the BBA in finance program emphasizes the managerial and analytical skills students need to succeed in any business. The 120-credit program requires 60 lower-division credit hours and 60 upper-division credit hours within the business core and pre-core curriculum.
Required courses in the finance track cover financial risk management, banking, corporate finance, and portfolio management. Each enrollee must also select four elective courses.
Online students at FIU work with success coaches to receive support and guidance through their online learning experience. Learners can complete all coursework entirely online with no on-campus components required.
Applying to FIU
Each applicant must submit an online application and $30 application fee, official SAT or ACT scores, and official high school transcripts. Admission to the business program requires a minimum 2.5 GPA on all lower-division coursework.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Tuition: $228/credit, in state; $346/credit, out of state
- Required Credits: 120
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online
Percent Online Enrollment
86%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Finance Programs Online 2023
Western Carolina University
- Cullowhee, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
As a part of the University of North Carolina system, Western Carolina University (WCU) enrolls more than 12,000 students and operates from a 600-acre campus near the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky mountains. WCU offers over 115 undergraduate programs.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Finance
Western Carolina University's BSBA in finance program offers the flexibility to earn a degree online or on campus. The online track emphasizes skills and knowledge in personal financial planning, preparing students to sit for the certified financial planner exam upon graduation.
Each enrollee completes 120 credit hours, with 42 hours in liberal studies, 36 hours in the business core, and 21 within the major. The business core curriculum includes courses in financial management, principles of marketing, and legal and ethical environments in business.
WCU offers internships for elective credits. Internships may include personally obtained part-time jobs or positions acquired through faculty.
Applying to WCU
Each candidate must submit an online application and the required fee (a waiver is available for those who demonstrate financial need), official SAT or ACT scores, and high school and college transcripts.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on
- Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Tuition: $3,579 per term (full-time, resident); $5,579 per term (full-time, non-resident)
- Required Credits: 120 credits
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)
Percent Online Enrollment
81%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Finance Programs Online 2023
University of Minnesota-Crookston
- Crookston, MN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Originally founded in 1966, the University of Minnesota Crookston (UMC) joins four other University of Minnesota campuses around the state. UMC hosts a student body of just over 1,400, with many students enrolled fully in distance learning.
Bachelor of Science in Finance
University of Minnesota Crookston's BS in finance requires 120 credits, with 62 credits within the major. Students may complete the program fully online, in a hybrid model, or on campus.
The fully online program mirrors the on-campus track almost entirely, but the internship course becomes an elective rather than a core requirement.
UMC's finance program emphasizes skills learners need for any business environment, with required courses covering retirement and estate planning, principles of marketing, investments, and business ethics.
Students may explore a sample online course to determine if UMC's online learning environment suits their needs.
Applying to UMC
Each applicant must submit an online application, $30 application fee (a waiver is available for financial need), and high school transcripts. No test scores are required — UMC employs a holistic admissions approach based on factors aside from scores and grades alone.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Tuition: $437/credit hour
- Required Credits: 120
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online or hybrid
Percent Online Enrollment
54%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Finance Programs Online 2023
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
- Amherst, MA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of Massachusetts Amherst opened originally in 1863 as a land grant university and agricultural school. Today, UMass Amherst serves a student body of more than 32,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance
The BBA in finance at the University of Massachusetts Amherst prepares each learner to consider a career change or advance in their current position in business. Online finance students typically follow a corporate sub-plan, exploring how corporations function and make informed financial decisions.
Each enrollee must complete 120 credits in the program, including 37 within the business core. Core courses emphasize topics including fundamentals of marketing, principles of management, and career and professional development.
Learners may use the elective course requirements to tailor their programs to their career goals and interests, with elective options like sport management, accounting, and marketing.
Applying to UMass Amherst
Each candidate must submit a Common Application with accompanying $85 application fee, high school transcripts, and a letter of recommendation. The school does not require SAT or ACT scores, but applicants may submit them.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Tuition: $7,465 per term (full time, in state); $18,075 per term (full time, in state)
- Required Credits: 120
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online
Percent Online Enrollment
96%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#5 Best Finance Programs Online 2023
West Texas A & M University
- Canyon, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
With a 342-acre campus located just outside Amarillo in Canyon, Texas, West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) enrolls over 9,500 students across more than 60 undergraduate and 38 graduate programs.
Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance
Housed in West Texas A&M University's Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business, the BBA in finance program tailors specifically to online learners. Students benefit from an established business faculty and a curriculum emphasizing ethical practices through a global perspective.
The required 120 credits cover core business courses in financial accounting, management information systems, and business law. Students in the finance track also take required courses in corporate governance and ethics, investments, and international finance.
Business students may also pursue the finance track as a minor. Enrollees select general and advanced electives with assistance from advisors.
Applying to WTAMU
Each candidate must submit official transcripts and an online application. A first-year student must hold a minimum 2.0 GPA in high school coursework, and either a 21 ACT composite or 1060 SAT composite score. Score submission is optional.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Tuition: $9,204 per term (full time, in state); $23,732 per term (full time, out of state)
- Required Credits: 120
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online
Percent Online Enrollment
78%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Questions About Online Finance Degrees
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How long does it take to get a finance degree online?
On average, it takes four years to complete a bachelor's degree in finance online. Some programs offer accelerated tracks or summer courses that can help students graduate in under four years.
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How much is an online degree in finance?
An online finance degree's cost can vary based on the type of institution that students attend. Tuition at private schools is generally more expensive than at public institutions.
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Are online finance degrees respected?
Yes, employers generally respect online finance degrees that come from accredited institutions with good reputations. Online education has been on the rise for several years, and the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated that growth.
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Is working in finance hard?
Working in finance can be challenging. Workload and difficulty may vary based on specialization and industry. However, a great finance program can give you the tools and education that you need to be successful in the finance field.
Page last reviewed January 19, 2023.
The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Accounting.com.
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