Best Master’s Degrees in Finance 2026
Accounting.com is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.
Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:
- Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
- Provide specific, corrective feedback.
- Identify critical information that writers may have missed.
Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for Accounting.com as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.
Master’s degrees in finance cover advanced financial data analytics, financial markets, and investment strategies, preparing students for various finance careers. These programs are also becoming increasingly popular among students.
According to the 2024 Application Survey from the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), 64% of U.S. master’s in finance programs had an increase in applications year over year.
Explore the best master’s degree in finance, what to expect, and potential jobs after graduation.
Top Master’s in Finance Programs
East Texas A&M University – Most Affordable Public School
- Commerce, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What's Special: 20+ Waivers and Exemptions Available
The East Texas A&M MS in finance is the most affordable public finance degree in our list, with tuition as low as $2,578 for six credits per semester for Texas residents. Its tuition lock-in guarantee ensures the rate you pay upon entering the program remains unchanged through graduation. Additionally, you can reduce tuition costs through more than 20 available waivers and exemptions, which convert nonresident tuition to resident rates or eliminate specific fees.
More Highlights
- Flexible delivery formats include fully online, hybrid, or in-person options, with a two-year timeline, 30 credits, and no thesis requirement.
- You can choose from 10 minors in high-demand fields such as cybersecurity, business analytics, and digital marketing.
- This program has a STEM designation.
Considerations
- Nonresident tuition may significantly increase costs without waivers.
- Some elective minors, such as cybersecurity, may require additional prerequisites.
- This program is currently unavailable to international students.
71%
$ 3,630
58%
$11,196
- Acceptance Rate
- 75%
- Students Enrolled
- 12,741
- Institution Type
- Public
Fairfield University – Most Customizable
- Fairfield, CT
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What's Special: Specializations and Dual-Degree Options Available
Fairfield's MS in finance offers the most customizable MSF program on our list. It's housed in the Charles F. Dolan School of Business and allows students to specialize in their studies with tracks in business analytics, corporate finance, or accounting. Another option is pursuing a dual-degree program, which combines the MSF with a master's degree in business administration (MBA), accounting, or business analytics.
More Highlights
- The program offers flexible scheduling options, including full-time and part-time enrollment, online and hybrid classes, and accelerated seven-week intensive courses.
- The curriculum benefits students pursuing professional certifications such as chartered financial analyst (CFA), certified financial manager, or financial risk manager.
- You don't need a bachelor's in finance to enroll in the program.
Considerations
- GMAT or GRE scores are typically required but may be waived under certain conditions.
- Fairfield is a private Jesuit institution and the most expensive option on this list, with tuition at $1,240 per credit.
28%
$20,625
91%
$20,625
- Acceptance Rate
- 33%
- Students Enrolled
- 6,864
- Institution Type
- Private
Florida Atlantic University – Best Career Support
- Boca Raton, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What's Special: Offers Bloomberg Certification and CFA Prep
FAU's MSF program stands out on this list due to its strong emphasis on career development resources. Students can graduate with both their master's degree and an optional Bloomberg certification in equities or fixed income to boost their professional profile. This program also offers preparation courses for CFA exams (Levels I and II), mentorship opportunities, professional networking events, career advising services, and even lifetime discounts on professional certificate courses.
More Highlights
- Classes meet Monday and Wednesday evenings (6:30-9:30 p.m.), in person or via synchronous virtual sessions.
- Small class sizes enable interaction with faculty and peers.
- You can complete this program in 16 months (30 credit hours).
Considerations
- Tuition ($1,000 per credit hour) is relatively high for a public university, although it applies equally to both residents and nonresidents.
- The fixed twice-weekly evening schedule may limit flexibility for some students.
- Fully synchronous online formats require students to attend scheduled class times.
69%
$5,472
84%
$ 928
- Acceptance Rate
- 66%
- Students Enrolled
- 31,607
- Institution Type
- Public
Lewis University – Most Affordable Private School
- Romeoville, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What's Special: Under $1,000 Per Credit
Lewis' MS in finance stands out on our list as the most affordable private school for an MSF degree in 2026, offering a tuition rate of $885 per credit for the Spring 2026 semester. With the required 30 credits, the tuition totals approximately $26,550, although additional fees and expenses may apply. You can complete this MSF degree in as little as 12 months, making it an efficient and more affordable choice among private institutions.
More Highlights
- Offers flexible scheduling with five enrollment periods per year, providing multiple opportunities for you to start.
- The curriculum closely aligns with the CFA Level I exam and includes specialized coursework in data analytics.
- Provides international students with opportunities for internships and supervised practical training during the program.
Considerations
- Evening-only, in-person classes (6-10 p.m.) may limit scheduling flexibility for some individuals.
70%
$15,210
79%
$15,210
- Acceptance Rate
- 71%
- Students Enrolled
- 7,011
- Institution Type
- Private
University of Colorado Boulder – Best Accelerated Degree
- Boulder, CO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What's Special: Earn an MSF in 9 Months
CU Boulder's MSF accelerated program is the quickest way to earn your finance master's on this list — you can finish the 30-credit program in just nine months (two semesters). This program is a good fit for those seeking an intensive on-campus experience without committing to years of graduate school.
More Highlights
- The institution reports strong career outcomes, with a 90% job placement rate within three months after graduation.
- Offers specialized tracks in investment management, corporate finance and consulting, and sustainable finance.
- Provides program-specific and special scholarships to help offset tuition costs.
Considerations
- The program is on-campus only, with no online or hybrid formats available.
- Tuition is significantly higher for nonresidents ($51,625 compared to $37,345 for Colorado residents).
- Due to the accelerated format, balancing work with other commitments may be challenging.
40%
$15,849
89%
$36,407
- Acceptance Rate
- 81%
- Students Enrolled
- 39,089
- Institution Type
- Public
Why Get a Finance Master’s Degree?
Strong Earning Potential
GMAC’s Corporate Recruiters Survey 2023 reported a median starting salary of $85,000 per year for master’s in finance graduates. That figure may rise significantly with more experience: Financial managers earn a median salary of $161,700 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).Positive Hiring Trends
GMAC’s survey found consistent increases in overall hiring of master’s in finance graduates since 2018. It also found that 90% of U.S. employers who hired master’s in finance graduates in 2023 recruited as many or more new finance professionals.Excellent MBA Alternative
GMAC found that in 2024, full-time two-year MBA programs in the United States received a median of 443 applications while master’s in finance programs attracted only about one-third as many. Reduced competition for limited slots makes master’s in finance programs more accessible while arguably delivering more relevant training for finance careers.
What to Expect From a Master’s Degree in Finance
Master’s programs in finance explore finance theory, financial analysis, and investment strategy. Some curricula also cover business valuations, mergers and acquisitions, and other specialized topics. Learning objectives mainly focus on optimizing organizational finances, analyzing and managing risks, and advanced investing concepts.
Schools often structure their master’s in finance programs for efficiency: Completion timelines generally fall in the range of 10-16 months, and curricula usually cover about 30-36 semester credits or the equivalent. Pacing tends to be intensive, but this approach facilitates quick workforce reentry.
Degree, Concentration, and Format Options
You can choose from a master of science (MS) or master of finance (M.Fin.) degree designation. MS and M.Fin. programs tend to cover similar core concepts, with both degrees leading to comparable careers.
You can also pursue an MBA with a finance concentration. M.Fin. and MS programs in finance prepare you for targeted professional tracks, and an MBA might have more appeal if you have broader or more generalized goals for your business career.
Some master’s programs in finance offer concentrations in areas like:
- Capital markets
- Corporate or international finance
- Real estate
- Risk management
You can also pursue highly specialized concentrations in areas like climate and social impact finance. Concentrated programs may involve additional coursework, which can extend your degree completion timeline. However, specializations can also help you qualify for careers that closely align with your personal interests or values.
You can choose from face-to-face, online, and hybrid formats. Campus-based programs often use a cohort structure that offers excellent peer networking opportunities. Online and hybrid formats maximize scheduling flexibility and efficiency, making them a good match for working students.
Online finance programs may use synchronous or asynchronous course delivery models. Synchronous classes follow set schedules and take place in real time, offering more peer and faculty access. Asynchronous classes involve pre-recorded lectures and set due dates, allowing you to complete your coursework when convenient.
Admissions Process
Master’s in finance programs tend to receive fewer applications per seat than MBA programs, according to the GMAC. Even so, admissions processes are usually competitive. For your application to succeed, you will need to closely match the school’s preferred student profile.
For master’s programs in finance, this generally includes:
- A four-year bachelor’s degree, ideally in a relevant subject such as accounting, business, or finance
- A strong record of academic achievement
- Upper-level college coursework in mathematics (especially algebra, probability, and statistics)
Educational institutions that require tests usually ask for GMAT scores or GRE scores. Relevant professional experience may also strengthen your application.
While schools may favor applicants from related academic backgrounds, many also welcome applications from a diversity of undergraduate majors if you have a promising profile and the required coursework.
Popular Finance Graduate Courses
To earn your master’s degree in finance, you will need to complete about 10 to 12 specialized courses. Programs typically include both core (required) courses that all students must take, plus electives that offer customization options.
Examples of courses you may encounter include:
- Global Financial Markets: This core course defines and builds knowledge of the assets and asset classes traded in financial markets around the world. Examples include bonds, commodities, equities, and derivatives. Some programs also explore emerging and less conventional financial instruments, such as cryptocurrencies and alternative assets.
- Applied Investment Management: In this required course, students learn about the expanding set of investment opportunities available in a world increasingly powered by financial technologies. Content considers both conventional and emerging approaches to investment management. Some schools engage students in managing live investment funds or institutional endowments.
- Financial Data Analytics: Students in this elective examine processes and strategies for using technological tools in the advanced analysis of financial data. Coursework emphasizes applied analytics, looking at how data analysis can uncover novel opportunities and inform investing and financial management decision-making.
- Enterprise Valuation: This course teaches students how to analyze financial statements to quantify a company’s financial value. Instructors may also consider alternative forms of data, such as consumer sentiment and industry-related trends. In generalist programs, this course is usually an elective but may be required in corporate finance concentrations.
How Much Do Finance Master’s Programs Cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), graduate students paid the following average costs in tuition and required fees in the 2021-22 school year:
- Public institutions: $12,596 per year
- Private for-profit institutions: $14,161 per year
- Private nonprofit institutions: $29,931 per year
Private institutions of all types averaged out to $28,017 in annual costs, while the overall average for both public and private schools worked out to $20,513 per year.
For help meeting your educational costs, look first to scholarships, fellowships, and grants — these do not require repayment and will not generate debt. The links below offer more information on how to pay for graduate school:
Finance Jobs and Salaries
Master’s degrees in finance lead most directly to analytical and managerial roles in enterprise finance. At the entry level, these include budget analyst and financial analyst positions. As your career grows, you could pursue a financial manager role or strive to reach the C-suite as a chief financial officer.
Consider these career paths, which profile a curated selection of popular and high-growth jobs available to finance specialists:
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts examine internal, industry, and financial market data to extract operational insights and identify growth opportunities. Occupying mid-level roles in finance departments, analysts also look into ways organizations can use their financial resources to advance their short-term and long-term goals. Their duties also include studying broader trends and producing written reports.
- Job Outlook (2024-34): +6%
- Median Annual Salary (2024): $101,910
Source: BLS
Financial Manager
These senior finance department leaders guide financial decision-making. They select investments and capital deployment projects, track and analyze their organization’s financial standing, and liaise with upper management in advancing long-term organizational goals. Financial managers also directly supervise junior finance personnel.
- Job Outlook (2024-34): +15%
- Median Annual Salary (2024): $161,700
Source: BLS
Management Accountant
Certified management accountants (CMAs) strategically leverage their accounting expertise, helping employers navigate legally compliant financial reporting techniques to maximum organizational advantage. The role involves certification from the Institute of Management Accountants. Combining a bachelor’s degree in accounting with a master’s degree in finance makes an excellent educational background for aspiring CMAs.
- Job Outlook (2024-34): +5%
- Average Annual Salary (September 2025): $105,000
Financial Advisor
Wealth managers help guide the investment and personal financial management decisions of high-net-worth individuals. They recommend investment vehicles, build balanced and risk-managed asset portfolios, and assist in tax and estate planning. An alternate job title is financial planner.
- Job Outlook (2024-34): +10%
- Median Annual Salary (2024): $102,140
Source: BLS
Should You Get a Finance Master’s or an Accounting Master’s?
Finance and accounting overlap and students with interests in both areas sometimes find it difficult to choose between the two. The following table explores key features of master’s degrees in finance and accounting, highlighting similarities and differences:
| Key Factor | Master’s in Finance | Master’s in Accounting |
|---|---|---|
| Core Academic Concepts | Financial analysis and modeling; Risk analysis and management; Capital markets; Investment vehicles and management; Corporate valuation; Mergers and acquisitions | Generally accepted accounting principles; Financial reporting and documentation; Auditing and forensic accounting; Accounting information systems and data analytics; Professional ethics |
| Credit Requirements | 30-36 | 30-36 |
| Typical Completion Timelines (Full-Time Study) | About 1-2 academic years | About 1-2 academic years |
| Concentration Options | Corporate finance; International finance; Investment management; Real estate | Accounting data analytics; Auditing; Financial analysis and reporting; Taxation |
| Career Paths | Budget analyst; Financial analyst; Financial manager; Investment banker; Personal financial advisor | Actuary; Certified management accountant; Certified public accountant; External or internal auditor; Staff accountant |
A master’s degree in finance might make a better match if your career plans focus on banking, capital markets, enterprise financial management, or investing.
If you are more interested in financial tracking and reporting, auditing, fraud detection, taxation, and certified or licensed accountancy careers, consider a master’s in accounting instead.
Learn the differences:
Finance vs. Accounting
MSF vs. MBA
Selecting the Right Graduate Program
Many reputable schools offer master’s degrees in finance, and narrowing down your options can be challenging. As you evaluate programs, prioritize the features most important to you and your career plans. These may include:
- Concentration Options: If you want to specialize in a finance subfield, seek out programs with aligned learning opportunities.
- Student Outcome Data: Look at student outcome data related to employment rates and average starting salaries. If this information is not publicly available, request it from the school.
- Format and Enrollment Options: If you need flexibility, you may want to prioritize programs that offer online or hybrid learning, and programs that support part-time enrollment.
Also, consider whether the program is accredited, which can signal higher academic quality. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs are two accreditors of graduate finance programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
A master’s degree in finance offers the most direct, detailed, and relevant training. However, you can also consider MBA programs with a finance concentration, master’s programs in accounting, and master of science in management programs.
Recommended Reading
Finance Degree Programs
A finance degree helps prepare students for roles in business and organizational management. Explore undergrad and graduate programs in this guide.
Updated November 14, 2025
What’s the Difference Between a Master’s in Finance and an MBA?
Students may wonder if they should enroll in an MSF vs. MBA program. Explore similarities and differences between these two valuable degrees.
Updated September 26, 2025
Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Research CFP certification requirements, learn about the exam process, and connect with resources to help you succeed in becoming a certified financial planner.
Updated October 10, 2025