Master of finance programs have become increasingly popular with graduate business students in recent years. These focused, efficient programs make a strong match for committed learners working toward careers in enterprise finance. They may also appeal to people seeking practical alternatives to MBAs.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), more than 300 U.S. universities offer advanced degrees in finance-related academic areas. The availability of graduate-level finance programs speaks to their rising profile among career-oriented business students.
Advanced finance degrees equip learners with in-demand skills that remain relevant amid changing economic and labor market conditions. By earning this degree, you may forge an entry path to a stable career with solid pay.
This degree guide and ranking explain what master of finance programs have to offer. Discover detailed descriptions of top programs and practical details about the application and admission processes. Use the information and resources below to launch your program search and compare schools of interest.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Our Master's in Finance Ranking
#1 Best Master of Finance Degrees 2024
Hult International Business School
- Cambridge, MA
- 4 years
- Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB International, Association of MBAs, European Quality Improvement System
Program Cost: $56,700
Credits to Graduate: N/A
Learners in Hult's master's in finance program proceed through a series of three core modules, each of which culminates in a "business challenge" project. Learners complete this degree in one year. Electives and specializations complement core coursework: Available concentrations include general finance, transactional finance and investments, and financial technology.
The program is available at Boston, San Francisco, London, and Dubai campuses. These school reports positive student outcomes: According to institutional data, 94% of the class of 2022 were employed within six months and 72% of international students enrolled at a U.S. campus got jobs in the United States.
Percent Online Enrollment
71%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#2 Best Master of Finance Degrees 2024
Babson College
- Wellesley, MA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB International
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,820
Out-of-State | $1,820
Credits to Graduate: 30
Babson's master of science in finance combines an 18-credit core with 12 credits of electives that allow students to personalize their learning. Core coursework covers advanced concepts in financial data analysis, capital markets, corporate finance, derivatives, and fixed-income investing.
Elective pathways include an experiential learning opportunity where enrollees manage a portion of Babson's endowment. Learners can also work in groups to perform financial consulting work for a real-world investment or business client.
According to institutional data, 100% of 2023 graduates accepted a job offer within six months of completing the program, with their average starting salaries topping $83,000.
Percent Online Enrollment
43%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#3 Best Master of Finance Degrees 2024
Vanderbilt University
- Nashville, TN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB International
Program Cost: $71,250
Credits to Graduate: 33
Vanderbilt's MS in finance is available exclusively in a full-time face-to-face format that takes 10 months. Students can customize half of their curriculum by adding MBA electives to their core finance coursework, helping develop marketable, transferable business management skills.
The holistic admissions process welcomes candidates from diverse academic backgrounds. According to the school, 96% of 2023 graduates accepted a job offer within six months of graduating, with their median base salary exceeding $86,000.
Percent Online Enrollment
11%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Master of Finance Degrees 2024
Georgetown University
- Washington, DC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB International
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $2,500
Out-of-State | $2,500
Credits to Graduate: 32
Georgetown's MS in finance program uses a flexible online format to teach enrollees about finance in the global marketplace. Course content covers corporate investment strategies, risk management, data analysis, and professional ethics. Learners also customize their degree with electives, including several courses that explore the Python programming language in finance contexts.
Students can pursue a 10-month full-time accelerated track or a 21-month part-time track designed for working professionals. Both options blend synchronous and asynchronous learning, and include a campus residency covering financial markets as well as an on-site capstone experience.
Percent Online Enrollment
38%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 Best Master of Finance Degrees 2024
New York University
- New York, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB International, European Quality Improvement System
Program Cost: $84,500
Credits to Graduate: 24
NYU's MS in global finance is a joint partnership with The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Consequently, the program takes an international perspective, placing equal emphasis on applied theory and practical topics. The program's executive format spans one year and uses modular coursework with intensive block scheduling. Enrollees take in-person classes in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and New York.
Project-based assignments prompt collaboration, helping students build strong interpersonal networks while sharpening their own skills. The curriculum's global focus covers topics like financial technology, Asian markets, and risk management.
Percent Online Enrollment
45%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#6 Best Master of Finance Degrees 2024
Baruch College
- New York, NY
- 4 years
- Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB International
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $470
Out-of-State | $855
Credits to Graduate: 30-39
Offered through the Zicklin School of Business, Baruch's MS in finance grounds students in the fundamentals of financial management and investing. Electives cover topics like mergers and acquisitions, international markets, and corporate finance.
Students can pursue a generalist degree or a financial technology concentration. Courses also explore topics related to chartered financial analyst (CFA) or financial risk manager professional certifications. Learners can switch between part- and full-time enrollment. Full-time enrollees can graduate in one calendar year if they take summer courses.
Percent Online Enrollment
86%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#7 Best Master of Finance Degrees 2024
University of South Florida
- Tampa, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB International
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $467
Out-of-State | $913
Credits to Graduate: 30
USF's MS in financial analytics offers four concentration options: financial analysis, financial planning and wealth management, finance research, and financial technology. Regardless of specialization, all enrollees take courses like financial modeling and analytics, quantitative investments, and programming for financial technology. Students from non-finance backgrounds may need to take an additional six credits of prerequisite classes.
Though the program does include some online coursework, it also requires attendance on campus for classes. Full-time learners can finish their financial analysis master's in three semesters, while part-time enrollees often take 4-6 semesters.
Percent Online Enrollment
66%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Best Master of Finance Degrees 2024
Florida State University
- Tallahassee, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB International
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $479
Out-of-State | $1,111
Credits to Graduate: 32
FSU's MS in finance uses an one-year campus-based model to ground students in advanced finance and financial management concepts. Among other learning experiences, cohorts of enrollees collaboratively manage a $5 million investment fund.
Learners can pursue a standard track or a real estate specialization. Both options require 32 credits emphasizing financial analysis, decision-making, and presentation skills. Regardless of concentration, all students take classes like applied econometrics in finance, financial derivatives and risk management, and business conditions analysis.
Percent Online Enrollment
58%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 Best Master of Finance Degrees 2024
Boston University
- Boston, MA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB International
Program Cost: $35,900-$100,948
Credits to Graduate: 40
BU's MS in financial management applies a global focus to finance and offers two concentrations: investment analysis and international finance. The program embraces skills development, emphasizing statistical analysis, finance and investment forecasting, and business conditions analysis.
The degree's curriculum also covers computer programming skills, which students can apply in their master's thesis. The 10-course, 40-credit curriculum includes 24 credits of concentration and elective coursework. CFA charterholders can waive two classes from their requirements.
Percent Online Enrollment
15%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#10 Best Master of Finance Degrees 2024
Johns Hopkins University
- Baltimore, MD
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB International
Cost per Semester (Full Time): $29,334-$30,500
Cost per Credit (Part Time): $1,890
Credits to Graduate: 36
JHU's MS in finance includes a built-in concentration in financial econometrics, a specialized finance discipline focused on analyzing financial data with advanced statistical methods. Given this focus, the curriculum heavily emphasizes quantitative techniques that develop advanced portfolio analysis and risk management skills.
The program's curriculum covers much of the CFA Institute's learning standards and objectives to help graduates prepare for CFA certification. Learners can enroll part time or choose from two full-time options, including a one calendar year option and a three-semester version of the program that doesn't include summer courses.
Percent Online Enrollment
80%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Our Ranking Methodology
Accounting.com ranks the best accounting degrees using reputable sources such as the U.S. Department of Education. We build our rankings with four main metrics in mind: academics, cost, reputation, and program availability. We also consider subfactors like retention rate, federal aid amounts, and return on investment to help you find the right program for you.
This ranking is from 2024. Learn more about our process by visiting our school rankings methodology page.
Why Get a Master's in Finance Degree?
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Focused Learning: Master of finance programs support your ongoing development into becoming an expert-level specialist, which appeals to employers. You can build deeper, more detailed knowledge of enterprise finance than you might acquire even in a finance-focused MBA program.
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Less Crowding and Competition: MBA programs attract many learners, leading to competitive admissions and crowded classrooms. With fewer learners seeking graduate degrees in finance, you may find the admissions process to be less stressful. You can also benefit from smaller class sizes, which provide more student-instructor interactions.
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Flexibility and Earning Potential: Master of finance programs support entry to specialized business careers with growth and advancement potential. Many of these careers offer appealing pay. You may also qualify for roles in other finance-adjacent areas, such as accounting or actuarial science.
What to Expect From a Finance Master's Degree
Master's programs in finance typically cover finance theory, financial analysis, and the investment-oriented study of financial markets. Assignments build targeted, practical skills in areas like business valuation and financial reporting methods and standards.
Coursework usually covers 30-36 semester credits, with schools often prioritizing efficiency. You can typically complete a master of finance degree in 10-16 months of intensive full-time study.
Schools offer master of finance programs in both face-to-face and online formats. Campus-based programs usually place students in cohorts, leading to excellent networking opportunities. Online formats maximize flexibility and allow you to balance your schooling with other commitments, even if you continue working while earning your degree.
Degree, Concentration, and Format Options
At the master's level, finance programs typically lead to master of science (MS) or master of finance (M.Fin.) degrees. You can also pursue an MBA with a finance concentration. However, these programs typically only dedicate elective classes to finance, while core coursework focuses on generalist business management topics.
In general, M.Fin. and MS programs appeal to students with strong, specific academic and professional interests in enterprise finance. Consider general or finance-concentrated MBA programs if you want to work in business management but have broader career goals.
Some schools offer concentrated master of finance degrees. Concentrated programs let you zero in on targeted finance specializations but may have longer completion timelines.
Common concentration options include:
- Asset management
- International finance
- Investment management
- Risk management
You can also explore program format and course delivery options beyond face-to-face and online learning. Hybrid models, which combine campus-based and online coursework, may appeal to you if you live within commuting distance of your school.
Online courses may feature asynchronous pre-recorded lectures or synchronous live meetings. Both options offer unique advantages. Asynchronous classes let you self-direct your learning schedule, which offers an ideal pathway for working students. Synchronous courses make it easier to engage with your classmates and receive answers from instructors in real time.
Admissions Process
Many master of finance programs have competitive admission processes. In general, though, they are considered less competitive than MBA programs — especially at high-profile or prestigious schools.
Strong candidates typically possess:
- Impressive undergraduate GPAs
- College-level coursework in statistics, probability, algebra, and/or other mathematical disciplines
- Personal profiles that line up well with professional success standards
Schools may consider a bachelor's degree in accounting, actuary science, business, finance, or mathematics an asset. However, graduate finance programs often accept applicants from diverse academic backgrounds.
Many institutions — including top business schools — continue to move toward test-optional admission policies. If standardized test requirements apply, they will usually seek GMAT or GRE scores.
Popular Finance Graduate Courses
Your curriculum depends on factors like your specialization and the program's underlying philosophy. Even so, most master's programs in finance cover a common set of core topics. Elective options also feature significant overlap from one school to the next.
With those caveats in mind, consider the following commonly offered courses:
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Managerial Finance: In this course, students explore financial forecasting, capital budgeting, risk management, and strategies for optimizing corporate financial value. The course also explores the relationship between risk and return, providing insight into practical ways to maximize the reach and impact of a firm's financial holdings.
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Financial Markets: This course defines and builds knowledge of assets traded in various financial markets. Instructors typically cover securities, commodities, derivatives, and foreign exchange markets. Some programs may explore unconventional alternatives, such as cryptocurrency markets.
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Investing and Portfolio Management: Finance professionals play a leading role in investment selection and portfolio management. This course explores foundational corporate investment concepts, introducing ways to optimize returns while maintaining strong financial health. Finance programs may also cover trading strategies and asset pricing in this course.
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Principles of Enterprise Valuation: Corporations often need their finance teams to perform valuation analyses internally or on other businesses. This course, typically offered as an elective, introduces valuation best practices and builds student proficiency in applying them.
How Much Do Finance Master's Programs Cost?
NCES data from the 2021-22 school year specified the following tuition averages for various institution types:
- Public colleges: $12,596
- Private for-profit colleges: $14,161
- Private nonprofit colleges: $28,017
While you can use these figures as a general guideline, the actual cost of your program may vary according to factors like:
- School location, reputation, and prestige
- Whether you attend a public school as an in-state or out-of-state student
- Program and course delivery format
As you budget, remember to factor in additional costs. If you attend a campus-based program, these may include relocation, rent, transportation, and parking. If you study online, you should consider technology fees, software licenses, and computer equipment upgrades.
If you need financial aid, start by seeking scholarships and other non-repayable funding sources like grants. Use federal and private loans sparingly. The following resources offer more information:
Should You Get Your Degree Online?
Online education has made significant strides in recent years. Most colleges and graduate schools no longer distinguish between campus-based and online learning in transcripts and on diplomas. By studying online, you may also qualify for lower tuition rates while avoiding relocation, commuting, and parking expenses.
The advantages of online learning may come with trade-offs. Online learning demands more independence and self-motivation. It also exchanges some of the social and networking benefits of the traditional campus experience for increased convenience and flexibility.
Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether your learning style and personal preferences make you a good candidate for an online education.
Finance Jobs and Salaries
People typically associate master of finance degrees with corporate roles in financial analysis and management. These common career options may offer advancement opportunities, potentially allowing dedicated professionals to reach the executive ranks. The C-suite chief financial officer role stands at the top of this path.
However, you can also pursue other opportunities with a master's degree in finance. The following list profiles some common and alternative roles to consider.
Mainly working in corporate settings, financial analysts perform duties related to financial forecasting. They recommend ways for employers to reduce costs, optimize spending, and improve investment returns. Financial analysts can also pursue professional certifications to enhance their job prospects.
- Job Outlook (2023-33): +9%
- Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $99,890
Source: BLS
The advanced investment, trading, and financial market knowledge you can acquire in a master of finance program translates well to careers in wealth management. Wealth managers work for businesses and clients, helping them choose investments, optimize returns, and apply tax strategies.
- Job Outlook (2023-33): +17%
- Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $156,100
Source: BLS
Typically possessing certified management accountant (CMA) certification, these specialists offer expertise in accounting and financial strategy. Applying their advanced skills to tasks like budgeting and the financial aspects of business operations, CMAs typically hold high-level roles with executive potential. Pairing an undergraduate degree in accounting with a master's degree in finance may help you succeed on CMA certification exams.
- Job Outlook (2023-33): +6%
- Average Annual Salary (August 2024): $102,000
Source: BLS, Payscale
Actuaries analyze and evaluate the financial costs associated with risk. Though they are primarily affiliated with the insurance industry, actuaries also work in corporate finance and investment. To enter this lucrative, fast-growing career path, you may need to pass rigorous certification exams.
- Job Outlook (2023-33): +22%
- Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $120,000
Source: BLS
Should You Get a Master of Finance or Accounting?
Master of finance programs overlap with other business-focused graduate degrees, including graduate programs in accounting. As such, you may be unsure which to pursue — especially if you have not yet committed to a specific career path.
The following table compares master's degrees in finance and accounting.
Comparing Master's in Finance and Accounting
| Key Factor |
Master's in Finance |
Master's in Accounting |
| Program Length |
Typically 10-16 months |
Typically 18-24 months |
| Credit Requirements |
About 30-36 |
About 30-36 |
| Topics Covered |
Financial data analysis; financial theory and forecasting; investment and wealth management; financial market structures and trading strategies; risk management |
Financial or managerial accounting; individual and/or corporate taxation; financial statement preparation and analysis; auditing; business law |
| Career Tracks |
Financial analyst; wealth manager; investment analyst; actuary; securities, commodities, and financial services sales agent |
Certified public accountant, certified management accountant, actuary, tax manager, compliance risk manager |
Sources: Babson College, CUNY Bernard M Baruch College, Hult International Business School, University of Illinois Chicago, University of Nevada Las Vegas
If you are interested in both accounting and finance, note that some schools offer dual master's degrees in both disciplines.
These programs may lead to business careers that demand advanced knowledge of both accounting and finance. They also offer excellent preparation for certification exams.
Learn the differences:
Common Questions About Master of Finance Programs
What is a master's in finance?
A master of finance is a graduate business degree program focused on corporate financial analysis, financial forecasting, investments, and risk management. Professionals who aspire to careers in enterprise financial management often pursue these degrees.
How much does a finance master's program cost?
NCES data from the 2021-22 school year identified national average graduate school tuition rates of $20,513 per year for all degree types. Graduate students at public colleges paid an annual average of $12,596 in tuition and required fees, while learners at private nonprofit institutions paid an annual average of $29,931.
Can you get a finance master's degree online?
Yes — accredited and reputable schools offer master's degrees in finance through face-to-face and online learning. You can also enroll in hybrid programs that blend campus-based and e-learning.
Is a master's worth it in finance?
A master's in finance may put you in a strong position to earn excellent returns on your educational investment. Payscale data from July 2024 indicates that professionals with this degree earn an average base salary of $81,000 per year.
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