Best Online Finance Degree Programs 2024
BestColleges digs into higher education data from authoritative sources to find the best online degrees. Our student-focused methodology evaluates factors such as affordability, student outcomes, and reputation. We also factor in diversity and social mobility to identify the colleges that make the biggest difference.
If you’re considering a finance degree, you’ll want to attend a high-quality program. After all, finance majors need strong analytical and judgment skills. Graduates can also look forward to high-paying careers with a finance degree, such as a financial analyst, which reported a nearly six-figure median pay in May 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Featured Online Finance Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Why Florida International University Ranks No. 1 This Year
Florida International University tops our list for the best online finance degree because of its accessibility and affordability. The public university reports a net price of just $6,232, making it the most affordable program to meet our requirements. As finance majors know, an inexpensive degree boosts your return on investment.
A strong retention rate and above-average graduation rate also indicate the university’s commitment to students. Students with a Pell Grant report an even higher graduation rate, which demonstrates support for low-income students. FIU reports a 64% acceptance rate, which means applicants have a good shot of getting into the program.
Top Online Finance Degree Programs of 2024
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,721
- Out-of-state$16,529
- In-State$8,912
- Out-of-state$21,393
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled56,664
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
Oklahoma State University
- Stillwater, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,417
- Out-of-state$20,937
- In-State$5,611
- Out-of-state$21,114
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled24,577
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
Oregon State University
- Corvallis, OR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,065
- Out-of-state$29,456
- In-State$13,446
- Out-of-state$27,297
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled33,193
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
University of Wisconsin Whitewater
- Whitewater, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,519
- Out-of-state$15,391
- In-State$8,270
- Out-of-state$18,153
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled11,446
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment70%
- AccreditationYes
Texas A&M University-Central Texas
- Killeen, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,593
- Out-of-state$16,385
- In-State$5,558
- Out-of-state$12,920
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled2,219
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment90%
- AccreditationYes
The Pennsylvania State University
- University Park, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$15,400
- Out-of-state$25,084
- In-State$23,189
- Out-of-state$39,248
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled88,914
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
Western Carolina University
- Cullowhee, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$1,000
- Out-of-state$5,000
- In-State$4,435
- Out-of-state$14,842
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled11,877
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Birmingham, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,568
- Out-of-state$20,400
- In-State$8,100
- Out-of-state$19,188
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled22,289
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- Greensboro, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,422
- Out-of-state$19,581
- In-State$5,219
- Out-of-state$18,937
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate91%
- Students Enrolled19,038
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment82%
- AccreditationYes
University of Minnesota Crookston
- Crookston, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,822
- Out-of-state$10,822
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate48%
- Students Enrolled2,304
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
More Online Finance Degree Programs
In ranking online finance programs, we eliminated schools with high student loan default rates and low graduation rates to find the best programs for prospective students. While our rankings include the top 10 programs that meet our requirements, several other programs may also be worth considering.
For example, if you’re concerned about meeting the GPA requirements for selective schools, you can consider public universities that have a higher acceptance rate. The finance program at Missouri State University meets our requirements, and the university admits 94% of applicants. Similarly, Georgia State University accepts 100% of applicants.
Is an Online Finance Degree Worth It?
Earning your finance degree online can pay off. Many careers in finance report high salaries, and jobs with a finance degree also report strong demand. For example, financial analysts report a median annual wage of $99,890, according to May 2023 BLS data. Financial analysts will benefit from faster-than-average job growth from 2023-2033, according to BLS projections.
But is an online finance degree the right choice for you? Taking a few business classes can help you decide. If you’re not sure finance is the right fit, consider similar majors like accounting, marketing, or management.
What to Consider Before Choosing an Online Finance Program
Finding the right program to earn your degree in finance can make a big difference in your education and career. Consider factors like your budget, the program’s schedule, concentration options, and location to find the program that best fits your needs.
- Total cost: Research the total cost of the degree, including fees and other expenses. Looking at net cost can give you valuable information.
- Program Format: Will you attend live class sessions or watch recorded materials? The program format matters, especially if you want to work while earning your degree.
- Accreditation: You should always choose an accredited college to earn your online degree. Make sure the school holds accreditation from a reputable accrediting agency.
Check out our bachelor’s degree in finance program guide for more resources on choosing the right program.