Is a CPA more valuable than an MBA?

This is like comparing apples and oranges. A CPA is a professional certification for accountants, whereas an MBA is an academic degree program that focuses on leadership, accounting, and other components.

What do people do with an MBA in finance?

Common careers for graduates with an MBA in finance include financial analysts, investment managers, and chief financial officers.

Best Online MBA in Finance Programs

Q: How hard is an MBA in finance program?

Like any degree, it will depend on the program and your preparation going into it. Generally, an MBA in finance is not harder than an MBA with a different concentration.

What exactly is an MBA in finance? Take a look at common courses and careers in this field and learn what to expect from an MBA in finance program.

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Updated September 23, 2024

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If you’re interested in finance — a fast-paced environment, high salaries, maybe even a job on Wall Street — earning an MBA in finance could be an important step toward your dream career.

A finance MBA is a concentration option offered by many MBA programs. In addition to the basic financial management courses offered in standard MBA programs, finance students study more advanced concepts like business analytics and portfolio management. And online program options provide increased flexibility, letting you balance work or other responsibilities with school.

Once you complete an in-person or online MBA in finance, you’re prepared to pursue careers like financial manager, financial analyst, and maybe even chief financial officer. With many starting salaries around $95,000, this field often provides a good return on investment.

Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects faster-than-average growth for financial analysts and management analysts from 2022-2032.

Depending on whether you’re a young professional or midway through your career, you can find an MBA program that meets your needs online, in person, or in a hybrid format.

Still unsure about which MBA type of program to choose? Check out our ranking of the best online MBA programs.

Related MBA in Finance Programs That Might Interest You

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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In this Article

The Best Accredited Online MBA in Finance Programs

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

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.

To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:

Affordability (30%)
Student outcomes (30%)
Reputation (20%)
Diversity and social mobility (20%)

In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC4 yearCampus + Online

$10,552

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$28,278

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

25%

Acceptance Rate

91%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,019

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,198

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

30,092

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,552

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,278

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,552

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,278

Acceptance Rate

25%

Online Enrollment

91%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,019

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,198

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

30,092

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Villanova University

Villanova, PA4 yearCampus + Online

$20,619

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$20,619

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

31%

Acceptance Rate

95%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$56,730

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$56,730

Retention Rate

96%

Students Enrolled

11,032

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$20,619

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,619

Villanova University

Villanova, PA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$20,619

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,619

Acceptance Rate

31%

Online Enrollment

95%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$56,730

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$56,730

Retention Rate

96%

Students Enrolled

11,032

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Pennsylvania State University-World Campus

University Park, PA4 yearCampus + Online

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Pennsylvania State University-World Campus

University Park, PA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

N/A

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Babson College

Wellesley, MA4 yearCampus + Online

$89,550

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$89,550

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

27%

Acceptance Rate

79%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$54,144

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$54,144

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

3,340

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$89,550

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$89,550

Babson College

Wellesley, MA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$89,550

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$89,550

Acceptance Rate

27%

Online Enrollment

79%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$54,144

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$54,144

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

3,340

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

University of Maryland-College Park

College Park, MD4 yearCampus + Online

$13,158

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$29,250

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

51%

Acceptance Rate

93%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,824

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,936

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

40,709

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,158

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$29,250

University of Maryland-College Park

College Park, MD4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,158

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$29,250

Acceptance Rate

51%

Online Enrollment

93%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,824

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,936

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

40,709

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Purdue University-Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN4 yearCampus + Online

$9,208

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$28,010

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

67%

Acceptance Rate

82%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,208

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,010

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

46,655

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,208

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,010

Purdue University-Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,208

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,010

Acceptance Rate

67%

Online Enrollment

82%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,208

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,010

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

46,655

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Texas A & M International University

Laredo, TX4 yearCampus + Online

$3,350

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,712

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

59%

Acceptance Rate

59%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,818

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,634

Retention Rate

74%

Students Enrolled

8,525

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$3,350

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$10,712

Texas A & M International University

Laredo, TX4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$3,350

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$10,712

Acceptance Rate

59%

Online Enrollment

59%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,818

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,634

Retention Rate

74%

Students Enrolled

8,525

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Webster University

Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online

$13,500

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,500

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

53%

Acceptance Rate

59%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$28,500

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,500

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

8,197

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,500

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,500

Webster University

Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,500

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,500

Acceptance Rate

53%

Online Enrollment

59%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$28,500

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,500

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

8,197

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Wilmington, NC4 yearCampus + Online

$4,719

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$18,548

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

68%

Acceptance Rate

95%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,443

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,508

Retention Rate

84%

Students Enrolled

17,915

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$4,719

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,548

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Wilmington, NC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$4,719

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,548

Acceptance Rate

68%

Online Enrollment

95%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,443

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,508

Retention Rate

84%

Students Enrolled

17,915

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#10

University of Delaware

Newark, DE4 yearCampus + Online

$34,164

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$34,164

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

66%

Acceptance Rate

96%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$12,730

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,160

Retention Rate

90%

Students Enrolled

23,613

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$34,164

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,164

University of Delaware

Newark, DE4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$34,164

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,164

Acceptance Rate

66%

Online Enrollment

96%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$12,730

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,160

Retention Rate

90%

Students Enrolled

23,613

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#11

Bethel University

Saint Paul, MN4 yearCampus + Online

$11,700

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,700

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

87%

Acceptance Rate

71%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$38,870

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$38,870

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

3,814

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,700

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,700

Bethel University

Saint Paul, MN4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,700

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,700

Acceptance Rate

87%

Online Enrollment

71%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$38,870

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$38,870

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

3,814

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#12

Ball State University

Muncie, IN4 yearCampus + Online

$9,328

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$25,542

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

87%

Acceptance Rate

90%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,482

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,470

Retention Rate

80%

Students Enrolled

21,597

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,328

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,542

Ball State University

Muncie, IN4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,328

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,542

Acceptance Rate

87%

Online Enrollment

90%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,482

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,470

Retention Rate

80%

Students Enrolled

21,597

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#13

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Amherst, MA4 yearCampus + Online

$14,014

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$30,120

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

65%

Acceptance Rate

96%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,791

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$35,779

Retention Rate

89%

Students Enrolled

31,642

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,014

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$30,120

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Amherst, MA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,014

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$30,120

Acceptance Rate

65%

Online Enrollment

96%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,791

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$35,779

Retention Rate

89%

Students Enrolled

31,642

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#14

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$5,467

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$16,695

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

75%

Acceptance Rate

97%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$2,522

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,374

Retention Rate

82%

Students Enrolled

30,805

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,467

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,695

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,467

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,695

Acceptance Rate

75%

Online Enrollment

97%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$2,522

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,374

Retention Rate

82%

Students Enrolled

30,805

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#15

Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY4 yearCampus + Online

$40,392

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$40,392

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

69%

Acceptance Rate

15%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$53,432

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$53,432

Retention Rate

89%

Students Enrolled

21,322

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$40,392

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$40,392

Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$40,392

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$40,392

Acceptance Rate

69%

Online Enrollment

15%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$53,432

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$53,432

Retention Rate

89%

Students Enrolled

21,322

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

What Is an MBA in Finance?

Programs can vary considerably, but an MBA in finance often focuses on one or more subdisciplines, such as corporate or international finance. MBA programs often feature the same two-year commitment as a standard master’s program, although some MBA pathways offer flexible study options to better accommodate working professionals.

These programs can be demanding, emphasizing experience-driven and practical training, and students often complete internships. In online programs, degree-seekers may need to satisfy residency requirements — distance learners should keep those in mind when choosing a school.

What Can I Expect From an Online MBA in Finance Program?

Like a standard MBA program, an online MBA in finance covers general business topics. However, these programs place additional emphasis and provide training specifically in finance. Graduates can manage finance teams, provide consulting and analytical services, and help organizations make more informed financial decisions.

Online programs often offer students improved flexibility and accessibility. An online degree may pay off for students in many ways, with some programs offering asynchronous classes, innovative online technologies, and flat tuition rates for all learners.

Corporate Finance
Many of these finance courses are upper-level or elective classes in traditional MBA programs. However, a finance concentration offers a more comprehensive overview of the topic than a single course.
Financial Management
A financial management course covers topics related to investment portfolio management, including asset allocation, portfolio optimization, trading, and more.
Supply Chain Management
This course focuses on analytical tools to help with business operations, specifically risk mitigation, efficiency, and strategic management, among other things.
Business Analytics
This class is tech-heavy, focusing on data analysis through predictive modeling. Some universities classify business analytics as a STEM course.
Portfolio Management
This course builds on basic financial concepts and includes topics such as hedge funds, index funds, socially responsible investments, and more.

What Can I Do With a Finance MBA?

An MBA in finance can position you well for a rewarding, high-paying career. The BLS projects 17% job growth for financial managers between 2023 and 2033, which is more than five times faster than the average projected growth rate for all occupations. In addition to opening up numerous job opportunities, an MBA in finance qualifies professionals for some of the most lucrative positions in the business sector.

Degree-seekers can also boost their employability even more by specializing in a subdiscipline. Choosing a specialization like corporate finance, portfolio management, risk management, or financial management can help learners focus their training and strengthen their chances of finding meaningful employment in those fields.

Financial managers supervise major financial activities for organizations. They manage staff, optimize financial processes, and look for investment opportunities. These professionals need a bachelor’s degree at minimum, although many employers prefer hiring candidates with a graduate degree.

Median Annual Salary (2023): $156,100

Finance Not for You? Check Out These Related Careers

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Is an MBA in Finance Worth It?

An MBA in finance can help graduates gain access to specialized industries, careers, and projects. These advanced degrees can provide graduates with a competitive advantage over their peers.

All MBA applicants should consider the possible return on investment for their degree, comparing tuition rates and average salaries of potential careers. MBA in finance graduates may qualify for positions like financial manager, financial analyst, and financial examiner. The top 10% of earners in each of these professions make $160,000 per year or higher.

However, an MBA does not automatically qualify all graduates for the same positions, nor does every student meet admission requirements for these oftentimes competitive programs. As an alternative, aspiring or current finance professionals may consider pursuing a graduate certificate in a specific finance discipline, an industry certification, and/or a standard master’s degree in finance.

Find the Tools You Need to Get Started on Your Degree

Graduate Admissions Guide

College Accreditation Guide

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Online College Students

Your Guide to the FAFSA

Why Get an MBA in Finance Instead of a Master’s in Finance?

Prospective finance students can choose between an MBA in finance and a master of science in finance. While both degrees can lead to similar career paths, MBA programs typically feature more leadership training and may better equip graduates for management positions.

While many of the best online master’s in finance programs offer similarly in-depth finance education, MBA programs may better connect the theory covered in coursework to broader organizational activities.

Aspiring learners might also decide to enroll in a dual MBA and master’s in finance program, which features an interdisciplinary approach. For more information on these types of programs, check out our dual-degree program guide.

Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs.

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Frequently Asked Questions About MBA in Finance Programs

Like any degree program, the difficulty will depend largely on the specific program and your preparation going into it. Generally, an MBA in finance is not harder than an MBA with a different concentration.

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Other MBA Resources

MBA

programs

careers

guides

Best Online MBA in Finance Programs

Related MBA in Finance Programs That Might Interest You

The Best Accredited Online MBA in Finance Programs

How We Rank Schools

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Villanova University

Pennsylvania State University-World Campus

Purdue University-Main Campus

Syracuse University

What Is an MBA in Finance?

What Can I Expect From an Online MBA in Finance Program?

Corporate Finance

Financial Management

Supply Chain Management

Business Analytics

Portfolio Management

What Can I Do With a Finance MBA?

Financial Manager

Financial Analyst

Financial Examiner

Top Executive

Management Analyst

Finance Not for You? Check Out These Related Careers

Is an MBA in Finance Worth It?

Find the Tools You Need to Get Started on Your Degree

Why Get an MBA in Finance Instead of a Master’s in Finance?

Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs.

Frequently Asked Questions About MBA in Finance Programs

How hard is an MBA in finance program?

Is a CPA more valuable than an MBA?

What do people do with an MBA in finance?

Explore More College Resources

Online Master’s in Finance Degree Program Guide

Best Online MBA Programs of 2025

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