An online bachelor’s degree in finance can push you into more advanced positions, a better salary, and give you a competitive advantage in a high-demand field. Today’s financial analysts, managers, advisors and examiners are still making top dollar in the business world! According to the BLS, finance occupations pull above average median salaries year to year. While a way with numbers and a talent for mathematics can help land a finance job, a degree leads to real opportunities in the marketplace. Even if you are already employed by the organization of your choice, earning college credentials can provide you with the knowledge, skills and tools to make you indispensable to a company’s success.
An online bachelor’s degree in finance can lead to a fulfilling career working in the markets but can cost more than a pretty penny. Payscale reports that graduates pull in a handsome average salary of $71,000 annually. Even so, it pays to do your research before choosing an online bachelor’s in finance to keep student loan debt low.
GetEducated compared 135 bachelor’s degrees in finance from 52 regionally accredited online schools to create this ‘Best Buy’ list. Our rankings reveal the most affordable options in the United States—64 online bachelor’s degrees in finance for under $56,000.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$55,400
Least Expensive: Florida State College at Jacksonville ~$13,284.00
Most Expensive: Albertus Magnus College ~$141,768.00
Our data-driven research creates a truly reliable system of scientific rankings. There’s no fancy formulas here. We meticulously calculate total full-time tuition—including any fees—for the most accurate total cost. Our rankings cannot be bought, and therefore factually showcase the cheapest online bachelor’s degree in finance. The online finance degrees listed above the gray dividing line are official 2022 “Best Buys” and cost less than the national average.
Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degree in Finance
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Florida State College at Jacksonville | (FL) | $13,284.00 $26,738.40 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | North Carolina A & T State University | (NC) | $15,700.00 $70,420.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
3 | University of North Carolina at Greensboro | (NC) | $21,413.32 $39,101.32 | In-State Out-of-State |
4 | University of the Cumberlands | (KY) | $24,680.00 | All Students |
5 | Fort Hays State University | (KS) | $27,225.60 | All Students |
6 | Eastern New Mexico University | (NM) | $28,247.00 $36,407.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
7 | Florida International University | (FL) | $28,286.72 $42,333.92 | In-State Out-of-State |
8 | Thomas Edison State University | (NJ) | $28,930.00 $37,410.00 $30,298.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
9 | Utah State University | (UT) | $30,344.00 $37,224.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
10 | Southern Utah University | (UT) | $31,693.00 | All Students |
11 | Louisiana State University-Shreveport | (LA) | $34,062.00 | All Students |
12 | Missouri State University | (MO) | $34,920.00 | All Students |
13 | Lamar University | (TX) | $35,568.00 | All Students |
14 | Chadron State College | (NE) | $35,880.00 | All Students |
15 |  American Public University System | (WV) | $36,900.00 $30,100.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
16 | Northwest Missouri State University | (MO) | $37,080.00 | All Students |
17 | Dickinson State University | (ND) | $37,168.56 $45,358.56 | In-State Out-of-State |
18 | Waldorf University | (IA) | $37,325.00 $30,125.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
19 | Metropolitan State University | (MN) | $37,598.00 | All Students |
20 | South College | (TN) | $38,400.00 | All Students |
21 |  Southern New Hampshire University | (NH) | $38,550.00 $27,150.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
22 | University of Maryland Global Campus | (MD) | $38,570.00 $61,730.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
23 | The University of Texas Permian Basin | (TX) | $39,280.80 | All Students |
24 | Clarion University of Pennsylvania (part of Pennsylvania Western University) Bachelor of Science in Business Administration / Finance AACSB,14 | (PA) | $39,317.60 $44,432.80 | In-State Out-of-State |
25 | Colorado State University-Global Campus | (CO) | $42,000.00 | All Students |
26 | SUNY College of Technology at Canton | (NY) | $42,001.00 $48,961.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
27 | Northern State University | (SD) | $42,570.00 | All Students |
27 | Dakota State University | (SD) | $42,570.00 $30,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
29 | Washington State University | (WA) | $43,320.00 $48,288.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
30 | University of Wisconsin-Platteville | (WI) | $44,730.00 | All Students |
31 | Columbia College - MO | (MO) | $45,000.00 $30,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
32 | West Texas A & M University | (TX) | $45,456.72 $52,306.96 | In-State Out-of-State |
33 | University of Minnesota-Crookston | (MN) | $45,528.00 | All Students |
34 | Texas A & M University - Commerce | (TX) | $46,104.00 $95,064.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
35 | University of Maine | (ME) | $46,560.00 $58,200.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
36 | University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | (WI) | $46,680.00 | All Students |
37 | Old Dominion University | (VA) | $46,888.00 $52,528.00 $33,688.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
38 | Wilmington University | (DE) | $47,140.00 | All Students |
39 | LeTourneau University | (TX) | $47,550.00 | All Students |
40 | Mount Vernon Nazarene University | (OH) | $47,760.00 | All Students |
41 | Indiana Institute of Technology | (IN) | $47,950.00 | All Students |
42 |  Eastern Oregon University | (OR) | $48,802.00 $56,002.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
43 | Liberty University | (VA) | $48,892.00 $32,092.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
44 | University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth | (MA) | $48,960.00 | All Students |
45 | University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth | (MA) | $49,320.00 | All Students |
46 | Franklin University | (OH) | $49,442.00 $31,090.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
47 | Eastern Kentucky University | (KY) | $50,040.00 $30,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
48 | Voorhees College | (SC) | $50,545.00 | All Students |
49 | Oral Roberts University | (OK) | $50,792.00 $31,592.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
50 | Oklahoma Wesleyan University | (OK) | $51,068.00 $35,570.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
51 | Gordon College | (MA) | $51,180.00 | All Students |
52 | University of Missouri-St Louis | (MO) | $51,360.00 $128,160.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
53 | Southern Wesleyan University | (SC) | $51,600.00 $39,600.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
54 | Salem University | (WV) | $51,800.00 $66,800.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
55 | Oklahoma State University | (OK) | $51,888.00 $113,970.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
56 | Baker College | (MI) | $51,960.00 $30,960.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
57 | Cairn University | (PA) | $52,275.00 | All Students |
58 | Metropolitan State University of Denver | (CO) | $52,360.88 $111,004.88 | In-State Out-of-State |
59 | Regent University | (VA) | $52,600.00 $30,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
60 | Park University | (MO) | $52,875.00 $30,075.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
61 | Westcliff University | (CA) | $53,000.00 | All Students |
62 | Limestone University | (SC) | $53,045.00 $29,285.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
63 | University of Michigan-Flint | (MI) | $53,896.00 $58,792.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
64 | Kansas State University | (KS) | $54,000.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
University of Mount Olive | (NC) | $55,875.00 $31,275.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Bellevue University | (NE) | $56,710.00 $33,850.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Lindenwood University | (MO) | $57,100.00 | All Students | |
University of the Southwest | (NM) | $57,200.00 | All Students | |
Golden Gate University | (CA) | $57,606.00 $31,530.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Grand View University | (IA) | $57,760.00 $45,360.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Northwood University | (MI) | $57,890.00 $30,830.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Cambridge College | (MA) | $59,100.00 $33,620.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Johnson & Wales University | (RI) | $59,400.00 | All Students | |
Pennsylvania State University | (PA) | $59,628.00 | All Students | |
Upper Iowa University | (IA) | $59,830.00 $30,070.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Oregon State University | (OR) | $59,930.00 | All Students | |
University of Massachusetts Global | (CA) | $60,000.00 $30,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
University of Memphis | (TN) | $60,480.00 | All Students | |
Walden University | (MN) | $61,385.00 $52,561.25 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Colorado Christian University | (CO) | $62,040.00 $35,760.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
DeSales University | (PA) | $62,760.00 | All Students | |
Ottawa University | (KS) | $63,271.00 $32,395.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Central Penn College | (PA) | $63,861.00 | All Students | |
Oregon State University | (OR) | $64,070.00 | All Students | |
University of the Incarnate Word | (TX) | $64,890.00 $30,090.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Northeastern University | (MA) | $64,920.00 | All Students | |
National University (School Merged) Bachelor of Science in Financial Management IACBE,14 Bachelor of Business Administration / Economics IACBE,14 Bachelor of Business Administration / Finance IACBE,14 | (CA) | $66,600.00 | All Students | |
Excelsior University | (NY) | $67,085.00 $32,525.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Maryville University | (MO) | $67,375.00 | All Students | |
Siena Heights University | (MI) | $67,572.00 | All Students | |
Rutgers University | (NJ) | $67,680.00 | All Students | |
Florida National University | (FL) | $67,860.00 $31,860.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Post University | (CT) | $72,400.00 | All Students | |
Regis University | (CO) | $74,010.00 | All Students | |
University of La Verne | (CA) | $78,440.00 | All Students | |
 Brenau University | (GA) | $84,480.00 $31,680.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Cleary University | (MI) | $89,520.00 | All Students | |
Bay State College Bachelor of Science in Management / Finance 14 | (MA) | $90,402.00 | All Students | |
University of Alabama at Birmingham | (AL) | $92,990.00 | All Students | |
Davenport University | (MI) | $103,000.00 $70,480.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Berkeley College | (NJ) | $110,500.00 | All Students | |
Fontbonne University (School Closing) Bachelor of Science in Business Administration / Finance ACBSP,14 | (MO) | $112,800.00 | All Students | |
Dallas Baptist University | (TX) | $129,880.00 | All Students | |
Nova Southeastern University | (FL) | $138,380.00 | All Students | |
Albertus Magnus College | (CT) | $141,768.00 | All Students |
Accreditation & Program Notes
To qualify for a ranking, a program must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table.
14 Program is no longer accepting new students.
15 AACSB International (AACSB)
16 International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)
17 Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Rankings Note
These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Winter 2021 review of regionally accredited online bachelor’s degree in finance. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. School profiles for the online bachelor degree programs in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules.
The published cost is an estimated sticker price for the entire online degree including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.
Editorial Note
Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers a bachelor’s degree that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
These rankings of the cheapest online schools for finance may NOT be re-posted online or reprinted in any format without a license from GetEducated ®. Consumer finance bloggers and writers can contact our editors for a free custom article on the best online bachelor’s degree in finance for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Career Guide: Online Bachelor’s Degree in Finance
An online degree in finance prepares you to become an expert with money, budgets, and economics. “Finance” is a broad term that describes a wide range of activities surrounding banking, debt, spending, budgets, investments, and any other subject that touches on money. It includes the study of money and credit, valuation of objects and services, and micro- and macroeconomic subjects.
A finance degree, therefore, prepares you for a career that deals with all of these subjects. A finance degree will include coursework on accounting, economics, statistics, business law, and much more.
What to Expect from an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Finance
A bachelor’s degree in finance will often include two components: general studies and the core course of finance. General studies courses include basic science, math, writing, and other topics that make you a well-rounded student.
Your finance degree could be part of a larger business program. For example, you might enroll in a business degree with a focus on finance. For other programs, it’s simply a finance degree. You could also complete a finance degree with a specialization, such as corporate investments or financial planning. Regardless of these details, you can expect a variety of classes that build your understanding of how money works.
If there is a business component to your degree (a business degree with a finance specialization, for example), you’ll likely take courses that include management, business law, public speaking, and accounting.
Classes in an online bachelor’s degree in finance may include the basic principles of accounting, financial analysis, risk management, banking, and international finances. While many of these courses are based in mathematics and science (statistics, for example), some financial classes could be more theoretical, even philosophical. For example, you may complete classes that involve the ethics of finance.
Potential Careers for a Finance Degree
These degrees prepare you for many different careers. From working with massive corporations to guiding investments for retirees, a degree in finance allows you to work in any area, any industry, and any location.
Financial Advisor
- Salary: $89,330
- Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Experience: None (Training required)
A financial advisor works with individuals to create a strong financial foundation, one that, hopefully, allows for a comfortable, secure retirement. Their work usually includes meeting with clients, explaining the various types of financial options, and helping clients plan for a variety of circumstances, such as college saving, home buying, and retirement.
To provide personal financial advice, you don’t need industry experience, but you do need the right education followed by specific training. Most professionals are hired by a firm, then go through a training period.
Financial Analyst
- Salary: $83,669
- Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Experience: None
While financial advisors provide guidance for individuals, financial analysts largely provide support for larger organizations, especially companies. Financial advisors guide businesses in decisions that involve their money, which may include the purchase of stocks, bonds, mergers, sales, and other factors. They generally study economic trends, evaluate the current financial environment, and provide advice on how a company should move forward.
While an online bachelor’s degree in finance will qualify you for many financial analyst positions, you may need a master’s degree to work in many of the top jobs.
Licensing & Certifications for Finance Careers
Most finance careers do not require licensing or certification. But there are a few important exceptions. Financial advisors providing general guidance and information do not need licensing. However, if these professionals are buying and selling stocks on a client’s behalf, they will need licensing, which is usually connected to the products they sell.
A Certified Public Accountant, or “CPA” is another possible career for anyone who has completed an online bachelor’s degree in finance. In this career, you will also need licensing through the state’s board of accounting or whichever group oversees accounting in the state. This means passing a national exam and meeting specific state requirements.
For many finance careers, licensing is administered through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, commonly called “FINRA.” If you are selling financial products, such as insurance, you’ll likely need licensing through this national organization.
Even if licensing is not required, having certifications in your area of expertise will build your career and potentially increase your earnings. A financial analyst could benefit from Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification, which is offered though the CFA institute.