An online master’s in finance is the best way to land a leadership position in business today. These professionals plan, manage and facilitate financial transactions and assets for businesses and individuals on a global scale. While most finance occupations only require a bachelor’s degree to get started, an online finance master’s degree will help you hone advanced skills, better prepare for certification exams, and build a professional network to expand your opportunities. The projected growth reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a competitive market which prioritizes master’s degree students for leadership roles. Finance and accounting are some of the most important components of any organization, and they bring in some of the best salaries as well. However, these programs can cost more than you might expect as you search for the degree that meets your professional goals.
Looking for truly affordable online master’s in finance options? You’re in the right place! With over a $50,000 difference between the most affordable and most expensive schools, it pays to get educated before you enroll!
GetEducated compared 88 master’s in finance programs from 71 regionally accredited online schools to create this ranking. Below is our editorially independent list of the 42 Best Buys for an affordable online master’s in finance. All degrees cost less than the national average.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$30,700
Least Expensive: University of the Cumberlands ~$10,165
Most Expensive: Georgetown University ~$77,664
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 master’s in finance. The online degrees listed above the gray dividing line are official 2022 “Best Buys” and cost less than the national average.
Most Affordable Online Master’s in Finance
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | University of the Cumberlands | (KY) | $10,165.00 | All Students |
2 | University of North Carolina at Greensboro | (NC) | $11,972.20 $20,670.40 | In-State Out-of-State |
3 | Georgia Southern University | (GA) | $12,300.00 | All Students |
4 | Texas A & M University - Commerce | (TX) | $14,744.00 $26,984.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
5 | University of Missouri-Columbia | (MO) | $14,787.00 | All Students |
6 | University of Illinois at Springfield | (IL) | $15,415.50 | All Students |
7 | University of Wyoming | (WY) | $16,500.00 | All Students |
8 | University of North Carolina-Wilmington | (NC) | $17,358.90 $40,407.30 | In-State Out-of-State |
9 | University of North Dakota | (ND) | $17,464.80 | All Students |
10 | Kansas State University | (KS) | $17,568.00 | All Students |
11 | Colorado State University-Global Campus | (CO) | $18,000.00 | All Students |
12 |  Liberty University | (VA) | $18,046.00 $8,350.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
13 | Empire State University | (NY) | $18,076.00 $21,460.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
14 | University of Colorado Denver | (CO) | $18,780.00 $21,930.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
15 | University of Houston - Clear Lake | (TX) | $18,990.00 $34,650.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
16 | Colorado Christian University | (CO) | $19,350.00 | All Students |
17 | University of Nebraska-Lincoln | (NE) | $19,500.00 | All Students |
18 | University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | (WI) | $19,560.00 | All Students |
19 | West Texas A & M University | (TX) | $19,578.60 $34,917.84 | In-State Out-of-State |
20 | University of Massachusetts-Lowell | (MA) | $19,770.00 | All Students |
21 | Cambridge College | (MA) | $20,810.00 $16,320.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
22 | Elizabethtown College | (PA) | $20,850.00 | All Students |
23 | Iowa State University | (IA) | $21,240.00 | All Students |
23 | Montana State University | (MT) | $21,240.00 | All Students |
23 | South Dakota State University | (SD) | $21,240.00 | All Students |
23 | University of Missouri-Columbia | (MO) | $21,240.00 | All Students |
23 | University of Nebraska-Lincoln | (NE) | $21,240.00 | All Students |
23 | Oklahoma State University | (OK) | $21,240.00 | All Students |
23 | North Dakota State University | (ND) | $21,240.00 | All Students |
30 | University of Georgia | (GA) | $22,002.00 | All Students |
31 | Gordon College | (MA) | $22,680.00 | All Students |
32 |  Southern New Hampshire University Master of Science in Applied Economics ACBSP,14 | (NH) | $22,722.00 $17,070.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
33 | American College of Financial Services | (PA) | $22,740.00 | All Students |
34 | Regent University | (VA) | $22,850.00 $17,787.50 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
35 | Bellevue University | (NE) | $23,060.00 | All Students |
36 | Johnson & Wales University | (RI) | $24,510.00 | All Students |
37 | West Virginia University | (WV) | $24,600.00 | All Students |
38 | Northwood University | (MI) | $25,780.00 | All Students |
39 | University of Detroit Mercy | (MI) | $26,670.00 | All Students |
40 | Walsh College | (MI) | $27,270.00 | All Students |
41 | Auburn University | (AL) | $27,290.00 | All Students |
42 |  George Mason University | (VA) | $28,110.00 | All Students |
43 | Webster University | (MO) | $28,180.00 $13,780.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
44 | Rowan University | (NJ) | $28,512.00 | All Students |
45 |  University of Scranton | (PA) | $28,950.00 | All Students |
46 | University of Cincinnati | (OH) | $30,000.00 $30,450.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
46 | Florida International University | (FL) | $30,000.00 $33,600.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
48 | University of Michigan - Dearborn | (MI) | $30,440.00 $48,923.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
California Lutheran University | (CA) | $31,030.00 | All Students | |
Youngstown State University | (OH) | $31,275.20 $32,265.20 | In-State Out-of-State | |
University of Oklahoma | (OK) | $31,520.00 | All Students | |
North Central College | (IL) | $31,644.00 | All Students | |
Purdue University | (IN) | $33,078.00 $34,578.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Golden Gate University | (CA) | $33,140.00 $14,690.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Creighton University | (NE) | $33,243.00 | All Students | |
Saint Joseph's University | (PA) | $34,200.00 | All Students | |
Pennsylvania State University | (PA) | $34,518.00 | All Students | |
Marquette University | (WI) | $36,600.00 | All Students | |
Boston University | (MA) | $37,925.00 | All Students | |
University of Missouri-Columbia | (MO) | $39,726.00 | All Students | |
Creighton University | (NE) | $41,058.00 | All Students | |
College of William and Mary | (VA) | $42,345.00 | All Students | |
Indiana University Online | (IN) | $43,470.00 | All Students | |
Northeastern University | (MA) | $43,875.00 | All Students | |
University of Washington | (WA) | $44,880.00 | All Students | |
Santa Clara University | (CA) | $47,448.00 | All Students | |
 Johns Hopkins University | (MD) | $48,660.00 | All Students | |
Northeastern University | (MA) | $49,200.00 | All Students | |
Pace University | (NY) | $49,740.00 | All Students | |
Bentley University | (MA) | $52,750.00 | All Students | |
American University | (DC) | $54,520.00 | All Students | |
Stevens Institute of Technology | (NJ) | $54,700.00 | All Students | |
Johns Hopkins University | (MD) | $59,900.00 | All Students | |
Fordham University | (NY) | $65,020.00 | All Students | |
University of Miami | (FL) | $70,916.00 | All Students | |
Georgetown University | (DC) | $77,664.00 | 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 Options for this program have changed since publication.
AACSB AACSB International
IACBE International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education
ACBSP Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
AAFCS American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences
Rankings Note
These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Winter 2021 review of regionally accredited master’s in project management online. 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 master 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 master’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 project management 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 master’s in project management online for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Career Guide: Online Master’s in Finance
If you have completed a bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, accounting, or a similar area of study, you can boost your career with an online master’s in finance. These degrees expand your understanding of finance, shaping you into one of the most knowledgable experts in the field.
What to Expect from an Online Master’s in Finance
Finance is the study of money and trade. It’s an academic discipline that encompasses banking, lending, investments, and economic theories. There are also different types of finance, including personal, corporate, and government finance.
Finance is not easy. It’s a complex, challenging discipline that requires an aptitude for numbers and mathematical concepts. Throughout these degrees, you will be challenged in a fast-paced yet supportive learning environment, but when complete, you’ll have the ability to make solid financial decisions, adapt to a changing global economy, and use an ethical foundation to lead in finances and money.
These programs are master’s degrees, which means an additional two years (in most cases) of academic study. To be eligible, you’ll need a previous education in finances of a similar field. Most students will have a bachelor’s in finance or business, although students with experience in accounting, mathematics, and statistics could also qualify for these programs. You’ll have to speak with the institution of your choice to see if you are eligible for enrollment in the program.
The specific classes you take during an online master’s in finance will vary by the school. You may take a variety of classes that not only build your expertise in the current marketplace, but also help you understand the history of finance and economics. You may take classes on the history of economic theory, studying important figures such as Adam Smith, John Maynard Keyes, and Milton Friedman.
Most of the classes, however, will directly relate to your future career in finance. Classes will look at issues such as international finance, regional economics, global trade, and quantitative economics. From principles of finance to investment practices, you’ll leave these programs with a deep understanding of how finances work and how the economy functions.
Careers after a Master’s Degree in Finance
Once you complete these complex and demanding degrees, you’ll have the skills to work in a variety of money-focused professions.
Financial Analyst
- Salary: $83,660
- Education: Bachelor’s
- Experience: None
A financial analyst helps people make decisions. They are skilled in guiding individuals and businesses to make the right choice for their future. This can mean which investment to select, what insurance to purchase, or whether to purchase a certain high-value item, such as a vacation home.
Although a financial analyst only requires a bachelor’s degree (as well as certain licensing), a master’s will significantly boost your earning potential. With more education, you may be able to work in certain sectors where the pay is higher, such as securities, commodities, and financial investments.
Economist
- Salary: $108,350
- Education: Master’s
- Experience: None
Economists, who have a deep understanding of finances and the global economy, work for a variety of employers. Many work for the federal government, helping to guide decisions that impact people’s money. Some work for management or consulting firms, while others work in research departments.
Their main priority is to research economic issues, gather information, and relay this information in a clear and understandable manner. They may conduct surveys, analyze data, make financial forecasts, and recommend specific solutions to a variety of potential problems.
This career not only brings a strong pay, but it’s expected to grow by 13% between 2020 and 2030, making it one of the fastest-growing careers.
Licensing, Certification & Other Requirements for Financial Careers
Many financial careers don’t require licensing. For the most part, if you have the right education like an online master’s in finance, there is no legal requirement for working with finance.
There is, however, a major exception for financial advisors and analysts. If you are working as a financial expert who buys and sells investments on behalf of a business or individual, you will need licensing, most likely through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Most of the time, you will be hired by a company, then the company will pay for your licensing.
Certification is not required, but it can provide a major boost to your career. Certification from groups such as the CFA Institute could increase your knowledge and make you a more attractive job candidate.
Experience is usually required for management positions, such as a financial manager, a profession that oversees other financial analysts. Some economists may need experience in internships and research work before they can move into the top positions.