You’re thinking about going back to school to get your bachelor’s degree in finance, but you want the flexibility of taking classes online. With so many options out there, how do you even begin to choose which online program is right for you? Don’t worry, we’ve done the research for you. We looked at dozens of online bachelor’s in finance programs across the country and narrowed it down to the absolute best based on factors like affordability, academic rigor, student resources, and career support.
In this article, we’ll walk through the top online bachelor’s degrees in finance for 2024, so you can make an informed decision about where to invest your time and money to get the education you need to launch or advance your finance career. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your skills as a working professional, read on to discover the ideal online bachelor’s program in finance to achieve your goals.
Top 10 Online Bachelor’s in Finance Degree Programs for 2024
University of Florida – Online Finance Bachelor’s Degree
The University of Florida offers an affordable accelerated online finance degree. Their program focuses on investment management, financial analysis and planning. Core courses cover financial accounting, investments, and financial markets. With 8-week courses, you can earn your degree in just over 2 years.
Southern New Hampshire University – BS in Finance
SNHU’s finance degree teaches you the skills to analyze financial data and make sound business decisions. You’ll take courses in financial accounting, investments, financial markets, and financial management. SNHU’s affordable tuition and generous transfer policy make this an attractive option. You can complete your degree in as little as 2 years with their accelerated 8-week terms.
Purdue University Global – Bachelor of Science in Finance
Purdue Global’s finance degree provides a broad understanding of financial analysis and decision making. The curriculum covers investments, financial accounting, financial institutions, and risk management. As a Purdue Global student, you’ll gain practical experience through simulated trading rooms and case studies. Transfer up to 75% of your credits and complete your degree at your own pace with monthly start dates and self-paced courses.
Liberty University – Bachelor of Science in Finance
Liberty University’s finance degree develops strong analytical and communication skills for a career as a financial analyst, consultant or advisor. The curriculum focuses on investments, financial markets, risk management, financial statement analysis and international finance. As a Liberty student, you’ll benefit from affordable tuition and the option to transfer up to 90 credits. You can finish your degree in as little as 2-3 years with accelerated 8-week online courses.
Grand Canyon University – Bachelor of Science in Finance
GCU’s finance degree provides a theoretical and practical foundation in financial analysis, planning, and decision making. The curriculum emphasizes investments, financial institutions, risk management, and ethics. GCU offers affordable tuition, generous transfer credit, and no waitlists. You can complete your finance degree in less than 2 years with their dynamic 6-week courses. Hands-on learning experiences and internship opportunities help prepare you for a career as a financial analyst, consultant or advisor.
What to Look for in an Online Finance Bachelor’s Degree
Flexibility and Convenience
One of the biggest benefits of an online degree is the flexibility it offers. You can study anywhere, anytime by accessing course materials and lectures online. This is perfect if you need to balance work, family and your education. Look for programs that offer asynchronous learning so you can work on your own schedule.
Solid Curriculum
A good finance degree should provide a strong foundation in financial concepts and skills that prepare you for a career. Look for courses in accounting, financial markets, financial modeling, investments and portfolio management. Programs that offer concentrations in areas like risk management, financial advising or fintech may open up more career opportunities.
Quality Instruction
While online degrees offer more flexibility, you still want high quality instruction. Look for accredited schools with experienced faculty. Instructors should be available to provide guidance and feedback. Programs that incorporate interactive elements like live web lectures, virtual simulations and collaboration tools will provide a more engaging experience.
Opportunities to Apply Knowledge
The best way to learn finance is by applying concepts to real-world scenarios. Look for programs that provide opportunities to gain experience, such as virtual trading rooms to practice investing, case studies, internships or capstone projects. These experiences allow you to demonstrate your skills to potential employers.
Career Support
An online finance degree can open the door to many careers, so look for schools that offer career support services. This includes counseling, networking opportunities, resume assistance and job placement programs. Some schools partner with companies to provide internships and job opportunities for graduates. This support will help you land a job after earning your degree.
Career Paths With a Bachelor’s in Finance
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts evaluate investments such as stocks and bonds to determine which are the best investment opportunities for their clients or companies. They research companies and analyze financial data to assess the performance and risks of investments. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for financial analysts in the U.S. is over $85,000 per year.
Accountant
Accountants prepare and examine financial records, ensuring that taxes are paid properly and accurately. They may work for individuals, corporations, nonprofits or government agencies. Accountants typically earn at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or a related field. The median salary for accountants in the U.S. is over $73,000 per year.
Loan Officer
Loan officers evaluate, authorize, and recommend approval of loan applications for people and businesses. They meet with applicants, analyze their financial situations and credit, and determine the risks involved in granting loans. Most loan officers earn at least a bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration, or a related field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for loan officers in the U.S. is over $74,000 per year.
Financial Manager
Financial managers oversee the financial health of organizations and are responsible for activities such as planning, organizing, and directing accounting, investing, and other financial functions. They prepare financial reports, direct investment activities, and implement cash management strategies. Most financial managers have at least a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics or business administration. The median pay for financial managers in the U.S. is over $129,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
A bachelor’s degree in finance provides students with a strong foundation in financial principles and opens the door to many promising career opportunities. By gaining work experience in one of these roles, finance majors can advance to higher-level positions with greater responsibility and compensation over time.
How Much Can You Earn With a Bachelor’s in Finance?
With a bachelor’s degree in finance, your career options and earning potential are quite promising. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for financial analysts in the U.S. is over $85,000 per year. Actual salaries will depend on factors like your specific job title, level of experience, location, and employer.
Financial Analysts
As a financial analyst, you’ll help businesses make investment decisions by analyzing financial data and market trends. Experienced analysts at large companies can make $100,000 a year or more. Some of the highest paying roles are investment banking analysts, who can earn $70,000 to $150,000 in their first year out of college.
Personal Financial Advisors
As a personal financial advisor, you’ll help individuals develop plans to meet their financial goals. The median pay for personal financial advisors is over $88,000 per year. Experienced advisors, especially those with a CFP certification, can make $150,000 a year or higher. This field is growing at a faster than average rate, so job opportunities should be plentiful.
Other Well-Paying Roles
Other lucrative jobs for finance majors include:
•Financial Managers – Oversee the financial health of an organization. Median pay of $129,000 per year. • Accountants and Auditors – Prepare and examine financial records. Median pay of $71,000 per year. • Budget Analysts – Help organizations plan their finances. Median pay of $76,000 per year. • Loan Officers – Evaluate, authorize, and recommend approval of loan applications for people and businesses. Median pay of $63,000 per year.
While salaries will vary significantly based on your experience, skills, location, and employer, a bachelor’s degree in finance can open the door to many promising, high-paying careers. With hard work and dedication, you’ll have the potential to achieve a six-figure salary within your first decade of experience. The opportunities for career growth and advancement in the finance field are truly excellent.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Bachelor’s in Finance Degrees
What jobs can I get with an online bachelor’s in finance?
An online bachelor’s degree in finance can open up many promising career opportunities. Some of the popular jobs you can explore include:
•Financial Analyst: Help businesses make strategic financial decisions by analyzing financial data and market trends. The median pay for financial analysts in the U.S. is over $85,000 per year.
•Personal Financial Advisor: Assist individuals develop financial plans to meet their short-term and long-term goals. The demand for personal financial advisors is growing steadily. The median salary is over $88,000 annually.
•Loan Officer: Evaluate, authorize, and recommend approval of loan applications for people and businesses. Loan officers earn a median salary of $63,000 per year in the U.S.
•Accountant or Auditor: Prepare and analyze financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance with laws and regulations. Accountants and auditors earn over $71,000 per year on average.
•Budget Analyst: Help organizations allocate financial resources by analyzing budget proposals and trends. The median pay for budget analysts in the U.S. is around $76,000 per year.
How long does it take to complete an online bachelor’s in finance?
Most online bachelor’s in finance degrees typically take 3 to 4 years of full-time study to complete. However, the actual time it takes you depends on several factors like:
•The number of credits required – Typically 120 to 128 credits. Taking 15-18 credits per semester can help you graduate on time.
•Whether you have any transferable credits – If you have an associate’s degree or credits from another school, you may be able to transfer some credits towards your bachelor’s in finance. This can help you finish the degree faster.
•The pace at which you take courses – Some programs allow you to take accelerated courses or more courses each term which can speed up your graduation. However, this requires you to devote more time to your studies each week.
•Any internship or work experience requirements – Some finance degrees may require you to complete an internship or gain work experience. This can extend your graduation timeline.
•Your enrollment status – Enrolling as a full-time student will allow you to earn your degree quicker than part-time enrollment.
So plan ahead and discuss your options with your school to develop a timeline for completing your online bachelor’s in finance efficiently. With hard work and determination, you can earn your degree in 3 to 4 years.
Conclusion
So there you have it – a rundown of the top online bachelor’s degrees in finance for 2024. Whether you’re looking to break into the world of high finance on Wall Street or manage the books for a small business, one of these programs can set you up for success. Just remember to consider your career goals, time commitment, and financial situation as you weigh the different options.
The good news is there are more high-quality choices than ever when it comes to earning your finance degree remotely. And an online format means you get the flexibility to study when and where it’s convenient for you. So take your time, do your research, and invest wisely when selecting the ideal online finance bachelor’s program. The returns will be well worth it down the road.