The financial industry offers promising career opportunities, and earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance can be the start of a rewarding career. One of the major benefits of earning this degree is that you can do so much with it. Opportunities exist in the corporate, nonprofit, government, and general business worlds, and the positions you can hold are seemingly endless. 
Your finance degree can help to prepare you to become a financial analyst, finance manager, credit analyst, financial advisor, and much, much more. These 25 Top Bachelor’s Degrees in Finance can ensure that you begin your education with a comprehensive, quality program that will help you develop the skills, knowledge, and experience that your career will demand.
Earning your bachelor’s degree can be a sound investment in your future. According to PayScale, graduates with a bachelor’s degree in finance make an average salary of $60,000. Depending on your career path, certain positions bring even higher wages. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that financial analysts make an average of $85,660 per year, while financial managers make an average salary of $127,990.
The following list of finance degree programs provides a quality, comprehensive education. Individual topics covered range from investment management to risk assessment and, depending on your desired career path– you may want to look for a program that offers a concentration in a field that interests you. Many of these programs offer or require internships, which can be a valuable opportunity to gain experience and make networking connections before you graduate. While any of these degree programs will provide you with an excellent education, you’ll need to decide which program is right for you ultimately.
Selection Criteria
Contents
Colleges Rank publishes college degree rankings with the belief of how one’s higher education should be, both, affordable and an investment of continued value for the students who pursue them. The staff of BVS collects data from reputable sources in order to calculate Net Price and the short and long-term value of every ranked degree. Collected data is simplified into weighted categories before scoring and then scaled through a BVS Score up to 100. The weighted categories are:
- Degree Investment Return (25%)
- Student & Alumni Evaluation (25%)
- Cost Value (25%)
- Matriculation (10%)
- Academic Success (15%)
No matter what degree you decide on, we hope our research and support has made the selection process easier. There are numerous resources BVS utilizes to collect information on degrees, and we encourage you to check them out for yourself!
Here are the 25 Top Bachelor’s Degrees in Finance for 2020!
1. Arizona State University – Tempe, AZ
Bachelor’s Degree in Finance
Website
Arizona State University’s Bachelor’s Degree in Finance program prepares students for a variety of careers in areas such as private equity, corporate finance, investment banking, and more. Students can pursue specialized initiatives such as the Investment Banking Industry Scholars, Student Investment Management Fund, and ASU-Intel Honors Collaborative Thesis programs, allowing them to customize their education and pursue areas of interest. Students can additionally join the Financial Management Association club to learn more about the industry beyond the instruction included in the coursework.
ASU has five campuses throughout Arizona, and over 20,000 students graduate from the university each year. The National Academies have honored over 200 ASU faculty, and ASU is also home to more than 800 national student scholars. ASU’s educational programs have been top-ranked nationally, and in 2016 through 2019, the U.S. News & World Report has ranked ASU as the top in the nation for innovation, ranking it ahead of both Stanford and MIT.
Net Price: $12,947
Score: 100
2. The University of Texas at Dallas – Dallas, TX
Bachelor of Science in Finance
Website
Students who pursue the University of Texas at Dallas’ Bachelor of Science in Finance can choose from tracks in Corporate Finance, Investment, Real Estate Investment Management, Risk Management and Insurance, and Financial Mathematics. Currently, 980 students are enrolled in this BS degree program, and students average 22 years of age. About 70% of students in the Naveen Jindal School of Management, home of the BS program, receive financial aid.
In addition to the resources provided through the degree program, itself, students also have the opportunity to participate in the Finance Business Coaches program. Through this program, students can choose to contact a faculty coach who specializes in a finance area that the student is interested in. This program ensures that students can build relationships with faculty who can share their experiences in finance, helping students to transition from education into their careers.
Net Price: $10,036
Score: 99.35
3. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – Urbana, IL
Bachelor of Science in Finance
Website
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign awards a Bachelor of Science in Finance that prepares students to oversee business firm, governmental, and individual acquisition and management of funds. Many program graduates pursue careers in areas such as commercial and investment banking, government finance, insurance, and business financial management. During this degree, students take courses such as Principles of Marketing, Corporate Finance, Calculus for Business, and Public Speaking.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a land-grant institution with a thriving research program. More than 47,000 students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries attend the university. The University Library houses 13 million volumes and is one of the largest public universities in the world, and each year more than 53,000,000 access the library’s online catalog. The U.S. News & World Report ranked the university as the 13th best public university and the 46th best national university for 2018-2019.
Net Price: $16,638
Score: 98.04
4. University of Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, PA
Bachelor of Science in Finance
Website
The University of Pennsylvania’s Bachelor of Science in Finance prepares students for a variety of careers in finance. During the program, students study areas such as asset management, commercial and investment banking, management of commercial and industrial enterprises, venture capital, and domestic and international management consulting. Program graduates may also choose to pursue careers in law and government.
An Ivy League school, Penn’s enrollment includes 10,000 undergraduates and 10,000 graduate and professional students. The student body represents every U.S. state as well as 100 countries. Penn’s libraries hold 6.57 million print volumes, 1.91 million ebooks, 3.88 million digitized images, and more. Students can also choose to pursue many study abroad opportunities, and in 2016-2017, students studied in 85 different countries.
Net Price: $24,539
Score: 96.55
5. University of Nevada, Reno – Reno, NV
Bachelor of Science in Finance
Website
The University of Nevada, Reno offers a Bachelor of Science in Finance that prepares students for careers in financial management, investments, insurance, and banking. During this program, students will take a variety of courses such as Supply Chain Management, Marketing, Economics, Information Systems, and International Business.
The University of Nevada, Reno was the first institution of higher learning in the state. Today, the land-grant institution has grown to education 21,000 students every year. Located just 45 minutes from Lake Tahoe, the campus is close to world-class skiing, snowboarding, and more. Students enjoy a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio that allows for personalized feedback from the university’s 1,049 academic faculty.
Net Price: $16,230
Score: 95.72
6. University of Delaware – Newark, DE
Bachelor of Science in Finance
Website
Students who pursue a Bachelor of Science in Finance at the University of Delaware are prepared for a variety of finance careers in fields such as investment management, corporate finance, and financial services. The Chartered Financial Analyst Institute has recognized this program for incorporating more than 75% of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Exam material into the curriculum, preparing students who wish to take the CFA Exam. Each year, the University of Delaware finance department awards scholarships to five students to take the CFA Exam.
Students also enjoy many other opportunities at the University of Delaware. The finance seminar series features professionals from institutions like the Federal Reserve Bank and JPMorgan Chase. Students have access to the Department of Finance’s research databases and can join the Blue Hen Investment Club. This student-managed investment fund has $1.8 million in assets, and students can join the club to help manage parts of the endowment.
Net Price: $16,286
Score: 95.42
7. Utah Valley University – Orem, UT
Bachelor of Arts in Finance
Website
Utah Valley University’s Bachelor of Arts in Finance prepares students for many different finance industry careers. Program graduates have pursued positions as financial managers or in banking, brokerages, and more. During this program, students take courses such as U.S. Economic History, Microeconomics, Organizational Behavior, Business Statistics, and Operations Management.
UVU was established in 1941 and now educates nearly 40,000 students every year. Classes average just 23 students in size, and students can choose from 208 associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. At UVU, 56% of students work part-time, and 27% of students are age 25 or older. UVU offers many financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help students afford their education. Fifty-two percent of UVU students receive financial aid, and UVU provides more than 250 scholarships.
Net Price: $6,690
Score: 95.24
8. University of Arkansas – Fayetteville, AR
Finance Bachelor’s Degree
Website
The University of Arkansas offers a Finance Bachelor’s Degree program with five available concentrations, which include Financial Management/Investment, Real Estate, and Personal Financial Management. Students who follow the Eight-Semester Degree Completion Program can earn their degree in just four years. With faculty mentorship, students have the opportunity to help manage six funds totaling about $11.3 million. The Student Finance Club also helps motivated and high-performing students to develop an edge in applying to jobs.
The University of Arkansas was founded in 1871, and today it offers more than 200 programs across its ten schools and colleges. Nearly 28,000 students were enrolled at U of A as of Fall 2018, and those students had an average high school GPA of 3.72. The university employs over 1,400 faculty and offers a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio, making for personalized education. The U of A imprints sidewalks with the names of its graduates, and today over four miles of sidewalks transverse the campus.
Net Price: $15,966
Score: 95.24
9. Michigan Tech – Houghton, MI
Bachelor of Science in Finance
Website
Michigan Tech’s Bachelor of Science in Finance prepares students for careers and positions as investment bankers, portfolio managers, risk managers, insurance brokers, and credit analysts. Michigan Tech’s BSF is recognized by the CFA Institute for incorporating at least 70% of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge material into its curriculum. With these curriculum elements, the degree program prepares students well to take the CFA Exam. Students also have the opportunity to start working on faculty-led research projects promptly, and may also join the Finance Club, which hosts speakers, organizes field trips, participates in competitions, and even offers free financial consulting services to the community.
Each year, Michigan Tech awards students more than $70,000 in scholarships, allowing them to start their careers with less debt. The university’s Career Fair features 415 employers looking to hire, helping to connect students with their future careers. Finance program graduates enjoy a 90% placement rate and have been employed by Ford Motor Company, Prudential, the Department of Defence, the Commercial Bank of China, and more.
Net Price: $17,139
Score: 95.20
10. Wayne State University – Detroit, MI
Bachelor’s in Finance
Website
Wayne State University’s Bachelor’s in Finance focuses on the management of money and assets for both organizations and individuals. Students will take courses on topics such as financial markets, the risk and return of investments, bank management, futures, and more. Students have the flexibility of completing their major requirements either at WSU’s main campus or on any of the satellite campuses.
WSU finance students may choose to enroll in study abroad programs in Brazil, China, Italy, and Central Europe. Finance majors who are qualified may participate in the Accelerated Graduate Enrollment program which can reduce the time and cost of a WSU graduate business degree. WSU finance students can apply up to 12 credits toward their undergraduate finance degree as well as toward a master of science in finance, an MBA, or another graduate business degree.
Net Price: $13,287
Score: 94.81
11. Ohio State University – Columbus, OH
Bachelor of Science in Finance
Website
The Bachelor of Science in Finance at Ohio State University prepares students for financial management careers. Students may go on to work in different types of businesses, firms, and financial institutions. During this program, students will study topics such as accounting, statistics, business law, marketing, investments, global finance, and options and futures. Finance students also have the opportunity to study abroad.
Ohio State has a 149-year history, and today, the university has seven campuses and research centers throughout Ohio. The university is home to 500,000 living alumni, and over 66,000 students are enrolled at Ohio State. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Ohio State as the top public university in Ohio and as the 17th best public university, nationwide. The U.S. News & World Report also ranked Ohio State as 8th in its innovative public university ranking.
Net Price: $18,042
Score: 92.27
12. Fairleigh Dickinson University – Teaneck, NJ
Bachelor of Science in Finance
Website
Fairleigh Dickinson University designed its Bachelor of Science in Finance to provide students with an education in financial analysis, financial management, and economic systems to prepare them for a variety of careers. During this program, students take courses such as International Business Finance, Personal Tax Planning, Retirement Planning, Client Relations in Financial Management, and Securities and Investments.
Founded in 1942, today FDU is the largest private university in the state. The university’s 11,500 full- and part-time students can choose from more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degrees. FDU has an AACSB-accredited business school, and students can access programs on FDU’s two New Jersey campuses as well as Wroxton College in Oxfordshire in England, as well as at the Vancouver campus in British Columbia, Canada. The degree programs offer flexible schedules with courses held on days, evenings, and weekends to accommodate students’ busy schedules.
Net Price: $16,781
Score: 91.69
13. Oral Roberts University – Tulsa, OK
Bachelor of Science in Finance
Website
Oral Roberts University offers a Bachelor of Science in Finance prepares students to work in the personal or corporate finance fields. Students majoring in finance can earn a concentration in entrepreneurship and are also encouraged to enroll in the university’s five-year MBA program. Program graduates are prepared for several career fields and positions, including bond broker, venture capitalist, financial analyst, and consultant positions.
ORU is situated on a 263-acre campus and consists of six schools and colleges. The university offers 17 undergraduate, 14 graduate, and three doctoral degree programs, in addition to online degrees. Over 4,000 students were enrolled at OSU in the Fall of 2018, representing all 50 states and 106 countries. OSU offers over 65 student clubs and academic organizations, and in the summer of 2018, over 500 OSU students chose to participate in short-term mission trips to 32 different countries.
Net Price: $19,744
Score: 90.97
14. Southeastern Louisiana University – Hammond, LA
Bachelor of Science in Finance
Website
The Bachelor of Science in Finance offered by Southeastern Louisiana University prepares students for careers or to pursue graduate school in the finance field. Students learn valuable technology skills to analyze data, gain an understanding of ethical issues, and learn the international aspects of finance. The university’s faculty have received honors and awards in the field, and students have access to research opportunities and a finance lab that streams market data. Finance majors are also encouraged to join the university’s Financial Management Association.
Southeastern resides on a 363-acre campus, and as of Fall 2017, over 14,000 students were enrolled. Of those students, 2,285 choose to live on campus. Southeastern offers 43 undergraduate, 18 master’s, and two doctoral programs. Additionally, students can complete two-degree programs entirely online. Undergraduate classes average just 23 students in size, and Southeastern is home to more than 68,000 living alumni.
Net Price: $12,135
Score: 90.05
15. Michigan State University – East Lansing, MI
Bachelor of Arts in Finance
Website
Michigan State University’s Bachelor of Arts in Finance requires students to maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA. Students can choose from four paths: the Corporate Finance, Capital Markets and Investment Banking, Commercial Banking, and Financial Advisor paths. This program is a partner of the CFA Institute, and students who wish to take their CFA exam may apply for partial scholarships to cover part of the exam’s cost. MSU also has a Finance Association, Student Investment Association, and Spartan Global Development Fund which students may choose to join.
Founded in 1855, MSU’s 5,200-acre campus encompasses 566 buildings and is home to over 50,000 students, including nearly 40,000 undergraduates and almost 11,000 graduate and professional students. MSU offers over 200 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs of study, as well as over 275 study abroad programs. MSU’s Freshman class profile has a high school GPA ranging from 3.5 to 3.9, as well as an SAT combined score of 1130 to 1300.
Net Price: $16,684
Score: 88.19
16. The University of Tennessee Knoxville – Knoxville, TN
Bachelor’s in Finance
Website
The University of Tennessee Knoxville’s Bachelor’s in Finance offers students a comprehensive education in the areas of financial management. Students will learn about aspects of portfolio management, financial markets and institutions, and economic theory and practice, equipping them for careers in insurance, personal financial planning, real estate, and more. Students can pursue a finance major with several different degree paths, including with a Collateral Option, a Business Analytics Concentration, an Integrated Business and Engineering Program, and an International Business Concentration.
The University of Tennessee offers over 900 programs of study across its 11 colleges. The university has over 360 undergraduate degree programs as well as 300 study abroad programs. The campus is situated on 910 acres, and over $1 billion in projects are currently in design and under construction. Over 28,000 students, including nearly 23,000 undergraduate students, attend the university where they enjoy a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing teachers to provide personalized feedback and support.
Net Price: $20,995
Score: 87.47
17. Northern Illinois University – DeKalb, IL
Bachelor of Science in Finance
Website
Students who pursue a Bachelor of Science in Finance at Northern Illinois University will develop the skills and knowledge needed for a finance career in many different fields. Students spend their first three years of study fulfilling general education, business core, and finance program requirements. By their senior years, students select their career paths and take elective courses to provide specialized instruction in those desired career areas. Students may also choose to complete coursework to prepare them to take their Certified Financial Analyst or Certified Treasury Professional examinations.
Northern Illinois University offers more than 100 undergraduate programs, and students can study abroad in 75 countries. In 2016 to 2017, 4,200 NIU students received scholarships totaling $14 million. NIU’s 42 schools and departments are positioned through seven colleges. Students can choose from more than 300 student organizations as well as club and intramural sports, Greek life, and community service opportunities.
Net Price: $19,379
Score: 86.87
18. Lewis University – Romeoville, IL
Bachelor of Science in Finance
Website
Lewis University’s Bachelor of Science in Finance provides students with an in-depth understanding of how businesses and markets work. Students learn from faculty with real-world experience in domestic in international markets and gain the knowledge and skills necessary to help companies to make smart financial decisions. A 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio allows faculty to provide students with personalized feedback and support, and the university’s proximity to Chicago, a financial capital, is ideal for finance students.
Students who major in accounting, business administration, information systems, economics, and marketing may complete additional coursework to earn an additional major in finance. For students majoring in finance who wish to pursue a master’s degree in finance, the accelerated MSF program allows them to complete just 30 additional credit hours, earning their master’s in 18 months or less.
Net Price: $19,967
Score: 86.73
19. Park University – Parkville, MO
Bachelor of Science in Management/Finance
Website
Park University’s Bachelor of Science in Management/Finance prepares students for a future career as a financial planner, investor relations associate, accountant, or budget analyst. Students can pursue a financial planning track which prepares them to sit for the Certified Financial Planner exam or may opt for a financial management track which prepares them for a career in banking, insurance, or in corporate financial management.
During this degree program, students complete courses such as Financial Management, Business Policy, Risk and Insurance, and Principles of Real Estate. The degree does offer some flexibility in terms of location. Students can take classes at the Parkville, Missouri campus, at a Kansas City campus center, or online. Park University’s BS in Management/Finance is also suitable for students who wish to develop their academic background, who plan to pursue graduate studies in the finance or business field, or who hope to hold a career in private or public organizations.
Net Price: $16,048
Score: 84.5
20. Regis University – Denver, CO
Bachelor of Science in Finance
Website
Regis University awards a Bachelor of Science in Finance that provides students a comprehensive understanding of financial management. Program graduates will be prepared to hold positions in many different settings, including banks, government agencies, investment companies, and more. Students may be able to pursue their BS in Finance degree simultaneously with another graduate degree program through Regis University at a faster pace and a lower cost.
The BS in Finance program is offered both on-campus and online. Program graduates who wish to take their CPA examination can receive a $400 partner discount on Becker CPA Exam Review courses. Students who have previous college credit, military credit, or professional licenses or certificates may be able to receive college credit for those experiences. Regis University may also award college credit for several years of work experience, saving students money and allowing them to graduate sooner.
Net Price: $25,615
Score: 83.70
21. George Washington University – Washington, D.C.
Bachelor of Science in Finance
Website
George Washington University’s Bachelor of Science in Finance prepares students for careers in multiple areas of the finance industry, such as investment banks, insurance companies, and commercial banks. Students who wish to pursue this degree must declare a second major in a non-business field, allowing for an interdisciplinary study approach. Non-business students may also pursue this degree program to earn a second major in finance.
GW was chartered in 1821 by an act of Congress and has since grown to encompass three campuses. Today, GW is one of the largest employers in D.C. Approximately 12,000 undergraduate and 16,000 graduate students attend GW, but despite the large enrollment, more than half of the undergraduate classes have fewer than 20 students. GW offers 15 honor societies, over 475 student groups, and intercollegiate and NCAA Division I varsity sports.
Net Price: $37,638
Score: 83.02
22. American University – Washington, D.C.
Bachelor of Science in Finance
Website
American University’s BS in Finance prepares students for numerous post-graduation paths. Program graduates will be prepared for financial careers, to take the Chartered Financial Analyst or Certified Financial Planner exams, or to pursue a graduate degree. During this program, coursework focuses on topics including accounting, finance, international business, operations management, financial accounting, and marketing.
American University consists of eight schools offering 170 programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The campus provides a lively atmosphere, and students can choose from more than 200 registered student organizations, club sports, and intramural sports. The university also offers a mentorship program through which students fulfill some of their core course requirements while being mentored by an AU professor.
Net Price: $32,732
Score: 82.43
23. University of Denver – Denver, CO
Bachelor’s in Finance
Website
At the University of Denver, students can pursue a Bachelor’s in Finance that develops their financial knowledge and leadership skills to help students better respond to real-world challenges. The coursework focuses on areas such as investments, financial institutions, corporate finance, and international finance. The University’s Finance program prepares students for several career options, and students may go on to work in business finance, financial strategy, investment and asset management services, and more.
The University of Denver educates about 12,000 undergraduates and graduates each year. Classes average only 21 students in size, and the university’s 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio means that students can develop relationships with faculty. About 70% of undergraduate students pursue a study abroad program during their education. The U.S. News & World Report has ranked the University of Denver among the top 100 universities in the country, and the Carnegie Institution has listed the university as a high-volume research institution.
Net Price: $35,163
Score: 81.36
24. Southeastern University – Lakeland, FL
Bachelor of Science in Finance
Website
Southeastern University’s Bachelor of Science in Finance educates students in topics such as corporate finance, investments, financial markets, real estate, and insurance. The variety of disciplines allow students to discover financial topics that are most interesting to them, or in which they’re particularly talented. The program takes a biblical approach to finance, highlighting the moral and ethical implications of the decisions that students will be making in their professions. During the program, students will have the opportunity to hold internships at brokerage firms, insurance companies, corporations, and more, giving them valuable experience.
Southeastern University is a Christian institution that was founded in 1935. SEU offers more than 70 undergraduate and graduate-level degree programs through its six schools and colleges, including the Barnett College of Ministry & Theology and the Jannetides College of Business & Entrepreneurial Leadership. Students enjoy small class sizes and a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio that allows for personalized, supportive education.
Net Price: $22,928
Score: 80.11
25. Manhattanville College – Purchase, NY
Bachelor of Arts in Finance / Bachelor of Science in Finance
Website
Manhattanville College offers both a Bachelor of Arts in Finance and a Bachelor of Science in Finance. Students complete courses in economics, accounting, finance, and quantitative methods. During their degree program, students may take a Senior Seminar in which they compile a thesis discussing research findings and conclusions.
Founded in 1841, Manhattanville College educates more than 1,700 undergraduate and 950 graduate students each year. Students come from 35 different states and over 55 countries. This college offers students over 650 internship opportunities, and more than 700 students participate in community service activities, logging in over 30,000 community service hours. With an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students enjoy valuable educational opportunities and the chance to receive personal support from faculty.
Net Price: $23,680
Score: 76.07
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