In this article, we profile the top 30 most affordable online master’s in finance degree programs.
Financial analysts provide guidance to businesses and organizations. Investment decisions, portfolio assessment, and other types of assistance require the help of a financial expert. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the job outlook for financial analysts is projected to grow 11 percent through the year 2026. Due to the anticipated growth, colleges and universities are offering master’s in finance and online master’s in finance degree programs.
We reviewed 63 colleges and universities with online master’s in finance programs, or closely related degrees. We confirmed accreditation, either regional or national, to help narrow our search. We collected graduate tuition/fees from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator and selected programs that cost under $20,000/year. We also looked at rankings from major publications like U.S. News and World Report to see if the program or institution had received recognition. The colleges and universities on our list are ranked in order of raw affordability.
Below is our list of the top 30 most affordable online master’s in finance degree programs.
#30 – Southern New Hampshire University
Online Master’s in Finance
Manchester, New Hampshire
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,810
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, non-profit institution offering an online master’s in finance for professionals seeking a senior financial position within an organization. The program can be completed in as little as 15 months provided the student takes two courses per 10-week semester. The program is delivered completely online allowing for maximum flexibility. Courses include corporate financial management, cost accounting, financial modeling, and graduate finance capstone. Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The MS in Finance program is accredited by the NEASC and ACBSP. U.S. News ranks Southern New Hampshire #86 in regional universities North and #1 in most innovative schools North.
#29 – Walsh College of Accountancy and Business Administration
Online Master’s in Finance
Troy, Michigan
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,135
Walsh College offers a master’s in finance online to professionals seeking to increase their career trajectory with an advanced degree. The Walsh College MSF is built upon critical theory and advanced financial practices needed to oversee the fiscal health and solvency of a variety of institutions including non-profit, private, and public organizations. Students can choose from a financial management or financial services concentration. Coursework includes advanced managerial accounting, financial management, financial markets and institutions, and global economics. Admission requirements include a 2.75 undergraduate GPA, an accredited undergraduate degree, and a minimum of two years work experience. The GMAT is not required.
#28 – Upper Iowa University
Online Master’s in Business – Corporate Financial Management
Fayette, Iowa
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,964
Upper Iowa University offers an online finance degree master’s with a variety of concentration areas including corporate financial management. The online degree requires students to successfully complete 36 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The degree’s curriculum is designed to provide graduates with updated financial management theory and practices needed to oversee today’s complex organizations. Graduates have taken jobs in a variety of industries and sectors. Students can matriculate up to six times per year. Terms are divided into five 8-week sessions and a 6-week summer session. All courses are delivered asynchronously for maximum student flexibility. There is no on-campus residency requirement. U.S. News ranks Upper Iowa University #126 in regional universities Midwest.
#27 – California Lutheran University
Online Master’s in Financial Planning
Thousand Oaks, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,650
California Lutheran University offers a master’s in finance online for business professionals seeking an upward career trajectory to a leadership or management role within a business or organization where the main function is to oversee and guide the financial well being of individual clients. The program can be completed entirely online and consists of 45 credits broken into 15 3-credit courses. The average completion timeline is 12-36 months depending on enrollment level. California Lutheran University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. U.S. News and World Report ranks California Lutheran #14 in regional universities West and #13 in best value colleges regional universities West.
#26 – Golden Gate University
Online Master’s in Finance
San Francisco, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,635
Golden Gate University offers an online master’s in finance for people seeking a leadership position within the context of financial management in a business or organization. The program and Golden Gate is geared towards a more technical pedagogy especially well suited for financial managers, analysts, and bankers. The program is certified by the Chartered Financial Analysts Institute (CFA). The degree consists of 12 credits of foundational courses and 33 credits of advanced courses. Students also have to meet proficiency standards in business, math, and writing. Courses include accounting for managers, data analysis for managers, economics for managers, and financial management.
#25 – St. Thomas Aquinas College
Online Master’s in Business Administration – Finance
Sparkill, New York
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,640
St. Thomas Aquinas College’s master’s in finance online programs come with the option of several concentrations including finance, marketing management, and sport administration. The program is offered 100% online allowing for maximum flexibility. The curriculum is structured to accommodate a variety of students. Those with or without a bachelor’s degree may matriculate as well as those with bachelor’s degrees outside of business. The entire degree is 57 credits, but students can earn up to 24 waiver credits depending on their background. The program can be completed in one year with the typical timeframe being 2-3 years. GMAT waivers are available for those with five years of full time business experience.
#24 – Creighton University
Online Master’s in Finance
Omaha, Nebraska
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,424
Creighton University offers master’s in finance online programs designed to propel working professionals into leadership positions within a variety of business organizations and settings. The finance degree is a total of 33 credits and can be completed in two years. Students can also choose a dual degree in finance and business administration consisting of 48 credits, which can be finished in three years. Coursework for the finance degree includes business policy and managerial action, financial statement analysis, fixed income and derivatives, and leadership and organizational behavior. U.S. News ranks Creighton University #1 in regional universities Midwest and #2 in best online graduate programs.
#23 – Dallas Baptist University
Online Master’s in Business Administration – Finance Concentration
Dallas, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,208
Dallas Baptist University offers master’s in finance online programs ideally suited for those individuals seeking leadership positions within a variety of businesses and organizations. The program covers an array of financial topics with advanced study in budgeting, international finance, risk management, and leadership. The degree consists of 36 total credits and also allows students to complete multiple concentrations if they desire. The program is delivered completely online. Core coursework includes business ethics, corporate finance, creative problem solving marketing decisions, and quantitative analysis for managers. U.S. News and World Report ranks Dallas Baptist University #202 in national universities and #199 in best online MBA programs.
#22 – Florida Institute of Technology
Online Master’s in Business Administration Finance
Melbourne, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,128
Florida Institute of Technology offers an online finance degree master’s for professionals seeking advanced training and education in fiscal management and analysis. Students within the program study core business principles and functions as well as specialized knowledge of financial instruments and markets that allow them to make savvy financial decisions within a variety of personal and organizational contexts. The degree is flexible allowing students to complete all coursework online. Florida Tech’s MBA in finance is offered under the auspices of the Nathan M. Bisk College of Business and is accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education. U.S. News ranks Florida Tech #108 in best online business programs.
#21 – Saint Joseph’s University
Online Master’s in Financial Services
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,092
Saint Joseph’s University offers a master’s in finance online for individuals seeking an advanced degree in fiscal planning and analysis. The degree consists of 30-41 credits depending on the student’s academic background. Students can receive an 11-credit waiver towards completion of the foundational requirements. Students without the waiver must complete the entire 41-credit curriculum. Courses include estate planning, pensions and benefits administration, personal financial planning, and personal insurance planning. Admission requirements include two letters of recommendation, personal statement, and GMAT/GRE scores. GMAT scores can be waived if certain criteria are met. U.S. News ranks Saint Joseph’s #11 in regional universities North and #91 in best online MBA programs.
#20 – University of the Southwest
Online Master’s in Business Administration – Finance
Hobbs, New Mexico
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,376
The University of the Southwest offers an online master’s in finance designed for individuals seeking certification in financial planning, a career in the financial services sector, or a securities license. The degree consists of 36 credits and can be completed in as little as one calendar year. Students receive a laptop and all electronic textbooks upon matriculation. Core courses include business analytics and econometrics, financial management, information technology for managers, and marketing concepts and strategies. The program is offered 100% online. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of the Southwest #96 in regional universities West among its cohort of regional universities.
#19 – Davenport University
Online Master’s in Business – Finance Concentration
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,732
Davenport University offers master’s in finance online programs designed for professionals to obtain leadership positions in a variety of organizations. The program consists of 39 credits all delivered online. The curriculum is built upon a pedagogical foundation combining real world financial solutions and strategies designed to help graduates effectively lead today’s complex organizations and institutions. Students with a bachelor’s degree in business from an accredited institution with a 2.75 GPA will be granted a waiver from taking the program’s four foundational courses. Core coursework includes corporate finance, managerial accounting, managerial economics, and marketing strategies. U.S. News and World Report ranks Davenport #122 among regional universities Midwest.
#18 – University of St. Francis
Online Master’s in Finance
Joliet, Illinois
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,677
University of St. Francis offer master’s in finance online programs designed for students seeking professions within the business and financial sectors. Graduates of the program often take positions as account analysts, budget consultants, credit analysts, and investment managers. University of St. Francis is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Courses within the finance concentration include advanced financial management, derivatives valuation, entrepreneurship, and international finance. Depending on enrollment level, students can complete the online degree in 12-18 months. U.S. News and World report ranks St. Francis University #18 among regional universities West.
#17 – Walden University
Online Master’s in Finance
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,555
Walden University offers an online finance degree master’s for individuals seeking to prepare for a career in finance. Many graduates utilize the degree as preparation for the Chartered Financial Analyst exam, Certified Financial Planner exam, or Financial Industry Regulatory Authority qualification exams. The degree consists of 30 semester credits and can be completed within 20 months. Courses include analysis and communication for the financial professional, decision-making tools for today’s financial professional, and financial budgeting and forecasting analysis. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a completed application. Students can earn up to 15 transfer credits depending on their background.
#16 – Webster University
Online Master’s in Finance
Saint Louis, Missouri
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,690
Webster University offers an online finance degree for individuals seeking career opportunities in corporate finance, financial planning, and related institutions. The degree consists of 36 credit hours disaggregated into 27 course credits and nine elective credits chosen at the student’s discretion. Admission criteria include a completed application and a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution recognized by Walden University. Walden has a rolling admission that allows students to apply at any time. Core coursework includes advanced corporate finance, applied business statistics, capital budgeting and corporate investments, and mergers and acquisitions. U.S News and World Report recognizes Walden University in its cohort of national universities.
#15 – Tiffin University
Online Master’s in Business Administration – Finance
Tiffin, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,600
Tiffin University offers a master’s in finance online for business professionals seeking upward career mobility. The degree is delivered entirely online with two 7-week terms per semester. Students can matriculate six times per year. The average full-time student completes the Tiffin MBA in finance in 1.5 years while the average part-time student finishes in 2.5 years. The finance degree curriculum is built upon best practice financial theory and praxis in order to thrive in a wide spectrum of industries and occupations where financial knowledge is paramount to success. U.S. News and World Report ranks Tiffin University #93 in regional universities Midwest.
#14 – Johnson & Wales University
Online Master’s in Finance
Providence, Rhode Island
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,826
Johnson and Wales University offers an online master’s in finance to prepare graduates for advanced positions within a variety of business settings. Graduates are trained to be well versed in financial competencies needed to thrive in today’s complex corporate and business environment. The degree is designed for flexibility and convenience and is delivered online in an 11-week course format. The Johnson and Wales MBA in finance can be completed in as little as 18 months. Courses include applied behavioral finance, bond market analysis, derivatives and risk management, and effective leadership. U.S. News and World Report ranks Johnson and Wales University #64 in regional universities North.
#13 – Mississippi College
Online Master’s in Finance
Clinton, Mississippi
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,806
Mississippi College offers an online finance degree master’s designed to prepare graduates for the rigor of today’s financial positions and institutions. Core coursework includes accounting issues in business decisions, advanced financial management, law and ethics in the business environment, and policy formulation and administration. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and a 3.0 GPA. Students with less than a 3.0 GPA must submit appropriate GMAT scores or have 3-5 years of professional experience. U.S. News and World Report ranks Mississippi College #32 in regional universities South. Additionally, the organization also recognizes Mississippi College in its cohort of best graduate schools.
#12 – University of Saint Mary
Online Master’s in Business – Finance Concentration
Leavenworth, Kansas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,764
University of Saint Mary offers an online finance degree designed for working professionals seeking upward career mobility in finance-related jobs and industries. While the program offers theoretical concepts, the main thrust of the curriculum is designed to give students hands-on practice and skills with real-life situations they may face on the job. Faculty have advanced degrees and relevant work experience within the fields they teach. Coursework includes advanced financial topics, financial and capital issues, and financial decisions. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Saint Mary #126 in regional universities Midwest and #205 in best online MBA programs.
#11 – Auburn University
Online Master’s in Finance
Auburn, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,696
Auburn University offers master’s in finance online programs designed to train current and future leaders in a range of financial occupations and institutions. The program includes 30 credits and can be completed entirely online. The degree includes a thesis and non-thesis option. Coursework includes applied financial management, cost analysis and systems, and financial analysis. Students can matriculate two times per year including the fall and spring semesters. Students in the online program have the same professors and see the same lectures as students enrolled in the on campus program. The online option is currently available to students living in the United States, Canada, and those serving in the military both domestically and abroad. U.S. News and World Report ranks Auburn University #103 in national universities, #11 in best online MBA programs, and #6 in best online graduate business programs.
#10 – Bellevue University
Online Master’s in Strategic Finance
Bellevue, Nebraska
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,335
Bellevue University offers an online finance degree aligned well for individuals seeking a master’s level degree that can be leveraged into a top position within a business entity or organization engaging in finance-related job functions. The degree provides a robust curriculum in corporate and individual finance as well as business leadership. Courses include accounting for performance management, business analysis for decision-making, business conditions in global markets, and financial reporting and analysis. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution and a 2.5 GPA for the latest 60 credits of coursework. U.S. News and World Report ranks Bellevue University #120 in best online graduate business programs.
#8 – Concordia University
Online Master’s in Finance
Mequon, Wisconsin
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,290
Concordia University’s online finance degree is designed to teach students to become fluent in the financial language and processes needed to succeed in today’s competitive business job market. The pedagogical underpinnings of the Concordia degree are built on practical skill building as highlighted in courses such as financial institution management, fraud management, legal aspects of business administration, and securities analysis. The program consists of 39 total credits and is delivered completely online. Concordia has a rolling admissions process allowing students to start their education at any time. Concordia’s program does not require the GMAT/GRE or a thesis. Students show mastery through course completion and a capstone course. U.S. News and World Report ranks Concordia University #41 in regional universities West.
#7 – Colorado State University
Online Master’s in Finance
Greenwood Village, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,000
Colorado State University offers an online finance degree master’s that integrates business theory and financial operational functions needed to succeed on the job. Students are also taught best practices in managing human capital based on current leadership and management pedagogy. The 36-credit degree is broken down into eight 3-credit core classes and four 3-credit elective courses that can be chosen by the student. Core coursework includes bank management, corporate finance, effective organizations theory and practice, and financial markets and institutions. U.S. News and World Report ranks Colorado State University #124 in national universities and #42 in best online MBA programs.
#6 – Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Online Master’s in Business Administration – Finance Concentration
Mount Vernon, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,964
Mount Vernon Nazarene University offers a master’s in finance online for working professionals seeking a graduate business degree while maintaining their professional and personal obligations. The program offers several MBA concentrations, with finance being one of the more popular options. The degree consists of 36 credits including 27 credits of core coursework and nine credits of elective coursework. Each class is 3 credits. Core classes include corporate finance, ethical leadership, global business, legal issues in management, and marketing management. The private Christian school prides itself in blending its curriculum of current financial and business theory with biblically based principles. U.S. News and World Report ranks Mount Vernon Nazarene University #93 in regional universities Midwest.
#5 – University of Houston–Clear Lake
Online Master’s in Finance
Houston, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,434
University of Houston Clear Lake offers an online finance degree designed for students seeking finance related careers within a variety of professional contexts. The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The 30-credit program can be completed in 18 months with a course load of two classes during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Courses include quantitative methods in finance, real estate investment analysis and financing, research topics in finance, and treasury management. Students can also add a healthcare administration option with an additional 12 credit hours. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Houston Clear Lake #63 in regional universities West and #122 in best online MBA programs.
#4 – Gardner-Webb University
Online Master’s in Business Administration- Finance
Boiling Springs, North Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,772
Gardner-Webb University offers online finance degree master’s programs in several iterations including the finance-related concentration designed to train professionals in financial acumen and leadership within a variety of occupational contexts. Graduates have gone on to procure occupations in finance, logistics, administration, and accounting. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a 2.5 GPA, three recommendations, and GRE/GMAT scores if cumulative GPA is below 3.7. The curriculum includes courses in accounting, financial analysis, marketing, economics, leadership, securities analysis, and organizational leadership. U.S. News and World Report ranks Gardner-Webb University #223 in national universities in its cohort of institutions.
#3 – Aspen University
Online Master’s in Business Administration – Finance
Denver, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,125
Aspen University offers an advanced online finance degree for individuals seeking a degree that will prepare them for finance-related occupations. Graduates work in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, and substantial experience in finance or accounting. Work experience can be substituted with a finance undergraduate degree or two graduate level finance courses from an approved institution. The program consists of 12 3-credit courses for a total of 36 credits. The cost is $11,700 plus fees. Courses include business finance, corporate financial management, eBusiness, and global corporate finance. Aspen University is recognized in the U.S. News cohort of best grad schools.
#2 – West Texas A & M University
Online Master’s in Finance and Economics
Canyon, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,349
West Texas A&M University offers master’s in finance online for individuals seeking the convenience of an online degree while learning cutting edge business theory and occupation skills important to finance-related occupations. The 36-credit degree is designed to be completed in two years, with some students able to complete the program in one year. Admission requirements include a GPA of 3.0, GMAT scores (can be waived with a GPA of 3.0 or higher), three letters of recommendation, personal statement, and resume. Courses include corporate governance and ethics, economics of health and medical care, financial management and health care, multinational finance, and quantitative business analysis.
#1 – Columbia Southern University
Online Master’s in Business Administration – Finance Concentration
Orange Beach, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,085
Columbia Southern University has an online master’s in finance that is designed to teach students relevant theory and occupational skills as preparation for an advanced career in finance. The finance concentration is specifically for individuals to learn how to oversee, manage, and administer funds on both the individual and organizational levels. The 36-credit degree is entirely online with an estimated time to completion of three years, although times may vary. Curriculum includes human resource management methods, management information systems, and strategic management and business policy. US News and World Report recognizes Columbia Southern University in its cohort of best graduate school rankings.
BCO Staff
February 2018
This concludes our list of the top 30 most affordable online master’s in finance programs.
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