mba finance online
In this article, we profile the top 30 most affordable online MBA in finance degree programs.

According to the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of financial managers is projected to grow 19 percent through the year 2026. Growth varies among industries, but all areas of finance should see favorable growth. Jobseekers will face competition due to more applicants than job openings, but candidates with a master’s degree should enjoy the best prospects. Thankfully, colleges and universities now offer MBA in finance online degree options. Through research, we’ve compiled a list of the top MBA in finance online degree programs open to students looking to earn a master’s degree while not having to give up their valuable work experience.

Top 30 Most Affordable MBA in Finance Online Degree Programs Methodology

We looked at 81 colleges and universities listed by the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) College Navigator to offer at least one MBA in finance or related MBA program with concentrations in financial services, public finance, or a closely related discipline. We narrowed our original pool of schools by applying the following criteria: Regional or national accreditation, school rankings with major publications like U.S. News and World Report, and graduate tuition and fees less than $26,000. We then listed the programs according to raw affordability.

Below is our list of the top 30 most affordable online MBA in finance degree programs.

#30 – Saint Francis University

Online MBA in Finance

Loretto, Pennsylvania

Saint Francis University - Top 30 Most Affordable MBA in Finance Online Degree Programs 2019
Only 12-18 months! Saint Francis University’s MBA in finance online degree.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $25,550

Saint Francis University is one of the most affordable online MBA finance programs due to its low cost tuition and quick completion time. The program recently underwent a curriculum overhaul to more accurately reflect the rapidly changing business environment where globalization and technology are more salient than ever. The coursework is practitioner-based, allowing students to put what they learn in the classroom to immediate use in their careers. Students can transfer up to nine credits and can finish the program in as little as 12-18 months if they desire. U.S. News and World Report ranks Saint Francis University #28 in regional universities Midwest.

#29 – Northeastern University

Online MBA in Finance

Boston, Massachusetts

Website

Northeastern University - Top 30 Most Affordable MBA in Finance Online Degree Programs 2019
The MBA in finance online at Northeastern University is fully accredited.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $23,688

Northeastern University offers one of the top ranked and most affordable online MBA in finance degrees for individuals seeking to leverage a graduate degree into upward career mobility. The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and has an institutional accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). The program can be completed in as little as two years and offers students the opportunity to earn a dual degree in business administration and finance. Students can choose from a total of eight concentration areas that are currently in demand according to labor data. The program is administered through the Northeastern University D’Amore-McKim School of Business and is ranked #77 in best online MBA programs, #59 in best business schools, and #44 in best national universities by U.S. News and World Report.

#28 – New Jersey Institute of Technology

Online MBA in Finance

Newark, New Jersey

Website

New Jersey Institute of Technology - Top 30 Most Affordable MBA in Finance Online Degree Programs 2019
Ranked and accredited – New Jersey Institute of Technology’s MBA in finance online degree.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $22,690

New Jersey Institute of Technology offers an MBA in finance online consisting of 16 courses for a total of 48 credits administered through eight 15-week semesters. The typical course load is two classes per term. Students can choose from a variety of concentrations including the popular finance option. The finance concentration consists of courses such as corporate finance II, derivatives markets, financial investment institutions, and investment analysis and portfolio theory. The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the top accreditation agency for business schools. NJIT is ranked #106 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.

#27 – Pennsylvania State University

Online MBA in Finance

University Park, Pennsylvania

Website

Pennsylvania State University - Top 30 Most Affordable MBA in Finance Online Degree Programs 2019
Top-ranked! Penn State’s MBA in finance online degree program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $21,752

Penn State University offers one of the most affordable and flexible online MBA finance programs for working professionals seeking a rigorous graduate degree from a top-ranked institution. The program is housed within the Penn State Smeal College of Business and is taught by the same faculty members who teach on-campus courses. The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Curriculum blends together practical business functions with theory to create a business and finance executive with the knowledge and know-how to thrive in today’s competitive global business environment. PSU is ranked #59 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.

#26 – Nova Southeastern University

Online MBA in Finance

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Website

Nova Southeastern University - Top 30 Most Affordable MBA in Finance Online Degree Programs 2019
Affordability! Nova Southeastern University’s MBA in Finance online program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,419

Nova Southeastern offers a cheap online MBA in finance that combines cutting edge curriculum with the flexibility of online delivery where students can keep their careers on track while pursuing an advanced business degree from an accredited and ranked institution. The program consists of 40-49 credits including classes such as advanced corporate finance, banking, financial engineering, investments, and real world finance for managers. Students are expected to have met prerequisite courses. These prerequisites are courses that are conveniently embedded into the curriculum and include business finance, foundations of business statistics, and introductory accounting. Students can also meet the prerequisites through transferring credit or taking a proficiency exam. Nova is ranked #191 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.

#25 – Samford University

Online MBA in Finance

Birmingham, Alabama

Website

Samford University - Top 30 Most Affordable MBA in Finance Online Degree Programs 2019
Samford University’s MBA in finance online program requires the GMAT for admission.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,608

Samford University offers an online MBA in finance designed to take current managers to new heights of understanding and leadership. Students learn core business functions focusing on practical problem solving and innovation while also focusing specifically on finance related topics. The degree is 36-48 credits and includes classes such as accounting for decision making, financial accounting for managers, foundations of economics and statistics, and managerial communications analysis. Admission requirements include bachelor’s degree from regionally accredited institution, 480 minimum GMAT score, application, and transcripts. Samford University is ranked #4 in regional universities South and #90 in best online MBA programs by U.S. News and World Report.

#24 – Villanova University

Online MBA in Finance

Villanova, Pennsylvania

Website

Villanova University - Top 30 Most Affordable MBA in Finance Online Degree Programs 2019
21 courses! Villanova University’s MBA in finance online degree program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,473

Villanova University offers an MBA in finance online designed for individuals seeking a flexible yet rigorous graduate finance degree from a world-renowned institution. The curriculum is the same as the campus-based program and is taught by the same faculty. Courses are delivered online aside from the weekend campus immersion experience where students network with peers and professors. The 48-credit, 21-course program is divided into six semesters, which means students can finish and graduate in as little as two years. Core classes include analyzing and leveraging data, business operations in the 21st century, and team leadership and group dynamics. Villanova University is ranked #49 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.

#23 – Golden Gate University

Online MBA in Finance

San Francisco, California

Website

Golden Gate University - Top 30 Most Affordable MBA in Finance Online Degree Programs 2019
Requires work experience! Golden Gate University’s MBA in finance online degree.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,355

Golden Gate University offers one of the most affordable online MBA finance programs for working adults needing the flexibility of an online graduate degree. The program consists of 54 credits divided into theoretical and practitioner-focused style learning, which creates a well-rounded executive with both business knowledge and hands-on skill. Classes may include accounting for managers, data analysis for managers, management and leadership, strategic analysis and design, and teams in organizations. Admission requirements include GMAT/GRE (for those with fewer than 5 years’ experience), transcripts, bachelor’s degree, application, and personal statement (optional). Golden Gate University is recognized in the cohort of regional universities West by U.S. News and World Report.

#22 – California Lutheran University

Online MBA in Finance

Thousand Oaks, California

Website

California Lutheran University - Top 30 Most Affordable MBA in Finance Online Degree Programs 2019
12-24 months! California Lutheran University’s MBA in finance online degree program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,150

California Lutheran University’s cheap online MBA in finance is designed for the budget-conscience student seeking a rigorous graduate degree that can be leveraged into a high-paying position within a variety of organizations. Because of limited resources, organizations are seeking talented finance graduates to help them maximize revenue and profit while mitigating overhead and wasted costs. Finance concentration courses include buyout and acquisitions, investment and portfolio management, real estate investments, and strategic financial analysis. The average duration of the program is just 12-24 months to complete the 45-credit program. California Lutheran is ranked #15 in regional universities West by U.S. News and World Report.

#21 – Azusa Pacific University

Online MBA in Finance

Azusa, California

Website

Azusa Pacific University - Top 30 Most Affordable MBA in Finance Online Degree Programs 2019
Only 15 months! Azusa Pacific University’s MBA in Finance online program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,692

Azusa Pacific University offers an online MBA in finance for individuals seeking to assume positions of leadership within a variety of organizations where financial analysis is a core function of the position. The program offers flexible coursework all delivered online with an average time commitment of 6-10 hours per week per unit. Students are able to complete the program in just 15 months with full time enrollment across fall, spring, and summer terms. Terms are eight weeks long. Core classes include global business management, high performance people management, quantitative analysis and research, and strategic digital marketing. APU is ranked #205 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.

#20 – St. Thomas Aquinas College

Online MBA in Finance

Sparkill, New York

Website

St. Thomas Aquinas College - Top 30 Most Affordable MBA in Finance Online Degree Programs 2019
Affordability! St. Thomas Aquinas College’s MBA in finance online program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,450

St. Thomas Aquinas College offers one of the most affordable online MBA programs focusing on finance. The program is delivered completely online and offers options for those with an academic background in business and those without. Students from a non-business background are required to take nine core foundational classes versus seven for those with an undergraduate business degree. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a minimum 2.8 GPA, three letters of recommendation, and transcripts. The degree is designed for working professionals and provides a mixture of core business classes with specialty courses in advanced finance. STAC is ranked #126 in regional universities North by U.S. News and World Report.

#19 – Dallas Baptist University

Online MBA in Finance

Dallas, Texas

Website

Dallas Baptist University - Top 30 Most Affordable MBA in Finance Online Degree Programs 2019
Working professionals! Dallas Baptist University’s MBA in finance online degree.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,208

Dallas Baptist University offers one of the most convenient and affordable MBA in finance online degrees designed for working professionals seeking additional education to advance their career and provide them with the necessary fundamental business skills and advanced financial acumen to be the go-to expert and thought leader in their organization as it relates to financial matters. The Dallas Baptist program prides itself in offering advanced business and finance courses all with a Christ-centered approach. Classes may include capital markets and institutions, creative problem solving for marketing decisions, operations and quality management, and project execution and control methods. DBU is ranked #221 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.

#18 – Lindenwood University

Online MBA in Finance

Saint Charles, Missouri

Website

Lindenwood University - Top 30 Most Affordable MBA in Finance Online Degree Programs 2019
Ranked and affordable! Lindenwood University’s MBA in finance online degree program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,960

Lindenwood University offers a cheap online MBA in finance for working individuals seeking to increase their career options and trajectory with a graduate degree from a nationally ranked institution. The program focuses on providing students with a broad based curriculum in combination with specific finance related content. This pedagogical philosophy ensures students experience both the depth and breadth needed to effectively function in today’s complex and fast-paced business environment. Finance courses may include cases in managerial finance, financial markets and institutions, financial statement analysis, and fixed income securities. U.S. News and World Report rank Lindenwood University #230 in national universities.

#17 – Saint Joseph’s University

Online MBA in Finance

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Website

Saint Joseph's University - Top 30 Most Affordable MBA in Finance Online Degree Programs 2019
GMAT or GRE scores required. Saint Joseph’s University – MBA in Finance online degree.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,401

Saint Joseph’s University offers one of the top ranked and most affordable online MBA in finance degrees. The program is housed within the institution’s Haub School of Business and admits students on a rolling basis. Admission standards include a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, two letters of reference, resume, personal statement, transcripts, and GMAT/GRE scores taken within the last seven years. Finance courses may include advanced financial management, financial institutions and capital markets, pensions and benefits administration, personal insurance planning, and security analysis and investment. Saint Joseph’s University is ranked #12 in regional universities North by U.S. News and World Report.

#16 – Florida Institute of Technology

Online MBA in Finance

Melbourne, Florida

Website

Florida Institute of Technology - Top 30 Most Affordable MBA in Finance Online Degree Programs 2019
Florida Tech’s MBA in finance online program is 100% online.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,128

The Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) offers one of the most affordable online MBA programs for students seeking a finance-driven MBA with small classes and 100% online delivery. The program includes both core and specialty courses that provide depth and breadth to the education. Specialty courses include finance markets and institutions, financial management policy, investment management, and portfolio analysis. Admission requirements include application and transcripts. No GRE or GMAT scores are required to apply. The program consists of 12 courses delivered in 8-week terms. Students can complete the degree in just two years. Florida Tech is ranked #177 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.

#15 – University of Massachusetts

Online MBA in Finance

Amherst, Massachusetts

Website

University of Massachusetts - Top 30 Most Affordable MBA in Finance Online Degree Programs 2019
GMAT or GRE scores required! UMASS Amherst’s MBA in finance online program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,367

The University of Massachusetts at Amherst offers one of the most affordable and top online MBA programs for students seeking a graduate business degree with a finance focus. The degree combines core business functions and knowledge with courses in advanced finance. Admission requirements include GMAT/GRE scores, transcripts, recommendation letters, essay, and application. Test score waivers can be granted to some students. Average test scores are 570 GMAT and 155 quant/155 verbal for GRE. Finance courses may include data management for business leaders, investment decisions and strategies, private wealth management, and Six Sigma for management practice. UMass is ranked #17 in best online MBA programs by U.S. News and World Report.

#14 – Mercer University

Online MBA in Finance

Macon, Georgia

Website

Mercer University - Top 30 Most Affordable MBA in Finance Online Degree Programs 2019
100% distance degree! Mercer University’s MBA in Finance online program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,670

Mercer University offers an MBA in finance online for students seeking a 100% distance degree with flexible course delivery. Mercer’s Eugene W. Stetson School of Business and Economics is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, which only accredits 5% of worldwide business schools. Admission requirements include GMAT/GRE scores, transcripts, and resume. Courses include applied business statistics, issues in business law and corporate responsibility, marketing concepts and practices, and operations management science. Mercer University is ranked #170 in national universities and #70 in best online MBA programs by U.S. News and World Report for the 2019 year.

#13 – University of Cincinnati

Online MBA in Healthcare Finance

Cincinnati, Ohio

Website

University of Cincinnati - Top 30 Most Affordable MBA in Finance Online Degree Programs 2019
Online MBA in healthcare finance! University of Cincinnati.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,468

The University of Cincinnati offers an affordable online MBA in finance that focuses specifically on healthcare finance. This unique degree is offered through UC’s College of Allied Health Sciences and Lidner College of Business. The 38-credit hour program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively make critical financial decisions within the context of the health care industry. Courses include accounting for managerial decisions, health care finance analysis, health care finance decision-making, and health systems administration organization and delivery. Admission includes 3.0 undergraduate GPA, bachelor’s degree from regionally accredited institution, two letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, CV/resume, and transcripts. GMAT/GRE waivers are available. UC is ranked #147 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.

#12 – University of Maryland

Online MBA in Finance

College Park, Maryland

Website

University of Maryland - Top 30 Most Affordable MBA in Finance Online Degree Programs 2019
24 months! University of Maryland’s MBA in finance online program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,884

Through the Robert H. Smith School of Business, the University of Maryland offers a cheap online MBA in finance that can be earned in as few as 24 months. The program is taught by the same faculty as the on-campus course and features the same rigorous curriculum. The program is largely asynchronous, but there are a small number of synchronous courses that provide a very high level of engagement between students and faculty. The 54-credit program includes courses such as action learning projects, introduction to financial accounting, leadership and teamwork, managerial economics and public policy, and the global economic environment. UM is ranked #63 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.

#11 – Colorado Technical University

Online MBA in Finance

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Website

Colorado Technical University - Top 30 Most Affordable MBA in Finance Online Degree Programs 2019
Ranked and accredited – Colorado Tech’s MBA in finance online program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,803

Colorado Technical University offers one of the most affordable online MBA finance programs accredited by the ACBSP with curriculum aligned with the core competencies for financial systems analysts. Core classes include applied managerial accounting, applied managerial decision making, strategic human capital management, and strategic management in dynamic environments. The online courses run every eight weeks and take 5.5 weeks to complete. Courses are built on a technology that is both desktop and mobile friendly. Colorado Technical University is ranked #187 in best online master’s in business administration program and #114 in best online graduate business programs by U.S. News and World Report.

#10 – Johnson & Wales University

Online MBA in Finance

Providence, Rhode Island

Website

Johnson & Wales University - Top 30 Most Affordable MBA in Finance Online Degree Programs 2019
Ranked and accredited – Johnson & Wales University’s MBA in finance online degree.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,008

Johnson & Wales University offers a cheap online MBA in finance combining flexible delivery with career-focused curriculum that emphasizes the skills and knowledge needed to make critical finance-related decisions within several organizational and business contexts. The JWU program features 8-week courses including business information and decision making, effective leadership, ethics of corporate social responsibility and law, financial management, and strategic financial planning. Admission requirements include transcripts, two letters of recommendation, 500-word maximum statement of purpose, and 2.85 undergraduate GPA. Applicants with a 2.85 GPA are exempt from GMAT/GRE test scores. JWU is ranked #74 in regional universities North by U.S. News and World Report.

#9 – Regis University

Online MBA in Finance

Denver, Colorado

Website

Regis University - Top 30 Most Affordable MBA in Finance Online Degree Programs 2019
Career-focused content! Regis University’s MBA in finance online degree.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,852

Regis University offers working professionals a cheap online MBA in finance accredited by the Higher Learning Commission that includes career-focused coursework teaching students the specific skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s fast-paced work organizations. The program includes 8-week courses such as financial decision-making, financial institutions management, investments and portfolio management, international financial management, and mergers and acquisitions. Admission criteria include transcripts, resume, and admission essay. Test scores may be requested at the behest of the admission committee. Student applications are assessed on a holistic level with no one component guaranteeing admission. Regis is ranked #26 in regional universities West by U.S. News and World Report.

#8 – University of Florida

Online MBA in Finance

Gainesville, Florida

Website

University of Florida - Top 30 Most Affordable MBA in Finance Online Degree Programs 2019
Fully online! University of Florida – MBA in finance online program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,737

The University of Florida offers an MBA in finance online though the Warrington College of Business. The program was launched in 1999, making it one of the first institutions to confer a fully online accredited MBA. The program can be completed in 24 months with classes lasting just five weeks. Online courses include the same academic calendar as on-campus students. Admission criteria include current resume, two professional letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and GMAT/GRE scores. The University of Florida is ranked #25 in national universities, #8 in top public schools, and #4 in best online MBA programs by U.S. News and World Report for the 2019 list of rankings.

#7 – University of North Carolina

Online MBA in Finance

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Website

University of North Carolina - Top 30 Most Affordable MBA in Finance Online Degree Programs 2019
UNC offers an MBA in finance online program designed for working professionals.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,929

The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill offers a top ranked affordable online MBA in finance for working professionals seeking an elite MBA from UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School. The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and can be completed in just 18 months. Students with a minimum of six years of full-time professional experience are not required to submit GRE/GMAT scores when applying. Admission criteria include transcripts, two letters of recommendation, three essays, personal admission interview via webcam, and test scores (for applicants with less than six years full-time professional experience). UNC is ranked #1 in best online MBA programs by U.S. News and World Report.

#6 – University of Saint Mary

Online MBA in Finance

Leavenworth, Kansas

Website

University of Saint Mary - Top 30 Most Affordable MBA in Finance Online Degree Programs 2019
University of Saint Mary’s MBA in finance online program is for working professionals.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,070

The University of Saint Mary provides working professionals the option of a cheap online MBA in finance featuring rigorous coursework and flexible timelines. The program is accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education. The finance concentration focuses on merger and acquisitions, capital and financial topics, and advanced financial concepts. The financial concentration takes just one year to complete and features classes such as advanced financial topics, financial and capital issues, and financial decisions. Students also have the opportunity to join financial associations such as the Society of Financial Services Professionals and the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors. USM is ranked #128 in regional universities Midwest by U.S. News and World Report.

#5 – University of Kansas

Online MBA in Finance

Lawrence, Kansas

Website

University of Kansas - Top 30 Most Affordable MBA in Finance Online Degree Programs 2019
100% online – University of Kansas – MBA in finance online degree program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,704

The University of Kansas provides working professionals with a cheap online MBA in finance that increases the graduate’s earning potential and career trajectory throughout their career. The KU MBA in finance includes ten core business classes combined with four classes in advanced financial topics. Core classes may include business law and ethics, managerial economics, and operations and supply chain management. Finance classes may include corporate finance, financial institutions and markets, and investments. The University of Kansas is ranked #129 in national universities, #98 in best value schools, and #26 in best online MBA programs by U.S. News and World Report.

#4 – Touro University Worldwide

Online MBA in Finance

Los Alamitos, California

Website

Touro University Worldwide - Top 30 Most Affordable MBA in Finance Online Degree Programs 2019
Touro University offers an MBA in finance online degree that takes 12 months to complete.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,000

Touro University offers an affordable online MBA in finance allowing individuals to balance their graduate education with career and family responsibilities. The program allows students to fluctuate enrollment level from semester to semester to fit their scheduling needs. Students may matriculate at six different points in the year, and the program can be completed in just 12 months for those who take two courses per term for six consecutive semesters. Admission criteria include bachelor’s degree with 2.5 minimum GPA and transcripts. No test scores are required. The finance concentration includes core classes along with advanced finance curriculum. Touro is ranked #142 in regional universities North by U.S. News and World Report.

#3 – University of Houston

Online MBA in Finance

Houston, Texas

Website

University of Houston - Top 30 Most Affordable MBA in Finance Online Degree Programs 2019
Only 14 months! University of Houston’s MBA in finance online degree.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,710

The University of Houston at Clear Lake offers an accelerated online MBA in finance ranked among the most affordable in the country. The degree can be completed entirely online with no residency requirement. Students can finish in just 14 months by taking two courses per 8-week term for three consecutive semesters. The curriculum is practitioner based and provides students with the required skills and knowledge to become business and finance leaders in a wide variety of contexts and career fields. Courses may include financial statement analysis, personal wealth management, quantitative methods in finance, and treasury management practices. UHCL is ranked #61 in regional universities West by U.S. News and World Report.

#2 – University of Alabama

Online MBA in Finance

Birmingham, Alabama

Website

University of Alabama - Top 30 Most Affordable MBA in Finance Online Degree Programs 2019
Ranked, accredited, & affordable! University of Alabama’s MBA in finance online program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,866

The University of Alabama Birmingham offers an MBA in finance online for working adults seeking a graduate business education from a regionally accredited institution. The program is housed within UAB’s Collat School of Business, which is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The entire degree can be finished in as little as two years. Courses may include accounting and finance for managers, economics for managers, management and organizations, and quantitative analysis for business managers. The University of Alabama at Birmingham is ranked #129 in national universities and #10 in best online graduate business programs by U.S. News and World Report.

#1 – University of Colorado

Online MBA in Finance

Denver, Colorado

Website

University of Colorado - Top 30 Most Affordable MBA in Finance Online Degree Programs 2019
#1 most affordable – University of Colorado’s MBA in finance online degree program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,839

The University of Colorado at Denver offers a customizable MBA in finance online that can be completed in as little as 16 months or as long as five years. The degree’s flexible online delivery means students can maintain their current obligations while attending graduate school. Core courses include data analysis, financial management, information systems, law and ethics, and strategic management. The finance concentration drills down into advanced financial topics such as forecasting, risk management, derivatives, and firm evaluation and assessment. The University of Colorado at Denver is ranked #205 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report in its 2019 rankings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with an MBA in finance online degree?

A financial manager is responsible for the financial well-being of an organization. Depending on the organization, specific job duties may be required. However, financial managers, no matter which industry they work in, develop and plan short-term and long-term financial goals that will benefit the organization.

Typical job duties for financial managers include analyzing and preparing financial statements, reports, and forecasts for board members and CFOs. They often monitor the financial details of the organization to ensure legal requirements are met.

There are several types of financial managers, including:

Cash managers: These specialized financial managers control the overall cash flow of an organization.

Credit managers: Set credit rating criteria and oversee an organization’s credit business.

Controllers: Controllers are in charge of directing the preparation of financial reports that detail and project the organization’s financial position. They also analyze future earnings and expenses.

Insurance managers: Insurance managers determine how to limit an organization’s losses by acquiring insurance. For example, disability insurance must be acquired to offset disability payments made to an employee who is injured on the job.

Risk managers: These specialized managers are in charge of controlling financial risk of an organization and limiting financial uncertainty.

Treasurers: Also referred to as financial officers, treasurers direct the organization’s goals and budgets to ensure financial expectations are met.

What is the career outlook for individuals with an MBA in finance online degree?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of financial managers is projected to grow 19 percent over the next seven years. While growth will vary by industry, the overall rate should be favorable.

As the economy grows, services provided by financial managers will be in demand. Services include coordinating investments, planning, budgeting, and directing financials. Specialty jobs within the industry will also pop up. Risk management and cash management services are expected to be in demand over the next several years.

As with most business and managerial occupations, job candidates will face competition. There will likely be more applicants than job openings. This means that continued education, such as an MBA in finance online degree, will set you apart from other job candidates with BBA degrees. Candidates with expertise in finance will be in high demand. Individuals with an MBA in finance and/or finance certifications should enjoy the best prospects for jobs.

Banks employ a large percentage of financial managers. As banks transition to online services, this could limit employment growth in the financial sector. However, financial managers will still be needed to manage online services. Financial managers in the banking industry should see a 14 percent employment growth through the year 2026, slightly lower than the growth rate for all financial management occupations.

How much money will I make with an online MBA in finance degree?

Reputable sources indicate favorable salaries for individuals with MBA in finance online degrees. PayScale, a global organization that gathers research on compensation, reports the average annual salary for individuals with a master’s in business administration with finance specialization is $96,000. Salaries vary by job title.

PayScale indicates financial analysts earn an average of $62,255, while senior financial analysts earn $82,758. Some of the highest paid finance professionals are chief financial officers or CFOs. PayScale reports the average salary of a CFO is $156,394.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) examined the pay of financial managers. As of May 2017, the median annual wage for financial managers was $125,080. The lowest ten percent earned less than $66,480 and the highest ten percent earned more than $208,000. Pay varied by industry.

BLS reports the highest-earning financial managers worked in professional, scientific, and technical services and earned an average salary of $147,040. Financial managers working in company and enterprise management earned an average salary of $141,890. Financial managers in the manufacturing industry earned an average salary of $124,120.

According to both BLS and PayScale, the more educated and more experienced the financial manager, the higher the earnings potential. Other factors that impact salary include job title and geographic location.

How long does it take to earn an online MBA in finance degree?

MBA in finance online degree programs vary in length. Traditional MBA programs take 24 to 36 months, but online programs may be completed at a faster pace. Most of the programs on our list require 36 to 60 credits and may be completed in one to three years. As with any graduate program, factors impact the length of time.

Enrollment also impacts program length. For instance, full-time enrollment requires more classes be taken at once. Full-time programs move at a rigorous pace and allow students to complete required classes in a quicker time frame. Due to the required course load, employed students find the balance between work and school difficult. If you work full-time, a heavy academic load may not be suitable. But if you want to earn the MBA in finance online degree in a short time, a full-time program may be right for you.

Part-time programs are ideal for working students. Most of the part-time programs on our list allow students to take one class at a time. A lighter course load gives students flexibility. Part-time programs are ideal for those who work or juggle family obligations with school.

Online MBA in finance programs offer flexibility. It is important to assess your personal needs before choosing the program that best suits your schedule.

What are the admission requirements for most MBA in finance online degree programs?

The admission requirements for MBA in finance online degree programs vary by school, though professors look for qualified applicants with academic promise. To evaluate academic promise, admission committees maintain certain requirements.

The MBA in finance online degree programs on our list require a minimum bachelor’s degree in business or a closely related discipline. Some programs do not require a bachelor’s degree in a related business discipline. These programs ask for a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Also, certain foundational classes may be required. If the required undergraduate degree is pending at the time of application, the school will likely ask for a letter from the school’s registrar listing the anticipated graduation date.

Most of the top-ranked MBA programs on our list require GRE or GMAT scores. Some programs share acceptable scores, while others require only that a graduate examination be taken. If the applicant offers a high undergraduate GPA, some programs will waive the GRE or GMAT stipulation. Some of the programs on our list indicate that applicants with undergraduate GPAs of 3.5 or better will receive a GRE or GMAT waiver.

Other common admission requirements for MBA in finance online programs include letters of recommendation from employers or professors, a statement of goals or purpose, writing samples, and work experience.

BCO Staff
March 2019

This concludes our list of the top 30 most affordable online MBA in finance degree programs.