Online Bachelor’s in Finance Degrees
A bachelor’s in finance can prepare you to use financial resources to drive corporate success in a rapidly changing business world. This four-year academic program typically requires a general education core; finance courses in statistics, economics, and business; and a capstone project. Some programs may also feature internships or other real-world experience opportunities.
A finance degree can prepare you for various roles, including consultant, manager, and analyst. In October 2024, the National Association of Colleges and Employers surveyed 17,993 finance majors from the class of 2023. The report found that 77.3% of graduates were employed, and the mean starting salary stood at $72,227.
Learn more about the benefits of earning an online finance degree in the following guide.
Why Should You Choose an Online Finance Degree?
An online finance degree can provide a pathway to a fulfilling and in-demand career. These programs can impart valuable skills, including financial analysis, risk assessment, investment strategies, and financial planning. As a student, you can also develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
At graduation, you should be able to know how global issues affect corporate finance, explain changes in financial markets, and shape long-term organizational policy to improve financial health.
A finance degree is also highly versatile and applicable across various industries. Your degree can open doors to opportunities in finance-related fields like investment banking, corporate finance, financial planning, or financial analysis.
You can even meet many of the educational qualifications to become a certified public accountant (CPA) or chartered financial analyst (CFA) with a finance major, though you’ll likely need to pursue a graduate degree, such as a master of business administration (MBA), to earn the full amount of required CPA credits in most states.
Career opportunities for finance graduates include consultant, financial analyst, venture capitalist, and portfolio manager.
Popular Colleges That Offer Online Finance Degrees
The following table includes nonprofit, four-year institutions that offer online bachelor’s in finance programs. Use it to compare the schools’ average net prices and student population sizes.
| School | Location | Average Net Price | Undergraduate Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado State University Global | Aurora, Colorado | $12,475 | 6,568 |
| Johnson & Wales University-Online | Providence, Rhode Island | $18,265 | 1,990 |
| Ottawa University-Online | Overland Park, Kansas | N/A | 419 |
| Pennsylvania State University-World Campus | University Park, Pennsylvania | $21,171 | 7,945 |
Is an Online Finance Degree Worth It?
According to the NCES, the average annual net price of attending a public institution was $15,200, and $29,700 for private nonprofit institutions, in the 2021-2022 academic year.
As of April 2025, Payscale reported that working professionals with bachelor’s degrees in finance earned an average salary of $81,000, while those with master’s degrees in finance earned $89,000.
Some business and finance leaders may earn even more. For example, financial and investment analysts earn a median salary of $101,350, and personal financial advisors earn $102,140, according to May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Achieving a high-paying role in finance may mean finding a mentor, networking through professional organizations, or earning a certification. An advanced degree, such as an MBA in finance, may also help boost your career and salary.
FAQ About Online Bachelor’s in Finance Degrees
Are online bachelor’s degrees respected?
Even before the pandemic, a survey from Northeastern University found that 61% of human resources leaders viewed online and on-campus degrees equally. In a post-COVID world, where nearly all students have learned from home, online bachelor’s degrees have largely assumed equal footing in the workplace.
How hard is a bachelor’s degree in finance?
Finance majors take challenging courses in mathematics and statistics, which can make it more strenuous than other business-related majors. However, finance may not demand the complex thinking required in some other STEM fields.
Is a finance degree a lot of math?
As a finance major, you take math courses such as financial accounting, statistics for business and economics, and calculus for business administration. Other business courses may require extensive math skills.
Is finance harder than accounting?
Accounting and finance each involve different skill sets and focus areas. Broadly speaking, finance degrees require a deeper understanding of economics, while accounting degrees emphasize complex and precise math skills. The “harder” subject depends on the individual student.
