In this article, we list the top ranked and most affordable online MBA in finance and master's in finance degree programs.
A master's in finance, or MBA with a concentration in finance degree, can separate you from career competition, especially in the financial sector. An advanced finance degree may open doors for advancement in current business roles or provide opportunities for leadership roles in financial institutions. But most mid-career professionals do not want to step away from their current job to go back to school. Today, online graduate programs are offered at some of the nation's top-ranked institutions.
Methodology
We reviewed approximately 80 private and public institutions that offered at least one master's in finance degree online, or an MBA with specialization or concentration in finance. We selected accredited, top institutions ranked by major publications like Forbes magazine, The Princeton Review, and U.S. News and World Report. We then selected the 30 most affordable schools, based on graduate tuition rates published with NCES College Navigator, and listed them in order of affordability. The #1 spot on our list is the most affordable school.
Below is our list of the 30 most affordable top-ranked schools for an online master's in finance degree.
Affordable Top-ranked Schools for Master's in Finance Online
#30 – Syracuse University
Online MBA w/ Specialization in Finance
Syracuse, New York
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $33,312
Syracuse University online MBA courses include corporate financial policy, international financial management, introduction to derivatives, and investment analysis. Syracuse is a top-ranked institution by major publications like The Princeton Review and U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News lists the school as the 61st best national university with the 85th best graduate business school in the nation. The online MBA program ranks #44 and the online graduate business programs (excluding the MBA) rank #73.
#29 – University of Delaware
Online MBA in Finance
Newark, Delaware
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $30,924
The Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics at the University of Delaware offers accredited online master's in finance programs that combine business administration with a concentration in finance. Students may choose from three concentration areas while earning an online MBA – finance, finance and international business, and international business. The online MBA program may be completed in just 16 months, depending on the student's goals and outside obligations. Required courses and electives may include economic analysis for business policy, ethical issues in domestic and global business environments, leadership and organizational behavior, and management accounting and control. The University of Delaware is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 75th best national university, and the online MBA program ranks #72 in the nation.
#28 – Pepperdine University
Online MBA in Finance
Malibu, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $30,320
One of the best online master's in finance degree programs is offered at Pepperdine University. Students may earn an online MBA with concentration in finance. This unique program design allows students to explore global capital markets, understand procedures for financial and entrepreneurial ventures, and analyze real estate investments. The program is suited for working professionals who want to develop a unique set of business and finance skills that can help advance careers. Also, students do not need to quit their current job. Students are able to continue working full time while earning an online MBA in finance, and may complete the program in just two years. Pepperdine is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 52nd best national university and the 25th best value school. The online MBA program ranks #15 in the country.
#27 – Northeastern University
Online Master of Science in Finance
Boston, Massachusetts
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $23,166
Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business offers an ACBSP-accredited master's in finance degree online program that is designed for working professionals. The program offers courses in corporate finance, investment and commercial banking, portfolio management, and taxation. Classes are taught by Northeastern faculty members who have earned recognition and are accomplished scholars or industry experts. Northeastern is ranked by major publications like Forbes magazine, The Princeton Review, and U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News lists the school as the 47th best national university and the 5th most innovative school. The online graduate business program, which includes finance, ranks #18 in the nation.
#26 – Concordia University
Online MBA in Finance
Portland, Oregon
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $21,110
Concordia University offers affordable online master's in finance programs that allow students to earn an MBA with finance concentration. Concepts explored in the program may be used to pursue professional certifications like CPA or CFA. Required courses explore topics in corporate reporting, financial modeling, financial planning and management, investment evaluations, and risk management. Finance concentration course requirements include advanced topics in corporate finance, entrepreneurial finance, and risk assessment. The program is ACBSP-accredited and offers students on-the-job experience through internship opportunities. Concordia is a regionally ranked institution by major publications like U.S. News and World Report.
#25 – Pennsylvania State University
Online Master of Finance
University Park, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,270
Pennsylvania State University's master's in finance degree online is an accredited program designed to give students a well-rounded understanding of finance and business applications. The program is ACBSP-accredited and prepares students for various professional certifications like the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). Required courses include analysis of financial markets, current issues in corporate finance, financial accounting theory and reporting problems, and quantitative methods in finance. Penn State is ranked by major publications like Forbes magazine and U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News lists the school as the 47th best national university and the 57th best global university.
#24 – Norwich University
Online MBA in Finance
Northfield, Vermont
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,675
Some of the best online master's in finance programs combine business administration with finance concentrations. Norwich University offers an affordable online MBA with finance concentration that is designed for working students who want to enhance their business and finance knowledge. Finance students take classes in investments and portfolio management, multinational business finance, and strategic management in finance. In addition to classes, an independent research project must be completed. Norwich is regionally ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 76th best regional university in the North. The online MBA programs, including finance, rank #115 in the nation.
#23 – Southern New Hampshire University
Online MS in Finance
Manchester, New Hampshire
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,810
Southern New Hampshire University offers an online master's degree in finance that may be earned in as little as 15 months. The online MS in finance degree offers two concentrations: corporate finance and investments and securities. Required courses include cost accounting, investment analysis and portfolio management, money and capital markets, option analysis and financial derivatives, and quantitative analysis for decision making. For students who have not satisfied minimum admission requirements, classes in economics for business and math and statistics for business may be required. SNHU is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 131st best regional university in the North and the #1 most innovative school.
#22 – Golden Gate University
Master of Science in Finance Online
San Francisco, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,830
Golden Gate University's master's in finance degree online is a highly technical and specialized program that offers in-depth study of corporate finance practices and investment management. General or corporate finance, and investment management concentrations are available. Required courses, no matter the concentration area, may include capital budgeting and long-term financing, financial strategies, and working capital management. Electives may include classes in international trade and finance, management control systems, portfolio management, or technical analysis and securities. Golden Gate University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as having among the best online undergraduate programs. In recent years, the university has also earned recognition for its online graduate business programs.
#21 – Creighton University
Online Master's in Finance
Omaha, Nebraska
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,664
One of the best online master's degree in finance programs available in the U.S. is offered at Creighton University. The flexible online program allows working adults and professionals to attend graduate school while balancing job and life obligations. Required courses include equity analysis, financial statement analysis, fixed income and derivatives, leadership and organizational behavior, and portfolio management. The program is ACBSP-accredited and offers one specialization in insurance and risk management. Creighton is ranked by major publications like Forbes magazine, The Princeton Review, and U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks Creighton as the #1 regional university in the Midwest. Additional rankings include #2 best value school, #1 best college for veterans, #3 most innovative school, and #13 best online graduate business programs (including finance).
#20 – Florida Institute of Technology
Online MBA in Finance
Melbourne, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,128
Finding the best accredited online master's degree in finance can be a challenge, especially if you desire a program that combines business administration with finance. Florida Institution of Technology offers an affordable online MBA with a specialization in finance that may be completed in two years or less. Core online courses include essentials of business development, financial management, managerial accounting, managerial economics, marketing management, and organizational behavior. Finance courses include financial management policy, financial markets and institutions, and portfolio analysis. Florida Institute of Technology is ranked #161 by U.S. News and World Report as a best national university, and the publication ranks the online MBA program #107 in the country.
#19 – University of Massachusetts
Online MBA in Finance
Lowell, Massachusetts
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,799
The University of Massachusetts offers online master's in finance programs that incorporate business administration and management content. Students may earn an accredited online MBA with a concentration in finance. Required courses include business financial analysis, global enterprise and competition, marketing fundamentals, operations fundamentals, and organizational behavior. Finance concentration electives include advanced portfolio management, financial derivatives, and international financial management. UMass is ranked as the 156th best national university by U.S. News and World Report. Additional rankings include #84 for top public schools, #127 for best colleges for veterans, and #69 for best online MBA programs.
#18 – Colorado Technical University
Online MBA in Finance
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,731
Some of the best online master's degree in finance programs combine business administration with finance concentrations. Colorado Technical University offers an ACBSP-accredited online MBA in finance degree program that aligns to AACSB standards. Required core courses include applied managerial accounting, leadership and ethical decision-making, strategic human capital management, and strategic management in dynamic environments. Finance concentration courses include corporate portfolio management, financial management for multinational enterprises, and financial statement analysis. Colorado Tech has received recognition by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In the 2016 edition of Best Colleges, the school's online MBA programs rank #148 in the country.
#17 – City University of Seattle
Online MBA with Finance Emphasis
Seattle, Washington
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,708
City University of Seattle offers an affordable online MBA in finance that is ACBSP-accredited. The program is designed for working professionals seeking careers in financial organizations, insurance companies, or banks and brokerage firms. Required MBA courses include business communication and research, essentials of business management, law for global business, managing with technology, and project management and prioritization. The finance emphasis requires courses in capital formation and corporate management, equity markets and debt instrument management, and financial management of public and not-for-profit organizations. City University's online MBA programs rank #131 among the best online MBA programs in the country, according to U.S. News and World Report's 2016 edition of Best Colleges.
#16 – Marist College
Financial Management Online MBA
Poughkeepsie, New York
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,500
Students in search of a cheap online master's degree in finance may find the financial management online MBA at Marist College highly affordable. Not only are students exposed to business administration principles, but to three critical areas of finance – corporate finance, financial markets and institutions, and investment. Required online courses include corporate financial theory and practice, financial statement analysis, and investment analysis and theory. Marist College is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 13th best regional universities in the North. Additional rankings in the 2016 edition of Best Colleges include #11 for best colleges for veterans, #3 for most innovative schools, and #52 for best online MBA programs.
#15 – University of Florida
Online MBA in Finance
Gainesville, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,737
The University of Florida offers one-year and two-year accredited online MBA in finance degree programs. Both programs offer focus areas so that students may dive deeper into a specific area of business. Focus areas include entrepreneurship, finance, international business, and marketing. Students take electives that concentrate their studies beginning in term six. The University of Florida is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges lists the school as the 47th best national university. Additional rankings include 4th top public school, 18th most innovative school, and 37th best graduate business school. The online MBA program ranks #4 in the nation.
#14 – SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Online MBA in Technology Management – Accounting and Finance Concentration
Utica, New York
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,159
A unique alternative to accredited online master's degree in finance programs is available at SUNY Polytechnic Institute. The school offers an online MBA in technology management that requires core tech management courses but allows students to select a concentration in accounting and finance. Required core courses include business law and ethics, cases in technology and innovation management, managing new product design and development, and strategic planning. The required accounting and finance concentration courses include financial statement analysis and reporting, investment strategy, and seminars in accounting and finance. SUNY Polytech is a regionally ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report lists the school as the 122nd best regional university in the North. The school's online MBA programs rank #110 in the nation.
#13 – Arizona State University
Online MBA in Finance
Tempe, Arizona
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,304
The W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University offers one of the best online master's in finance degree programs. Students may earn an online MBA with a concentration in finance. A concentration must be declared before the fourth course is taken in the program. Required courses include financial accounting, managerial economics, marketing management, operations and supply management, organization theory and behavior, and statistics for managers. Concentration courses focus on the area of emphasis. For finance, students take classes in financial statement analysis, financial theory, and seminars in finance. ASU is nationally ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In the 2016 edition of Best Colleges, the school is ranked #129 for best national universities. The online MBA program ranks #5 in the nation.
#12 – University of Michigan
Online MS in Finance
Dearborn, Michigan
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,280
One of the most affordable and accredited online master's degree in finance programs is found at University of Michigan. Two tracks are available for students pursuing the online MS in finance. These tracks include corporate finance or investments. Foundation courses for both concentrations include applied statistical modeling, economic analysis of firm and consumer, and finance fundamentals and value creation. Corporate finance classes require corporate valuation and strategy, derivatives and risk management, and topics in corporate finance. The investments concentration requires financial statement analysis and topics in investments and capital markets. University of Michigan is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 36th best regional university in the Midwest. The school's online graduate business programs (including finance) rank #46 in the nation.
#11 – University of North Carolina
Online MBA in Corporate Finance
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,074
The University of North Carolina is a nationally accredited institution that offers an affordable option to an online master's degree in finance. UNC's corporate finance MBA is available entirely online with classes taught by university professors. The program is designed for working professionals pursuing advanced careers in business and finance. Finance concentration courses include corporate finance, derivatives, financial statement analysis, information for decision-making, and taxes and business strategy. UNC is ranked with major publications like Forbes magazine and U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 30th best national university in the country. Additional rankings include 5th top public school, 13th best value school, and 3rd best online MBA program in the nation.
#10 – Tennessee Technological University
Online MBA – Finance Concentration
Cookeville, Tennessee
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,911
Students in search of an affordable online master's degree in finance may be interested in Tennessee Technological University. The online MBA with finance concentration is AACSB-accredited and available with full-time or part-time options. Required core classes include accounting information for management decisions, analytical decision-making, business strategy, and management of information technology. The finance concentration requires courses in international finance and investment challenges. Tennessee Tech is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 35th best regional university in the South and the 14th top public school. The online MBA program also ranks with U.S. News as the 72nd best online MBA program in the country.
#9 – Indiana University
Online MS in Finance
Bloomington, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,743
Indiana University offers a master's in finance degree online that is ideal for students with professional experience in a financial setting. The program is designed to equip students with the expertise necessary to work as CFOs. Classes for the online MS in finance degree include economics for managers, financial analysis and firm valuation, managing accounting information for decision-making, and quantitative analysis. The program may be completed in 15 months to five years, depending on the goals and life obligations of the student. Indiana University and its online programs are ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges ranks the school as the 75th best national university in the country. The school's online graduate business programs (including finance) are ranked #1 by U.S. News and World Report.
#8 – Colorado State University-Global Campus
Online Master's in Finance
Greenwood Village, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,000
Colorado State University- Global Campus offers online master's in finance programs with unique specializations that cater to student interests and career goals. The online degree may be customized to the student's chosen area of emphasis. Required courses for the general program include bank management, derivatives and assets pricing, effective organizational theory and practice, investments, and principles of finance. The program operates year round with accelerated eight-week courses. Colorado State University is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In the 2016 edition of Best Colleges, the school ranks #127 for best national universities. The online graduate business programs (excluding the MBA but including finance) rank #37 in the nation.
#7 – University of Colorado
Online Master of Science in Finance and Risk Management
Denver, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,804
University of Colorado offers one of the best online master's in finance degree programs in the country. Students enrolled in the program may earn an MS in finance and risk management entirely online through the Denver Business School. Required courses may include financial modeling, futures and options, international financial markets, mergers and acquisitions, security analysis and firm valuation, and small firm financial management. UC-Denver is ranked by major publications like Forbes magazine and U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the publication lists the school as the 199th best national university and the 194th best global university.
#6 – Texas Southern University
Online Executive MBA – Energy Finance
Houston, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,572
The master's in finance degree online program at Texas Southern University is a niche program that is designed to train executives in energy finance. Mid-career professionals may pursue an EMBA online with a special focus that equips them to lead and manage organizations in the energy sector. The online EMBA is a two-year program accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Required courses include energy finance, energy financial valuation and modeling, energy trading, financial and economic analysis, global strategic management, organizational and management theory, and strategic marketing management. Texas Southern is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a tier two best national university. The school's online MBA programs, including the EMBA, rank #88 in the nation.
#5 – University of North Alabama
Online MBA in Finance
Florence, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,525
One of the best online master's in finance programs for working professionals is the online MBA in finance offered at University of North Alabama. The MBA core requires a variety of classes in business, management, and marketing. Classes include cost for management decision analysis, enterprise systems analysis and design, managerial finance, and organizational behavior. The finance concentration requires an additional nine credit hours. Courses include advanced financial management, security and portfolio analysis, and seminar in finance. The University of North Alabama ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News lists the school as the 71st best regional university in the South and the 32nd top public school. The online MBA program at UNA ranks #126 in the nation.
#4 – West Texas A&M University
Online Master's in Finance and Economics
Canyon, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,043
The Department of Accounting, Economics, and Finance at West Texas A&M University offers a very affordable online master's degree in finance and economics. The online MSFE program is designed for students who want to improve their knowledge of economics and finance in order to work in financial institutions, teach at the community college level, or prepare for law school or doctorate programs. Required courses include advanced business forecasting, corporate governance and ethics, econometrics, financial management of healthcare, and international finance. West Texas A&M is regionally ranked by U.S. News and World Report. The school's online graduate business programs, including finance and economics, rank #12 in the nation.
#3 – Fayetteville State University
Online MBA in Finance
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,333
One of the best online master's in finance and business administration degree programs is the specialized program at Fayetteville State University. Interested students may earn an online MBA with specialization in finance. The program is designed for working professionals who require a balance between advanced education and life obligations. Course requirements include a foundation of business administration classes and four classes that focus on the area of concentration. Finance courses include financial institutions, international finance, investment analysis, options and futures trading, and a seminar in finance. U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution as the 84th best regional university in the South and the 40th top public school. The online MBA programs rank #91 in the nation.
#2 – Fort Hays State University
Online MBA – Finance Concentration
Hays, Kansas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $3,853
Students interested in pursuing an online master's degree in finance may find the online MBA with a concentration in finance at Fort Hays State University a viable option. The program is designed to equip students with advanced skills needed to assume leadership roles in public and private sectors such as banking, finance, and investments. Core MBA courses include advanced managerial accounting, business research and quantitative methods, organizational behavior in a global context, and strategic management. Required finance courses include financial institutions, international finance, and money and banking. Fort Hays is a regionally ranked institution by U.S. News and World Report. Several of the school's online graduate programs have earned rankings in the 2016 edition of Best Colleges. In fact, the online MBA program ranks #91 in the nation.
#1 – Regent University
Online MBA in Finance and Investing
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $1,167
Regent University offers an online MBA with concentration in finance and investing degree program that may be completed in as little as 16 months. Courses are eight weeks in length and require no campus visits. The finance and investing concentration is designed to prepare students for professional roles in banks, brokerage firms, and financial institutions. Required finance courses include data analysis for decision-making, financial analysis, financial planning, and portfolio analysis. Regent is ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a best national university. The school's online MBA programs rank #95 in the nation. Regent University is our #1 pick for the most affordable online master's in finance degree programs of 2016.
Related Rankings
- 10 Most Affordable Top Ranked Online Master's in Economics
- 10 Most Affordable Top Ranked Master's in Human Resources Online
- 10 Most Affordable Top Ranked Online MBA Entrepreneurship
- 10 Most Affordable Top Ranked Online MBA Information Systems
- 25 Most Affordable Top Ranked Schools for an Online Master's in Accounting Degree
- 30 Most Affordable Online Master's in Marketing Degrees
- Top 10 Most Affordable AACSB Online MBA Programs
- Top 20 Best Value Online MBA Programs
- 10 Most Affordable Top Ranked Online Master of International Business / Online MBA in International Business
This concludes our list of the top ranked and most affordable online MBA in finance and master's in finance degree programs.