Affordable Master's in Finance Degrees in Ohio

Earning a master’s degree in finance can strengthen your knowledge of investments, financial modeling, risk management, and corporate decision-making. Ohio offers several finance-focused graduate programs, with online, hybrid, and on-campus formats available to fit different schedules and career goals.

Finding an affordable master’s in finance option requires more than comparing advertised tuition rates. Program length, required credits, financial aid, residency status, and living expenses can all affect what you ultimately pay. Below, you can explore affordable master’s in finance degrees in Ohio and learn how to compare their costs, curricula, and available funding.

How Much Does a Master’s in Finance Degree Cost in Ohio?

Based on published tuition and fee schedules, the Ohio programs included in this article generally cost between approximately $17,000 and $68,000 before financial aid. Programs near the lower end of that range are often offered by public universities or schools with relatively low per-credit tuition, while specialized programs at larger or private universities may cost considerably more.

Most finance master’s programs require approximately 30 to 38 credits, but the number of credits alone does not determine the total price. Public universities may charge different rates for Ohio residents and out-of-state students, while some online or private programs use a single rate for everyone. You should also account for technology fees, health insurance, books, transportation, and living expenses when comparing your options.

What Makes a Master’s in Finance Degree Affordable?

An affordable program should provide a manageable total cost without sacrificing academic quality or career preparation. The following factors can help you determine how well a degree fits your budget.

• Public university tuition: Attending an Ohio public university may allow you to qualify for a lower resident tuition rate.
• Total required credits: A focused 30-credit curriculum may cost less than a program requiring additional foundation courses or electives.
• Accelerated completion: Finishing your degree in nine to 12 months can reduce the amount you spend on housing, transportation, and other expenses.
• Graduate financial aid: Scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, and tuition waivers can lower your out-of-pocket costs.
• Flexible delivery options: Online, hybrid, evening, and part-time formats may allow you to continue earning an income while completing your degree.
• Employer tuition assistance: Some employers pay a portion of the cost when a graduate program relates to your current position or professional development goals.
• Combined degree pathways: An accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s option may let you apply some courses toward both degrees, saving time and tuition.
• Included learning resources: Access to financial software, investment laboratories, certification preparation, and career services can add value without requiring you to purchase these resources separately.

Affordable Master’s in Finance Degree Programs in Ohio

Ohio’s finance-focused graduate options include Master of Science in Finance, Master of Finance, Specialized Master in Finance, and financial economics programs. Although the degree titles differ, each program provides advanced preparation in finance, investments, quantitative analysis, or related areas.

The first six schools below offer specialized finance or financial economics degrees. They are followed by four affordable Ohio MBA programs with finance concentrations, which may be a better fit if you want to combine financial training with broader preparation in management and business strategy.

1. Bowling Green State University

Bowling Green State University (BGSU) offers a STEM-designated Master of Arts (MA) in Financial Economics for students who want to combine finance with advanced economic analysis. Full-time students can finish in one calendar year, while the part-time pathway uses evening courses and typically takes about two years. The curriculum covers financial economics, econometrics, investment analysis, mathematical economics, and financial management.

You can complete either a directed research project or an internship, giving you a chance to apply quantitative methods outside the classroom. BGSU’s Schmidthorst College of Business is accredited by the AACSB. Admitted students are automatically considered for competitive graduate assistantships, which may provide a stipend and partial tuition support.

2. Xavier University

Xavier University’s 30-credit Master of Science in Finance (MSF) uses a hybrid format, with most coursework completed on its Cincinnati campus and the remainder delivered online. Full-time students can graduate in as little as nine months, while a part-time track spreads the curriculum across approximately two years. Courses explore financial modeling, international finance, mergers and acquisitions, fintech, data visualization, and corporate governance.

The program also gives you experience with Bloomberg, CapIQ, and Xavier’s student-managed bond portfolio. Xavier’s Williams College of Business is accredited by the AACSB, and the MSF holds a STEM designation. Funding opportunities include graduate business scholarships, assistantships, federal loans, and a tuition scholarship for eligible Xavier alumni.

3. University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati offers its MSF on campus and fully online, making it one of the more flexible specialized programs in Ohio. The degree requires 30 to 38 credits, depending on whether you need foundational business courses. Full-time campus students may graduate in as little as nine months, while online students can generally complete the program in one to two years.

The curriculum includes financial management, equity analysis, financial econometrics, investments, valuation, and a team-based capstone. Online students can also pursue focused coursework in areas such as corporate finance, investments, or artificial intelligence in finance. The AACSB-accredited Lindner College of Business offers access to federal financial aid, and employees of certain corporate partners may qualify for tuition scholarships.

4. University of Dayton

The University of Dayton’s 30-credit Master of Finance can be completed in approximately 12 to 24 months, depending on your start date and course schedule. This STEM-designated program covers investment analysis, corporate finance, risk management, international finance, and other subjects used across the financial services industry. It also includes a CFA preparation course for students interested in pursuing the Chartered Financial Analyst credential.

As a student, you can work with professional tools and data through the Davis Center for Portfolio Management and the Hanley Center for ESG Investing. The School of Business Administration holds AACSB accreditation in both business and accounting. Degree-seeking students can file the FAFSA, and limited scholarships, grants, student employment, or assistantships may be available, although the Department of Economics and Finance does not directly offer graduate assistantships.

5. The Ohio State University

The Ohio State University offers a 36-credit Specialized Master in Finance through the Fisher College of Business. Students complete the program over three semesters and can choose coursework in corporate finance and investment banking, investment management, risk management, or real estate. Domestic students entering in fall 2026 or later may also be able to complete the final semester online.

Fisher emphasizes applied learning through a finance capstone, professional development, industry speakers, and training with software such as Bloomberg, Python, Tableau, and Morningstar. The college is accredited by the AACSB, and every admitted student receives automatic consideration for merit-based funding. A limited graduate assistantship provides partial tuition coverage and a stipend, while eligible domestic students may also use federal loans.

6. Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University’s Master of Finance offers a fast path for students who want concentrated, quantitative preparation. You can complete the 30-credit curriculum in as little as nine months or remain for up to two years to earn 39 credits and add a departmental certificate in a specialization. Core subjects include financial modeling, corporate financial analysis, derivatives, risk management, empirical finance, fixed-income markets, and investment management.

The program incorporates applied projects, corporate seminars, and opportunities to work with financial data under the guidance of industry professionals. Case Western’s Weatherhead School of Management has held AACSB accreditation since 1958. All applicants receive automatic consideration for merit scholarships, and additional funding may be available through community partnerships, corporate partnerships, federal aid, and the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Affordable Ohio MBA Programs With Finance Concentrations

An MBA in finance differs from a specialized finance master’s because it combines financial coursework with broader training in leadership, accounting, marketing, economics, and strategy. These four Ohio programs provide affordable alternatives for students who want to prepare for financial management or organizational leadership roles.

7. Wright State University

Wright State University offers a 30-credit MBA with a finance concentration that you can complete in as little as one year. Its flexible schedule includes online and on-campus courses, along with longer two- and three-year completion plans. The finance concentration adds advanced coursework in securities investing, corporate finance, and international financial management.

Foundation courses may be waived if you completed comparable undergraduate coursework or pass Wright State’s Accelerated Business Essentials examinations. The Raj Soin College of Business holds AACSB accreditation at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Graduate students can apply for university scholarships, assistantships, tuition awards, fellowships, and federal financial aid.

8. Tiffin University

Tiffin University’s MBA in Finance requires approximately 32 to 36 credits and can be completed in as few as 14 months. You may take core MBA courses online or on campus, although the finance concentration courses are delivered online. The asynchronous format does not require scheduled class meetings, giving working professionals more control over when they complete assignments.

Finance courses cover investments, financial markets, international financial management, risk, and emerging markets. The School of Business is accredited by the ACBSP. Tiffin participates in federal financial aid programs and provides scholarships, employer partnership discounts, and military education benefits that may reduce your costs.

9. University of Toledo

The University of Toledo offers a STEM-designated MBA with a finance major that is available entirely online. The 33-credit program includes eight MBA core courses and three finance electives, although students without previous business coursework may need additional foundation classes. Available finance subjects include investments, derivatives, international financial management, advanced corporate finance, financial modeling, and financial markets.

The AACSB-accredited Neff College of Business and Innovation also provides experiential options, including a student-managed investment portfolio course. Graduate students can complete the FAFSA and apply for university or donor-funded scholarships. One example is the Lee Family Scholarship, which supports eligible part-time, nontraditional MBA students returning to school after a break.

10. Franklin University

Franklin University’s 36-credit MBA with a finance specialization is designed for working adults who need a fully online program. You can finish in approximately 12 months by taking two courses at a time, although Franklin also allows you to adjust your pace around your budget and schedule. The finance specialization includes corporate finance, advanced investments, and global finance.

The curriculum gives you opportunities to work with financial models, portfolio management concepts, capital budgeting, securities valuation, and exchange-rate risk. Franklin’s Ross College of Business holds IACBE accreditation, while the university is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Eligible students can use federal financial aid, military benefits, employer or professional-organization discounts, and a tuition guarantee that locks in their rate after enrollment.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university.

We prioritize Ohio schools that combine comparatively affordable tuition with substantial graduate-level finance coursework. Because the state has a limited number of specialized finance master’s programs, we also include selected MBA programs with finance majors, concentrations, or specializations.

• Accreditation: Every school must hold institutional accreditation from a recognized accrediting organization, and we also consider AACSB, ACBSP, or IACBE business accreditation.
• Affordability and financial aid: We compare estimated tuition, required credits, fees, residency policies, scholarships, assistantships, and other cost-saving opportunities.
• Finance curriculum: Each program must provide advanced coursework in finance, financial economics, investments, risk management, corporate finance, or closely related subjects.
• Program flexibility: We consider accelerated, part-time, evening, online, hybrid, and on-campus pathways that can help students balance graduate study with other responsibilities.
• Student outcomes: Graduation data, career preparation, experiential learning, professional resources, and published employment information contribute to each school’s placement.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

What Will You Learn in a Master’s in Finance Program?

A specialized finance master’s typically builds advanced skills in corporate finance, investment analysis, financial modeling, valuation, portfolio management, and risk assessment. You may also study econometrics, derivatives, international markets, fintech, fixed-income securities, and financial data analysis. Many programs incorporate applied projects using tools such as Excel, Python, Bloomberg, Tableau, or Capital IQ.

An MBA in finance covers some of the same subjects but places them within a broader management curriculum. Along with finance electives, you will usually take courses in accounting, economics, marketing, leadership, operations, and business strategy. Depending on the school, you may also manage an investment portfolio, complete an internship or capstone, work with an industry partner, or prepare for a professional credential such as the CFA.

How Long Does It Take To Earn a Master’s in Finance Degree?

Full-time finance master’s programs commonly take nine months to two years to complete. Accelerated programs condense the curriculum into two or three semesters, while many MBA programs offer one-year plans for students who have already completed the necessary business foundation courses.

If you attend part time, you may need two to three years to graduate. Your timeline can also increase if you must complete prerequisites in accounting, economics, calculus, statistics, or business finance. Before enrolling, review how frequently required courses are offered because some finance electives follow a fixed rotation.

Financial Aid for Master’s in Finance Degrees

Graduate students have fewer grant options than undergraduates, but several forms of financial aid can make a finance degree more manageable. Comparing your complete financial aid offers will give you a more accurate picture than comparing tuition alone.

Federal Student Loans

Complete the FAFSA to determine whether you qualify for federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Under rules effective July 1, 2026, graduate borrowing is generally limited to $20,500 per year and $100,000 in total, and loan eligibility may be reduced if you attend less than full time. New borrowers can no longer receive Grad PLUS Loans, although certain students who borrowed for the same program before July 1, 2026, may qualify for a temporary transition exception.

Scholarships and Fellowships

Universities and business schools may award scholarships based on academic achievement, professional experience, financial need, leadership, military service, or affiliation with a partner organization. Some schools automatically consider every applicant, while others require a separate application with an earlier deadline. Applying early can improve your chances of receiving limited institutional funding.

Graduate Assistantships

A graduate assistantship may provide a stipend, partial tuition waiver, or both in exchange for research, teaching, or administrative work. These positions can be competitive, and specialized professional programs do not always offer them directly. Check with the finance department, graduate school, and other campus offices because assistantships may be available outside your academic program.

Employer Tuition Assistance

If you already work in banking, insurance, accounting, corporate finance, or another business field, ask your employer about tuition reimbursement or direct-payment benefits. Some organizations also maintain partnerships with universities that provide additional tuition discounts. Review any grade requirements, annual limits, waiting periods, or continued-employment agreements before relying on this benefit.

Military and Veterans Benefits

Eligible service members, veterans, and dependents may be able to use GI Bill benefits for an approved finance program. Additional support may be available through the Yellow Ribbon Program, military tuition discounts, or institution-specific scholarships. A school certifying official can help you determine which benefits apply and how they interact with other financial aid.

Payment Plans

A university payment plan allows you to divide a semester bill into smaller installments rather than paying the entire balance at once. Although this option does not reduce tuition, it may help you avoid private loans or manage costs alongside employer reimbursement. Be sure to review enrollment charges, payment deadlines, and late fees before signing up.

How To Choose the Right Affordable Master’s in Finance Degree

The most affordable program is not automatically the best value, especially if its curriculum or format does not fit your goals. Compare the following factors before deciding where to apply.

• Degree type: Choose a specialized finance degree if you want concentrated financial training or an MBA concentration if you also want broad preparation in management, marketing, and operations.
• Total program cost: Calculate tuition, mandatory fees, books, technology expenses, transportation, and other costs for the entire degree rather than comparing per-credit tuition alone.
• Finance curriculum: Look for coursework that supports your intended career, such as financial modeling, investments, corporate finance, risk management, portfolio analysis, or financial technology.
• Accreditation: Confirm that the university holds institutional accreditation and consider whether its business school has AACSB, ACBSP, or IACBE accreditation.
• Delivery format: Decide whether an in-person, hybrid, or online program will work best with your location, job, and other responsibilities.
• Program length: Compare credit requirements, course schedules, prerequisite expectations, and accelerated options to estimate how quickly you can finish.
• Experiential learning: Projects, investment funds, case competitions, internships, and industry partnerships can help you apply classroom concepts and strengthen your résumé.
• Faculty and career services: Review faculty expertise, employer connections, alumni networks, career coaching, and recruiting opportunities.
• Financial aid: Ask each school about scholarships, assistantships, employer partnerships, military benefits, and other funding opportunities before comparing your final costs.

Career Outlook With a Master’s in Finance Degree

A master’s degree in finance can prepare you for analytical positions involving investments, corporate finance, valuation, forecasting, and risk. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that financial and investment analysts earn a median annual wage of $101,350, while employment for financial analysts is projected to grow 6% from 2024 through 2034.

Financial management may become an option after you gain substantial professional experience. According to the BLS, financial managers earn a median annual wage of $161,700, and employment is projected to grow 15% from 2024 through 2034. These are national figures, so your salary may vary based on your role, experience, employer, credentials, and location within Ohio.

FAQs About Affordable Master’s in Finance Degrees in Ohio

Comparing degree titles, formats, and accreditation can make the program search feel complicated. These answers address several common questions you may have as you evaluate affordable finance graduate programs in Ohio.

Is a Master’s in Finance Degree Worth It?

A master’s degree in finance may be worthwhile if you want advanced financial expertise, stronger analytical skills, or access to positions that prefer graduate education. Its value depends on the program’s cost, curriculum, career support, and alignment with your goals. Comparing the net price after financial aid with your expected career benefits can help you make an informed decision.

What Is the Difference Between an MS in Finance and an MBA in Finance?

An MSF or MFin generally focuses closely on investments, valuation, corporate finance, financial modeling, and related technical subjects. An MBA with a finance concentration combines a smaller group of finance courses with broader studies in leadership and business administration. The specialized degree may suit analytical career goals, while an MBA may be a better match for professionals pursuing management responsibilities.

Do You Need a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance?

You generally need a bachelor’s degree to enter a finance master’s program, but it does not always have to be in finance. Applicants from business, economics, accounting, mathematics, engineering, and other fields may qualify, although some schools require prerequisite courses. Review each program’s expectations for accounting, statistics, economics, and calculus before applying.

Are There Online Master’s in Finance Programs in Ohio?

Ohio students can find online and flexible graduate finance options, although the selection of specialized finance master’s degrees is smaller than the selection of MBA programs. The University of Cincinnati offers an online MS in Finance, while schools such as Franklin University, Tiffin University, and the University of Toledo offer online MBA pathways with finance coursework or concentrations. Confirm whether an online program includes scheduled virtual meetings, residencies, or other in-person requirements.

Is AACSB Accreditation Important for a Finance Master’s Degree?

AACSB accreditation can indicate that a business school meets established standards related to curriculum, faculty, academic quality, and continuous improvement. However, ACBSP and IACBE are also recognized business accreditors, and institutional accreditation remains essential when evaluating any university. Accreditation should be one factor in your decision alongside cost, curriculum, outcomes, format, and student support.

Who Should Consider a Master’s in Finance Program?

A finance master’s program may work well for recent graduates seeking specialized skills, working professionals preparing for advancement, and career changers with strong quantitative interests. You should be comfortable working with financial data, analytical tools, and economic concepts. If you want broader leadership preparation instead, an MBA with a finance concentration may fit your plans more closely.

Explore Affordable Master’s in Finance Degrees

Browse finance and business degree options on Learn.org to compare programs that match your budget, preferred format, and professional goals. Contact prospective schools to confirm current admissions requirements, financial aid opportunities, and program details before applying.