10 Most Affordable Online MBA in Finance Programs 2027

An MBA in finance gives you a broad business foundation along with a deeper focus on financial strategy, so you graduate ready for roles in corporate finance, investment management, or financial planning. Many schools price these programs at a premium, but a solid number of accredited institutions keep online finance MBAs surprisingly within reach, especially compared to traditional in-person options at private universities.

Below, you'll find ten schools that offer affordable online MBA in finance programs, along with what each one specifically brings to the table so you can start narrowing down your options. Program length, format, and concentration structure vary from school to school, so it's worth comparing a few before you settle on where to apply.

What Is a Master of Business Administration in Finance?

MBAs are master's degrees focusing on business studies. Many business schools offer them online, and many allow students to choose a concentration.

Online MBA finance programs will include core courses in business as well as coursework that helps students develop their financial management skills. Depending on the school, your online courses may be completely asynchronous, allowing you to complete them at your own time, while some may require you to meet on Zoom.

Another option for those seeking a finance career is a master's degree in finance. When considering an MBA versus a master's in finance, know that an MBA provides a more rounded business education while a master's in finance focuses specifically on finance topics.

How Much Does an Online MBA in Finance Cost?

Multiple factors affect the pricing of an online MBA, such as how many credits you need, whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student, and what financial aid (including grants and scholarships you qualify for. The cost of an online MBA can range from under $20,000 to over $100,000.

Cheapest Online Finance MBA Programs

Every school on this list keeps its online MBA in finance affordable without cutting corners on accreditation or program quality. Here's a closer look at what each program offers.

1. University of the People

University of the People is a nonprofit, private online university based in Pasadena, California, and it's accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Rather than charging standard tuition, the school uses a per-course assessment fee model, which keeps this program among the least expensive online MBAs available anywhere in the country.

The MBA includes an option to specialize in finance and earn a related certificate along the way, with a 12-course curriculum that covers core business functions alongside finance-specific coursework. Coursework runs asynchronously, which makes the program a strong fit if you're balancing work or family obligations alongside your degree.

2. Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University is a public historically Black university (HBCU) located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and its Broadwell College of Business holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The online MBA offers a finance concentration covering financial institutions, international finance, risk management, and finance in entrepreneurship.

You'll complete 29 total credits, including a capstone project that lets you apply what you've learned to a real business problem before you graduate. The program's HBCU designation and AACSB accreditation combine to make it a standout option among the more budget-friendly finance MBAs.

3. Eastern New Mexico University

Eastern New Mexico University, a public university in Portales, New Mexico, holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and its business program carries accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The online MBA offers concentrations in both accounting and finance, so you can tailor the degree toward whichever path fits your career goals.

The finance track requires 33 total credits, with core coursework in areas like managerial accounting, information systems, and operations management. Once you move into the finance specialization itself, you'll take courses in international finance, capital markets, and portfolio management.

4. University of North Carolina at Pembroke

UNC Pembroke is a public university in Pembroke, North Carolina, accredited by SACSCOC and AACSB, and it stands out for offering eight total MBA concentrations, including two finance-adjacent options. The finance concentration covers investment theory, portfolio management, and financial decision-making, while a separate financial services concentration leans more toward financial planning and risk management.

Both finance-focused paths require 36 credit hours to complete, giving you a substantial grounding in the subject matter before graduation. Having two distinct finance concentrations to choose from makes this program a flexible pick depending on whether you're aiming for corporate finance or a more client-facing financial planning role.

5. Wichita State University

Wichita State University is a public research institution in Wichita, Kansas, accredited by HLC, and its online MBA offers a finance concentration built around careers in corporate finance, investment management, and financial institutions. The degree requires 36 total credits and includes prerequisite coursework in finance and accounting fundamentals for students who need to build up that background first.

Both full-time and part-time study schedules are available, so you can adjust your pace based on your work situation. That flexibility, combined with the program's research-university backing, makes it a solid option if you want a recognizable public university on your résumé without a hefty price tag.

6. University of Nebraska at Kearney

University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) is a public university accredited by HLC, and its online MBA lets you fulfill your elective requirements through a dedicated financial analysis course cluster. That cluster includes options in tax accounting, auditing, investment analysis, and accounting information systems, giving you some flexibility in how you build out your finance-adjacent skill set.

The program requires 21 credits of core coursework plus 12 credit hours of electives, for a total that's on the lighter side compared to some other schools on this list. If you're looking for a program that lets you mix finance electives with a broader business curriculum rather than committing to a single rigid concentration, UNK is worth a look.

7. University of Central Arkansas

University of Central Arkansas (UCA) is a public university in Conway, Arkansas, accredited by HLC and AACSB, and its online MBA includes a dedicated finance concentration built around bank management, investments, international finance, derivatives, and entrepreneurial and small business finance. The program requires 30 credit hours total, with both full-time and part-time study options available.

UCA also offers multiple start dates throughout the year, which gives you more flexibility in when you begin your studies compared to programs with a single annual intake. That combination of AACSB accreditation and scheduling flexibility makes it a practical choice if you need a program that can work around an existing job.

8. Texas A&M International University

Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), located in Laredo, Texas, is a public university accredited by SACSCOC and AACSB, and its online MBA includes a concentration in international banking and finance. Coursework covers international financial markets and investments, preparing you for roles like international financial analyst or global investment banker.

The program requires 30 credits and offers six start dates per year, which is one of the more flexible enrollment schedules among the schools on this list. If your career goals lean toward finance roles with an international or cross-border focus, this concentration is fairly specialized compared to the more general finance tracks elsewhere.

9. Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a public institution in Durant, Oklahoma, accredited by HLC and AACSB, and it offers an online MBA with several concentration options, including finance. The 30-credit program includes core coursework in management information systems and managerial accounting alongside the general business curriculum.

Within the finance specialization itself, you'll take two dedicated courses: one in securities investments and another in international financial management. That narrower, two-course specialization keeps the program approachable if you want finance training without an extensive list of specialized electives.

10. National University

National University is a nonprofit, private institution based in San Diego, accredited by WASCUC, with AACSB accreditation covering its individual-based learning model and International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) accreditation covering its group-based model. You can choose between a financial management concentration, which covers portfolio management and international finance, or a financial technology (FinTech) concentration built around data analytics and FinTech regulations.

The group-based model runs on 45 quarter credits, while the individual-based model requires 30 semester credits, so the right fit depends on whether you prefer working through the material alongside a cohort or largely on your own schedule. Having a FinTech-specific option also makes this program a good match if you're interested in the intersection of finance and financial technology rather than traditional finance roles alone.

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.

• Accreditation: All schools on this list are regionally accredited, and many are from business schools that are accredited by entities like the AACSB
• Affordability: We searched to find the lowest-cost options. Most degrees listed above are less than $400 per credit.
• Program reputation: All programs are well-established, high-quality degrees.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

What To Expect From an Online MBA in Finance Program

An online MBA in finance will start by covering key business topics. These specific topics often vary by school, but usually include topics such as strategic management and organizational behavior.

Then, you'll take courses focused on finance. These may cover topics such as:

• capital structure and capital markets
• corporate finance
• derivatives
• financial management
• financial markets
• financial and investment analysis
• investment banking
• mergers and acquisitions
• portfolio management
• risk management
• valuation

If the degree is an MBA in accounting and finance, you may focus more on different types of accounting and prepare to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

FAQs About Online MBA in Finance Programs

Choosing an online MBA in finance program involves more than just comparing price tags, since admissions requirements and program structure can vary quite a bit from school to school. Here are answers to some of the questions that come up most often.

Do You Need a GMAT or GRE Score for an Online MBA in Finance?

Requirements vary widely by school. Many programs, including several on this list, waive the GMAT or GRE for applicants who meet certain work experience or undergraduate GPA thresholds, while others require standardized test scores as a standard part of the application. Checking each program's specific admissions policy before you apply saves you time and helps you focus on schools that match your current qualifications.

Can You Transfer Credits Into an Online MBA in Finance Program?

Many schools accept a limited number of transfer credits from previous graduate coursework, though the exact cap and eligibility rules differ by institution. Credits typically need to come from a regionally accredited school and often can't be more than a few years old. Reaching out to an admissions counselor early in the process is the fastest way to find out how many credits, if any, will transfer toward your specific program.

What Careers Can You Pursue With an Online MBA in Finance?

Graduates commonly move into roles such as financial analyst, financial manager, investment manager, or corporate finance manager, depending on their concentration and prior experience. Some programs, like the international banking and finance track at Texas A&M International University, also prepare students for more specialized paths in global finance. Your existing work background often plays as large a role as your degree in determining which of these paths opens up first.

Can You Complete an Online MBA in Finance Part-Time?

Most of the programs on this list offer part-time study options alongside full-time tracks, which makes it possible to keep working while you complete your degree. Part-time study naturally extends your overall timeline, often stretching a program that takes one year full-time into two or more years part-time. Balancing coursework with a full-time job takes some planning, but asynchronous online formats make that balance considerably more manageable.

What Salary Can You Expect With an Online MBA in Finance?

Earning potential depends heavily on your specific role and industry, but many finance MBA graduates land in well-compensated positions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, financial managers earn a median annual wage of $166,570, and that figure climbs further for roles like chief financial officer. Financial analysts, another common landing spot for finance MBA graduates, tend to earn less than financial managers but still see strong long-term earning potential as they advance in their careers.

Discover Online MBA Programs

Find the perfect online MBA in finance by exploring the options featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to request info on admissions requirements, enrollment, and financial aid.