Affordable Online Finance Degrees in Illinois 2025

Although finance majors are usually offered through a university's school of business, finance-related career paths can lead to positions in almost every industry. Learners looking to start these paths can find affordable finance degree programs online. These online bachelor's degree programs teach the fundamentals of finance and often include additional specialization options that can lead to specific career opportunities.

Students can find affordable online degrees in Illinois, other Midwest states, and beyond to help meet their career goals. These distance education programs provide students with flexible and affordable learning opportunities, no matter where they live.

Affordable Online Finance Degree Programs in Illinois

Illinois-based students can enroll in an affordable finance-focused online education program offered in-state. This online program allows students to earn their bachelor's of business administration (BBA) while capitalizing on in-state financial aid benefits without going on campus.

1. Western Illinois University

Students at Western Illinois can earn a Bachelor of Business in finance. This program uses simulated labs and case studies to provide hands-on and real-world experience for online students. In addition to online courses, learners can also participate in internships for further real-world learning. This bachelor's degree program can be used in an accelerated online MBA (Master of Business Administration), resulting in two degrees in five years.

Online students at Western Illinois University pay $336.50 per undergraduate credit hour. Some students can qualify for the President's Scholarship, which covers the full cost of tuition, while others can qualify for the AIM HIGH Western Commitment or other scholarships.

Other Affordable Online Finance Programs

Out-of-state online programs allow learners to earn degrees without sacrificing their schedules or budgets. Enrollment in these programs can lead to entry-level careers, online master's degree programs, and preparation for advanced certification programs.

1. Southern New Hampshire University

The online Bachelor of Science in finance from Southern New Hampshire also has a financial planning concentration. Students can earn this stand-alone degree or use it in an accelerated Bachelor of Science to Master of Science degree pathway. The online undergraduate tuition rate at SNHU is $330 per credit hour, but this can be reduced with transfer credits, military discounts, and financial aid programs.

2. University of Houston

The University of Houston offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration with a finance concentration. This BBA combines theoretical and practical approaches to financial skills needed to work with individual financial management and corporate finance.

Online students at the University of Houston pay $409.25 per credit hour, regardless of residency. They can qualify for merit-based scholarships and need-based grants to help cover college costs.

3. Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University offers a Bachelor of Science in applied personal finance. This program focuses on personal financial advising and prepares students for the Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) examination. Skills covered in this degree program include Microsoft Excel, consumer financial management, and counseling skills.

Online students pay $430 per credit hour at TTU. Texas Tech offers merit and competitive scholarships based on the the individual colleges and academic programs students attend.

4. Indiana University

Indiana University online learners can earn a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a finance concentration. Coursework in this degree includes financial accounting, general finance, and decision-making.

In-state students pay $257.23 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $378.10 per credit hour. All admitted students can apply for the IU General scholarship, which will help them learn more about the personalized scholarships that are available.

5. University of Maryland Global Campus

The Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland Global Campus prepares students for career paths or to sit for the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) exams. Coursework in this program includes financial analysis, risk management, and financial technology and information systems.

The tuition rates at UCMG are $324 and $499 for in-state and out-of-state students, respectively. Students at UMGC qualify for grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. There are also payment plan options to help spread out total costs.

6. Western Governors University

Western Governors University has an online Bachelor of Science in finance that students can complete through self-paced courses. In this program, they'll develop skills in valuation, portfolio management, and financial planning.

What makes this degree affordable is the fact that students can take as many courses as they want in six months for a flat rate of $3,955. They can reduce the cost of tuition by applying for state-based scholarships and grants or by using special discounts if they have served in the military.

7. University of Arizona Global Campus

The University of Arizona Global Campus offers a Bachelor of Arts in finance. Students complete five-week-long courses one at a time, allowing for a flexible learning program. This degree program focuses on the theories and practical methodologies of finance as well as studying the legal, ethical, and regulatory environments that finance professionals work within.

Even though UAGC's online tuition is $460 per credit hour, students receive access to ScholarshipUniverse, a platform that helps them identify their scholarship options.

Our Selection Criteria

We used three main criteria to put together these rankings to ensure that we suggest only the most reputable and affordable online finance programs.

• Accreditation: Accreditation status ensures a high-quality degree program that meets education standards set by regional or national bodies. Programs without accreditation won't qualify you for graduate programs or career paths. We tried to select programs with AACSB, ACBSP, or similar accreditation.
• Flexibility: Online learners often need flexible schedules. These programs allow students to complete their degree at their own pace with full-time or part-time enrollment.
• Affordability: We selected programs with tuition rates at or below $500 per credit hour after grants and scholarships are applied. We highlighted affordable online colleges that accept financial aid to ensure that you can reduce tuition costs.

FAQs About Low-Cost Online Finance Degrees

As an aspiring financial service provider, you may have some questions about earning a finance degree. Some of the most common questions, which we've answered below, are about total costs, career outcomes, and the legitimacy of these degrees.

How Much Does an Online Finance Degree Program Cost?

According to U.S. News & World Report, the average cost of an online bachelor's degree ranges from $40,926 and $63,405. Total costs will change based on whether your school is for-profit or nonprofit, public or private, and where you live. Students will also find the lowest average costs at online colleges that accept transfer credits.

What Can I Do With an Online Finance Degree?

Students with an online finance degree can pursue graduate degrees, entry-level careers, and advanced certifications. Some of the entry-level careers include financial analysts, personal financial advisors, and corporate finance accountants.

Are All Online Bachelor of Finance Programs Legitimate?

Not all online finance programs are legitimate. The only way to ensure that your degree is legitimate is to check accreditation. If your degree is accredited, it will be legitimate and can lead to graduate programs, careers, and more.

Explore Low-Cost Online Bachelor's Degrees Today

Use our resources to learn more about individual universities, their degree programs, and admission requirements. Once you've found the best programs for your goals, request additional information from the schools or start your application process today.