7 Affordable Online Finance Degrees in New York 2025

New York City is essentially the financial capital of the United States. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the NYC metropolitan area employs far more financial analysts and other finance professionals than any other area of the country.

These roles require some amount of higher education, usually a bachelor's degree. If you can't make it to campus, there are many low-cost online colleges in New York that offer various programs, including finance programs. Keep reading to discover affordable online finance degrees in New York.

Affordable Online Finance Degree Programs in New York

There are several affordable online finance degree programs in the U.S. This includes several in New York State, especially for students who qualify for the Excelsior Scholarship. We've highlighted these below. Each of these schools has regional accreditation.

1. Empire State University

Empire State University is part of the public State University of New York (SUNY) system. It's based in Saratoga Springs, NY, and offers a bachelor's and a master's degree in finance online. The bachelor's degree in business, management, and economics with a concentration in finance encompasses key principles in:

• macroeconomics and microeconomics
• financial and managerial accounting
• business law.

The tuition rate is $3,535 per semester for in-state students and $4,240 for out-of-state students. In-state students may qualify for the Excelsior Scholarship, a scholarship that covers full tuition costs. It's available to undergraduate students with a family income under $125,000 per year who are studying at a public New York university.

The Master of Science in finance program allows students to study general finance or pursue a concentration in corporate finance or international finance. Tuition costs $5,655 per semester for in-state students and $6,785 per semester for out-of-state students.

2. Excelsior University

At Excelsior University, students can earn an online Bachelor of Science in business with a specialization in finance. This program includes coursework on global financial markets and banking, financial management of corporations, financial risk evaluation, and securities and portfolio analysis.

Excelsior University is a private online college headquartered in Albany, NY. It charges $510 per credit hour for this program. The school also offers several scholarships and accepts federal and state financial aid as well.

3. Lehman College

A Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in finance is available through Lehman College. The school is part of the public City University of New York (CUNY) system and is located in the Bronx borough of New York City.

The online bachelor's program covers the foundations of finance, as well as concepts in corporate finance and security and investment analysis. The tuition rate is $305 per credit hour for in-state students and $620 for out-of-state students. Several financial aid options are available, including the Excelsior Scholarship.

4. Medgar Evers College

Medgar Evers College offers an online Bachelor of Science in financial economics through its School of Business. The program includes coursework on corporate finance, financial planning, securities, and international economics.

MEC is another member of the CUNY system and is based in Brooklyn. In-state students pay $305 per credit hour and may qualify for the Excelsior Scholarship. Out-of-state students pay $620.

5. State University of New York at Canton

SUNY Canton is located in Canton, a city in upstate New York. It offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance online that features courses on:

• financial compliance and regulations
• financial institutions
• investment management
• risk management

This online bachelor's degree has a tuition rate of $3,535 per semester for in-state students and $4,240 for out-of-state students. Financial aid, including the Excelsior Scholarship, is available to help online learners pay for their business degrees.

6. Touro University

Students at Touro University can earn an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) in finance. The program provides a solid foundation in business as well as courses in budgeting, investments, and global finance.

Touro is a private Jewish university based in New York City. The tuition rate is $500 per credit for this graduate program, and financial aid is available.

7. Utica University

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) in finance/accounting is available online through Utica University. The private school is located in Utica, NY.

Students in this finance major explore topics like financial statement analysis and corporate finance. The program costs $700 per credit hour before any financial aid has been applied.

Our Selection Criteria

To choose the schools above, our methodology was fairly simple. We looked for colleges that:

• are located in New York State
• hold regional accreditation
• are public or nonprofit
• offer online bachelor's or master's degrees in finance
• have a tuition rate of under $500 per credit for bachelor's degrees

Additionally, we listed only online colleges that accept FAFSA. Most of these schools also offer their own financial aid programs as well.

FAQs About Low-Cost Online Programs in Finance

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about low-cost online programs in finance.

Are Online Finance Degrees Worth It?

For many students, earning an online finance degree is worth it. Most online programs are asynchronous, meaning students have the flexibility to complete their coursework on their own time. This is a great way for busy students to earn their degrees.

A degree in finance will prepare you for a successful career in the financial services industry. They include courses on financial management, investment management, risk management, corporate finance, financial markets, valuation, and more.

They'll also help you develop soft skills like critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving. Many include internships to give you hands-on, real-world experience in the finance field.

How Much Does It Cost To Get a Finance Degree Online?

Of the programs listed above, online bachelor's degrees in finance range from about $300 to $500 per credit hour. However, many things can affect the affordability of your program, such as:

• whether you're earning a bachelor's or master's degree
• if you are an in-state or out-of-state student
• whether you study full-time or part-time
• how many credit hours you need
• what financial aid you qualify for

All online students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This determines your eligibility for federal programs, like the Pell Grant, and state programs, like the Excelsior Scholarship.

Additionally, if you have college credits or an associate degree, look for online colleges that accept transfer credits. This allows you to move those credits into your new program, shortening the length of time to complete the degree and reducing the amount you need to pay.

What Can I Do With an Online Finance Degree?

There are several career paths you can take with a degree in finance. Some common finance jobs include:

• financial advisor
• financial analyst
• hedge fund manager
• insurance agent
• investment banker
• real estate officer

Some more advanced roles may require years of work experience, graduate school, or industry certification. For example, to become a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), you'll need at least three years of work experience and to pass the CFA exams.

Explore Online Colleges and Bachelor's Degrees Today

Find the perfect online finance degree by exploring the quality education programs featured on Learn.org. Contact individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid options.