10 Easiest Online Finance Degree Programs 2027

Finance has a reputation as a demanding major, and some of that is earned. You'll work with financial statements, investment analysis, and corporate budgeting, so expect more numbers than you'd find in a communications or general studies program. The good news is that the math stays practical, and the right online program can make the rest of the process much more manageable.

Several schools have built their finance degrees around adult learners who need to fit coursework around a job. Self-paced assessments, monthly start dates, and transfer policies that accept up to 90 credits put finance on the list of easy online degrees that still lead to well-paying careers. The 10 programs below stand out for their flexibility, accessible admission, and streamlined requirements.

What Makes an Online Finance Degree "Easier" To Earn?

Format makes a big difference. In competency-based programs, you move on as soon as you pass an assessment, so topics you already know from work don't slow you down. Other programs offer eight-week courses and monthly or bimonthly start dates, which let you focus on one or two subjects at a time and begin whenever you're ready.

Requirements matter just as much. The finance programs on this list don't require a thesis, and most make internships optional or skip them entirely. Generous transfer limits, credit for prior learning, and exam-based credit can also cover a large share of your general education, so more of your time goes toward finance courses that connect to your career goals.

Easiest Online Finance Degree Programs

The following schools offer flexible online formats, transfer-friendly policies, and straightforward admission. Each bachelor's degree can be completed fully online.

1. Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) uses a competency-based model for its online BS in Finance. You study on your own schedule, take an assessment when you feel ready, and move to the next course once you pass, with no set class times or due dates.

Flat-rate tuition covers each six-month term, so the more courses you complete in a term, the less your degree costs. Instead of a research thesis, the program ends with a performance-based capstone in which you analyze a company's finances using spreadsheet tools. Applicants need a 2.0 GPA from high school or college, or a previous associate or bachelor's degree, and WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

2. Southern New Hampshire University

Getting started at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is simple, with no application fee, multiple start dates throughout the year, and admission decisions that typically arrive within days. You can transfer up to 90 credits into the online BS in Finance, leaving as few as 30 credits to complete at SNHU.

Courses run in condensed online terms, so you can stay on track without committing to a traditional semester. SNHU holds institutional accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), and its finance program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

3. American Public University

For a program with frequent starts and no up-front costs, American Public University (APU), a for-profit school, offers an online BS in Finance with monthly start dates and no application fee. You can transfer up to 90 of the 120 required credits, depending on how your previous coursework fits the program.

Courses run eight to 16 weeks, and the program doesn't list an internship requirement, which keeps your schedule predictable. A general finance concentration rounds out the degree without forcing you to commit to a narrow specialty. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

4. Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University (TESU) has served adult learners for decades, and its online BSBA in Finance reflects that focus. You can earn credit through transferred coursework, prior learning assessment, and TESU's own exam program, and the university notes that every course in the finance major can be completed through its own courses, exams, or a mix of both.

That exam-based path lets you test out of material you already know from work instead of sitting through a full course. The 120-credit program wraps up with a capstone project in strategic management that pulls together what you've learned. TESU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

5. University of Maryland Global Campus

Originally built to serve working adults and military students, the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) offers an online BS in Finance that you can complete entirely online. UMGC accepts up to 90 transfer credits toward the 120-credit degree, which can cut your remaining coursework to as little as one year of full-time study.

As part of the University System of Maryland, UMGC offers multiple start dates throughout the year and a large catalog of online courses. Select hybrid courses are available if you live near one of its locations and want some in-person instruction. UMGC is accredited by MSCHE.

6. Wilmington University

Wilmington University (WilmU) runs its online BS in Finance on an eight-week schedule, with new classes starting every eight weeks. If you've already earned an associate degree, you can enroll in a degree-completion path that includes only the courses you still need for the bachelor's.

The program doesn't list a capstone requirement, and faculty bring practical experience from the finance industry into the virtual classroom. You can also earn select certificates alongside your degree through WilmU's Dual-Credit ADVANTAGE option. WilmU is accredited by MSCHE, and its business programs hold specialized accreditation from the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).

7. Franklin University

Franklin University's online BS in Financial Management is designed for transfer students and working professionals. The 124-credit program is fully online, and about 80% of Franklin students take at least some of their courses online.

The final course places you on a simulated consulting team, where you complete ratio analysis, pro forma projections, and capital structure assessments for a business case. That project-based approach replaces a traditional thesis. Franklin is accredited by the HLC, and its business programs hold IACBE accreditation.

8. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) offers one of the more affordable public options on this list. Its online BBA in Finance covers personal financial planning, banking, corporate finance, and economics, giving you a broad base whether you want to work in a bank, a corporate finance department, or a wealth management firm.

Internships are encouraged but not required, and the department helps connect students with career-focused opportunities. Online students pay a single per-credit rate, so you won't face out-of-state surcharges. FHSU is accredited by the HLC.

9. Davenport University

Davenport University offers six start dates each year for its online BBA in Finance, so you don't have to wait long to begin. You can complete the program through Davenport's Global Campus or combine online classes with in-person courses in Grand Rapids or Warren, Michigan.

The 120-credit degree includes an internship or field experience in your final year, so plan ahead if you're working full time. Davenport is accredited by the HLC, and its business programs hold IACBE accreditation.

10. University of Memphis

The University of Memphis offers its online BBA in Finance through UofM Global, and you'll earn the same diploma as on-campus students. The curriculum is recognized by the CFA Institute and the CFP Board, which can help if you plan to pursue either certification after graduation.

Admission follows standard university requirements, and you'll need a 2.0 overall GPA to stay in good standing in the program. An internship course is available but optional. The University of Memphis is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

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. For finance programs, we placed extra weight on self-paced or accelerated formats, transfer flexibility, and the absence of thesis or mandatory internship requirements.

Schools with selective admission or required on-campus components didn't make the cut. The following criteria shaped the final ranking:

• Accreditation: Every school holds regional institutional accreditation, and several finance programs also carry ACBSP or IACBE business accreditation.
• Program requirements: Programs without a thesis, with optional internships, or with exam-based credit options ranked higher.
• Online availability: All 10 degrees can be completed fully online, and competency-based or eight-week formats earned extra credit.
• Student outcomes: Federal graduation and retention data helped confirm that students in each program can realistically finish.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Finance Degree Online?

A 120-credit online bachelor's in finance typically takes about four years if you start without any college credit. Year-round enrollment and accelerated courses can shorten that timeline, and the fastest online finance degrees are designed to get you through in less time by stacking short terms back to back.

Your starting point matters more than anything else. Students who transfer 60 to 90 credits often finish in 12 to 24 months, and many WGU finance graduates complete similar programs within about two years. Choosing schools that accept transfer credits and award credit for life experience can shave off even more time.

Are Online Finance Degrees Easier Than On-Campus Programs?

Online finance degrees cover the same core material as on-campus programs, including corporate finance, investments, and financial markets. At schools like the University of Memphis, online students earn the exact same diploma as students on campus, so the academic expectations don't change based on format.

The difference lies in how you complete the work. Asynchronous classes let you study at night or on weekends, and competency-based programs let you move faster through topics you already understand. On-campus students may have more face-to-face help from professors, but online students often benefit from recorded lectures, digital tutoring, and spreadsheet-based assignments that mirror real finance work.

How Much Does an Online Finance Degree Cost?

Most online bachelor's degrees in finance cost between about $250 and $550 per credit hour. For a 120-credit program, total tuition usually lands somewhere between $30,000 and $66,000, although transfer credits can reduce that number considerably.

Public universities and flat-rate programs tend to offer the lowest overall costs, and the most affordable online finance degrees often charge the same rate regardless of where you live. Competency-based programs can be especially cost-effective if you complete several courses per term. Be sure to factor in technology fees, course materials, and any exam fees when comparing programs.

Financial Aid for Online Finance Degrees

Accredited online finance programs qualify for federal financial aid, and many students combine several sources of funding. These options can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

• Federal grants: Pell Grants and other need-based federal awards don't need to be repaid. Filing the FAFSA also makes you eligible for many state grants and institutional scholarships.
• Federal student loans: Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans offer fixed interest rates and income-driven repayment options. Subsidized loans are especially valuable because the government covers interest while you're enrolled at least half-time.
• Employer tuition assistance: Banks, credit unions, insurance companies, and accounting firms frequently offer tuition benefits for finance-related degrees. Some employers also partner directly with schools like SNHU and WGU to provide discounted rates.
• Military benefits: Service members and veterans can use the GI Bill at online colleges or apply military tuition assistance toward eligible courses. UMGC and APU both have long histories of serving military students.
• Finance scholarships: Professional groups, banking associations, and community foundations award scholarships specifically for finance and business majors. Some schools also offer transfer scholarships for students who already hold an associate degree.

How To Choose the Right Finance Degree

The easiest finance program for you will depend on your schedule, your previous coursework, and the career you want. These factors can help narrow your options.

• Learning format: Decide whether you'd move faster in a self-paced, competency-based program or prefer the structure of scheduled eight-week courses.
• Transfer and prior learning credit: Compare transfer caps, exam options, and how quickly each school completes a credit evaluation.
• Business accreditation: ACBSP, IACBE, and AACSB accreditation show that a bachelor's in finance meets additional business education standards.
• Certification goals: If you're interested in becoming a CFA charterholder or certified financial planner, look for programs whose coursework aligns with those exams.
• Experience requirements: Check whether an internship is required, optional, or replaceable with your current job.

Career Outlook With an Online Finance Degree

A bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for financial analysts, one of the most common career paths for finance graduates. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, financial analysts earn a median annual wage of $103,570, and employment is projected to grow 7% through 2035, with about 29,500 openings each year.

A finance degree can also lead to roles in banking, insurance, corporate finance, and government. Budget analysts, for example, earn a median annual wage of $91,640, although employment in that field is projected to grow more slowly, at 2% through 2035. Other graduates work as loan officers, credit analysts, financial planners, or treasury specialists.

FAQs About the Easiest Online Finance Degree Programs

Finance attracts students from many different academic and professional backgrounds. These answers address a few common concerns for students considering an easier online path.

How Much Math Is in an Online Finance Degree?

Most finance programs require college algebra, business statistics, and sometimes a business calculus course. The rest of the math is applied, focusing on time value of money, ratios, and financial modeling in spreadsheets rather than abstract theory.

Is Finance Easier Than Accounting?

Many students find finance slightly less rule-intensive than accounting, since accounting coursework centers on detailed reporting standards and tax regulations. Finance leans more toward analysis and decision-making, although the two fields share several foundational courses.

Can You Earn a Finance Degree Without a Business Background?

Most online finance programs start with introductory business, economics, and accounting courses, so no prior experience is required. Your general education and business core courses provide the foundation you'll need before moving into upper-level finance courses.

Do You Need a Finance Degree To Take the CFA Exam?

The CFA Institute requires a bachelor's degree, or a combination of education and work experience, but it doesn't require a degree in finance specifically. A finance major does give you a head start, since much of the coursework overlaps with exam topics in investments, ethics, and financial analysis.

Can You Get a Finance Job Without Completing an Internship?

Many graduates land entry-level finance roles without an internship, especially if they already have work experience in banking, customer service, or bookkeeping. Certifications, Excel skills, and relevant work history can help you stand out when an internship isn't part of your program.

Find Online Finance Degrees That Match Your Goals

Learn.org offers information and resources to help you compare online finance programs by format, cost, and transfer policy. Browse programs through Learn.org and connect directly with schools to get personalized details on admission requirements, start dates, and credit transfer.