Online Bachelor's Degree in Finance: Courses, Careers & Payment
An online finance degree equips students with the skills to manage investments, analyze financial markets, and develop financial strategies for businesses.
A finance bachelor's degree prepares students for a career in the financial sector, helping businesses make and spend their money wisely. Earning a finance degree online teaches all the core material an in-person degree would, but with several added benefits.
This page provides an in-depth look at an online finance degree, including the core curriculum, degree types, specializations, potential career paths, and paying for your finance degree. Using the information below, you'll be able to make a wise decision about earning a finance degree online.
What Is an Online Bachelor's Degree in Finance?
An online bachelor's degree in finance covers a wide range of topics, including investment strategies, financial markets, corporate finance, and risk management. Students learn to analyze financial data, develop investment plans, and understand the economic factors that influence financial decisions.
The curriculum typically includes courses in financial analysis, portfolio management, macroeconomics, and financial modeling. These courses help students build the technical and analytical skills needed to excel in the finance industry.
Graduates of an online finance program are well-equipped for various roles in the finance industry, such as financial analysts, investment bankers, portfolio managers, and financial planners. Additionally, the degree serves as a solid foundation for those pursuing professional certifications like Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Certified Financial Planner (CFP).
Online Finance Degree Core Curriculum
Finance degree courses not only help students develop critical thinking skills but also the confidence to handle a business's finances well. Most courses have a broad application that will help you when you enter a career in finance. We've listed common course topics below.
- Financial accounting: introduction to financial reporting and analysis, focusing on the preparation of financial statements
- Corporate finance: covers the principles of corporate financial management, including capital budgeting, financing decisions, and dividend policy
- Investment analysis: examines investment strategies, portfolio management, and the valuation of securities
- Macroeconomics: explores the broader economic environment, including inflation, interest rates, and economic growth
- Financial markets and institutions: provides an overview of financial markets, instruments, and the role of financial institutions in the economy
- Risk management: focuses on identifying, analyzing, and managing financial risks within organizations
Types of Online Finance Degrees
Finance degrees come in two formats: a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Business Administration. Both offer similar course content, but the BBA will focus more on business management than the BS.
With the BBA, graduates are more likely to become financial managers, while BS graduates work directly in finance departments.
Online Finance Degree Concentrations
If you know what type of finance field you want to enter, you can choose an online finance program that has one of the following concentrations:
- FinTech
- real estate
- wealth management and financial planning
Career Opportunities for an Online Finance Major
Earning an online degree in finance opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities in the financial sector. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles such as:
- Financial analyst: analyzes financial data to help businesses make informed investment decisions
- Investment banker: assists companies in raising capital, managing mergers and acquisitions, and providing financial advisory services
- Portfolio manager: manages investment portfolios for individuals or institutions, focusing on asset allocation and investment strategies
- Financial planner: provides personal financial planning services, including retirement planning, tax strategies, and estate management
- Risk manager: identifies and manages financial risks within organizations, including market, credit, and operational risks
- Corporate finance manager: oversees financial activities within a corporation, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis
Read more: Starting a Career in Finance
How To Choose the Right Online Finance Program
Many finance programs seem similar, but use the criteria below to pick the best online finance program.
Accredited Business School
Start by ensuring the program is accredited by a recognized accrediting body, such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Chartered Financial Analyst and Certified Financial Planner Prep
If you want a career as a CFA or CFP, then make sure that the program readily prepares you for these examinations. Does the program offer any prep courses? Are there any practice exams?
Experienced Faculty
Learning from faculty with real-world experience in the finance sector is a mark of a good program. You can research who the program's instructors are to see if they have actually worked in the field.
Financial Aid Options for Online Finance Majors
Using financial aid for a finance degree is possible without having to go into a lot of debt. Start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online to see if you qualify for any grants or loans.
Grants
Grants, which do not require repayment, are typically based on financial need. The Pell Grant is a common federal grant available to undergraduate students with financial need, and state governments and colleges may also offer grants to help cover the cost of education.
Loans
Federal loans often offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options compared to private loans. While you can use private loans, it's best to try other forms of financial aid first.
Scholarships
Scholarships are often awarded based on merit, academic achievement, or specific criteria related to finance. Organizations like the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute offer scholarships for finance students. Additionally, many universities provide scholarships for those pursuing finance degrees.
Military Benefits
If you are a military service member, veteran, or dependent, you may qualify for education benefits through the GI Bill. These benefits can cover tuition and fees and provide a stipend for living expenses.
Some schools also offer military scholarships or reduced tuition rates for service members and their families.
FAQs About Earning an Online Bachelor's Degree in Finance
Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about online finance degrees to help you make the best decision about your degree path.
Is a Bachelor's Online Degree in Finance Worth It?
Yes, the rate of return on a finance degree is quite high. You will be able to quickly earn back the money you spent on tuition once you start your finance career.
For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an 8% growth for financial analysts with 27,400 job openings each year.
Is an Online Finance Major Hard?
The difficulty of a finance major depends on your background and aptitude for math and analytical thinking. While the program can be challenging, especially in areas like financial analysis or risk management, remember that online learning is much more flexible than in-person learning.
How Much Does an Online Finance Degree Cost?
The cost of an online finance degree varies according to whether the institution is public or private and if you are an in-state or out-of-state student. According to U.S. News, tuition for the entire online program ranges from $20,000 to $80,000.
Are There Any Free or Affordable Finance Degree Programs Online?
Earning a finance degree for free could only be possible if you are awarded enough grants and scholarships. However, you can look for affordable online finance programs by opting for public colleges in your state or by starting your degree at a community college.
What Skills Will I Gain in an Online Finance Degree Program?
In an online finance degree program, you will gain skills in financial analysis, investment strategies, risk management, and corporate finance.