As financial technology, also known as fintech, is a rapidly growing field, building a career in blockchain, artificial intelligence, and machine learning applications is a smart decision. The best schools for fintech offer excellent graduate and bachelor’s degree programs in finance, business, and data science. These subjects are the foundation of future fintech innovations.
If you’re looking to get a job in the fintech industry or the financial services sector, getting a degree from the best fintech universities is a great start. This article discusses the best fintech colleges, job opportunities, and career development options.
Best Fintech College and University Rankings: Top 10 Fintech Schools at a Glance
| School | State | Formats Available | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brandeis University | MA | Online, on-campus | #42 (tied) |
| Carnegie Mellon University | PA | On-campus | #25 |
| Case Western Reserve University | OH | On-campus | #42 (tied) |
| Columbia University | NY | Online, on-campus | #2 (tied) |
| Cornell University | NY | Online, on-campus, hybrid | #17 |
| Duke University | NC | Online, on-campus, hybrid | #9 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | MA | Hybrid, on-campus | #2 (tied) |
| New York University | NY | Online, on-campus | #28 |
| Oakland University | MI | On-campus | #299 – #391 |
| University of California, Berkeley | CA | Online, on-campus | #22 |
Fintech School Rankings: Best Fintech Colleges and Universities
The best schools for fintech offer their programs in various formats, including online, in person, and hybrid. You can obtain anything from a business technology management bachelor’s degree to a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Business Intelligence and Financial Analysis.
Best Bachelor’s Degree Programs
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The Best Schools for Fintech: Types of College Degrees and University Programs Offered
Some schools offer undergraduate degrees in financial services, while others focus on graduate education in blockchain technology and risk management. Below are the different types of college degrees and university programs offered in fintech.
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Comparing Popular Degree Options
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Best Fintech Schools: Other Fintech University Rankings
The best fintech schools are renowned for their programs in financial technology, finance, business, economics, and information technology. While there are no official fintech university rankings, we chose the schools below based on their program strengths and overall ranking on global university lists.
Best Online Fintech Schools
- Brandeis University. This private university offers several online programs in fintech. Its graduate students can learn about data analytics and relevant subjects, remotely.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology. MIT is one of the world’s most renowned institutions for technology. Its online programs in fintech cater to professionals looking to earn certificates and graduate degrees to further their careers.
- University of California, Berkeley. This school has many online programs in technology, finance, and business analytics. Students can complete these programs in a shorter amount of time and learn practical skills to boost their professional development.
Best Community Colleges for Fintech
- Aims Community College. This college’s finance programs have an excellent reputation among students. They provide excellent foundational knowledge in economics, finance, and business administration courses.
- Essex County College. This public institution ranks highly among US community colleges. Its programs cover a wide range of degrees in finance, business, and management.
- Santa Barbara City College. This school’s finance department offers transferable professional degrees. Faculty and leading professionals collaborate to design these programs, and graduates are hot picks for employers.
Best Undergraduate Schools for Fintech
- Carnegie Mellon University. The fintech programs at this university span everything from artificial intelligence and product management to finance and economics, and undergraduate students can specialize in specific areas of study from the start.
- Case Western Reserve University. CWRU has several undergraduate programs focused on finance, business administration, IT, and fintech. These programs provide students with extensive knowledge of vital finance and tech principles.
- University of California, Berkeley. This school enrolls hundreds of students in its engineering and finance departments. UC Berkeley has excellent certificate and undergraduate degree programs that focus on fintech applications and other relevant fields.
Best Graduate Schools for Fintech
- Cornell University. This university provides students with world-class graduate education in data analytics, applied economics and management, and fintech. These programs prepare students for exciting careers in the fintech industry.
- Duke University. Fintech graduate programs at this school focus on the applications of artificial intelligence, quantitative financial economics, and business analytics. Students get hands-on training and relevant practical experience in real-life fintech issues.
- NYU Stern School of Business. NYU is renowned for its graduate programs in information systems and quantitative finance. These programs are essential for innovation in financial technology.
Best Fintech Schools With Dual Degree Programs
- Brandeis University | Master of Science in Finance/Master of Business Administration Dual Degree. This 79-credit dual degree program focuses on applying analytics to financial services and business management. You can earn two degrees instead of one in less time.
- Case Western Reserve University | Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Finance. This integrated study program focuses on learning specialized skills in finance analytics. The dual degree prepares students for careers in corporate finance, risk management, and equity research.
- Oakland University | Master of Science in Information Technology Management. This program caters to financial professionals who want to learn the intricacies of information technology and its applications to financial services. Students are able to obtain their undergraduate and master’s degree simultaneously.
Best Schools With Accelerated Fintech Programs
- Cornell University | Master of Science in Business Analytics. Students can complete this accelerated master’s degree program in 16 months. It has several online courses and examines analytical methods and modeling applications to business data and problem-solving.
- Duke University | Accelerated Master of Science in Quantitative Management: Business Analytics. This one-year graduate program builds on students’ prior knowledge and training in business management courses. It contains courses on advanced data science, analytics methods, and their applications.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Master of Business Analytics. This 12-month program focuses on applying data science, optimization, and machine learning tools to real-world business problems.
Easy Colleges to Get Into
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Is Graduate School for Fintech Worth It?
Yes, graduate school for fintech is worth it. The opportunities for professional development are tremendous, and you will learn valuable professional skills. According to PayScale, graduate degree holders in finance and fintech earn around $82,000, annually.
What Jobs Can You Do With a Fintech Degree?
The jobs you can do with a fintech degree are in cyber security, blockchain, digital currencies, app development, and regulatory technology. Obtaining a degree in fintech from a university or business school can set you up nicely for a career in any financial service field.
How Much Can I Earn With a Degree in Fintech?
According to PayScale, a senior financial analyst can earn between $65,000 and $100,000. Fintech associate degree holders make approximately $37,000 a year, while a PhD holder earns about $120,000.
Highest-Paying Fintech Careers
| Profession | Minimum Education | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Manager | Bachelor’s degree | $131,710 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist | Master’s degree | $131,490 |
| Product Manager | Bachelor’s degree | $103,150 |
| Cyber Security Analyst | Bachelor’s degree | $102,600 |
| Management Analyst | Bachelor’s degree | $93,000 |
| Quantitative Analyst | Bachelor’s degree | $86,159 |
| Investment Banking Associate | Bachelor’s degree | $86,000 |
| Financial Examinator | Bachelor’s degree | $81,410 |
| Financial Analyst | Bachelor’s degree | $81,410 |
| Help Desk Analyst | Associate degree | $57,910 |
Best Jobs With a Fintech Degree
The best jobs with a fintech degree include working as a finance director, compliance expert, cyber security analyst, consultant, and financial analyst. Of course, each of these roles requires different levels of education. Where you end up often depends on your skill and degrees obtained.
How Can I Pay for Fintech School?
You can pay for a fintech school using loans, scholarships, grants, or work-study programs. Additionally, some employers may offer on-the-job training and tuition assistance programs. Students can also apply for federal student aid.
- Loans. Loans are borrowed funds for tuition and other school costs. They have to be repaid with interest once your studies are done.
- Scholarships. These are available to everyone across all degree programs. You may apply for school-funded scholarships, private grants, or national scholarships. They are usually merit-based and do not have to be repaid.
- Federal student aid. You can apply for federal student aid (FAFSA) when you enroll in programs at any US higher institution. This makes it easier to fund your education.
- Employer tuition assistance. This is available to working-class professionals who want to further their education. This program allows students to work for a company, that in return, pays for part of their schooling.
How to Pay for Your Chosen School Education Path
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Choosing the Best Fintech School for You
To choose the best fintech school for you, you must consider the degree you want to get, the duration and format of the program, and the school’s academic reputation. You can also look at the course content, tuition costs, financial aid, and the degree’s applicability to possible professional fields.
Tuition Costs
The cost of obtaining a college degree is high, so you should look out for programs within your price range. Although you can apply for student aid and scholarships, it is still a good idea to look for the best programs that are within your budget.
Program Format and Duration
Choose a program that has a format and duration that suits your circumstances. Some students may go in for full-time, on-campus graduate degrees, while others enroll in online certificate programs. Consequently, working professionals may go for hybrid programs, enjoying classroom activities while connecting remotely with classmates and faculty members.
Employment Outcomes
The aim of obtaining a fintech degree is to boost your career prospects. The schools and programs you apply to should have excellent postgraduate employment rates. You may also want to look out for internship opportunities and alumni network strength.
Faculty Credentials
While the best fintech programs typically focus on similar topics and applications, the quality of education may vary depending on faculty expertise. You should consider the academic and professional achievements of the professors and other academics in your program.
Accreditation
Accredited fintech programs and schools provide students with excellent educational experiences in fintech courses. You must consider the academic accreditation information for any school you plan to enroll in. Unaccredited schools are not regarded highly by potential employers.
How to Get Into the Right School for Your Profession
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Does It Matter What College I Go to for Fintech?
No, it does not matter what college you go to for a fintech degree. While some schools have stronger programs in certain areas, the student experience is roughly the same. However, if you have a very specific career path in mind, you want to attend a college that offers the best specializations and courses to suit your career needs.
Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Fintech University Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Schools for Fintech
We ranked the best Fintech schools by consulting the university rankings conducted by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education. To further refine our Fintech university ranking methodology, we gave special consideration to reputation, graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and breadth and depth of Fintech degree program offerings.
Additional Reading About Fintech
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Best Fintech Schools FAQ
The sectors you can work in with a fintech degree are the financial sector or the tech industry. You will have the skills needed to provide expert guidance to key players in the financial industry. You can also work in the education sector as an academic director and oversee the academic applications of fintech ideas.
The best business and management schools to study fintech include Columbia Business School, Carroll School of Management, and Cambridge Judge Business School. They provide students with the education and career credentials to succeed in this demanding field.
Data from the accounting firm, KPMG, indicates that the fintech industry is one of the biggest, with global fintech investments reaching $98 billion. The biggest areas of investment were wealth-tech, regulatory technology, crypto, and cyber security.
According to CFTE, the biggest global fintech companies are Visa, Mastercard, Ant Financial, and Tencent. They employ several thousands of fintech experts. You can get a job at these companies with relevant credentials and experience.
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