Having a finance degree is a huge asset if you’re aiming for a long and lucrative career in the finance sector. With elearning reaching new heights, top universities have made it possible to easily earn the cheapest online finance degree you can afford.
These degrees are your gateway to a life of high earnings and corporate success. However, not all top-tier schools come with the most affordable online finance degree programs. What you need is an affordable program that meets your requirements.
In this article, we’ve curated a list of the most affordable and cheapest online schools for finance. You can get your qualifications and hit the ground running in the corporate world with lower expenses. Read on to learn more.
Can I Get a Finance Degree Online?
Yes, you can get a finance degree online. The Internet has revolutionized access to education, allowing most anyone to take online classes. With access to the right platform, you can get a finance degree in no time.
Why Should I Get a Finance Degree Online?
You should get a finance degree online because it’s the perfect opportunity to fit your learning schedule around your personal circumstances. You can pause the program and choose to continue whenever you’re ready. Also, pursuing an online degree fast tracks the theory stage of learning and gets you into hands-on professional experience faster.
Online finance degrees are a safe choice as you don’t have to pay as much for schooling. This is because tuition rates are lower, so you’ll spend less. Networking remains possible thanks to the interaction with faculty and colleagues across the globe. The coursework also qualifies you for exams that award must-have credentials like Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).
What Are the Most Affordable Online Finance Degree Programs in the US?
The most affordable online finance degree programs are offered by several respected schools, including Fort Hays State University, Eastern New Mexico University, and Florida State College at Jacksonville. To make sure you stay within budget, we reviewed these online programs for you. Below is a list of cheapest online finance degrees to study for. It’s a win-win because despite the low cost, you’re still getting immense value.
Cheapest Finance Degree Programs Online That Will Help You Stand Out
- Florida State College at Jacksonville | Bachelor of Science in Financial Services
- North Carolina A&T State University | Bachelor of Science in Economics
- Fort Hays State University | Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance
- Eastern New Mexico University | Bachelor of Business Administration in Applied Economics & Finance
- University of the Cumberlands | Master of Science in Finance
How Much Does an Online Finance Degree Cost?
Currently, an online finance degree has a price range between $200 to $600 per credit for both in-state and out-of-state students. Also, the total tuition cost ranges from $24,000 to $75,000. This is much cheaper than in-person universities.
The cost of the most affordable online finance degree is also determined by other factors. For instance, some schools offering online programs reduce costs for students living in the state. That said, you might incur small technology fees that on-site students are exempted from.
Will Getting a Finance Degree Online Save Me Money?
Yes, getting a finance degree online will without a doubt save you money. Learning online means you cut out the extra expenditures. You don’t need to pay for on-campus housing as everything happens remotely. Issues surrounding commuting costs are also eliminated. That said, some schools may require you to be present on campus for exams and other academic activities.
For education materials, physical textbooks are not necessarily required unless you want them for personal study. It’s a lot cheaper to get online materials, which, coincidentally, can cover a wider range of finance topics.
Online Finance Programs vs In-Person Finance Programs
The National Center for Education Statistics states that there’s an increase in students opting for online degrees, and students looking to become financial professionals are no exception. That said, in-person programs still have their perks. It all comes down to which format best suits your lifestyle. To make things easy, let’s examine each one based on the benefits.
Benefits of an Online Finance Degree
- Pay less for the same degree. Based on registration, commuting, and course materials, online finance degrees are more cost-efficient. You don’t have to break the bank to access a premium learning experience.
- Flexible schedule. From the moment you enroll, you gain full control of your education structure. This is because online programs let you align your studies to your schedule. There’s no conflict with other activities as class attendance is usually at your convenience. The fluid nature of online programs also makes the academic process less exhausting.
- Increased free time. Without needing to be on campus, you have more time on your hands. This lets you develop a healthy work-life balance where you can get immersed in your academic quest and still have extracurriculars. The extra hours of recreation improve your learning capability in the long run.
- Improved learning quality. A recurring issue that most students have associated with physical learning is loss of focus. This isn’t a problem with online, recorded lectures. If you zone out, you can go back and rewatch. That way, you don’t miss anything and can go back to lessons you don’t understand.
- Growth of time management skills. You will develop a structure for studying throughout the week despite everything going on in your life. In the long run, this skill is useful in the finance world, allowing you to be efficient in spite of distractions.
Benefits of In-Person Finance Degree Programs
- Access to more classes. Learning online is only a real advantage if all your coursework is available digitally. On the other hand, some courses are in person by default, guaranteeing you can take any classes you’d like.
- Less digital distractions. Digital learning gives access to online materials but also the temptation to access things like social media. It’s an issue that in-person learning doesn’t have as much because it’s frowned upon to browse social media while in class.
- Chance to build meaningful connections. In-person finance degree programs mean you physically meet your classmates and interact face-to-face. The opportunity to communicate physically guarantees idea sharing, allowing you to extend your network.
- Instructor availability. Earning a degree in person requires the instructor to be more intentional about your academic well-being. They have to be present for all lectures and assess your progress. This advantage isn’t available with online degrees where the lecture notes are sometimes provided with little explanation.
- Opportunity to stand out. Attending physical lectures for an in-person finance degree means you can ask questions and voice intelligent opinions. Over time, your lecturers are bound to take note of your prowess. This development gives you access to more opportunities at the academic and corporate levels.
Online Finance Degree Career Options
Getting an online finance degree places you on track for top job opportunities in the finance sector. For instance, you become eligible for positions like fintech business analyst and impact investing analyst. Commercial banker roles will also fall within your qualifications.
Finance Job Outlook
Financial analysts are definitely in demand. Professional employment is expected to grow by 6 percent from 2020 to 2030 according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Additionally, 41,000 openings will become available yearly over the next decade. These gaps will happen as professionals transfer out of the finance sector or retire, or even as new companies are created.
You can also take on employment as a financial manager. Employment projections estimate 17 percent growth from 2020 to 2030. Job openings are expected to amount to about 64,200 every year for the next 10 years.
Finance Salary
The average salary for online finance graduates in financial analysis and financial management positions is $81,400 and $131,710, respectively. This is the average median pay with the lowest-paid 10 percent of analysts earning below $48,740 and the highest-paid earning above $163,340. On the other hand, the lowest-paid 10 percent of financial managers earned below $77,040, and the highest-paid earned above $208,000 annually.
Can I Enroll in an Online Finance Program for Free?
No, you cannot enroll in an online finance program for free. There’s still a commitment fee required to pay for access to the courses or test sessions like any other university program. If you’re low on finances, you can apply for financial aid to help foot the bills.
When applying for financial aid, be sure to consider an institution’s accreditation, how to renew your financial aid every year, and if the school’s financial aid office has resources to help you get through the process.
Cheapest Online Finance Degree Programs
| School | Online Degree | Degree Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Johnston Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Accounting and Finance | $76/credit (in state); $268/credit (out of state) |
| Florida State College at Jacksonville | Bachelor of Science in Financial Services | $104.88/credit (in state); $218.55/credit (out of state) |
| North Carolina Agricultural and Technical (A&T) State University | Bachelor of Science in Economics | $120/credit (in state); $576/credit (out of state) |
| Eastern New Mexico University |
Bachelor of Business Administration in Applied Economics and Finance | $174.75/credit (in state); $257.27/credit (out of state) |
| Fort Hays State University | Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance | $226.88/credit |
| University of the Cumberlands | Master of Science in Finance | $315/credit |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro | Master of Science in Applied Economics | $383.33/credit (in state); $1,083.33/credit (out of state) |
| Franklin University | Associate of Science in Financial Management | $398/credit |
| Texas A&M University | Master of Science in Finance | $583/credit (in state); $991/credit (out of state) |
| Georgia Southern University | Master of Science in Applied Economics | $5,370/year |
Finance Degrees Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Most Affordable Online Finance Programs
We chose the most affordable finance degree programs based on tuition and general costs information from the schools’ official websites, the US Department of Education’s database of accredited schools, and the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard tool. We made sure that each school was an accredited institution, so employers will be impressed no matter which career goals you decide to pursue.
The Cheapest Online Finance Degree Programs: A Deep Dive
Common Online Finance Degree Courses
All finance degrees are structured to guarantee online students can get the best education possible. This is made possible with finance-centric courses. Typically, there are courses that teach similar subjects in each program.
Principles of Accounting I
This course covers the basics of economic and managerial accounting. Each section of the course opens with a relatable, real-life state of affairs. There are examples at some point in every chapter, so students can apply their knowledge. Students are immersed in the “why” elements of accounting in order to improve standards and retention.
Principles of Accounting II
Principles of Accounting II covers the basics of monetary and managerial accounting. Thoughtfully designed examples are presented in every section of the course. Students get to be immersed in the reasons and the methods of accounting, which will make stronger standards and commit key topics to memory.
Managerial Finance
This course gives an introduction to corporate finance with a focus on project appraisal. Topics covered include the time value of money, estimating cash flows, considering risks, performing sensitivity analysis, developing appropriate selection criteria, and evaluating projects as real options. Students apply basic knowledge of corporate finance theory to real business decisions.
Principles of Marketing
This course analyzes the business functions of marketing. Students learn how marketers create value by meeting customer needs and wants, determining which target markets the company can best serve, and deciding on the appropriate products, services, and programs to serve those markets.
Topics include brand and product development, pricing strategies, market research, merchandising, supply chain management, and service marketing. Students assess marketing metrics throughout the course to determine the impact of marketing strategies.
Principles of Management
This course is essential in introducing you to planning and decision-making. You learn to recognize the characteristics of good management, what successful managers do, and how they do it. If you have a team of people who manage or lead projects, you need to apply management principles.
Can I Apply for Federal Aid to Finance My Online Finance Degree?
Yes, you can apply for federal aid to pay for your online finance degree. The best part is that financial aid is still a valid option even if you’re not struggling with payment. That’s because you can still apply for federal, state, and school-based aid or merit-based scholarships.
That said, financial aid preferences are sometimes reserved for individuals who have experienced a drastic change in their financial situation. You’ll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine how much financial aid you can get.
Options to Help Pay for an Online Finance Degree
Depending on your financial situation, there are a variety of payment options. These funding alternatives assist you in getting the degree of your dreams. We’ve done our research and curated the top payment options you can try out.
Federal and State Grants
Given their financial nature, grants are payment options that don’t need to be repaid. This makes them a very attractive option for students chasing online college degrees. Pell Grants are the most common college grants reserved for students with exceptional financial needs.
Federal and Private Loans
Unlike grants, federal and private loans must be repaid as they are subsidized by the government. You’re usually not required to pay them during your schooling. In most cases, this period of privilege extends to six months after graduation.
Private loans take on a very different operation style. To begin with, the funding comes from private institutions like banks and credit unions. The applicant must pass a credit check to assess loan worthiness. If you fail the test or have too little credit history, you’ll need a cosigner for the loan to be granted.
Work Study
This is a funding program with a high eligibility rate for both graduates and undergraduates. It creates paid, part-time jobs for students through participating institutions. That way, the students can comfortably fund their education.
Cheapest Finance Degree Programs Online
Online degrees have proven to be some of the most affordable around. Giving you the educational flexibility you need, quality education is assured at your pace. To get started, below is a list of the cheapest degrees you can get.
Most Affordable Online Finance Associate Degrees
- Franklin University | Associate of Science in Financial Management. In just two short years, students earn an associate degree that enables them to begin a career helping companies achieve financial success. If you’re interested in furthering your education, this degree prepares you for a smooth and easy path to a bachelor’s degree.
- Johnston Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Accounting and Finance. An associate in accounting and finance provides you with real expertise in a condensed time period so that you can start your profession sooner. The curriculum ensures students meet studying goals.
- Miami Dade College | Associate of Science in Financial Services, Financial Management Online. Miami Dade College’s financial management program requires 60 credit hours of coursework in managerial accounting and financial institution cards.
- Columbus State Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Finance. Columbus State Community College offers an online Associate of Applied Science in Finance. It is a 63-credit program that includes courses in international finance and marketing principles.
- Milwaukee Area Technical College | Associate of Banking and Financial Services.
Milwaukee Area Technical College offers this Associate of Banking degree program, and you can earn the financial services trainee certificate and financial services technical diploma while completing it. Graduates also have a solid foundation for a variety of career opportunities in the industry, including personal bankers, credit specialists, and insurance agents.
Most Affordable Online Finance Bachelor’s Degrees
- Florida State College at Jacksonville | Bachelor of Science in Financial Services. This program is based on monetary training and enterprise administration, with an emphasis on banking. Subjects include money, banking and monetary markets, strategic control, and choice making. With a finance diploma, you’ll be ready for a number of jobs, including mortgage officer, credit score analyst, and financial manager.
- Fort Hays State University | Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. Prepare for a career in the commercial banking and financial services industry by earning a finance degree with a concentration in banking. With this degree, you’ll discover the ins and outs of banking, as well as an in-depth study of state and federal regulators.
- Eastern New Mexico University | Bachelor of Business Administration in Applied Economics & Finance. If you are interested in corporate finance, investment management, financial institution management, and economic research, studying business administration with a focus on economics and applied finance is a good opportunity to gain experience and knowledge in this field.
- North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University | Bachelor of Science in Economics. What sets North Carolina A&T’s BS in Economics degree program apart is the specialization. It’s a huge difference from many other business-related degrees. In addition to the Economics class requirements, you can choose up to nine electives that interest you.
- Florida International University | Bachelor of Business in Finance and Administration. This degree program educates students on how to make Informed decisions. They also learn about the nature of commercial banking. Finally, you learn how to identify metrics of bank profitability and risk return. This will be crucial in knowing how they apply to bank valuation decisions and management performance assessments.
Most Affordable Online Finance Master’s Degrees
- University of the Cumberlands | Master of Science in Finance. This master’s degree program is for working professionals seeking the advanced skills and experience needed for long-term success. The coursework uses illustrative case studies, participatory simulations, and computer-aided financial models that provide an in-depth understanding of current financial theories and practices critical to the financial industry.
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro | Master of Science in Applied Economics. The MS in Applied Economics at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro is for students who are seeking careers in business, finance, or government as economists, forecasters, policy structure analysts, monetary researchers, or managers with robust quantitative skills.
- Georgia Southern University | Master of Science in Applied Economics. This program presents college students with the abilities and capabilities important to carry out a theoretically significant empirical evaluation of monetary markets, commercial organization, authorities’ regulation, global trade, fitness care, financial improvement, and patron choice.
- Texas A&M University | Master of Science in Finance. Students experience challenging, accelerated coursework and work alongside experienced peers. You expand your skills in financial management, investing, and business research.
- University of Missouri-Columbia | Master of Arts in Economics. This degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia offers an intensive grounding in present-day economics, mixing theoretical and empirical methods.
Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Most In-Demand Finance Jobs With an Online Finance Degree
| Finance Job | Required Education | Job Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Manager | Bachelor’s Degree | 17% |
| Economist | Master’s Degree | 13% |
| Accountant/Auditor | Bachelor’s Degree | 7% |
| Financial Analyst | Bachelor’s Degree | 6% |
| Personal Financial Advisor | Bachelor’s Degree | 5% |
Best Jobs With an Online Finance Degree Explained
The career opportunities made possible with a finance degree are exceptional. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook alone for a job like a financial manager is expected to grow by 17 percent in the next 10 years. With consistent growth potential, you can rocket to the top of your profession. We’ve done the research and come up with the top finance jobs you can apply for.
Is an Online Finance Degree Worth It?
Yes, an online finance degree is worth it. In fact, it’s a perfect education option for many people. It gives you added flexibility in your professional finance career. As a bonus, it increases the level of access to other finance areas.
Additional Reading About Finance
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Cheapest Online Finance Degrees FAQ
Yes, online degrees are without a doubt cheaper. With no need to pay for on-campus housing or physical textbooks, the cheapest online finance degrees are truly cost-effective.
According to our findings, Johnston Community College offers one of the cheapest online finance degree programs.
The easiest online degree to obtain is an Associate of Science in Financial Management. These two-year finance degrees have been listed as being the easiest to get alongside education and liberal arts courses.
For the cheapest online finance degrees, associate degrees are the shortest programs because they are two-year degrees at the most. This is closely followed by bachelor’s degrees, which take around four years.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
