Best MBA in Finance Programs

Best MBA in Finance Programs
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Dr. Jed Macosko
Published:

Top 10 Colleges and Universities in Maine

  1. New York University
    • Tuition Fees: $126,874
    • Graduate Enrollment: 639 students
  2. University of Pennsylvania
    • Tuition Fees: $126,716
    • Graduate Enrollment: 1754 students
  3. Harvard University
    • Tuition Fees: $83,038
    • Graduate Enrollment: 1953 students
  4. University of Chicago
    • Tuition Fees: $125,937
    • Graduate Enrollment: 1307 students
  5. Northwestern University
    • Tuition Fees: $82,805
    • Graduate Enrollment: 1442 students
  6. University of Florida
    • Tuition Fees: $61,260
    • Graduate Enrollment: 57 students
  7. UCLA
    • Tuition Fees: $74,618 for in-state and $74,618 for out-of-state
    • Graduate Enrollment: 610 students

Key Takeaways

  • Earning an MBA in finance programs helps students to acquire special financial management skills that are valuable for jobs in banking, government, and nonprofit organizations.
  • There will be 911,400 new job openings in the finance and business sectors over the next decade.
  • Median annual wages for financial managers as of 2023 is higher-than-average at $156,100.

Looking to land jobs similar to investment bankers, risk managers, corporate financiers, and financial analysts? MBA in finance programs can be your best bet! We know finding an affordable, high-quality, and well-structured MBA finance program is not easy. That’s why we have researched some of the best MBA in finance programs to help you realize your dream.

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Best MBA in Finance Programs

MBA finance programs help students acquire special financial management skills necessary for banking, government, and nonprofit organization jobs. This is one of the main reasons why the job scope of MBA finance is extremely lucrative. According to the BLS, there will be 911,400 new job openings in the finance and business sectors through 2032.

Thankfully, landing these jobs won’t be a hard nut to crack if you have completed an MBA in finance program at a prestigious business institute. We have compiled a list based on curriculum, tuition fees, accreditation, and staff capability. Let’s walk through them to help you find the most suitable options.

  1. #1

    New York University

    New York , NY
    #8 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #11 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #12 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #12 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    65K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at New York University

    Cost of Degree: $39,592
    Expenses: $23,927
    Starting Salary: $106,308
    Salary after 4 years: $140,374
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    • Financial Aid: Yes
    • Acceptance Rate: 31.4%
    • Employment at Graduation Rate: 85.7%
    • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

    Overview of NYU Stern

    • Tuition Fees: $126,874
    • Graduate Enrollment: 639 students
    • Average Salary: $168,182

    What Do We Love About NYU Stern?

    NYU Stern’s MBA in Finance is ranked among the top programs globally, offering rigorous coursework and practical experience. Students engage with advanced finance theories and practices taught by leading scholars, including Nobel Laureate Robert Engle.

    That’s how it prepares students for leadership roles in finance sectors such as investment banking, corporate finance, and asset management. The program also offers unique opportunities through Stern Solutions’ experiential learning projects.

    • NYU Stern is great for students who: Want to study in a global financial hub with extensive networking opportunities.
    • NYU Stern might not be the best fit for those who: Prefer a smaller campus environment with fewer students.
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  2. #2

    University of Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia , PA
    #5 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #10 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #10 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #10 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $44,162
    Expenses: $22,286
    Starting Salary: $177,992
    Salary after 4 years: $235,028
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    • Financial Aid: Yes
    • Acceptance Rate: 24.8%
    • Employment at Graduation Rate: 83.9%
    • Accreditation: International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) 

    Overview of the University of Pennsylvania Wharton Finance

    • Tuition Fees: $126,716
    • Graduate Enrollment: 1754 students
    • Average Salary: $175,828

    What Do We Love About the University of Pennsylvania Wharton Finance?

    The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania offers a leading MBA in Finance renowned for its rigorous analytical base and comprehensive exposure to financial theories and practices. This program is well-suited for students aiming to ascend to high-level positions in the economic sectors, from asset management to corporate finance and policy making.

    The curriculum is robust, with core classes in Corporate Finance and Macroeconomics. Wharton distinguishes itself with a wide array of elective courses. This includes opportunities to specialize in the broad Finance major or the more intensive Quantitative Finance major, which is STEM-designated.

    • University of Pennsylvania Wharton Finance is great for students who: Desire a curriculum that offers flexibility to specialize deeply in areas such as quantitative finance.
    • University of Pennsylvania Wharton Finance might not be the best fit for those who: Are looking for broader managerial training because they might find the finance-focused and data-intensive approach of Wharton’s program too specific.
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  3. #3

    Harvard University

    Cambridge , MA
    #1 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #1 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #1 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2024 #1 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    3%

    Graduation

    98%

    Student body

    39K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/35

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at Harvard University

    Cost of Degree: $53,760
    Expenses: $26,277
    Starting Salary: $188,136
    Salary after 4 years: $248,423
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    • Financial Aid: Yes
    • Acceptance Rate: 13.2%
    • Employment at Graduation Rate: 70.8%
    • Accreditation: AACSB

    Overview of Harvard Business School

    • Tuition Fees: $83,038 per year
    • Graduate Enrollment: 1953 students
    • Average Salary: $171,140

    What Do We Love About Harvard Business School?

    Harvard Business School (HBS) offers a dynamic two-year MBA program known for its rigorous approach to leadership and management education. The program leverages the case method and field-based learning to provide practical, hands-on experience.

    In this first year, students engage with core business areas such as ethics, leadership, economics, and marketing. Each course is crafted to challenge students’ understanding and push them to develop analytical skills. In the second year, students select from various electives like Finance, Entrepreneurship, or International Business.

    • Harvard Business School is great for students who: Are looking for an affordable option because of its $46K for the average annual need-based scholarship award.
    • Harvard Business School might not be the best fit for those who: Can’t re-apply because the institute needs you to apply again after a year for the latest assessment for eligibility criteria.
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  5. #4

    University of Chicago

    Chicago , IL
    #4 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #4 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #4 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #4 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    21K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at University of Chicago

    Cost of Degree: $66,492
    Expenses: $22,596
    Starting Salary: $139,310
    Salary after 4 years: $183,951
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    • Financial Aid: Yes
    • Acceptance Rate: 32.6%
    • Employment at Graduation Rate: 89.3%
    • Accreditation: AACSB

    Overview of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business

    • Tuition Fees: $125,937 annually
    • Graduate Enrollment: 1307 students
    • Average Salary: $173,310

    What Do We Love About the University of Chicago Booth School of Business?

    The University of Chicago Booth School of Business offers a comprehensive MBA program with a special emphasis on finance. It is recognized for its analytical approach and flexible curriculum. Booth’s finance concentration is supervised by leading finance scholars, including Nobel laureates Eugene F. Fama and Lars Peter Hansen.

    Booth’s finance curriculum stands out for its empirical approach to evaluating risk and reward. Courses like Financial Instruments, Portfolio Management, and Financial Markets and Institutions are particularly geared towards providing a practical and theoretical understanding of the financial sector.

    • Booth School of Business is great for students who: Seek a data-driven and deeply analytical approach to finance without breaking the bank.
    • Booth School of Business might not be the best fit for those who: Prefer a curriculum with less focus on quantitative analysis.
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  6. #5

    Northwestern University

    Evanston , IL
    #14 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #15 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #16 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024 #17 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at Northwestern University

    Cost of Degree: $53,024
    Expenses: $25,926
    Starting Salary: $126,325
    Salary after 4 years: $166,806
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    • Financial Aid: Yes
    • Acceptance Rate: 33.3%
    • Employment at Graduation Rate: 85.6%
    • Accreditation: AACSB

    Overview of Northwestern Kellogg School of Management

    • Tuition Fees: $82,805
    • Graduate Enrollment: 1442 students
    • Average Salary: $169,698

    What Do We Love About Northwestern Kellogg School of Management?

    Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management offers a distinctive MBA program with a quality Finance major. This program is designed to equip students with key tools for various high-impact careers in finance, including asset management, private wealth management, corporate finance, and investment banking.

    The finance major at Kellogg starts with foundational courses that build a strong foundation in finance principles. Advanced Finance I and II courses, or Accelerated Corporate Finance, allow students to dive deeper and apply these principles to complex, real-world scenarios.

    • Northwestern Kellogg School of Management is great for students who: Aim for high-level careers in diverse finance sectors and value a curriculum that combines theory with practical application.
    • Northwestern Kellogg School of Management might not be the best fit for those who: Are seeking a finance education that focuses primarily on public sector finance or nonprofit financial management, as Kellogg’s strengths are more aligned with corporate and investment finance.
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  7. #6

    University of Florida

    Gainesville , FL
    #1 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2024 #3 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #6 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #8 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    23%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    63K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1395/30

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at University of Florida

    Cost of Degree: $12,737
    Expenses: $15,430
    Starting Salary: $94,270
    Salary after 4 years: $122,532
    Cost Recoup Time: 3 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    • Financial Aid: Yes
    • Acceptance Rate: 30.2%
    • Employment at Graduation Rate: 84.5%
    • Accreditation: AACSB

    Overview of UF Warrington College of Business

    • Tuition Fees: $61,260 for two years
    • Graduate Enrollment: 57 students
    • Average Salary: $128,333

    What Do We Love About UF Warrington College of Business?

    UF Warrington College of Business offers an MBA with high job placement success. Their full-time MBA program has an impressive median base salary breakdown. Consulting roles start at $138k, finance and accounting at $115k, and general management at $130k. The MBA program can be completed in one or two years, based on the student’s background.

    The finance curriculum at Warrington equips students with advanced financial management, investment analysis, and risk management skills. This training prepares graduates for demanding roles in diverse industries, including consumer packaged goods, consulting, and technology.

    • UF Warrington College of Business is great for students who: want to complete the MBA in finance program faster because its one-year program has the same course format as a 2-year MBA in finance.
    • UF Warrington College of Business might not be the best fit for those who: Prefer a flexible or part-time learning schedule, as the program demands significant time commitment for total immersion.
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  9. #7

    University of California, Los Angeles

    Los Angeles , CA
    #3 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #3 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #3 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    49K

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at University of California, Los Angeles

    Cost of Degree: $13,322
    Expenses: $23,579
    Starting Salary: $105,032
    Salary after 4 years: $136,520
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    • Financial Aid: Yes
    • Acceptance Rate: 40.4%
    • Employment at Graduation Rate: 74.7%
    • Accreditation: AACSB

    Overview of UCLA Anderson School of Management

    • Tuition Fees: $74,618 per year for in-state and $74,618 per year for out-of-state
    • Graduate Enrollment: 610 students
    • Average Salary: $151,140

    What Do We Love About UCLA Anderson School of Management?

    UCLA Anderson School of Management offers a comprehensive full-time MBA program. It focuses on a global perspective and leadership in the business environment. With a vibrant community and strong connections to industry leaders, the program prepares students to transition into various high-impact roles.

    The program highlights its success in career advancements, with over 86% of students switching industries or functions and enjoying an average salary increase of 85% post-MBA. Anderson’s curriculum also allows for deep customization with 15 specializations and over 115 electives available starting in the first year.

    • UCLA Anderson School of Management is great for students who: Are facing difficulties getting admission because it has relatively flexible admission application requirements.
    • UCLA Anderson School of Management might not be the best fit for those who: Want to get their hands on the MBA degree faster because the program duration is 22 months.
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Keep the Following Factors in Mind Before Choosing an MBA Finance

MBA in Finance graduates are primed for high-level financial roles such as Chief Financial Officers (CFO) and Financial Directors. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a promising job outlook for financial managers, projecting a 16% growth from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for occupations.

Median annual wages for financial managers as of 2023 stand impressively at $156,100. Achieving such roles typically requires an MBA and several years of relevant financial experience, enhancing both technical skills and strategic decision-making capabilities.

Industry Opportunities

Financial leadership is important across various sectors, including banking, government, technology, and nonprofits. Each industry offers unique challenges and opportunities for MBA in Finance graduates, from managing large-scale budgets to driving financial strategies that support technological innovations and public services.

Skills for Modern Finance Professionals

Every MBA finance professional must have unique skill sets to perform their task ideally. Here are some of them:

Analytical Proficiency

Modern finance professionals must master data analytics to make informed strategic decisions. Proficiency in interpreting complex datasets is important for risk management, investment strategy, and financial planning roles.

Advanced analytical training from an MBA program equips graduates with the skills to leverage big data, enhancing their ability to significantly influence company strategies and outcomes.

Technological Adaptability

The integration of fintech innovations in financial services demands that professionals are familiar with and adept at using cutting-edge technologies. Blockchain, artificial intelligence, and machine learning skills are becoming increasingly vital as financial processes become more automated and data-driven.

An MBA in Finance can provide critical exposure to these technologies, preparing graduates to lead in environments where digital transformation is vital.

Ethical Leadership

Ethical leadership hasn’t been more important, with financial regulations tightening and public scrutiny increasing. MBA programs emphasize corporate ethics and governance, preparing graduates to handle ethical dilemmas professionally and transparently.

The ability to uphold and champion integrity in financial practices protects organizations from legal and reputational risks and sets a standard for responsible leadership.

Related Questions

What should I look for in an MBA in finance program to align it with my career goals?

Research faculty credentials and choose those with real-world finance experience. Programs with corporate partnerships are also great choices for networking and helpful internships. Additionally, try to match elective course offerings with your interests for a better understanding.

How does an MBA in finance enhance my potential for career advancement?

An MBA in Finance enhances your career by providing leadership training for upper-management roles, specialized knowledge in financial markets and investment strategies, and increased earning potential. These skills prepare you for advanced finance positions and significant salary increases.

What are the typical prerequisites for entering an MBA in finance program?

While specific prerequisites can vary by program, many programs expect applicants to have at least two to five years of professional experience in business or finance-related roles. Additionally, some institutes require GRE or GMAT tests.

Conclusion

Pursuing an MBA in Finance can transform your career trajectory. With the right program, you’ll gain both the expertise and the network needed to navigate the complexities of the finances. Carefully assess the list of the best MBA programs in finance and pick the one that suits your career goals!

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