10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor’s of Finance Degree Programs

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We ranked the fastest online bachelor’s degree programs in finance.

Key Takeaways

  • An accelerated finance degree program is ideal if you’re working under time constraints or want to complete a previously started degree.

  • An accelerated online bachelor of science in finance program also works for returning students who started an undergraduate program but were unable to complete it.

  • Advantageous as it looks, an accelerated online bachelor of science in finance degree doesn’t come easy and will require students to work hard and study efficiently.

Whether you are a working professional, need to finish an undergraduate degree program, or just want to spend less time in school, enrolling in an accelerated online bachelor’s degree in finance might be your best bet.

An online bachelor’s in finance program not only equips you with knowledge in financial management and investment strategies, but also allows you to complete the degree in a shorter time frame.

Aside from the early completion, an online accelerated bachelor of science in finance degree also offers a promising return on your investment. Many business organizations, public establishments, and government offices are looking for individuals with a solid understanding of financial markets, accounting, and cash flow.

This means that outstanding graduates of bachelor of finance online degree programs have a high probability of a promising career in the financial sector or in a financial occupation.

About Online Bachelor’s of Finance Degree Programs

Students in a finance degree program will study topics such as financial analysis, financial accounting, wealth management, business management, and many more.

These skills can easily be transferred to the fast-paced world of banking, financial management, corporate finance, and economics.

An online degree in finance prepares you for a career in financial analysis, accounting, or financial planning. Financial analysts with a bachelor of finance degree are capable of earning a median salary of $95,570 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Admission Requirements

Schools that offer accelerated online bachelor of finance program have different admission requirements.

These are the admission requirements common to schools offering accelerated online undergraduate finance programs:

  • A completed online application application
  • Official high school or college transcripts
  • A cumulative GPA of 2.0 - 3.0
  • Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT) scores
  • Personal statement or essay

Key Point: Some programs might also require an interview process.

Curriculum and Courses

Schools offering accelerated online finance programs have different courses, although there are similarities in programs. There are always general education courses, core finance courses, and electives.

For transfer students, credits from general education courses that were previously earned may be transferable to their new school. Each school’s policy is different, so transfer students will need to check with the guidance office about transfer credit.

The typical courses offered in a bachelor of finance degree program include:

  • Financial management
  • Financial regulations and ethics
  • International finance
  • Financial markets and institutions
  • Fundamentals of investments
  • Financial accounting
  • Managerial accounting
  • Business statistics
  • Economics
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Mathematics

Key Point: A Bachelor’s of Finance program will cover many interdisciplinary subjects, depending on the curriculum of your particular.

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Careers for Accelerated Online Bachelor of Science in Finance Degree Holders

Graduates of an accelerated finance degree have the credentials to qualify for several careers, including:

  • Finance Manager
  • Financial Analyst
  • Financial Advisor
  • Financial Examiner
  • Management Analyst
  • Investment Banker
  • Financial Planner
  • Hedge Fund Manager
  • Wealth Manager
  • Budget Analyst

Key Points: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, finance-related occupations are projected to grow by 9% from 2021 to 2031 in terms of employment opportunities.

The picture is even brighter for financial managers. Jobs for these positions are expected to grow by 17% from 2021 to 2031.

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Factors for Choosing an Accelerated Finance Degree Online

If you aspire to a career in the finance industry, you must be sure that you can tackle the challenges of an accelerated online finance degree program.

Choosing a top-notch online degree program will help to make your professional journey easier. A solid program will provide you with the knowledge that makes you ready for the business world.

Furthermore, an online degree program in a reputable college or university should have the integrity, reputation, and track record to convince employers that their graduates deserve a place in the employer’s organization.

We have even more accelerated bachelor’s degrees in our Guide to Accelerated Programs.

Here are the factors that you need to consider when choosing a school that offers an accelerated online bachelor of science in finance degree program:

  • Accreditation: Accreditation is vital. It signifies that the school’s educational are in compliance with the standards of the Department of Education and the accrediting body. A school must also be accredited in order to offer federal financial aid to its students.
  • Cost: Cost is an inherent element of every educational pursuit. But since cost differs from one school to another, you must ensure that the online school you choose is affordable while still providing a quality education.
  • Financing Options: Accredited colleges and universities will offer financial aid options including grants, scholarships, and loans for students who qualify. Some will also offer work-study programs.
  • Course Delivery: Online education courses are delivered in three different ways: synchronous (live online classes), asynchronous (classes that can be attended anytime), and blended or hybrid (a mix of both synchronous and asynchronous). Choose a school that offers the type that suits your schedule.
  • Academic Support: Academic support is a valuable element of distance learning. Give due credit to schools that provide students with online resources such as references and tutorials. You will need these to gain a deeper understanding of your lessons.
Students watching a financial meeting
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10 Fastest Online Bachelor’s of Finance Degree Programs

Auburn University — Harbert College of Business

Auburn University’s accelerated online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) Major in Finance is a degree completer program. It is designed for working students who have earned at least 45 credit hours towards their degree but were unable to complete their undergraduate education. Auburn’s BSBA - Finance program teaches major business courses, including finance, accounting, strategic management, investment strategies, and marketing.

  • Number of Credit Hours: 63
  • Duration: 24 months
  • Format: Online

What we love about Auburn University:

Auburn’s multidisciplinary business curriculum will equip you with creativity, knowledge, and the ability to solve complex business problems. Its accelerated online BSBA - Finance program provides you with the same high-quality education as its traditional on-campus classes. It offers internship programs that allow you to gain valuable hands-on experience while earning credits. Its finance program consists of expert faculty whose experience in management and corporate finance can help to mold you into a successful finance professional.

Auburn University is ideal for students who:

Look for a school where they can learn, grow, and be able to leap into the future with confidence.

Auburn University might not be the best fit for students who:

Are carefree and don’t see Auburn as family and a place to belong to.

University Fast Facts

  • Location: Auburn, Alabama
  • Institution Type: Public - Land Grant
  • Admission Rate: 85.1%
  • Graduation Rate: 78.1%
  • Online Student Enrollment: 5,642
  • Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Learn More about Auburn University.

Rasmussen University School of Business

The online Bachelor’s in Finance degree at Rasmussen University School of Business is a degree completion program that can help make your desire to become a financial industry leader come true. It is a fast and flexible online degree program that provides you with the knowledge and skills to apply theories, build financial models, and formulate concepts to solve real-world business problems.

Rasmussen also allows you to take a self-directed assessment. It lets you demonstrate your knowledge in a particular course. Passing this assessment means you can opt to waive the course. It translates to cost and time savings - but the school requires you to pay $149 for the assessment.

As a bonus, Rasmussen also offers an accelerated master’s degree pathway. It is a program that allows enrollees of the accelerated bachelor of finance program to take one MBA course for free. Should you decide to pursue your MBA at Rasmussen, the university will take $825 off your total fees, together with a higher level of education that can help to give you professional and financial success.

  • Duration: 18 months
  • Format: Online

What we love about Rasmussen University:

Rasmussen’s accelerated online Bachelor of Finance degree program will help you learn all the skills and confidence you need to thrive in the business world in as short as 18 months.

The program is your key to earning the skill and confidence to convey your findings, observations, and recommendations and convey these to diverse audiences, including people in higher levels of government and private business organizations.

Rasmussen University is ideal for students who:

Love innovation and empowerment. It may be the best place for students who love to exceed expectations through academic excellence.

Rasmussen University might not be the best fit for students who:

Lack the motivation to move ahead and be the best they can be in and out of their classroom.

University Fast Facts

  • Location: Bloomington, Minnesota
  • Institution Type: Private
  • Admission Rate: 100%
  • Graduation Rate: 41.8%
  • Online Student Enrollment: 15,254
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Learn More about Rasmussen University.

California State University East Bay College of Management

 

California State University’s East Bay College of Management offers an accelerated online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Finance concentration program. It is intended for working adults who want to enroll in a regionally accredited university that offers an online BSBA degree.

  • Number of Credit Hours: 54
  • Duration: 24 months
  • Format: Online

What we love about California State University East Bay College of Management

The bachelor of science in business administration program at East Bay College of Management consists of core courses that develop and hone your understanding of financial markets and business in general.

It offers several concentrations that allow students to focus on their area of interest. These concentrations include Finance, Accounting, Human Resources Management, Risk Management, IT Management, Marketing Management, and Supply Chain Management.

The faculty members of East Bay’s BSBA-Finance program are renowned in the fields of business and economics. They’re the same professionals that mentor the students in East Bay’s BSBA-Finance completion program.

California State University East Bay College of Management is ideal for students who:

Desire to earn a strong foundation in business, including a deep understanding of financial markets, international finance, global business affairs, communication and teamwork, ethical responsibilities, financial planning, financial management, financial statement analysis, and general management. The school’s online programs are ideal for committed and independent students who want to learn at their own pace.

California State University East Bay College of Management might not be the best fit for students who:

Don’t qualify for the school’s degree completion program, which is designed for students with undergraduate credits who intend to return or transfer from another college or university.

University Fast Facts

  • Location: Hayward, California
  • Institution Type: Public
  • Admission Rate: 73%
  • Graduation Rate: 50%
  • Online Student Enrollment: 13,100
  • Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Learn More about California State University East Bay.

Lamar University Online

The online Bachelor of Business Administration-Finance concentration at Lamar University may not be a fully accelerated finance degree program. But it accepts transfer credits from students who have taken similar courses from other accredited universities—if they will enroll at Lamar’s fully online BBA-Finance degree program. Doing so will enable the students to finish their studies at the appointed time.

  • Credit Hours:120
  • Duration: 24 months
  • Format: Online

What we love about Lamar University Online

Lamar’s BBA-Finance degree program is designed to provide you with theoretical knowledge and analytical tools essential in real-world business. Major courses in this program include finance, marketing, management, and business law. It also equips you with advanced skills in financial statement analysis, financial planning, financial management, risk management, wealth management, problem-solving, communicating, and valuation of bonds and common stocks.

Lamar University Online is ideal for students who:

Seek quality, affordable, and dynamic online courses.

Lamar University Online might not be the best fit for students who:

Are not comfortable with fast-paced, innovative curricula and a diverse student population.

University Fast Facts

  • Location: Beaumont, Texas
  • Institution Type: Public
  • Admission Rate: 82.7%
  • Graduation Rate: 26.6%
  • Online Student Enrollment: 2,166
  • Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International

Learn More about Lamar University.

DeSales University

DeSales University’s online Bachelor in Finance degree is designed to provide you with a deep understanding of financial systems, principles, and processes. It can also equip you with adeptness and mastery of financial management, financial planning, risk management, banking, corporate finance, security analysis, foreign exchange, etc.

  • Credit Hours: 120
  • Duration: 24 months
  • Formats: Online and In-person

What we love about DeSales University

DeSales’ accelerated bachelor of finance degree program is available in traditional and online formats. It is manned by highly experienced faculty ready to share their expertise to help you embark on a fruitful and promising career as a financial professional.

DeSales’ delivers its accelerated finance program in convenient on-campus and online formats. Its courses are taught by experienced renowed faculty who are committed to imparting with you their industry expertise and personalized advise.

DeSales University is ideal for students who:

Aspire to learn not only about cash flow but increase their personal net worth. It is fit for students who want to pursue a career in financial management, banking, or security analysis.

DeSales University might not be the best fit for students who:

Lack fascination for finance, management, economics, and analyzing financial reports.

University Fast Facts

  • Location: Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania
  • Institution Type: Private
  • Admission Rate: 78%
  • Graduation Rate: 69%
  • Total Student Enrollment: 3,189
  • Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)

Learn More about DeSales University.

Bemidji State University

The online BS in Business Administration-Finance at Bemidji State University focuses on making their students the center of a financial decision-making mentorship, especially in financial planning, capital budgeting, risk management, corporate finance, investment management, and much more.

  • Credit Hours:120
  • Duration: 24 months
  • Format: Online

Why we love Bemidji State University

While Bemidji is smaller when compared to other higher education institutions in Minnesota, it is still home to excellent research and environmental facilities, namely its aquatic biology laboratory, the CV Hobson Memorial Forest, and the Center for Environmental, Economic, Earth and Space Studies.

Bemidji State University is ideal for students who:

Intend to enroll in a degree completion program with 24 to 60 transfer credits from other accredited colleges.

Bemidji State University might not be the best fit for students who:

Have just graduated from high school, because its accelerated BSBA-Finance is a degree completion program.

University Fast Facts

  • Location: Bemidji, Minnesota
  • Institution Type: Public
  • Admission Rate: 69.4%
  • Graduation Rate: 45.1%
  • Online Student Enrollment: 4,577 (Total)
  • Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), and Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Learn More about Bemidji State University.

Woman doing calculations

University of Maryland Global Campus

The online bachelor of science degree in finance at the University of Maryland Global Campus equips students with sharp analytical skills and a deep understanding of finance theories and financial statements.

  • Credit Hours:120
  • Duration: 28 months
  • Format: Online

What we love about the University of Maryland Global Campus:

UMGC’s accelerated online bachelor’s degree program in finance consists of expert faculty members committed to providing you with knowledge of international finance, corporate finance, economics, and business and accounting principles. It immerses you in intensive case studies in finance and wealth management. The experience will develop your expertise, confidence, and ability to apply the theories in real-world situations.

The University of Maryland Global Campus is ideal for students who:

Are working adults who want to go back to school via distance learning to finish an undergraduate degree in finance and acquire real-world business skills—without giving up their job.

The University of Maryland Global Campus might not be the best fit for students who:

Are not quite comfortable with distance learning, and students who are not adept at using tech as their primary learning tool.

University Fast Facts

  • Location: Adelphi, Maryland
  • Institution Type: Public
  • Admission Rate: 51%
  • Graduation Rate: 85.4%
  • Online Student Enrollment: 40,709 (Total)
  • Accreditation:Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Learn More about University of Maryland Global Campus.

Cambridge College Global

Cambridge University offers an online BS in Accounting Finance Concentration completion program to give working professionals an opportunity to complete an undergraduate degree in finance.

CCG’s BSA Finance concentration focuses on developing student’s knowledge of financial principles and enhancing their analytical skills to help them stand out in the workplace.

Another main objective of the program is to train students to prepare and analyze financial statements, understand financial investments, international finance, and investment management, and learn the ins and outs of corporate finance.

  • Credit Hours: 120
  • Duration: 12 - 24 months
  • Format: Online

What we love about Cambridge College Global:

The university website says its online finance degree completion program differs from other programs because it accepts up to 90 college credit hours of undergraduate courses from finance students who intend to transfer to CCG.

Cambridge College Global is ideal for students who:

Are employed professionals who want to complete an undergraduate degree in finance either to enhance their current career or make a career shift.

Cambridge College Global might not be the best fit for students who:

Don’t have 100% commitment and determination to keep up with the pace and demands of accelerated online education while working.

University Fast Facts

  • Location: Boston, Massachusetts
  • Institution Type: Private
  • Admission Rate: 42%
  • Graduation Rate: 53.5%
  • Online Student Enrollment: 1,000
  • Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

Learn More about Cambridge College.

Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University’s online Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance program is designed to equip you with essential financial, analytical, and management skills fit for the current business environment. It aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding and application of the principles and practices of international finance.

EKU’s coursework in financial planning and managerial finance will equip you with knowledge and skills that will make you a cut above the rest of the job market. It also gives you the ability and confidence to move higher on the organizational ladder or pursue a graduate degree or an MBA.

EKU’s online BBA in Finance is an accelerated eight-week program that allows you to fast-track your studies if you have earned at least 80 undergraduate credit hours. Completion of the program will qualify you for a seat in the Certified Financial Manager exams.

  • Number of Credit Hours:120
  • Cost per Credit Hour: $421
  • Duration: 24 months
  • Accreditation: AACSB
  • Financial Aid Options: Available

What we love about Eastern Kentucky University:

EKU’s online BBA in finance program consists of high-quality online courses that provide real-world business knowledge. It is taught by the same seasoned professors who teach finance students in the school’s traditional on-campus program.

Eastern Kentucky University is ideal for students who:

  • Are driven by the desire to acquire real-world business knowledge and skills they can apply in the global market.
  • Want to qualify for the Certified Financial Manager (CFM) examination.

Eastern Kentucky University might not be the best fit for students who:

Don’t have the determination and drive to juggle online education with work, family, and other life priorities.

University Fast Facts

  • Location: Richmond, Kentucky
  • Institution Type: Public
  • Admission Rate: 97.9%
  • Graduation Rate: 45.1%
  • Online Student Enrollment: 11,684 (Total Undergraduate Enrollment)
  • Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Learn More about Eastern Kentucky University.

Albertus Magnus College

Albertus Magnus College is offering its accelerated Bachelor of Science in Finance at its Tagliatela School of Business and Leadership. It is a program designed for students who want to build a career in financial analysis, financial management, or corporate finance.

  • Credit Hours: 54
  • Duration: 18 months
  • Format: Online and Flex

What we love about Albertus Magnus College:

Albertus Magnus offers its accelerated Bachelor of Science in Finance under its Online & Flex programs. It allows students to choose traditional face-to-face sessions, fully online classes, or a combination of both. Whichever of the three methods suits your educational goals, Albertus Magnus can guarantee that it will provide you with the same features, objectives, and services.

Albertus Magnus College is ideal for students who:

Are working professionals and driven by the desire to level up their knowledge and skills to get the big break they need in their career.

Albertus Magnus College might not be the best fit for students who:

Are not able to give up personal time and space to make way for a life-changing endeavor.

University Fast Facts

  • Location: New Haven, Connecticut
  • Institution Type: Private
  • Admission Rate: 82%
  • Graduation Rate: 59%
  • Total Student Enrollment: 1241
  • Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)

Learn More about Albertus Magnus College.

Career Outlook for Students with Finance Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Finance

Degree Level: Bachelor's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $10,958
  • Avg. Expenses*: $16,349
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $49,486
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $66,101
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 9 years
  • Job Growth: 5.79%
  • Number of Jobs: 6,097,600
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Chief Executives-8.21%$161,191
Financial Managers15.98%$125,312
General and Operations Managers4.20%$94,699
Financial Risk Specialists8.15%$89,827
Business Teachers, Postsecondary7.01%$86,765

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$49,734$80,742$134,183

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#2 New York5% higher than average$116,857
#3 Virginia5% higher than average$93,080
#4 Michigan15% higher than average$79,830
#5 Ohio14% higher than average$80,280
#6 North Carolina11% higher than average$81,347

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Chief Executives$161,191
Financial Managers$125,312
General and Operations Managers$94,699
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