Best Online Bachelor’s of Finance Degree Programs for 2024

Badge for BEST ONLINE BACHELOR'S IN FINANCE

Key Takeaways

  • Earning an online bachelor’s in finance can help you to develop soft skills, such as critical and analytical thinking, and also important hard skills like budgeting, tax planning, and investment strategies.
  • The median annual wage for business and finance professionals is $76,570, much higher than the median salary for all other occupations.
  • Career opportunities in the public and private sectors abound, and the demand for financial professionals remains high despite economic setbacks.

Top 10 Online Bachelor's in Finance Degrees

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  1. Florida International University
  2. University of Memphis
  3. Old Dominion University
  4. Mercy College
  5. Southern New Hampshire University
  6. California State University, East Bay
  7. University of Alabama at Birmingham
  8. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
  9. Missouri State University
  10. University of Alaska Fairbanks
  1. Florida International University
  2. University of Memphis
  3. Thomas Jefferson University
  4. University of Alabama at Birmingham
  5. University of Alaska Fairbanks
  6. Old Dominion University
  7. Liberty University
  8. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
  9. Oral Roberts University
  10. Missouri State University
  1. Liberty University 99%
  2. Davenport University 99%
  3. Southern New Hampshire University 96%
  4. California State University, East Bay 96%
  5. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth 96%
  6. University of North Alabama 96%
  7. Old Dominion University 95%
  8. University of Memphis 95%
  9. Missouri State University 93%
  10. Franklin Pierce University 93%
  1. Florida International University 24 to 1
  2. Southern New Hampshire University 22 to 1
  3. California State University, East Bay 22 to 1
  4. Missouri State University 19 to 1
  5. University of North Alabama 18 to 1
  6. Liberty University 18 to 1
  7. University of Alabama at Birmingham 18 to 1
  8. University of Memphis 17 to 1
  9. Oral Roberts University 17 to 1
  10. West Texas A&M University 17 to 1
  1. Thomas Jefferson University $44,350
  2. Franklin Pierce University $43,155
  3. Elon University $42,241
  4. Upper Iowa University $33,639
  5. Oral Roberts University $32,640
  6. Northwood University $31,600
  7. Liberty University $22,511
  8. Davenport University $22,244
  9. Mercy College $21,358
  10. Lindenwood University $19,300
  1. Franklin Pierce University $37,200
  2. Northwood University $37,080
  3. Thomas Jefferson University $22,509
  4. Elon University $19,494
  5. Southern New Hampshire University $18,900
  6. Upper Iowa University $18,870
  7. Mercy College $17,478
  8. Davenport University $17,262
  9. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth $16,390
  10. Thomas Edison State University $12,150
  1. Thomas Edison State University
  2. West Texas A&M University
  3. Wilmington University
  4. Davenport University
  5. Lindenwood University
  6. Franklin Pierce University
  7. University of North Alabama
  8. Idaho State University
  9. Eastern Kentucky University
  10. Upper Iowa University
  1. Davenport University
  2. Thomas Edison State University
  3. West Texas A&M University
  4. Wilmington University
  5. Northwood University
  6. Lindenwood University
  7. Franklin Pierce University
  8. Mercy College
  9. University of North Alabama
  10. Upper Iowa University
  1. Upper Iowa University 54%
  2. Florida International University 64%
  3. Eastern Kentucky University 64%
  4. Lindenwood University 74%
  5. Elon University 74%
  6. Oral Roberts University 78%
  7. Northwood University 80%
  8. Mercy College 86%
  9. University of Alabama at Birmingham 87%
  10. Thomas Jefferson University 89%
  1. Northwood University 8 to 1
  2. Elon University 11 to 1
  3. University of Alaska Fairbanks 11 to 1
  4. Wilmington University 12 to 1
  5. Franklin Pierce University 12 to 1
  6. Lindenwood University 13 to 1
  7. Idaho State University 13 to 1
  8. Thomas Jefferson University 13 to 1
  9. Upper Iowa University 13 to 1
  10. Thomas Edison State University 15 to 1
  1. Florida International University $4,721
  2. California State University, East Bay $5,742
  3. Idaho State University $5,928
  4. West Texas A&M University $6,372
  5. Old Dominion University $7,239
  6. Thomas Edison State University $7,372
  7. Missouri State University $7,476
  8. University of Alaska Fairbanks $7,659
  9. University of Memphis $8,352
  10. University of Alabama at Birmingham $8,832
  1. West Texas A&M University $5,088
  2. Missouri State University $5,994
  3. University of North Alabama $6,600
  4. California State University, East Bay $7,176
  5. Liberty University $7,893
  6. University of Alabama at Birmingham $8,424
  7. Lindenwood University $8,475
  8. Idaho State University $8,601
  9. Florida International University $9,119
  10. Wilmington University $9,216

Featured Programs

What the Finance Online Bachelor’s Degree is All About

Students in online bachelor’s in finance programs study the creation and management of wealth including cash, credit, and investments. Due to its temporal nature, finance has close links with the time value of money, investment returns, and interest rates, among others. Money management, investment management, and capital budgeting are among the subjects that students learn while earning a bachelor’s in finance degree.

Importance of Studying Finance

The financial services industry has a crucial role in the economic recovery of the United States and the world, particularly in the post-COVID 19 pandemic world. With the growth of the financial sector, professionals with finance degrees, relevant work experience, and work ethics will be in great demand!

The wide range of career paths is impressive too. Finance professionals are an excellent fit for positions in business management, accounting, and economics, too

Of course, the financial services industry and financial markets are the most popular choice for future financial analysts, but it’s always great to have career options.

Furthermore, business and finance occupations are among the highest-paying jobs in the country! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for business and finance professionals was $76,570 (May 2021), a significantly higher salary than the $45,760 median annual wage for all occupations.

The projected overall employment growth rate for business and finance occupations is 7% (2021-2031) or about 980,200 new jobs every year, on average.

The bottom line: Now is the best time to enroll in an online bachelor’s degree in finance program!

Yet another benefit of getting into an online finance program is the opportunity to learn effective financial management strategies for your life. You will learn about personal financial planning, including tax and investment strategies, among others.

Internships and Hands-on Experiences

Online finance majors can gain hands-on experiences through several ways. First, completing an internship in a business or finance company is a great way for finance majors to develop their skills and expand their professional network.

Second, a capstone project with a research component exposes finance majors to real-world issues and allows them to find possible solutions.

Skills Learned and Desired Traits

Finance students develop their knowledge through instruction in finance and business core courses. These include the ability to interpret financial statements, perform financial analysis, and explain the workings of financial institutions.

In addition, finance students must also develop soft skills that allow them to effectively work with teams, communicate with others, and make decisions. The best online finance degree programs develop soft skills via group work, class participation, and papers.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Per-credit costs in online finance degree programs range from $200 to $600 and higher depending on the type of school (i.e. public or private). Online education can be more affordable, too, considering there’s little to no commuting to campus. In-state and out-of-state per-credit costs and other fees may be different.

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Best Online Bachelor’s in Finance Degree Programs

  1. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    72K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/23

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at Florida International University

    Cost of Degree: $6,565
    Expenses: $19,406
    Starting Salary: $55,771
    Salary after 4 years: $69,276
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BBA in Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  2. #2

    University of Memphis

    Memphis , TN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    25K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1080/20

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at University of Memphis

    Cost of Degree: $10,344
    Expenses: $17,726
    Starting Salary: $46,333
    Salary after 4 years: $57,552
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Business Administration in Finance

    Concentrations

    • Business Finance
    • Real Estate
    • Finance
    • Insurance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  3. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1170/24

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at Old Dominion University

    Cost of Degree: $12,262
    Expenses: $19,392
    Starting Salary: $52,232
    Salary after 4 years: $64,879
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  4. #4

    Mercy College

    Dobbs Ferry , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1125/23

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at Mercy College

    Cost of Degree: $22,106
    Expenses: $20,332
    Starting Salary: $50,232
    Salary after 4 years: $66,671
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  5. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    224K

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at Southern New Hampshire University

    Cost of Degree: $16,450
    Expenses: $24,000
    Starting Salary: $56,539
    Salary after 4 years: $75,043
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • Human Resources Management
    • International Business
    • Management Information Systems
    • Marketing
    • Nonprofit Management
    • Organizational Leadership
    • Project Management
    • Public Administration
    • Sports Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Finance

    Concentrations

    • Financial Planning
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  6. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1305/26

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at University of Alabama at Birmingham

    Cost of Degree: $8,832
    Expenses: $20,547
    Starting Salary: $51,910
    Salary after 4 years: $64,480
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting

    Concentrations

    • Financial Management
    • Investments and Institutions
    • Real Estate
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  7. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/26

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

    Cost of Degree: $15,208
    Expenses: $21,112
    Starting Salary: $55,235
    Salary after 4 years: $68,609
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  8. #9

    Missouri State University

    Springfield , MO
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1101/23

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at Missouri State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,024
    Expenses: $16,024
    Starting Salary: $47,727
    Salary after 4 years: $59,284
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Finance

    Concentrations

    • Corporate and Investments
    • Financial Planning
    • Required Credits: 120-121
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in General Business

    Concentrations

    • Business Relationships
    • Financial and Quantitative Analysis
    • International Business Environment
    • Markets and Economies
    • Project and Technology Management
    • Risk Management and Compliance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  9. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at University of Alaska Fairbanks

    Cost of Degree: $10,016
    Expenses: $16,700
    Starting Salary: $48,371
    Salary after 4 years: $60,083
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Finance
    • General Business
    • Leadership
    • Marketing
    • Sport Management
    • Economics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  10. #11

    Liberty University

    Lynchburg , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    131K

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at Liberty University

    Cost of Degree: $15,822
    Expenses: $21,458
    Starting Salary: $46,628
    Salary after 4 years: $61,888
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Finance
    • Financial Planning
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 3.5 years
    • Format: Online
  11. #12

    Elon University

    Elon , NC
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1265/27

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at Elon University

    Cost of Degree: $44,536
    Expenses: $17,978
    Starting Salary: $66,113
    Salary after 4 years: $87,749
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Economics & Finance
    • Required Credits: 147
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  12. #13

    Thomas Jefferson University

    Philadelphia , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/29

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at Thomas Jefferson University

    Cost of Degree: $45,533
    Expenses: $22,874
    Starting Salary: $111,839
    Salary after 4 years: $148,441
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Acquisition and Contract Management
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • Health Services Administration
    • Human Resource Management
    • Hospitality and Tourism Management
    • Joe Gibbs Performance Management
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Project Management
    • Retail Management
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  13. #14

    Northwood University

    Midland , MI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1055/20

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at Northwood University

    Cost of Degree: $33,000
    Expenses: $16,938
    Starting Salary: $61,833
    Salary after 4 years: $82,069
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Automotive Marketing and Management
    • Cybersecurity
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • Franchising Management
    • Healthcare Management
    • International Business
    • Management
    • Management Information Systems
    • Marketing
    • Marketing Communications
    • Operations and Supply Chain Management
    • Sport Management
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  14. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/22

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at Oral Roberts University

    Cost of Degree: $34,100
    Expenses: $15,820
    Starting Salary: $48,543
    Salary after 4 years: $64,429
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Financial Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 3.5 years
    • Format: Online
  15. #16

    Upper Iowa University

    Fayette , IA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    54%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    970/21

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at Upper Iowa University

    Cost of Degree: $19,000
    Expenses: $15,022
    Starting Salary: $51,246
    Salary after 4 years: $68,017
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • General Business
    • Global
    • Health Services Administration
    • Human Resource Management
    • Marketing
    • Sports Administration
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Management

    Concentrations

    • Financial Management
    • Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  16. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    17K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1062/20

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at Eastern Kentucky University

    Cost of Degree: $10,130
    Expenses: $14,535
    Starting Salary: $42,150
    Salary after 4 years: $52,356
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BBA in Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  17. #18

    Idaho State University

    Pocatello , ID
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    15K

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at Idaho State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,356
    Expenses: $14,854
    Starting Salary: $47,084
    Salary after 4 years: $58,485
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BBA in Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  18. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at University of North Alabama

    Cost of Degree: $11,990
    Expenses: $12,800
    Starting Salary: $45,904
    Salary after 4 years: $57,019
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Computer Information Systems
    • Economics
    • Finance
    • Professional Management
    • Professsional Marketing
    • Computer Science
    • Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  19. #21

    Lindenwood University

    Saint Charles , MO
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1126/24

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at Lindenwood University

    Cost of Degree: $21,100
    Expenses: $15,100
    Starting Salary: $52,935
    Salary after 4 years: $70,259
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Healthcare Management
    • Accounting
    • Finance
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Supply Chain Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 24-48 months
    • Format: Online
    BA or BS in Finance
    • Required Credits: 75-80 (major requirements)
    • Completion time: 24-48 months
    • Format: Online
  20. #23

    Wilmington University

    New Castle , DE
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Graduation

    20%

    Student body

    19K

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at Wilmington University

    Cost of Degree: $12,330
    Starting Salary: $52,485
    Salary after 4 years: $69,661

    Online Degrees

    BS in Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Accounting And Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  21. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Student body

    13K

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at Thomas Edison State University

    Cost of Degree: $6,638
    Starting Salary: $61,456
    Salary after 4 years: $76,336

    Online Degrees

    BSBA in Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Hybrid

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*: $11,426
  • Avg. Expenses*: $17,316
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $52,677
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $65,432
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 9 years
  • Job Growth: 7.69%
  • Number of Jobs: 6,304,000
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Chief Executives5.48%$206,680
Financial Managers16.51%$156,100
Financial Risk Specialists8.35%$106,090
General and Operations Managers5.80%$101,280
Personal Financial Advisors17.10%$99,580

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Chief Executives$206,680
Financial Managers$156,100
Financial Risk Specialists$106,090

Selecting the Best Online Bachelor’s in Finance Programs

The best online bachelor’s in finance programs were chosen because these were offered by regionally accredited colleges and universities. Many of these programs are offered in the country’s best business schools, such as University of Massachusetts Dartmouth’s Charlton College of Business and University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Collat School of Business.

Furthermore, these are finance programs with programmatic accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, (AACSB International). The programmatic accreditation is considered among the most prestigious worldwide because of its selective criteria. Students in these online finance programs have the guarantee that they are getting world-class education recognized by employers across the country and abroad.

These online bachelor’s in finance degree programs are also standouts because of their reputation for academic excellence. Online finance students benefit from the same rigorous curriculum and standards as their on-campus counterparts. Faculty members ensure that world-class quality of instruction is maintained, too.

While academic success rests partly on the shoulders of students, these programs provide student support services that contribute to it. Admissions counselors, academic advisers, and career services professionals are part of their team. Digital and on-campus library access, IT help desk and tutoring services are also provided for online students.

Frequently Asked Questions About Finance Degrees

Why get a bachelor’s in finance?

Earning your bachelor’s degree in finance doesn’t have to be all about numbers. While this degree does require a solid understanding of math, it also encourages students to become better critical thinkers, to find creative solutions, and to strengthen their decision-making skills.

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How long does it take to get a bachelor’s in finance?

A bachelor’s degree in finance typically takes about four to five years to complete, consisting of about 120 credits.

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What courses will I take?

While degree programs may vary, courses generally cover topics like risk management, financial analysis, and accounting. Students may also have the option to choose a specialization, like corporate or personal finance, helping tailor their degree to their unique career goals.

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What can I do with a bachelor’s in finance?

Graduates will be ready for careers as purchasing managers, accountants, economists, and financial advisors, though some jobs may require additional certifications.

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Learn more about how to major in finance.

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Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require a time of adjustment. Although you’ll typically learn the same material and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, going online will require greater independence and responsibility than going in person. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, for harnessing the online educational technology that you’ll need to use, and for completing the course requirements, such as listening to lectures, learning lessons, reading texts, and handing in assignments. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take the initiative in building relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier than campus-based education is ease of access: all you need is a computer and an internet connection for online education. But even this seeming advantage of online education can be misleading: what’s easier, studying online with your computer and internet connection from your home where you need to cook, clean, pay rent, and maintain a job? Or studying on campus in a dorm where all your living needs are handled by the school, and college staff are there to help you every step of the way?

If you take the commute to campus out of the equation, campus-based education is easier. All the support structures available on campus for students, especially with real people to help you in person, are not there online. The demands on you as an online student will largely be the same as for your campus-based counterpart, but without the same helps.

In general, your online courses will present the same material and test you in the same way as traditional in-person courses. In many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning with remote educational technology for the first time, online college may be considerably more challenging than campus-based college. For a few insights on how to manage this new online experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable non-profit institutions on the one end and less-than-reputable for-profit institutions on the other end. Accreditation gives you the power to identify the more reputable actors in online education. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency indicating that a college or university is meeting standards of quality and credibility. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university that is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. For students seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that they opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree. For more on this important topic, check out our What is Accreditation and Why Does It Matter? College & University Accreditation Guide.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited (see the previous point), you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer of credits. In many cases, you will encounter some bureaucratic haggling in which some of your credits will be transferred and others may be refused. However, provided that you have attended an online school with recognized regional accreditation, you should be in good shape in transferring your credits earned online.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript, or resumé differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

Some employers may express the concern that because you did your degree online, you may need to transition from an online education experience to in-person workplace experience. But in an age of Covid, that concern seems much diminished. The fact is that much employment these days is remote. And collaboration increasingly happens online over Zoom. Many employers will therefore view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will be less than ideal for you (though depending on your circumstances, it may also be the only viable option).

While there is much in traditional campus-based education that can be substituted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing that can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual in-person classroom setting. As you transition to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face in getting the most out of your online classes is overcoming this difference between “real reality” and “virtual reality.” Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. Above all, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete at your own pace and on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Resources for Online College-Bound Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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