Best Online Master’s in Finance

Badge for BEST ONLINE MASTER'S IN FINANCE
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Find top-ranked online master’s in finance degree programs to help students advance to leadership roles or pursue careers like compliance officers, accountants, investment bankers, actuaries, and stockbrokers.

Top 10 Online Master's in Finance Degrees

Sort by:
  1. University of Southern California
  2. Boston University
  3. Johns Hopkins University
  4. University of Cincinnati
  5. University of Miami
  6. University of Missouri
  7. Fordham University
  8. University of Kentucky
  9. Auburn University
  10. University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  1. Johns Hopkins University
  2. University of Southern California
  3. Boston University
  4. University of Miami
  5. University of Missouri
  6. Fordham University
  7. University of Cincinnati
  8. University of Kentucky
  9. University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  10. Auburn University
  1. Liberty University 99%
  2. Southern New Hampshire University 96%
  3. University of Kentucky 95%
  4. West Texas A&M University 92%
  5. University of Detroit Mercy 91%
  6. University of Cincinnati 86%
  7. University of Massachusetts Lowell 86%
  8. Youngstown State University 81%
  9. University of Missouri 79%
  10. University of Nebraska–Lincoln 79%
  1. Purdue Global 26 to 1
  2. Southern New Hampshire University 22 to 1
  3. Auburn University 20 to 1
  4. University of Cincinnati 18 to 1
  5. University of Missouri 18 to 1
  6. Youngstown State University 18 to 1
  7. Liberty University 18 to 1
  8. University of Kentucky 17 to 1
  9. Empire State University 17 to 1
  10. West Texas A&M University 17 to 1
  1. University of Southern California $64,726
  2. Boston University $62,360
  3. Johns Hopkins University $60,480
  4. Stevens Institute of Technology $58,624
  5. Fordham University $58,467
  6. University of Miami $57,194
  7. Creighton University $45,590
  8. North Central College $43,046
  9. University of Detroit Mercy $31,058
  10. Liberty University $22,511
  1. University of Southern California $63,468
  2. Boston University $61,050
  3. Johns Hopkins University $60,480
  4. University of Miami $41,580
  5. Stevens Institute of Technology $39,408
  6. Fordham University $23,112
  7. University of Detroit Mercy $21,626
  8. Golden Gate University $19,620
  9. Southern New Hampshire University $18,900
  10. Creighton University $17,496
  1. Walsh College
  2. Bellevue University
  3. West Texas A&M University
  4. Purdue Global
  5. Empire State University
  6. North Central College
  7. University of Detroit Mercy
  8. Liberty University
  9. Youngstown State University
  10. Rowan University
  1. Walsh College
  2. Bellevue University
  3. Empire State University
  4. West Texas A&M University
  5. Purdue Global
  6. North Central College
  7. Southern New Hampshire University
  8. Golden Gate University
  9. Youngstown State University
  10. University of Massachusetts Lowell
  1. Johns Hopkins University 7%
  2. University of Southern California 12%
  3. Boston University 14%
  4. University of Miami 19%
  5. Auburn University 44%
  6. Stevens Institute of Technology 46%
  7. Fordham University 54%
  8. North Central College 61%
  9. Creighton University 76%
  10. Rowan University 77%
  1. Johns Hopkins University 6 to 1
  2. University of Southern California 9 to 1
  3. University of Detroit Mercy 11 to 1
  4. Boston University 11 to 1
  5. Creighton University 11 to 1
  6. Stevens Institute of Technology 11 to 1
  7. North Central College 12 to 1
  8. Walsh College 12 to 1
  9. Golden Gate University 13 to 1
  10. University of Miami 13 to 1
  1. West Texas A&M University $6,372
  2. Empire State University $7,070
  3. University of Nebraska–Lincoln $7,770
  4. Bellevue University $8,790
  5. Youngstown State University $9,426
  6. Purdue Global $10,080
  7. Auburn University $10,392
  8. University of Missouri $10,452
  9. University of Cincinnati $10,656
  10. Rowan University $10,715
  1. West Texas A&M University $5,088
  2. University of Nebraska–Lincoln $6,138
  3. Youngstown State University $6,494
  4. Liberty University $7,893
  5. Purdue Global $9,472
  6. Auburn University $10,386
  7. University of Missouri $10,447
  8. Empire State University $11,310
  9. Bellevue University $11,340
  10. University of Kentucky $12,583

Featured Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About Finance Degrees

A master’s degree in finance can help working professionals not only advance in their careers, but it can also ensure those in the industry are staying current with industry practices and standards.

Back to Top

This 30- to 40-credit degree can typically be completed in two to three years either online or in person.

Back to Top

Additionally, students often have the option to choose from a concentration, like wealth management, investment banking, international finance, and public sector finance. Although courses may vary depending on a chosen program and concentration, courses will cover topics like negotiations, risk management, business ethics, and portfolio management.

Back to Top

With a master’s in finance, graduates can advance to leadership roles or pursue careers like compliance officers, accountants, investment bankers, actuaries, and stockbrokers.

Back to Top

Learn more about what you can do with a master’s in finance.

25 Best Online Master’s in Finance Degree Programs

  1. #1

    University of Southern California

    Los Angeles , CA
    #9 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #13 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024 #16 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #18 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at University of Southern California

    Cost of Degree: $64,666
    Expenses: $20,338
    Starting Salary: $120,104
    Salary after 4 years: $158,590
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Financial Compliance
    • Required Credits: 19
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Financial Engineering
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  2. #2

    Boston University

    Boston , MA
    #19 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024 #21 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    44K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1425/32

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at Boston University

    Cost of Degree: $61,924
    Expenses: $20,400
    Starting Salary: $102,656
    Salary after 4 years: $135,552
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Financial Management
    • Required Credits: 40
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  3. #3

    Johns Hopkins University

    Baltimore , MD
    #10 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #11 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024 #12 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #13 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    40K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1545/34

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at Johns Hopkins University

    Cost of Degree: $62,962
    Expenses: $20,320
    Starting Salary: $120,780
    Salary after 4 years: $159,483
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Applied Economics And Certificate In Financial Management
    • Required Credits: 45
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  4. #4

    University of Cincinnati

    Cincinnati , OH
    #10 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Ohio 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    48K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1260/26

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at University of Cincinnati

    Cost of Degree: $14,902
    Expenses: $16,990
    Starting Salary: $71,313
    Salary after 4 years: $92,692
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Finance

    Concentrations

    • Corporate Finance
    • Investments
    • Risk Management
    • Real Estate
    • Required Credits: 30-38
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  7. #6

    University of Missouri

    Columbia , MO
    #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    34K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/26

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at University of Missouri

    Cost of Degree: $11,794
    Expenses: $17,240
    Starting Salary: $81,213
    Salary after 4 years: $105,560
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Finance
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 1 year
    • Format: Online
    MS in Personal Financial Planning
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 1-2 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  8. #7

    Fordham University

    Bronx , NY
    #2 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #8 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #18 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in New York 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    54%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1400/31

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at Fordham University

    Cost of Degree: $23,950
    Expenses: $25,199
    Starting Salary: $90,619
    Salary after 4 years: $119,657
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Global Finance
    • Required Credits: 36-40
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MSRE in Real Estate

    Concentrations

    • Real Estate Finance
    • Required Credits: 6
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  9. #8

    University of Kentucky

    Lexington , KY
    #14 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #1 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1180/24

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at University of Kentucky

    Cost of Degree: $13,946
    Expenses: $20,206
    Starting Salary: $77,482
    Salary after 4 years: $100,711
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Public Financial Management
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  11. #10

    University of Nebraska–Lincoln

    Lincoln , NE
    #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools in Nebraska 2024 #1 Best Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1225/25

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at University of Nebraska–Lincoln

    Cost of Degree: $7,781
    Expenses: $17,210
    Starting Salary: $75,617
    Salary after 4 years: $98,287
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Finance
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Family Financial Planning
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Finance
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  13. #11

    Stevens Institute of Technology

    Hoboken , NJ
    #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2024 #3 Best Colleges in New Jersey 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    46%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1445/32

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at Stevens Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $40,940
    Expenses: $19,330
    Starting Salary: $124,297
    Salary after 4 years: $164,127
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Finance
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Financial Analytics
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  14. #12

    Creighton University

    Omaha , NE
    #5 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #7 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #1 Best Christian Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Nebraska 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1313/29

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at Creighton University

    Cost of Degree: $19,402
    Expenses: $15,830
    Starting Salary: $94,812
    Salary after 4 years: $125,194
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Finance
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    MIMFA in Investment Management And Financial Analysis
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  15. #13

    Golden Gate University

    San Francisco , CA
    #6 Best Small Colleges in California 2024 #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in California 2024 #2 Best Online Master's in Organizational Psychology #2 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at Golden Gate University

    Cost of Degree: $19,875
    Starting Salary: $111,312
    Salary after 4 years: $146,982

    Online Degrees

    MS in Finance

    Concentrations

    • Corporate Finance
    • General Finance
    • Investment Management
    • Required Credits: 45
    • Completion time: 2.5-3.5 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Accounting

    Concentrations

    • Financial Accounting and Report
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Financial Planning
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Advanced Financial Planning

    Concentrations

    • Estate Planning
    • Financial Life Planning
    • Taxation
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Finance
    • Required Credits: 54
    • Completion time: 3-4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  16. #14

    University of Massachusetts Lowell

    Lowell , MA
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #2 Best Online Associate Degree Programs That Can Be Completed in 1 Year #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Massachusetts 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    22K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1259/28

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at University of Massachusetts Lowell

    Cost of Degree: $15,676
    Expenses: $16,550
    Starting Salary: $82,074
    Salary after 4 years: $106,679
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Finance
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Business Analytics

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Managerial Decision Making
    • Big Data Analytics
    • Marketing Analytics
    • Finance Analytics
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  17. #15

    Southern New Hampshire University

    Manchester , NH
    #5 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2024
    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: $19,470
    Expenses: $21,900
    Starting Salary: $67,897
    Salary after 4 years: $89,654
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Finance

    Concentrations

    • Corporate Finance
    • Investments
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Accounting Finance
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Business Intelligence
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • Human Resources
    • International Business
    • Leadership
    • Marketing
    • Operations And Supply Chain Management
    • Project Management
    • Public Administration
    • Sport Management
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  19. #16

    Rowan University

    Glassboro , NJ
    #3 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #6 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2024 #6 Best Research Universities in New Jersey 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    22K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1195/27

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at Rowan University

    Cost of Degree: $16,796
    Expenses: $21,877
    Starting Salary: $79,491
    Salary after 4 years: $103,322
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Finance
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  20. #17

    Youngstown State University

    Youngstown , OH
    #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Ohio 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2024 #6 Best Online Colleges in Ohio 2024 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Ohio
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    995/21

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at Youngstown State University

    Cost of Degree: $6,562
    Expenses: $14,566
    Starting Salary: $57,681
    Salary after 4 years: $74,974
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Financial Economics
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  21. #18

    Liberty University

    Lynchburg , VA
    #4 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #6 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #8 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2024 #13 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    131K

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at Liberty University

    Cost of Degree: $8,405
    Expenses: $19,987
    Starting Salary: $55,994
    Salary after 4 years: $73,937
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Finance
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 1-2 year
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  23. #20

    North Central College

    Naperville , IL
    #5 Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in Illinois 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois 2024 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    61%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1130/25

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at North Central College

    Cost of Degree: $15,822
    Expenses: $14,920
    Starting Salary: $70,737
    Salary after 4 years: $93,404
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MFM in Financial Management
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 1 year
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  26. #22

    Purdue Global

    West Lafayette , IN
    #10 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2024 #12 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Graduation

    20%

    Student body

    66K

    Online Degrees

    MS in Finance

    Concentrations

    • Financial Analysis
    • Financial Planning
    • Required Credits: 56
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Finance
    • Health care Management
    • Human Resources
    • Information Technology
    • Marketing
    • Project Management
    • Required Credits: 60-76
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  28. #24

    Bellevue University

    Bellevue , NE
    #7 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in Nebraska 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    19K

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at Bellevue University

    Cost of Degree: $12,090
    Expenses: $16,395
    Starting Salary: $81,827
    Salary after 4 years: $108,049
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Strategic Finance
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  29. #25

    Walsh College

    Troy , MI
    #8 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Business Degree Programs #17 Best Online Colleges in Michigan 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at Walsh College

    Cost of Degree: $17,157
    Starting Salary: $84,803
    Salary after 4 years: $111,978

    Online Degrees

    MS in Finance
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Finance
    • Information Technology Leadership
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 18 months
    • Format: Online
    Compare school

Career Outlook for Students with Finance Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Finance

Degree Level: Master's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $11,392
  • Avg. Expenses*: $17,912
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $77,780
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 4 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
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.
Back to Top

Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build 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 is actually getting there. Taking the commute out of the equation means getting to class should be a lot more manageable. But that’s where it ends. In general, your online courses will incorporate the very same materials, concepts, and testing methods as would a traditional classroom.

And 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 or working with remote learning technology for the first time, online college may even be a little more challenging for you. For a few insights on how to manage this new 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 institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. 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 which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students 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.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, 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. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.

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 resume 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.

While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will 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 require some adjustment.

While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing which can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you make the adjustment to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to the get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, 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 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 Prospective Grad 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.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here