2025 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Finance
An affordable online master’s in finance empowers professionals to deepen their financial expertise. These programs combine advanced instruction in corporate finance, investment strategies, and risk management with the convenience of fully online, flexible learning. While our rankings prioritize low tuition, we also spotlight schools that go beyond cost.
Key Takeaways:
- Best for Budget: Northeastern State University tops our list with an annual tuition of just $5,254 for an online MBA in Managerial Accounting and Finance.
- Best for Student Outcomes: California Intercontinental boasts a 100% graduation rate, landing in the top 1% nationally.
- Best for Online Access: Liberty University leads in online enrollment, with over 45,000 graduate students studying remotely.
All tuition and enrollment data is verified for accuracy by our team at OnlineU. For more on how we rank programs, check out our methodology.
2025 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Finance
Expert Insight: Real-World Experience Tips for Aspiring Finance Professionals
Financial Consultant
Here are 2 ways to gain practical experience in finance for someone just starting out:
Hackathons:
Participating in finance-focused hackathons can provide practical experience in problem-solving and innovative financial solutions. During these events, teams work together to develop new financial technologies or strategies within a limited time. Taking part in a hackathon provides hands-on experience, fosters creativity, and allows you to network with industry professionals. Over 80% of participants feel more confident in their coding and problem-solving skills after participating in a hackathon. As a direct consequence of their participation in hackathons, 60% of participants received job offers or internships.
Case Study Competitions:
Students learn how to solve real-world financial problems through case studies offered by universities and financial institutions. Competitors analyze complex financial cases, develop strategies, and present findings to judges. Case competitions develop critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills, which employers highly value. Participants in ACG's case competition felt better prepared for the job market and more confident in their professional abilities.
Financial Advisor
Earning an online degree in finance has contributed significantly to my career because I could also do some real-world practice while studying. It is an entirely different program because whatever I learned could be practically applied while doing internships or entry-level positions in financial services at the same time, instead of learning in a classroom. One of the many things I valued in the online program was that I could tailor the pace and structure of my learning to my work-related goals. However, being such a good option, it did not have in-person networking opportunities, which encouraged increased prospection when sourcing for industry contacts, association with finance groups, and the like.
One of the many things I valued in the online program was that I could tailor the pace and structure of my learning to my work-related goals.
Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) are strong certifications to hold in one's career. They add credibility almost always and open doors to those interested in more advanced positions. The CFA is very useful for international investment managers and analysts, while the CFP serves those dealing with personal financial planning.
The student should be encouraged to begin preparation for these examinations early-preferably during undergraduate studies so that they get familiar with the exam subjects and acquire some relevant experience in work-study programs. Such high-effort, time-consuming exams will benefit significantly from having a structured plan early on about how to pass them efficiently.
The best way into the world of finance is to acquire practical experience through internships, personal investments, and networking.
- Internships offer hands-on contact with different branches of the finance profession, while they also contribute stamps of approval to an otherwise naked cv.
- Personal investing, no matter how nominal the sums involved, teaches important lessons about markets and risk, and the decisions and mechanisms through which they are operated.
- Of course, one must not overlook networking: attending industry events, joining a finance-related organization, and getting on LinkedIn with a few professionals can lead to both mentoring and job offers. The more initiative you take in learning and connecting with others, the faster you can grow in the industry.
In-Depth Analysis of Online and Affordable Master's in Finance Degrees
When it comes to choosing an online master’s in finance program, cost is often the first — and most persistent — question. But affordability is just one part of the equation. What if you could find a program that’s not only budget-friendly but also sets you up for meaningful career outcomes, offers tailored flexibility, and comes with strong support from students who’ve actually been there?
Affordability Isn’t Just About Tuition
For prospective finance master’s students, high graduation and retention rates are proof points. A strong retention rate means students are satisfied and supported enough to stay enrolled. A solid graduation rate means they’re crossing the finish line.
In short, these numbers signal program stability, student success, and the likelihood that you, too, will finish what you start, and do it in an environment that keeps you engaged and on track.
In contrast, a program like Columbia Southern University may look attractive at $6,282, but its graduation rate is only 25% and its retention sits at a dismal 42%. That’s a red flag. Even though it boasts a 78% recommendation rate and top-tier military enrollment, the student outcomes suggest that many learners may face barriers to completion.
What Do Finance Students Say?
When real students give a program their seal of approval, it speaks louder than any brochure ever could. A high recommendation rate tells you that graduates felt their time and money were well spent and that the curriculum, support, and outcomes met or exceeded their expectations.
For prospective finance master’s students, this metric can be a shortcut to trust.
We collect our recommendation rate data directly from verified student reviews and surveys submitted on our platform. These surveys are designed to gather candid, firsthand insights from students who have completed or are currently enrolled in online master’s programs. Specifically, we ask students one key question:
“Would you recommend this program to others?”
With the highest recommendation rate, Fitchburg State has an online MBA program in finance that is specifically receiving glowing feedback from students who praise the value and dedication of faculty. A recent graduate of 2023, who completed his MBA at FSU, noted, “It took me about a year and was inexpensive... FSU is an incredible value for the quality of education you will receive.” Another student, Victor Adams, echoed that sentiment, saying, “The professors are brilliant and genuinely care about their students... I would recommend this school to anyone who wants an MBA but does not want to put their life on hold.”
UMass Dartmouth stands out for personalized support and experienced faculty. One student, Cheyenne Lantz, stated, “The University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, offered me a world-class education at an affordable price. I had the opportunity to work with professors who were alumni of prestigious Ivy League schools.” Another, Cassandra Ricard, commented on the professional support: “The best part of this program was definitely the professional staff. They were completely committed to student success.”
We believe these insights can help prospective finance master’s students decide where their investment is likely to pay off not just in dollars, but in long-term satisfaction and career relevance. Combining numbers with real student voices adds a layer of confidence that rankings and tuition stats alone can't provide.
Program Design: Generalist vs. Specialized Tracks
Not all finance degrees are built alike. Oklahoma State and Montana State offer MS degrees in family financial planning — a more niche, counseling-oriented path geared toward those pursuing CFP® certification. These programs tend to attract students interested in personal finance or family-focused services rather than corporate finance or banking.
In contrast, schools like Fitchburg State, Liberty University, and UT Permian Basin offer more traditional MBAs with a finance concentration. These are better fits for professionals looking to climb the ladder in business or investment firms. One standout: UNL’s MS in Finance, aligned with CFA Institute standards, is directly geared toward CFA exam prep and financial analysis roles, giving students a clear edge in corporate finance settings.
And then there’s Kennesaw State University, offering something very different — a master's in digital financial technologies. If you’re eyeing careers at the intersection of fintech, blockchain, and machine learning, this is a future-forward path that few schools on the list can match.
Final Takeaway: Making the Smartest Investment in Your Finance Future
Choosing the right online master’s in finance is ultimately a personal investment — one that blends cost, credibility, career goals, and student satisfaction. This year’s most affordable programs don’t just offer low tuition; they also show strong signals of student success through high recommendation, graduation, and retention rates. That kind of balance is rare and valuable.
In a competitive industry like finance, your time, energy, and dollars matter. This list — backed by data, student feedback, and practical insight — is designed to help you invest wisely.
FAQs About Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Finance
What is an Online Finance Master’s Degree?
An online master's in finance degree is a postgraduate program that provides students with advanced training in the financial field. The degree typically requires around 18 to 36 months of full-time study, although accelerated programs may be available at some institutions.
Online programs often offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate working professionals, including fully asynchronous coursework. The online format is especially attractive to working professionals, who appreciate the flexibility of learning at their own pace and on their own schedule. Still, some online programs may require in-person attendance one or several times, and/or an internship in a finance setting. When that’s the case, they connect students with businesses in their area.
Admission requirements for online finance master's programs often include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Some programs may prefer candidates with a degree in finance, economics, statistics, or related fields. GRE or GMAT scores may be required. Other schools may accept students with diverse academic backgrounds. That said, students without a finance-related bachelor's degree may still find it helpful to take foundational courses before enrolling.
A finance master’s degree program usually includes a mix of core courses and electives. Core courses cover fundamental concepts in finance, such as financial analysis, investment management, risk management, and corporate finance. Students can often tailor their degree to fit their specific interests and goals by selecting a specialization, such as financial planning, corporate finance, investment banking, or risk management.
What Are Some Common Courses in a Finance Degree at the Graduate Level?
When pursuing an online finance degree at the master’s level, students take courses that help them deepen their knowledge of economics, data, ethics, statistics, and more. Below are a few examples of common courses:
- Financial Reporting: This course covers topics like financial statement analysis, accounting standards, revenue recognition, and asset valuation. Students in this course gain an understanding of how organizations convey their financial performance to stakeholders.
- Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management: Students learn about investment strategies and portfolio management in this class. They develop knowledge of different asset classes, risk-return trade-offs, and the methodologies used to construct and rebalance investment portfolios. Coursework includes simulations and case studies to give students real-world experience in evaluating securities, managing risk, and building investment portfolios.
- Corporate Finance: This course provides an in-depth look at the financial decisions that corporations must make, with a focus on capital budgeting, financing options, and valuation techniques. It also explores the factors and valuation models used by companies to assess potential mergers, acquisitions, and investment projects.
Additionally, students can expect to take classes in macroeconomics, risk management, financial modeling, quantitative methods, and others.
How Do You Fund an Online Finance Degree?
The costs associated with earning a master’s in finance degree can vary, depending on factors like the chosen institution, program duration, and the student’s personal circumstances. While there are plenty of affordable online finance degrees, some programs may require a significant financial commitment. There are several strategies that can help cover these expenses.
First, it pays to consider multiple options. Some universities offer competitive pricing for online degrees, making them an affordable choice.
Many students balance the costs of their degree by maintaining part-time or full-time employment. By doing so, they earn a steady income stream to cover living expenses and offset tuition costs. With this approach, good time management is essential to a healthy work-study balance.
One way to reduce costs is to explore the use of open educational resources (OERs) and digital libraries as alternatives to traditional textbooks and course materials. Further, opting for a program that offers credit for prior learning or work experience might result in lower overall program costs.
Finally, scholarships, grants, loans, and employer tuition reimbursement programs can provide significant help in financing an education.
When it comes to paying for college, students have a variety of financial aid options available, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. Each type of aid has its own benefits and requirements, and the best option for a given student depends on their specific situation.
- Scholarships and grants: These forms of financial aid don’t require repayment. Students can qualify based on a variety of factors, including their academic record, financial need, or unique circumstances such as their background or field of study. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to financial aid, and it's worth exploring all of the options available. Schools may offer their own scholarship or grant opportunities or assist students in finding funding outside of financial aid.
- Employer tuition assistance: Many employers offer tuition reimbursement or assistance programs as a perk of employment. These programs often come with certain requirements. For instance, students may need to maintain a minimum GPA and continue to work for the employer for a specific period after graduation. On the bright side, employer assistance can make it much more affordable to earn a graduate degree.
- Federal and private loans: Loans are funds that students borrow to cover educational costs and repay with interest. Federal loans offer competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options. Private loans can be a good option for students who don't qualify for federal loans or who need additional funds beyond what's available through federal aid.
After completing their degree, students with loans will typically have a grace period before they must start repayment. It's important to carefully consider the terms and conditions of each loan before taking on debt.
What Can You Do With an Online Finance Degree? And How Much Does a Master's in Finance Make?
An online master's in finance can lead to many career options in the finance industry. Graduates can find work in investment banks, corporate finance departments, financial analysis firms, risk management companies, and more. Additionally, they can opt to continue their education with postgraduate or certification programs.
Below are some common career options for master's in finance graduates, with the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
- Financial Analysts (median annual salary: $99,890, job growth: 9%): assess market trends and analyze financial data to provide insights for investment decisions.
- Financial Managers (median annual salary: $156,100, job growth: 17%): oversee an organization's financial strategies and operations.
- Personal Financial Advisors (median annual salary: $99,580, job growth: 17%): help their clients make sound financial decisions and plan for the future. They provide personalized guidance on topics like investing, saving, and debt management.
For those interested in furthering their education, a PhD in finance or a doctorate-related fields, like a PhD in business, can open up doors to academia, investment research, and consulting. This advanced degree can provide more specialized and advanced career opportunities. For finance professionals looking to boost their career prospects, there are many industry-specific certifications available. For example, the Certified Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), and Financial Risk Manager (FRM) are highly sought-after credentials that demonstrate expertise in specific areas of finance.
Is a Master's in Finance as Good as an MBA?
Both a master's in finance and an online MBA offer unique advantages and valuable credentials in the business and finance sectors. An MBA provides a broader understanding of business management across various functions. A master's in finance, on the other hand, offers a more specialized focus on finance-related concepts and skills.
If your interests lie in specific areas of finance — think financial analysis, risk management, and investments — then a master's degree in finance could be the best choice for you. But with an MBA, you can gain versatile skills for various management roles across industries.
An MBA in Finance is another option. While there may be an overlap in courses with a master’s in finance, an MBA with this specialization is more likely to lead to leadership positions in the finance industry.
Student Reviews of Online Finance Programs
Horrible experience. The arbitrary GPA cap forces professors to sabotage their own work. They deliberately include exam questions on stuff they never cover or in some cases have nothing to do with the class. Example: I had a question about molecular biology on a investments quiz. You rarely see what you did wrong on exams because they might need to change your score to curve under the cap. So first off, this means you don't get better because you don't know what you did poorly on. Secondly, you can... Read More
Review Date: 5/30/2023
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Purdue Global made it easy to go back to school after 20 plus years. It was the best decision I ever made. I earned a degree in Bachelor's of Science in Finance and a Master of Science in Finance. This would not have been possible 10 years ago. I would like to thank all of those who helped me on this long journey.
Review Date: 11/3/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
This degree is nearly 100% self-taught. If you just want the piece of paper, 100% do this program as it is very easy academically, and works great with work schedules. I want to make sure people understand there is ZERO help in getting a job after completion. This is only if you are already in your career and want to help accelerate it. If you are doing a career change, or are not working this degree/university will NOT help you. Absolutely NO job boards, interviews, internships, company connections,... Read More
Review Date: 9/27/2022
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
As a late in life student, Purdue University Global facilitated getting both a Bachelor's and Masters of Science in Finance in 4 years. The Academic Prior Learning course evaluated my work experience as applicable to the under-graduate cirriculum giving me a jump-start on attaining the Bachelor's degree. The accelerated masters program during the BS cirriculum shortened the masters time line by 12 credits. The feeling of community is accomplished via discussion boards. The instructors consistently... Read More
Review Date: 1/8/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
This school is a bit different from a traditional classrom. Professors will not hold your hand. It is a lot of self study, self direction and self motivation. And reading, reading, reading. If this is not your style of learning, then enroll somewhere else. I personally am almost done with my Masters and I got a lot out of it. The curriculum and reading covered a broad base of knowledge.
Review Date: 3/2/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
This University Program is GREAT! I have been very happy with the lady that brought me on, she was very helpful and incredibly responsive even after she completed her work with me. M advisor has also been helpful - no complaints. The classes seem to be getting harder the father into the program. It is pretty standardized on the classes because they want to make sure course after course students are getting the same experience. The billing is exactly like you expect. Your bill starts with every new... Read More
Review Date: 9/28/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Just finished my last course at SNHU online. If you're serious about school, please read. The school is good but it depends on you to gain a quality education. I put my best effort and really learned some good material in my program. However, in every single class I noticed there are students who do the bare minimum, don't really follow instructions, have poor writing skills, and probably got away with it all - indicating the acceptance and grading standards are very low at this school. This makes... Read More
Review Date: 6/9/2020
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I absolutely love SNHU. I have never had any problems with them. The financial aid office is great with communication and they let you know what they need from you and the advisors are very thorough. I graduate in March 2019, and so far I would recommend this university to anyone.
Review Date: 3/7/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I think American University's online MBA is a great program. It is simple to use, the teacher's are excellent(and so are their credentials). It is very flexible and makes it easy for me to learn while working a very travel intensive position. The program is pretty expensive but for the network you build and the quality of the material you learn, it is worth it.
Review Date: 10/26/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I am currently enrolled in the MSFE program at West Texas A&M University and plan to graduate in 2019. Thus far, the school and program have been fantastic. They offer the program in person or it can be done completely online. Everyone who has contacted me from the school if I have questions or need guidance has been incredibly friendly and helpful.
Review Date: 11/13/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
From the very beginning the Academic Office and the Financial Aid Office, as well as Technical Support, were always available to guide me and answer any questions that I had. The degree program and the courses were designed to prepare me for a new career and were both challenging and interesting.
Review Date: 3/5/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
UMGC is an excellent online school with a very reputable school name, University of Maryland, behind them. Classes are difficult and challenging, however, they are fair. Communicate regularly with your professor and classmates and you will not have problems. The graduate degree I received was discontinued and replaced with the MBA program that is offered. It has prepared me for job interviews and for the next steps in my civilian career. I recommend this school to anyone.
Review Date: 2/16/2020
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The courses of AIU are planned well. No wastage of time on unimportant stuff. I love the case studies and examples that help to solidify the concepts. My program, MBA in Healthcare care Management, is simply great. I have checked so many programs before I joined but the curriculum of AIU was just amazing. They have great online support. Overall I am very happy that I joined this college through Talentedge for my future studies and I also don't have to give up my job.
Review Date: 8/17/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland challenged me as a student, leader and as a professional. The University of Maryland provides a plethora of resources for each of it's students. It's a great place to develop your skill set and become a future business leader!
Review Date: 8/19/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I completed by BSBA with Trident University and I am a current MBA student. I have thoroughly enjoyed my classes, I have become a more proficient academic writer, and I have been able to obtain my degrees without having to go to a traditional classroom (which I much prefer). Despite what some of the other reviews state, I have never experienced anything but professionalism and ease in dealing with the FA department, and I have always had professors who were diligent in replying to any emails I sent... Read More
Review Date: 3/18/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Great program for working professionals, since it is both part-time and online. The online format for the Finance Masters created by the Georgetown faculty is superior to any other online experience I have ever had. The classes are taught live each week by a professor and professors and TA's are available for office hours.
Review Date: 3/8/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I am currently taking pre-requisite graduate-level degree courses at Harvard Extension school, and I want everyone to know what an amazing value it is! Graduate 4-credit course is $2,600 as of now, and Master's degree will cost you only around $30,000. Courses can be taken online via web-conferences (similar to Skype) and some course are required to be taken on campus. Professors are reputable and distinguished, and so far it is not scary at all - if you study, you will finish!
Review Date: 9/14/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Being a student at Johnson & Wales University has given me the chance to better myself and to help me continue to grow in my field. When I was first looking for an MBA online program I was hesitant, I needed something that fit my work schedule, was flexible, allowed me to take my classes part time and most of all affordable. Johnson & Wales has been nothing but supportive of the journey, the professors that teach the online courses are extremely understanding and make themselves available to you.... Read More
Review Date: 2/2/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
This school has great advisers and supportive with extending financial payment due dates a few weeks. The classes are great, however some material repeat the first few weeks. It is fast pace and I would advise doing one at a time unless you know you'll have time to commit to the reading. Reading the material will help you retain the knowledge and the assignments reinforce many of the core topics. Some of the classes are more challenging than others. Another recommendation is to understand the course... Read More
Review Date: 12/7/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The University of Florida provided me with the tools I needed to be successful in my career. I was able to take classes online while working full-time and will be able to graduate from my MBA program in just over a year. UF gave me a platform to propel my career to heights I never dreamed possible. Although classes were taken online, I feel close with my teachers and classmates as we had many like classes together. My team works together often on projects and would not trade the opportunity I had... Read More
Review Date: 6/1/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes