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Compare Master’s in Finance Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Compare Master’s in Finance Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

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Compare Master’s in Finance Programs
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Best Master’s in Finance Programs of 2025
Compare Master’s in Finance Programs
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Upgrading knowledge and skills through an advanced degree is a well-known strategy for improving marketability. Advanced finance degrees let you take advantage of higher-paying jobs in the financial sector. For instance, throughout 2033, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 17% growth in job openings for financial managers with an average annual salary of $156,100 and a 9% uptick in opportunities for financial analysts ($99,890 yearly pay). You can complete a master’s in finance degree program in as little as a year, with an average annual tuition cost of $20,513.

Why Trust Us

The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.

  • Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
  • 800+ rankings pages are reviewed and updated yearly
  • Content is informed by reputable sources, surveys, and interviews with academic advisors and other experts
  • Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources

How we rank schools

Our list features the best Finance degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.

We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:

Academic Quality:

  • Admission rate versus enrollment rate
  • Retention rate of students who return after year one
  • Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
  • Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions

Graduation Rate

  • Overall graduation rate
  • Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
  • Student-to-faculty ratio

Cost and ROI

  • In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
  • Required credits to graduate
  • Earning potential after graduation
  • Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options

Student Resources

  • Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
  • On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries

Read more about our ranking methodology.

Best 50 Accredited Master’s in Finance Degree Programs

Best Master’s in Finance Programs badge
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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University of Texas at Austin
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Texas A&M University Mays Business School
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Columbia University
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Indiana University-Bloomington
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University of Southern California
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University of Texas at Dallas
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University of Wisconsin - Madison
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Arizona State University
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University of Maryland
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UF Warrington College of Business
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University of Chicago
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University of Alabama
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Washington University in St. Louis
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Vanderbilt University
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University of Arizona
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University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign
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Louisiana State University
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University of California, Irvine
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University at Buffalo
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Texas Tech University
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Auburn University
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West Virginia University
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University of Cincinnati
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Villanova University
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Creighton University
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Johns Hopkins University
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University of Virginia
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University of Rochester
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NYU School of Professional Studies
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Boston College
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Princeton University
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Bentley University
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University of Notre Dame
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Case Western Reserve University
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University of Colorado Denver
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Florida State University
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Tulane University of Louisiana
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Saint Joseph's University
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Boston University
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University of Missouri - Kansas City
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Brandeis University
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Babson College

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How to Choose a Master’s in Finance Degree Program

Master’s degree programs in finance among individual schools may have the same goal, but each is unique. When narrowing down choices, consider your goals, personality, and budget to ensure the best fit for your life circumstances. Also, check that your chosen finance program is accredited by reputable business organizations.

Choose your area of study

A Master of Science in Finance (MSF) offers an intensive look at finance, including technical-specific skills, while a Master of Business Administration in Finance (MBA in Finance) prepares you for a broader role in managing a company’s finance department. Start by selecting a program that furthers your ambitions and interests. If you’re working in finance now, assess which degree would advance your career, either with your current employer or with others in the sector.

Research schools and programs

Every business school has a unique culture and learning environment, and this can differ across individual departments. Review websites and contact former students to get a feel for how you will fit in. Study the curriculum to see if it meets your career goals, gathering information on professors, class size, and classroom settings, including remote offerings and in-person requirements. Also, look into internships, projects, and completion time.

Prepare for tests and applications

In addition to program prerequisites, schools have eligibility requirements that often include references, recommended test scores, and minimum undergraduate performance (i.e., GPA). If your undergraduate study was unrelated to finance or you didn’t have a strong background in accounting, finance, or economics, you may need additional classes before enrolling. Finally, be prepared to pay application fees and pay attention to submission deadlines, as you’ll need time to gather transcripts and letters of recommendation. Apply early to receive the maximum amount of scholarship consideration.

Select your program

While you may have already decided between a Master of Science and a Master of Business Administration in Finance, you must choose from additional paths to match your degree to your career goals. For example, some business schools include an internship with their degree track. Internships provide hands-on experience, letting you practice in the real world. However, you may not need an internship if you plan to remain with your current employer.

Check out the amount and types of elective courses to ensure you have leeway to align your studies with your goals. Many programs will allow you to specialize in a particular niche, such as:

  • Investment banking
  • Financial economics
  • Financial markets
  • Financial management
  • Portfolio management
  • Risk management
  • Quantitative finance
  • International finance
  • Corporate finance

Determine how you’ll pay for your degree

While education and its resulting knowledge represent great wealth, it costs actual dollars and cents. Make sure you’re aware of the total expenditure of your degree program, from materials, books, and tuition fees to indirect costs like allowing for study time (instead of working). Fortunately, most business schools provide opportunities for financial aid, such as scholarships, loans, and graduate work assistance programs. Finally, check with your current employer for tuition reimbursement programs and look into bank or federal loans specifically for education.

What Can You Expect From a Master’s in Finance Degree Program?

The length of your graduate program depends on several factors, including your undergraduate work, type of degree (MSF or MBA in Finance or a combination), and whether you choose to participate in an internship program. Some schools offer a master’s combined with an undergraduate degree, letting you earn both in four to five years, but you may need to include summers as well. However, depending on the required credits, most programs take 12 to 24 months to complete.

Master’s in finance degree programs typically include hands-on experience through labs, seminars, class projects, and internships. Be prepared for group discussions, whether in-person, via remote, or during conferences. Most schools provide access to speakers and seminars to help students keep up with real-world financial situations.

Potential courses you’ll take in a master’s in finance degree program

  • Financial Accounting. This common core requirement teaches you how to analyze and use the information found in financial statements. You’ll also learn to present financial reports to upper management and strategize based on company data.
  • Finance Ethics and Regulation. This class offers insights into common ethical challenges involved in finance. You’ll explore the reasons behind personal and corporate values and review the code of ethics for a financial professional.
  • Financial Markets. With an increased focus on investment opportunities, from stocks to bonds and capital assets, a financial markets class looks at market trends and behavior. You’ll learn risk management tactics and better understand global markets.
  • Analytics of Finance. Data analytics lets you turn masses of data into usable information. By applying the same techniques to finance, you’ll learn how to gather practical financial data and use it to predict and assess company performance.
  • Corporate Finance. A corporate finance class goes beyond financial accounting into stock valuations, bankers’ risk management, and employee assessments. You’ll discuss how to raise capital and various cash flow scenarios.

Master’s in Finance Degree Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to a master's in finance degree program?

Most applications require an entrance fee, minimum test scores, transcripts, letters of recommendation, resume, and essays. You can find steps to the application process online at each school’s website. However, before starting, talk to an advisor, preferably in the graduate department, to ensure you’re eligible and that the program is within your budget. Consider attending an admission event to get a first-hand look at the school’s culture and check out the class profile online.

How much does a master's in finance degree cost?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, tuition and fees for a master’s degree are, on average, $19,750 (from 2020-2021 data). However, there is a lot of variability within this figure. Public institutions are typically less expensive than private ($12,394 vs. $26,621), as is enrolling in an in-state school. Your method of attending class, in-person or remote, affects indirect cost factors like transportation, food, and lodging.

The length of the program (and required credit hours) plays a significant role in the final tally. Finally, don’t forget to consider hidden expenses, including health insurance, technology fees, and the cost of attending seminars or conferences.

How long does it take to earn a master's in finance degree?

Expect around a year to finish the average program. Completion time can vary depending on the program, type of degree, and how many courses you take at once. You may choose between an accelerated format or one with more practical training or customization, which takes longer.

Your class status, whether full- or part-time, also helps determine your completion time. Some schools require full-time participation, while others let you chip away at your degree as long as you meet minimum enrollment requirements. An MSF degree usually takes less time than an MBA in Finance.


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