Why This Matters

  • 11,600 NEW JOBS FOR FINANCIAL ADVISORS

    The demand for personal financial advisors is projected to grow 4% from 2019 to 2029, creating 11,600 new jobs.

  • CHOOSE FROM OVER 7 CAREER AREAS

    Financial advisors will find a variety of work opportunities available to them, including budget analysts, financial managers, insurance underwriters, real estate brokers, and sales agents.

  • EARN $89,330 AS A PERSONAL FINANCIAL ADVISOR

    Financial advisors earn $89,300 per year on average. Professionals in investment-related fields earn $97,020 per year, while those in insurance and credit earn between $75,000 and $77,000.

Our Research

All of the online finance programs featured in this guide are offered by regionally accredited schools and were ranked by their features, cost, and flexibility.

The Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) accredits finance programs that meet high-quality educational standards. In addition to both those associations, our list includes programs offered by regionally accredited institutions that focus on finance degree plans. Credit hours are typically transferable to comparable schools.

  • 78 hours to write this article
  • 104 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 129 education programs we compared

The Top 50 Online Associate in Finance Programs

Best Online Associate in Finance Programs Badge
01
Intelligent Pick
Franklin University
01
Best in the Midwest Region
Columbus State Community College
01
Best for Full-Time Students
Davenport University
01
Best Management Focus
North Hennepin Community College
01
Best Focus on Banking
Milwaukee Area Technical College
01
Best Public Institution
Miami Dade College
01
Best Focus on Communications Skills
Northwest Arkansas Community College
01
Best Corporate Finance Focus
Stark State College
01
Best Preparation for Bachelor's Degree
Northeast Iowa Community College
01
Best Focus on Technology
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
01
Most Career-Focused
Bryant & Stratton College
01
Best in the Great Plains Region
Barton Community College
01
Best Job Placement Rate
St. Cloud Technical and Community College
01
Best Critical Thinking Focus
Wake Technical Community College
01
Best Focus on Financial Theory
Berkeley College
01
Best Financial Aid
Forsyth Technical Community College
01
Best in the South
Hinds Community College
01
Best Student Support
Haywood Community College
01
Best Faculty Mentors
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute
01
Best for CPA Preparation
Central Carolina Community College
01
Best Asynchronous Program
Ashworth College
01
Most Affordable
Penn Foster College
01
Best Private Institution
Wilmington University
01
Best Hybrid Program
Sandhills Community College
01
Best Real-World Experience
Madison Area Technical College
01
Best In-State Tuition Rate
South Western College

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What You Should Know About This Degree

An associate degree in finance positions you to be a leader in corporate, government, and business environments where banking and accounting knowledge is vital. Similar careers include budget and financial analysts, insurance underwriters, and real estate brokers.

The job outlook for your finance degree depends on the specialty you pursue, but growth is generally expected to be average or better than average.

Common certifications for those pursuing a degree in finance include Certified Public Accountant, Certified Financial Advisor, and Financial Risk Manager. You may also see certifications such as Chartered Financial Consultant and Certified Management Accountant. Also, you may need to go on to your bachelor’s degree to be prepared for some of these certifications.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching online associate in finance programs:

  • Am I eligible for this program? Many finance associate degree programs are open to adults with a high school diploma or equivalency. You may need to take a math placement test to see what classes you have to start with. While it is not a stated requirement, finance students should enjoy math and business.
  • How long does it take to complete this online degree? Most finance associate degree programs take two years to complete and 60 to 70 credit hours to graduate. Depending on whether you have a capstone project or required internship, your particular program could last an additional term.

Once you choose a finance degree program, be sure you keep track of your admissions application and any necessary deadlines. If you need help paying for your education, you should contact the financial aid department of your school and see if you qualify for any scholarships, grants, or employer-based tuition repayment plans.


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