The finance industry is booming, offering lucrative salaries for roles expected to be in high demand over the next decade. The fastest online finance degree programs provide a quick, accessible way to earn your degree, allowing you to kickstart your career on a shorter timeline. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree can pursue careers as financial analysts, with a median salary of $99,890. Those with a master’s degree can become financial managers, earning a median salary of $156,100.
These accelerated programs can be completed in as little as two to three years for a bachelor’s and 12 to 18 months for a master’s, making your path to success more efficient.
How to Choose a Fast Online Finance Program
Choose your area of study
Selecting an area of study for your finance degree can help align your education with your career goals while making you a more competitive hire. At the undergraduate level, options like corporate finance, investment banking, or financial planning may be ideal for students interested in specific industry sectors. Graduate students can often opt for more advanced specializations, like financial engineering, risk management, or international finance, suited for those seeking high-level positions.
Research schools and programs
Now that you have a specialization in mind, you can begin researching schools and programs in earnest. You may come into this process with some questions of your own, but here are a few more to help guide your research:
- Does the curriculum align with my career goals?
- Are the faculty experienced and respected in the industry?
- What support services are available for online learners?
- What are the program’s graduation and job placement rates?
Most of this information is readily available on school websites, from an admissions counselor, or at an information session.
Prepare for tests and applications
While some programs may have different application requirements, many share the same criteria. This typically includes:
- Transcripts from previously attended institutions
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
- Resume with relevant experience
- Standardized test scores
To help with test prep, utilize resources like ACT and SAT prep courses if you’re a prospective undergraduate or GRE prep programs if you’re seeking a graduate degree.
Select your program
The arrival of acceptance letters is always an exciting time, but it can quickly become overwhelming if you receive more than one. Revisit your initial research criteria and focus on what matters most to you – whether that’s curriculum relevance, the faculty you’ll learn from, or support services for online learners. Then, reassess the total cost of attendance and compare it to any financial aid offers.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
To best finance your degree, prioritize scholarships and grants, which are essentially free money and don’t need to be repaid. Next, consider work-study or assistantships, allowing you to earn money while gaining resume-boosting work experience. Employer tuition reimbursement programs are another excellent option if your employer offers assistance.
When loans are necessary, federal loans usually offer more favorable terms than private loans, so apply for these first through the FAFSA. Private loans should be a last resort to bridge any remaining financial gap.
Best 50 Accredited Fast Online Finance Programs
How we rank schools
This list features some of the country’s fastest online finance degree programs. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution, either public or private, with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of the fastest online finance degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications, such as U.S. News & World Report, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What Can You Expect From a Fast Online Finance Program?
An online accelerated finance degree program provides an all-encompassing education in financial principles, investment strategies, and economic theory. Students will gain foundational knowledge in accounting, financial markets, corporate finance, and risk management at the bachelor’s level. Coursework at the master’s level delves into topics like financial analysis, portfolio management, and international finance.
Programs are designed to be flexible, with most coursework completed online, allowing students to balance their studies with other commitments — like a full-time job or raising a family. Many programs offer both thesis and non-thesis tracks to accommodate different career goals. Bachelor’s degrees can typically be completed in two to three years, while master’s programs may take 12 to 18 months, depending on your pace.
Potential courses you’ll take in a fast online finance program
- Financial Accounting: In this course, students learn accounting principles, including preparing and analyzing financial statements. They’ll gain skills in recording financial transactions, understanding the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards. Many curriculums consider this course essential, as it’s critical for making informed financial decisions in any business setting.
- Corporate Finance: This course covers the financial activities of running a corporation, focusing on investment decisions, capital structure, and financing. Students will learn to evaluate investment opportunities, manage company assets, and optimize financial performance. Topics such as dividend policy, mergers and acquisitions, and risk management are also explored to prepare students for strategic financial roles.
- Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management: Here, students will delve into the theories and practices of investing, learning how to analyze different investment vehicles like stocks, bonds, and derivatives. The course teaches portfolio construction, diversification strategies, and performance evaluation. Practical skills in assessing market conditions and making investment decisions help prepare students for investment banking, asset management, and financial planning careers.
What Can I Do With a Finance Degree?
A finance degree will prepare you for various roles within the field, with lucrative, in-demand opportunities for bachelor’s and master’s graduates alike.
Career outlook
- Financial Analyst — These professionals assess the performance of stocks, bonds, and other investments while providing guidance to businesses and people making investment decisions. This role is typically available to graduates with a bachelor’s degree.
- Median annual salary: $99,890
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 8%
- New jobs projected: 27,400
- Accountant — Accountants prepare and examine financial records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with laws and regulations. Most of these positions require a bachelor’s degree.
- Median annual salary: $79,880
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 4%
- New jobs projected: 126,500
- Financial Manager — Ideal for master’s graduates, financial managers oversee an organization’s economic health and develop strategies and plans for long-term financial goals.
- Median annual salary: $156,100
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 16%
- New jobs projected: 69,600
Fast Online Finance Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do accelerated degree programs work?
These programs condense traditional coursework into a shorter time frame, allowing students to complete their education faster. It’s important to note that accelerated programs maintain the same curriculum and quality of education as standard programs but offer courses in a more intensive format, often with shorter terms and more frequent classes. To learn more about the benefits and potential challenges and to determine if this is the right path for you, explore our page that details the pros and cons.
How long does it take to earn a fast online finance degree?
A fast online finance degree can often be completed in two to three years for an undergraduate program, compared to the four years needed for traditional programs. Graduate programs may take 12 to 18 months versus the usual two to three years for conventional tracks.
The timeline depends on total credit requirements, which can vary significantly, especially for master’s programs. Evaluating these requirements is crucial to better understand the exact duration of your studies.
How much does a fast online finance degree cost?
The average annual cost of tuition is $14,688 for undergraduate degrees and $20,513 for graduate degrees. While accelerated programs sometimes offer lower tuition than traditional ones, this isn’t always true. You’ll also want to budget for additional expenses, like technology fees, textbooks, and course materials — which can add up over time and significantly affect the total cost of attendance.
Consult a financial aid counselor at your intended program to get a clearer picture of the total cost.