The study of finance is closely related to the study of accounting, which we have profiled elsewhere. While students in accounting obtain a highly specific skill set, however, students interested in finance can expect to be prepared for a wide array of career options, such as banking, entrepreneurship, consulting, and numerous other capacities in a wide array of particular industries. Our 2015 rankings of bachelors degrees in finance is based primarily on two factors: cost of attendance and salary upon graduation. We drew our data from publicly available sources such as CNN Money and Payscale.com. We encourage you to keep in mind that the average post-graduation salary figures are estimates and that these numbers can and will fluctuate from year to year. That said, we believe this list offers a valuable guide to finding a school that is both affordable, reputable, and useful for your future.

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Recommended Finance Programs

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The Questrom School of Business at Boston University offers a flexible Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) degree. A Finance concentration is available. This program also allows students to declare Functional Concentrations (specific interest) or Cross-Functional Concentrations (double interest through another college or program adding breadth). Study abroad programs and internships are available.

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The USC Marshall School of Business and USC Leventhal School of Accounting work hand in hand to provide top-ranked research programs. Students pursuing a finance degree graduate with a Bachelors in Business Administration and select financial-oriented electives. USC Marshall offers many student organizations, leadership opportunities, global study abroad programs and internships, mentoring and career support, as well as financial aid.

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Boston College provides a Bachelor of Science in Management with the option of a Finance Concentration. Furthermore, a Masters in Finance and PhD in Management with a Concentration in Finance are also offered through the Carroll School of Management. The Finance Department is nationally recognized. The undergraduate program prepares students for both the business and academic fields. Boston College also offers study abroad programs, a seminar series, co-curricular programs, and financial assistance.

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For undergraduates at the University of Pennsylvania, there is an option to pursue a Finance Concentration. This concentration covers all areas of finance. Graduates will obtain with a BS in Economics with a concentration in Finance. Students are also able to work with professors to create unique concentrations. Study abroad options are available.

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Students from NYU-Stern will graduate well-grounded in finance. Faculty prepares students to work with multinational managers, marketing professionals, accountants, and the like. Lectures by professionals, informal talks, and submersions into the bustling city of New York all enhance this top-notch program. Financial aid, access to leadership opportunities, and a wide variety of study abroad options are available.

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The Robins School of Business offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA), wherein students can declare an accounting, business administration, or economics major (and only one major). All business administration majors must declare a concentration, such as finance. Interdisciplinary programs, veterans’ benefits, financial aid, scholarships, and student employment, and study abroad programs are available to students.

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Carnegie Mellon offers a numbers-based Bachelor of Science in Computational Finance through the Department of Mathematical Sciences. This degree prepares students for the quantitative-based careers in Finance with positions in software and investment, as well as analyst and consulting positions.  Financial aid, research opportunities, Honors Programs, mathematics contests, teaching opportunities, and more are available to students.

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The Raymond A. Mason School of Business offers an Individual Program of Study (IPS) where students design their own program to support their business and financial aspirations. While financial support and scholarships are reserved for graduate level students, The College of William and Mary does offer study abroad programs and research opportunities to undergraduates. It is also a military-friendly school and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

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The Providence College School of Business covers the traditional areas of finance—corporate financial management, investment analysis, and financial institutions, but is not a traditional program. The Department of Finance offers a Bachelor of Science in Finance. This program steers students to both career paths and graduate studies in law or business. Internship opportunities, many student clubs and organizations, shadowing programs, and mentoring and career assistance programs are available to students.

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The finance curriculum at the Olin Business School prepares students for careers in corporate finance or in commercial or investment banking. They offer a unique finance elective called the Investment Praxis, where students manage a portion of the University’s endowment funds. Internships, international internships, study abroad programs, honors programs, a rich student life, scholarships, and financial aid are all available.

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Georgetown offers a comprehensive Finance Major through the McDonough School of Business. It also encourages students to minor as well. The program prepares students for both careers and further graduate study in business, finance, or law. Students have frequently accepted careers in prestigious investment banks and commercial banks. Financial assistance is available.

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The Opus College of Business at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota prepares students for all areas of finance. The finance degree program also requires students to obtain training in accounting, economics, and informational technology. A diverse student body, international programs, numerous clubs and organizations, undergraduate financial aid, work-study and student employment, military benefits, as well as scholarships, grants, and loans are available to students at St. Thomas.

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The Department of Finance at DePaul University offers an undergraduate degree (Bachelor of Science in Business) where students can minor in Finance within the Dreihaus College of Business. There are four main areas of study: Corporate Financial Management, Investment Analysis/Management, Banking and Financial Services, and Risk Management. DePaul also offers internship and honors programs, research opportunities, career networking, financial aid, awards and scholarships to students.

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The Charles H. Dyson School at Cornell offers students a degree in Applied Economics and Management (AEM) with the option of a Finance Concentration. The Dyson School is located in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, making it easy for students to double major in the sciences. There are about 800 AEM majors currently. Cornell offers financial aid, scholarships, grants, scholar programs, international opportunities, honors research programs, an active student life, and an undergraduate council program.

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Students at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, declaring a Finance major can earn either a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) or a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA). The business school also offers a MBA, MS, and PhD program. Students graduating from UM become part of a diverse, international alumni group, whom currently reside in more than 100 countries worldwide. Financial aid and scholarships are available to students.

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The Finance Major from SMU under the Bachelor of Business Administration has a strong collection of core finance courses. Graduates tend to pursue the career route seeking jobs in corporate finance, investment banking, investment analysis and portfolio management, and bank management. Study and work abroad programs, fellowships, mentoring programs, scholarships, career services and financial aid are available to students.

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Fordham University offers a Bachelors of Science in Finance as well as a Finance Focus under a Business Administration degree through the Gabelli School of Business. Also students can earn concentrations in areas of finance that are singular to Fordham University, such as Alternative Investments and Value Investing. Student organizations, full-time and part-time schedules, financial assitance, summer sessions, and study abroad programs are all available.

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The Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio offers both a traditional major in finance as well as a more advanced and flexible BS in Management with the option of a major in Finance. The Banking and Finance Department has garnered national attention for its reputable faculty and wide array of course offerings in nearly every area of applied finance and advanced theory. Exceptional students can also opt to obtain an MSM in Finance in addition to their BA/BS degree in as little as four years through the department.

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Located in Waltham, Massachusetts, Bentley University offers a BS in Finance. Also offered are graduate and PhD level programs. Disability services, mentors, study abroad programs financial assistance (loans and awards, need and merit-based scholarships, work-study), and an honors program are all available to students. Part-time and full-time flexibility is available as well.

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Lehigh University’s Finance major is geared toward for the private sector with ideal students aiming for careers in corporate finance, Investments, and financial institutions. Lehigh offers scholarships and financial aid to undergraduate students. Numerous clubs and organizations, leadership opportunities, seminar series, study abroad programs, events and other opportunities are available to students.

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Babson faculty is actively involved in research and much of the faculty is widely published. Students have the ability to be selected to manage portions of the college’s endowment. Student groups and programs, an ongoing seminar series, Investment Banking Trips, Trading competitions, and financial aid are all available at Babson College.

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The Reiman School of Finance at Daniels in Denver, Colorado, offers both an undergraduate major and minor. The finance major prepares students for careers in business finance, investment analysis or financial institution management. Finance forums, study abroad programs, volunteer opportunities, undergraduate research, career planning support, and financial aid are available to students.

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The Finance Major at Wake Forest prepares student for careers such as portfolio management, investment and commercial banking, and financial consulting. It is also a stepping-stone to the one-year Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) degree. Further pursuing a career-specific certification and internships are encouraged. Wake Forest also offers a speaker series and internship programs. Financial aid through the school and work-study employment is reserved for graduate-level students.

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Villanova University offers a Finance Major to undergraduates, as well as a Minor. Students can find services, support, and resources through the Clay Center. Villanova prepares individuals to make sound financial decisions. Villanova’s programs also rank among some of the best for online colleges, if you’re looking for flexibility while pursuing your degree. Student organizations and extracurricular activities, internships, co-ops, job opportunities, mentor programs, an honors program, part-time programs for undergraduates, financial aid, and awards are all available.

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The Jindal School at UT Dallas prepares students for careers as analysts and consultants. Students can double major and also take financial planning certification exams. The program encourages students to take internships and aids graduates in career placement. The Jindal School offers a Management Honors Program, a Fast-Track option (combining undergrad and master’s degrees), financial aid, scholarships, work-study programs, and veterans’ benefits.

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The Finance Major at the Neeley School of Business prepares students for careers in investment banking, corporate finance, financial planning, banking, insurance or real estate. Finance Majors have the ability gain experience through the Educational Investment Fund, a multimillion-dollar fund run by students. Research opportunities, seminars and conferences, an active Business Network Alumni, financial aid and scholarships, and study abroad programs are all offered to students at TCU.

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Students at the D’Amor–McKim School of Business at Northeastern University may elect to concentrate in Finance through two programs: either the BS in Business Administration or the BS in International Business program. Both programs are research-focused and emphasize learning through practical experience. Northeastern University offers students a seminar series, financial aid, veterans’ benefits, student research opportunities, study abroad programs, and summer programs.

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The School of Finance, Operations Management and International Business offers a major and minor in finance through the Collins College of Business. Students can further concentrate in corporate finance, investments and portfolio management, or financial institutions. Students can also double major or minor in addition to the concentration. The University of Tulsa offers programs such as Friends of Finance and the Student Investment Fund. Financial aid, scholarships, study abroad programs, honors programs, and an active Greek life.

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Penn State offers undergrad, graduate, and doctoral programs to students interested in finance. Students can learn real-time investing through a real-life multi-million dollar fund available to students as well as stock market tracking in their state-of-the-art Rogers Family Trading Room. Research opportunities, scholarships, and a finance seminar series are available.

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Students can pursue a Bachelors of Business Administration through the Goizueta Business School at Emory University. The Finance faculty is active, involved, widely published, and are leading researchers in their respective fields. The courses in the Finance Academic Area are broad and thorough. Emory also offers a financial aid, Leadership Coaching Fellows Program, Management Practice courses, and the Dean’s Leadership Speaker Series. Currently, Goizueta is number one in the world for MBA employment.

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Like University of Pennsylvania, MIT-Sloan offers a concentration in Finance. Undergraduate students major in Management Science with a Finance concentration. The emphasis in this program is on road-based knowledge with the ability to tailor to the students’ interests to prepare them for summer internships, post-grad employment, or owning a small business. Research, independent study, community involvement, and a strong alumni base are offered at MIT.

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The Terry College of Business at University of Georgia bases their Finance major on theory and use of financial analysis. Terry prepares students for positions in careers such as an Investment Banking Analysis, Financial Analyst, Loan Auditing Manager, Junior Trader, or Actuary. Scholarships, financial aid, and study abroad programs are offered to students.

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The Finance major at University of Connecticut is one of the most popular majors in the School of Business. This program prepares students for both financial careers and further schooling, such as graduate work in law or an MBA. There are many student organizations as well as a Business Connections learning community (BCLC) for business students. UConn offers internships, study abroad programs, a student managed fund, honors programs, departmental scholarships, school-wide scholarships, and financial aid.

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The Eli Broad College of Business offers a Finance major as well as further specializations and minors including Entrepreneurship, Sales Communication, Environmental Studies, and International Business Minor. Scholar programs, scholarships, leadership opportunities, student organizations, multicultural business programs, career assistance, and internships are all available to students.

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The Finance major at Miami University in Ohio emphasizes the theoretical and practical aspects of financial management. It is a career-focused program. This bachelor’s degree through the Farmer’s School of Business offers undergraduates study abroad options, an honors program, undergraduate research opportunities, veterans’ benefits, and three-year pathways for those that have already completed courses. Financial aid, awards, and scholarships are also available.

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Finance is one of the most popular majors at Indiana University. They offer a real-world curriculum, extracurricular finance activities and organizations, top employment opportunities, and hands-on guidance. Indiana University also offers a Young Women’s Institute, where female students can connect with like-minded women in their respective fields. Scholarships, financial aid, and academic support are available to students.

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The Kenan-Flagler Business School at UNC offers a Business Major (and Minor) with a General Finance Emphasis for students interested in finance. Students can also customize their Business Degree with other Emphasis Programs such as Consulting, Corporate Finance, Entrepreneurship, International Business, Investments, Marketing Management, Operations, Real Estate, and Sales. A strong alumni base, career services, study abroad programs, and merit-based scholarships are all available.

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Notre Dame offers a Finance Major through the Mendoza College of Business. The major focuses on four distinct areas of study: analytical tools, environmental issues, technical skills, and knowledge of the business firm, including Accounting, Finance, Management, and Marketing. Notre Dame offers financial aid, research opportunities, a rich student life, an active alumni network, part time or full time degree programs, a Finance Seminar Series, as well as student clubs and associations.

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The Foster School of Business offers a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a choice of a Finance Focus or Business Economics Focus. The Finance Focus prepares students for careers as financial managers, bankers, and administrators. Finance undergrads can be a part of the student organization called the Dow Dawgs Finance Association.  More information about preparation workshops, internships, consulting and start-up opportunities, study abroad programs, competitions, scholarships, and financial aid can all be found on their website.

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Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota offers a Finance Major and Minor Honors programs, study abroad and exchange programs, summer high school programs, active student organizations, seminars, scholarships and financial aid are also available to students. In addition to financial aid, every credit after 13 credits is free of charge. Students typically take 15-16 credits each semester.

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The career-oriented program at OSU prepares students with a broad skill set. OSU has a very competitive admissions program. Most students enter as pre-major program students through the Fisher College of Business. Only after core requirements are met can they apply to the Finance program. A select few are offered direct admissions after a merit-based review. Honors and scholars programs, internships, leadership and global opportunities, scholarships and financial aid are available to students.

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The undergraduate program through the Finance, Investment, and Banking Department at the Wisconsin School of Business consistently ranks in the top programs in the United States. Nearly one-third of all undergrads and graduate students finish with a finance major. Wisconsin-Madison offers numerous student clubs and organization involvement, study abroad programs, a speaker series, a well-connected alumni, undergraduate research, volunteer opportunities, scholarships and financial aid.

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The McIntire School of Commerce at UVA also offers a Finance Concentration to undergraduates, which also happens to be one of the most popular. Graduates from this program typically seek careers specializing in corporate finance, financial counseling, investment management, or banking. Career services, study abroad programs, personal counseling, student body programs, and undergraduate scholarships are available.

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Students pursuing a Finance major at UT Austin start as Bachelors in Business Administration majors. Once students have completed 30 hours of coursework, they can declare specific business majors, such Finance. Finance majors may specialize further by completing the one-year Financial Analyst Program (FAP). Financial assistance, student and career services, study abroad programs, leadership development programs, financial aid, and work-study programs are all available.

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The Poole College of Management at NC State offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in finance. All students study finance, marketing, supply chain, human resource management, and information technology before declaring a concentration. NC State offers financial aid and scholarships to students as well as dual degrees, internship and co-op opportunities, a vibrant and active student life, and real-world career preparation.

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The Finance program at Virginia Tech is one of the strongest undergraduate programs in Pamplin School of Business. It also boasts high placement rates. Internationally recognized professors teach courses, which starts with a core curriculum, followed by six different track options. Virginia Tech also offers many student organizations, investment fund management positions, internship opportunities, undergraduate research, independent study projects, financial aid, and international programs.

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All freshmen entering Mays Business School at TAMU major in Business Administration. Finance majors study corporate finance, investment markets, and institutions. Internships, certificate programs, a business student council, scholarships, real life fund management opportunities, as well as study abroad programs are all available at TAMU.

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Undergraduate students at Berkeley interested in Finance pursue a BS in Business Administration, where finance classes are offered. Intro to Finance is a core course. Further courses in corporate finance and investments are also taught. Students work with a published, research-oriented, active faculty. Financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and federal work-studies are available. 

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University of Michigan prepares their students for the complex business world with a broad-based approach to finance. Students pursuing an interest in Finance graduate with a BA in Business Administration. Flexible MBA programs and a PhD program are available beyond the undergraduate level. Financial aid, dual degrees, financial aid, student programs, as well as a study abroad program are available. 

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The Finance Major at Brigham Young at the Marriott School works hard to place graduates in top internships. It is known to be a rigorous and quantitative program. Before the start of fall semester, students are required to complete online financial accounting and quantitative analysis primers.  The faculty is published in leading academic journals. Clubs and student associations, mentor programs, a business career center, and financial aid are available to students.