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What is Finance?
Finance colleges and degree programs prepare students for a wide range of occupations in the financial industry. From investment banking to trading and accounting, finance degree holders can pursue a variety of career paths. Those interested in learning more about finance education can review this article to find out everything they need to know.
The first step in researching a potential finance program is to identify which colleges offer courses related to your area of interest. Most accredited universities have some form of finance-related offerings, from undergraduate business degrees to professional certificates. Some institutions also provide specialized graduate degrees in areas such as corporate finance or financial engineering. Depending on your academic goals, you may want to explore these further before making any decisions. When considering which college or university will best fit your needs, it’s important to research the curriculum offered by each institution as well as the faculty members who will be teaching those classes.
Compare Popular Online Finance Programs
Top Ranked Campus & Online Finance Programs in Connecticut
Yale University
Score: 96.02
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $64,700
- Out-of-State: $64,700
- Net Price: $18,647
- Acceptance Rate: 5%
- Retention Rate: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 98%
- Total Enrollment: 14,776
- Undergrad Students: 6,645
- Graduate Students: 8,131
- Grads Salary: $96,000
- Student-to-faculty: 6:1
University of Connecticut
Score: 77.02
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $20,366
- Out-of-State: $43,034
- Net Price: $23,985
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Retention Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Total Enrollment: 27,003
- Undergrad Students: 18,983
- Graduate Students: 8,020
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
University of Saint Joseph
Score: 73.86
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $45,908
- Out-of-State: $45,908
- Net Price: $25,860
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 61%
- Total Enrollment: 1,992
- Undergrad Students: 831
- Graduate Students: 1,161
- Grads Salary: $88,000
- Student-to-faculty: 8:1
Fairfield University
Score: 72.18
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $56,360
- Out-of-State: $56,360
- Net Price: $46,065
- Acceptance Rate: 52%
- Retention Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 84%
- Total Enrollment: 6,019
- Undergrad Students: 4,757
- Graduate Students: 1,262
- Grads Salary: $87,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Eastern Connecticut State University
Score: 69.35
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,292
- Out-of-State: $16,624
- Net Price: $18,628
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Total Enrollment: 4,082
- Undergrad Students: 3,926
- Graduate Students: 156
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Quinnipiac University
Score: 68.28
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $53,090
- Out-of-State: $53,090
- Net Price: $39,051
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 88%
- Graduation Rate: 77%
- Total Enrollment: 8,788
- Undergrad Students: 6,073
- Graduate Students: 2,715
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Central Connecticut State University
Score: 68.24
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,460
- Out-of-State: $25,736
- Net Price: $17,088
- Acceptance Rate: 77%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 9,468
- Undergrad Students: 7,665
- Graduate Students: 1,803
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
University of Hartford
Score: 67.58
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $47,647
- Out-of-State: $47,647
- Net Price: $31,687
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
- Total Enrollment: 5,732
- Undergrad Students: 3,969
- Graduate Students: 1,763
- Grads Salary: $83,000
- Student-to-faculty: 8:1
Western Connecticut State University
Score: 64.95
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,763
- Out-of-State: $16,095
- Net Price: $15,862
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 4,417
- Undergrad Students: 3,799
- Graduate Students: 618
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Albertus Magnus College
Score: 63.71
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $39,924
- Out-of-State: $39,924
- Net Price: $27,469
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 1,275
- Undergrad Students: 987
- Graduate Students: 288
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
University of Bridgeport
Score: 63.04
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $35,760
- Out-of-State: $35,760
- Net Price: $28,470
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 3,988
- Undergrad Students: 1,637
- Graduate Students: 2,351
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Sacred Heart University
Score: 62.64
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $48,460
- Out-of-State: $48,460
- Net Price: $45,280
- Acceptance Rate: 66%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 73%
- Total Enrollment: 10,721
- Undergrad Students: 6,782
- Graduate Students: 3,939
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
University of New Haven
Score: 61.54
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $45,730
- Out-of-State: $45,730
- Net Price: $33,135
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 8,819
- Undergrad Students: 4,817
- Graduate Students: 4,002
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Post University
Score: 55.71
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,100
- Out-of-State: $17,100
- Net Price: $18,307
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 35%
- Graduation Rate: 32%
- Total Enrollment: 17,034
- Undergrad Students: 14,682
- Graduate Students: 2,352
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
CT State Community College Naugatuck Valley
Score: 45.58
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,740
- Out-of-State: $14,140
- Net Price: $8,747
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 14%
- Total Enrollment: 4,554
- Undergrad Students: 4,554
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $44,100
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Online Finance Education in Connecticut
A finance professional is a person who possesses knowledge of finance and can create and file financial documents. These professionals are hired by companies to conduct financial analyses and assist clients with their finances. They also advise clients on how to make better financial decisions. The best part is that most of these jobs are also very financially rewarding.
When looking for a job in the finance industry, you may want to consider applying for a position as a portfolio manager or personal financial advisor. In this position, you would be expected to make financial predictions and use the data to boost profits. But this is only one of many career options that you’ll have access to. Some of the more advanced finance jobs include working as an investment banking associate, a quantitative analyst, or a financial planner. Typically, these positions require a bachelor's degree. Other roles may require a graduate degree.
Financial professionals are primarily concerned with managing money. It can be an extremely rewarding career, but it can also be challenging.
Online Associate Degree in Finance (AS)
An associates in finance is a great way to get started with a career in the financial services industry. With an associate degree, you will gain basic knowledge and skills related to financial management, budgeting, investments, and more. This type of degree prepares you for entry-level positions within the finance sector or can also be used as a stepping-stone toward higher education.
At finance colleges and degree programs, you will find many types of programs available, which often includes online and on-campus options. A two-year degree or certificate program is suitable for anyone who needs a quick, easy way to get into the job market. The courses in these programs cover topics such as personal finance planning, accounting principles, cost analysis, and other important concepts needed to succeed in this field. You may even have the opportunity to specialize in areas like banking or tax preparation depending on the program chosen.
University HQ's National Rankings Associate in FinanceOnline Bachelors Degree in Finance (BS or B.Fin)
A bachelors in finance is an excellent choice for anyone interested in working in the financial industry. From private banking to corporate finance, a degree in this field can open up a wide range of career opportunities - even more so at this level than at the associate degree level. Whether you are just starting out or are looking to further your education, there are many high-quality finance colleges offering outstanding programs and degrees.
Finance colleges offer students a variety of educational options tailored to their individual needs and goals. Students can learn about investments, risk management, international business, taxes, financial planning, and more through traditional classroom courses or online instruction. These courses provide the necessary skills to pursue entry-level positions or higher level executive roles within the rewarding field of finance. With hands-on experience available through internships and study abroad programs, students gain real world knowledge that will benefit them for years after graduation.
University HQ's National Rankings Bachelor's in FinanceFind Your Online Finance Program
Online Masters Degree in Finance (MS or M.Fin)
A masters in finance can open up a world of new possibilities for future or shifting career paths. Whether you are interested in an investment banking job, a corporate finance position, or something else entirely, earning your master’s degree can give you the professional edge you need to continue to succeed. There are many colleges and universities that offer programs leading to a Master of Science (MSc) or Master of Arts (MA) in Finance. Each institution provides courses and concentrations that may be tailored to focus on a specific area such as quantitative methods and economics or financial markets and analysis. You’ll need to find what options are available to you and decide which one fits your future plans best.
These institutions offer both full-time and part-time programs that come with different requirements for admission. Some schools allow students to specialize their studies by choosing from an array of electives, while others have core curriculums that must be completed before graduation.
University HQ's National Rankings Masters in FinanceOnline PhD Degree in Finance (PhD)
A PhD in Finance is a specialized degree designed to prepare advanced students for high-level positions in the field of finance. It provides a deep understanding of financial principles, economics, and quantitative analysis that can be applied to many different areas within financial services. With an increasing number of colleges and universities offering programs in finance, prospective students can find a variety of options available when considering their educational pursuits. However, it’s important to note that these degrees are rarely required for those working in businesses in this field. Instead, these degrees are most useful for those who are looking to start their own businesses or firms, or those who wish to work in academia or research.
The curriculum for a PhD program in finance typically includes courses such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, international finance, corporate finance, money and banking, investments, and portfolio management. In addition to these core courses there are also electives offered which may focus on topics such as financial engineering and derivatives or risk management; this will depend on the school and program you choose. There is usually an emphasis on research through various projects conducted by the student throughout their studies.
Online Finance Certifications
Finance certifications are an important part of the financial industry. They allow professionals to demonstrate their expertise and knowledge in a given area of finance and provide access to new careers and opportunities. Obtaining a finance certification is often seen as a way to advance in one's career and increase earning potential.
Finance and accounting certifications are offered by professional organizations, universities, and other institutions. These certifications may be focused on specific areas like investments, financial planning, or banking and may take anywhere from several days to months to complete. Those who choose to pursue a certification must pass both written and oral tests that measure their understanding of finance principles as well as their ability to apply them in real-world scenarios.
Obtaining a certification can be an important step for those looking for advanced positions within the field of finance or those seeking out new opportunities in related fields such as accounting or economics.
Become a Financial Analyst/Advisor in Connecticut
Finance colleges and degree programs offer students the opportunity to gain knowledge in a variety of financial subjects, ranging from investments and banking to accounting and taxation. With a comprehensive understanding of each subject, individuals can take their first steps towards becoming an expert in financial matters. Here are some tips on how to become finance professional in Connecticut.
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Step 1: Research what degree programs best fit your career goals
Researching which degree programs best fit your career goals is an important part of the college search process. Deciding what type of degree program and specific courses to pursue can seem overwhelming but, with a bit of research, you can narrow down your options dramatically. Finance colleges offer a variety of degree programs that cover all areas of finance, from accounting to investments and more. Whether you're looking for an introduction to the world of finance or wanting to specialize in a certain area, there's likely a program available that meets your needs. Degree levels range from associate degrees, which may only take two years to complete, all the way up through graduate-level qualifications such as MBAs and PhDs. Each type offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages depending on what kind of job you're aiming for after graduation and how long you’re willing to be in school.
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Step 2: Pursuing additional certifications and training courses
Pursuing additional certifications and training courses is a great way for students to expand their knowledge base and become more marketable in the field of finance. It's also a great way to refine the skills needed to be successful in the financial sector. Whether you are already working in finance or are just beginning your studies, there are several options available that can help you gain new skills and make yourself more attractive to employers. Additionally, taking specialized courses such as taxation, financial reporting, investment banking, or money management can provide students with an edge when it comes time for them to find employment after graduation.
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Step 3: Gain experience through internships in the finance field
If you are considering a career in finance, gaining experience through an internship can be a great way to get your foot in the door. It will also give you an opportunity to meet professionals and network with people who may be helpful later on. Many organizations offer internships to students looking for experience in finance-related fields, so make sure to look around and find one that is right for you. Additionally, you might want to keep this in mind when choosing which school to attend. Some schools have plenty of internship options available because they have built relationships with nearby businesses, while others have no help to offer those looking for internship opportunities. You can use this when you are making your school search final decision. It’s also important to remember that internships do not always lead directly into full-time positions; however, it does make you more competitive when it comes time to apply for jobs.
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Step 4: Network and build relationships with people in the industry
The finance industry is consistently one of the most competitive industries in the world. As such, it’s important to have a strategy in place to best equip oneself for success. Networking and building relationships with people already established in finance is a great way to get ahead. One of the best ways to network and build relationships within the finance industry is by attending college or university programs that specialize in finance. A good education will give students an understanding of the fundamentals of financial theory and practice that are critical for success in any financial role. Furthermore, many higher education institutions also offer career services departments, which can help connect students with employers as well as mentor programs which allow students to learn from experienced professionals working in their field.
What Can I Do with a Bachelor's in Finance?
A bachelor's degree in finance is an excellent way to start a successful career in the financial industry. With this degree, you will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills needed in many areas of finance such as investment management, accounting, banking, and more. A finance degree can open up a wide range of job opportunities in various sectors including corporate financial management and private wealth management to name a few. It can also give you access to more certifications than you would get with just an associate degree.
With a degree in finance, you can start your career as an accountant or financial analyst. You may also consider becoming an investment manager or personal banker, depending on what interests you most. If you have aspirations to work at higher levels of financial services such as private banking or venture capital firms, then earning your master's degree may be beneficial and a good next step for you.
Potential Careers for Finance Graduates
- Financial Managers:
Financial managers are responsible for overseeing and managing the financial operations of a company. They are responsible for managing budgets, preparing financial reports, and analyzing financial trends.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or related field
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in a financial role
- Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for financial managers in the US in 2021 was $131,710
- The mean annual wage for financial managers in Connecticut is $162,270
- Credit Counselors
A credit counselor will provide financial counseling services to assist clients in improving their credit and managing their debt.
Necessary Requirements:
- A credit counselor will provide financial counseling services to assist clients in improving their credit and managing their debt.
- Previous experience in credit counseling or financial advising
- Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Demonstrated commitment to providing excellent customer service
Estimated Salary
- The mean annual wage for credit counselors in the US in 2021 was $50,430
- The mean annual wage for credit counselors in Connecticut is $47,520
- Chief Financial Officer
A chief financial officer (CFO) is responsible for the overall financial management of the organization. This includes developing and executing strategies for achieving financial objectives, as well as overseeing accounting, budgeting, and taxation.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or related field
- CPA certification preferred
- At least 10 years of experience
Estimated Salary
- The mean annual wage for chief executives in the US in 2021 was $213,020
- The mean annual wage for chief executives in Connecticut is $243,140
- Financial Analyst
A financial analyst is responsible for analyzing financial data and providing financial insights to the organization.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, economics, or related field
- 3-5 years of experience in a financial analyst role
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills
- Ability to interpret complex financial data and present findings in a clear
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for financial and investment analysts in the US in 2021 was $95,570
- The mean annual wage financial and investment analysts in Connecticut is $114,440
- Actuary:
An actuary is responsible for providing actuarial and financial analysis advice to organization stakeholders. This role requires a high degree of technical knowledge, strong analytical skills, and the ability to evaluate and interpret data.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field
- Professional qualification as an actuary from a recognized Actuarial Society
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for actuaries in the US in 2021 was $105,900
- The mean annual wage actuaries in Connecticut is $140,130
- Economic Analyst:
An economic analyst is responsible for providing research, analysis, and recommendations on national and global economic trends in order to inform and advise the company on their investments and strategies.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in economics or a related field
- Knowledge of economics, financial markets, and investment principles
- Proficiency in statistics, mathematical modeling, forecasting techniques
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, critical thinking skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for economists in the US in 2021 was $105,630
- The mean annual wage economists in Connecticut is $104,830
- Auditor:
An auditor is responsible for conducting financial and operational audits of businesses to ensure accuracy and compliance with established regulations and standards.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
- CPA certification preferred
- Minimum of 5 years' experience in auditing or related role
- Strong knowledge of accounting principles, internal controls, and auditing standards
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for accountants and auditors in the US in 2021 was $77,250
- The mean annual wage accountants and auditors in Connecticut is $83,940
- Tax Preparers:
Tax preparers are responsible for preparing taxes for individuals and businesses. They manage the filing process, analyze financial data, and advise clients on tax strategies.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
- Proven experience as a Tax Preparer
- Knowledge of federal and state tax laws
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Strong customer service skills
- Familiarity with MS Office and accounting software
Estimated Salary
- The mean annual wage for tax preparers in the US in 2021 was $51,080
- The mean annual wage tax preparers in Connecticut is $46,880