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Overview of a Bachelor’s in Finance
A bachelor’s is the most common entry degree for most careers, and it’s the same for finance degrees. While an associate can earn you some lower-level positions, the majority of work in finance requires at least a Bachelor of Science in Finance (or of Arts). One of the best things about earning a bachelor's degree in this field is that it is easily accessible through online or hybrid (online and in-person) learning. Because this field doesn't require hands-on learning, online options have sprouted like weeds since the advent of online/disteance education. The broader the finance program and deeper level of knowledge gained with this gives finance students everything they need to earn a position as accountants, personal financial advisors, financial managers, financial analysts, actuary, budget analysts, or a number of other options. It will also give you access to certifications and higher education; which employers may prefer or even require you to have. Finance professionals may choose to earn certifications, such as those of a Chartered Financial Analyst or a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), or others. This degree will give you the best chance at advancing quickly into a profession where, at the higher levels, you can be making close to $100,000 annually.
Finance students may choose to focus in on whatever type of learning suites them best, but their courses may already include:
- Corporate Finance
- Risk Management
- Understanding Financial Markets and Institutions such as Banking
- Financial Management
- Business Administration and Business Managament
- International Finance
- Financial Analysis
- Personal Financial Planning
- Portfolio Management
- Business Law
- And More
PROS
The benefits and advantages of earning an online or on-campus bachelor's degree will greatly impact a finance professional's quality of life in the long term. You will be able to earn significantly more money than someone with a high school diploma or an associate degree. You may also be able to secure jobs over individuals who only have an associate's, even if they have more experience. As your career progresses and you wish to advance your career, you will be required to continue your training and education. With a bachelor’s, you can complete a variety of professional certificates at colleges and universities and through professional organizations. It is also possible to take online courses as you work to complete a master’s to increase your pay and advance your career even further.
CONS
Just as someone with a bachelor’s has an advantage over those who do not, someone with a master’s will be paid more and be hired over those who do not have an advanced degree. Today, most top companies require their managers and executives to have at least a master’s. Any other degree will also limit the type of professional and industry certifications you will be able to complete. The most respected certifications require a master’s as a basic requirement for entrance into a program or to sit for an exam. Also, if you do not complete a master’s, your salary will cap at a much lower income level.
What are the Best Online Bachelor of Science in Finance (BFin) Programs?
Purdue University
Purdue is one of the top names in higher education, with their main campus located in West Lafayette, Indiana. The school is known as a pioneer in many ways, but their online platform, Purdue Global, is bringing their highly esteemed instruction to students far and wide. In-state tuition is $9,900 and out-of-state tuition is significantly higher at $28,700. It also has a high 82% graduation rate. Salaries are $77,200 on average for graduates and students can choose any degree from an associate's to doctoral level.
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Tuition
- In-State: $9,992
- Out-of-state: $28,794
- Net Price: $12,294
- Retention Rate: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Total Enrollment: 46,655
- Undergrad Students: 35,706
- Graduate Students: 10,949
- Diplomas Awarded: 178
- Grads Salary: $77,300
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
University of Maryland
The University of Maryland, located in College Park, MD is just outside of Washington, DC and is a renowned research university. With an enrollment of just over 41,000 and 14,000 faculty members, the university provides students with a vast array of academic and athletic opportunities. Of the 41,000 students, nearly 30,000 are enrolled in an undergraduate program, though the school offers degrees from the associate level up to the doctoral level.
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Tuition
- In-State: $10,779
- Out-of-state: $36,891
- Net Price: $17,643
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 87%
- Total Enrollment: 40,709
- Undergrad Students: 30,875
- Graduate Students: 9,834
- Diplomas Awarded: 352
- Grads Salary: $78,200
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
The University of Massachusetts-Amherst is a state-run institution whose campus is home to 30,000 students, including nearly 25,000 undergraduates. Since it's located between two of America's largest cities, students have ample opportunity to not only study but to engage with the finest cultural, governmental, and business institutions available. While at U Mass-Amherst, undergraduate students can engage with fields that will inform the rest of their lives. The university supports 109 bachelor's degrees and five at the associate degree level. Degrees are offered in colleges that specialize in fields such as management, public health and health sciences, agriculture, natural sciences, engineering, and humanities, among other schools.
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Tuition
- In-State: $16,439
- Out-of-state: $36,427
- Net Price: $22,505
- Retention Rate: 89%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Total Enrollment: 31,642
- Undergrad Students: 24,233
- Graduate Students: 7,409
- Diplomas Awarded: 225
- Grads Salary: $73,500
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Northeastern University
As a new student to Northeastern University, you’ll be attending a large university and living in a large town; Boston is the capital and most populous city in Massachusetts. Northeastern University was founded in 1898 and has six satellite campuses as well. The student-to-faculty ratio is solid at 14 to 1, which is comfortable for both students and professors. The university is a private, not-for-profit focused on teaching its 22,000+ students everything they need to succeed.
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Tuition
- In-State: $55,452
- Out-of-state: $55,452
- Net Price: $37,738
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 90%
- Total Enrollment: 22,905
- Undergrad Students: 15,156
- Graduate Students: 7,749
- Diplomas Awarded: 78
- Grads Salary: $78,800
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Florida International University
Florida International University is a four-year, public institution that provides an academic and developmental home for over 58,000 graduate and undergraduate students. In fact, there are just over 49,000 undergraduate students seeking their bachelor's degree. Given that FIU is such a large campus, students have their choice of over 200 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs that are spread over 11 schools and colleges. FIU even offers many of their degrees via online media, thus facilitating distance learners and busy professionals.
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Tuition
- In-State: $6,565
- Out-of-state: $18,963
- Net Price: $8,988
- Retention Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 58,836
- Undergrad Students: 49,049
- Graduate Students: 9,787
- Diplomas Awarded: 572
- Grads Salary: $64,900
- Student-to-faculty: 25:1
The Pennsylvania State University
The Pennsylvania State University's campus in University Park, PA is one of the nation's top public academic institutions. In fact, Penn State is considered to be an ivy league caliber institution. PSU's 76,000 undergraduate students are in pursuit of over 600 programs that include 275 majors, 200 minors, and 100 undergraduate certificates. The university also offers 20 associate degrees. Furthermore, since Penn State is a publicly funded institution, students have multiple campuses to choose from. If they need to spend time closer to home, they are sure to find one of the system's 20 campuses nearby. If not, PSU has copious offerings online. PSU's World Campus offers over 150 distance learning programs that lead to degrees or certificates.
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Tuition
- In-State: $18,450
- Out-of-state: $35,514
- Net Price: $25,548
- Retention Rate: 87%
- Graduation Rate: 73%
- Total Enrollment: 89,816
- Undergrad Students: 74,446
- Graduate Students: 15,370
- Diplomas Awarded: 705
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Regis University
This private, not-for-profit university does offer campus housing for students who want to be close to their classes. The student population is 7,907; undergraduates make up just over half the student body, with nearly 4,000 undergraduates attending altogether and graduate students make up the remaining student population. The student-faculty-ratio is 14 to 1, which is good for you and your fellow students. As a new student at Regis University, you’ll be living in one of the most beautiful areas in the country. Denver is a large city surrounded by grand vistas for hiking, walking, and camping. You’ll only be about an hour away from Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods, and the US Air Force Academy—all of which are visually stunning. And, if you prefer to stay in Denver, you’ll have plenty of activities to enjoy such as the Denver Botanical Gardens.
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Tuition
- In-State: $38,558
- Out-of-state: $38,558
- Net Price: $27,785
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 6,310
- Undergrad Students: 3,197
- Graduate Students: 3,113
- Diplomas Awarded: 17
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Colorado State University is a large, public university founded in 1870. The school is located in Fort Collins, Colorado, which is not far from Denver, the borders of Wyoming and Nebraska, and the foothills of the Rocky National Park. The student population is 33,000+, with close to 80% of those being undergraduates, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 14 to 1.
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Tuition
- In-State: $11,814
- Out-of-state: $30,535
- Net Price: $17,609
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Total Enrollment: 32,428
- Undergrad Students: 24,792
- Graduate Students: 7,636
- Diplomas Awarded: NA
- Grads Salary: $69,100
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
California State University-East Bay
California State University - East Bay is one of the universities in the CSU umbrella of universities. This is a mid-sized public university located in the suburb of Hayward. CSU offers degrees going up from bachelor’s, post baccalaureate certificates, master’s, and doctoral degrees. This means that, if you choose to pursue your graduate and doctoral degrees, you’ll be able to come back to this campus to do so. Their 16,000 students can choose from around 70 different majors.
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Tuition
- In-State: $6,890
- Out-of-state: $18,770
- Net Price: $13,260
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 16,253
- Undergrad Students: 13,141
- Graduate Students: 3,112
- Diplomas Awarded: NA
- Grads Salary: $76,800
- Student-to-faculty: 26:1
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Alabama students who are seeking a first-class college experience need look no further than the University of Alabama at Birmingham. UAB provides a comprehensive list of undergraduate degrees and certificates. They also support some of the South's best graduate degree programs. University of Alabama - Birmingham students can pursue their passion for arts & sciences, business, dentistry, engineering, education, public health, health professions, and more. For those who can't make it to Birmingham for their degree, UA-B is also online. Undergraduates have many options for an online bachelor's degree including but not limited to human resource management, criminal justice, psychology, or information systems.
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Tuition
- In-State: $8,568
- Out-of-state: $20,400
- Net Price: $16,978
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 61%
- Total Enrollment: 22,563
- Undergrad Students: 13,878
- Graduate Students: 8,685
- Diplomas Awarded: 53
- Grads Salary: $70,600
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
University of Houston-Clear Lake
The University of Houston at Clear Lake is a medium-sized, public higher learning institution located in Houston quite near an actual lake called Clear Lake that leads to the Gulf of Mexico. It’s also a neighbor to NASA, the Space Center, and the Armand Bayou Nature Center. This university has one of the most prestigious zip codes for any student in pursuit of STEM-based degree program. The school was founded in 1974Students will be able to select from over 90 degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. While STEM programs are some of the most popular at the university, many students also pursue business, education, and human sciences or humanities. and it has over 9,000 students, 6,000+ of whom are undergraduates.
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Tuition
- In-State: $7,504
- Out-of-state: $20,752
- Net Price: $14,667
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
- Total Enrollment: 9,053
- Undergrad Students: 6,582
- Graduate Students: 2,471
- Diplomas Awarded: 53
- Grads Salary: $73,100
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
LeTourneau University
LeTourneau University is a relatively small, private institution that is a Christian school, though interdenominational. The school offers some of their undergraduate and graduate programs online, as well as study abroad options. There are over 3,100 students enrolled each year, with 2,800+ attending as undergraduates. The school offers nearly 80 majors options across a variety of departments. The five most popular majors on campus are Engineering, Business Management and Marketing, Transportation and Materials Moving, Education, etc.
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Tuition
- In-State: $32,490
- Out-of-state: $32,490
- Net Price: $25,6617
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
- Total Enrollment: 3,122
- Undergrad Students: 2,853
- Graduate Students: 269
- Diplomas Awarded: 3
- Grads Salary: $76,700
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
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Tuition
- In-State: $7,735
- Out-of-state: $16,607
- Net Price: $12,522
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 11,989
- Undergrad Students: 10,423
- Graduate Students: 1,566
- Diplomas Awarded: 191
- Grads Salary: $64,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Cleary University
Cleary University is a very small private institution founded in 1883 as the Cleary School of Penmanship and later incorporating a business school. The campus is Howell, Michigan, northeast of Detroit. This higher learning institution only enrolls around 600 students each year, and these students can pursue associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees in mostly business majors, though there are also majors in communication, culinary arts, healthcare administration, and criminal justice.
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Tuition
- In-State: $22,230
- Out-of-state: $22,230
- Net Price: $18,457
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 658
- Undergrad Students: 509
- Graduate Students: 149
- Diplomas Awarded: 13
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
University of Memphis
The University of Memphis is a large, public university founded in 1912. It's located, unsurprisingly, in Memphis, Tennessee. At UofM, the staff and faculty's goal is to create "intellectual engagement that will empower you to make a difference in life and throughout your career". The University of Memphis is home to over 21,500 students. Of these students, roughly 80% are undergraduate students who come from various regions of the US and the world. Students can pursue degree programs within many majors, the most popular of which are business management and marketing; parkes, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies; health professions; multi/interdisciplinary studies; and psychology.
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Tuition
- In-State: $9,912
- Out-of-state: $13,752
- Net Price: $13,777
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
- Total Enrollment: 22,205
- Undergrad Students: 17,383
- Graduate Students: 4,822
- Diplomas Awarded: 86
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
East Carolina University
East Carolina University is the fourth largest university in the state and is a public research institution. Founded in 1907, it has grown to emcompass several campuses, including an overseas campus in Certaldo Alto, Italy. The school offers its students access to bachelor's, master's, and doctor's degrees (research and professional practice). The school has over 23,000 undergraduate students and more than 5,000 graduate students who enjoy relatively low student-to-faculty ratios and a solid retention rate.
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Tuition
- In-State: $7,239
- Out-of-state: $23,516
- Net Price: $15,403
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 28,798
- Undergrad Students: 23,056
- Graduate Students: 5,742
- Diplomas Awarded: 160
- Grads Salary: $63,100
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University is a mid-sized, public, higher learning institution founded in 1889 as a school for teaching children. Today, the school has a wide array of degree programs to cater to the needs of its more than 12,000 students. The student population consists of program participants from all over the world, and over 85% of students are enrolled in undergraduate programs. Two campus locations are available, as well as online learning opportunities. Students can choose between the primary campus in Cullowhee, North Carolina, centered in the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge mountains, as well as an Asheville location. Over 115 majors and concentrations exist alongside 40 advanced degree programs in high-demand educational areas including business, the arts, education, science, engineering, and humanities.
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Tuition
- In-State: $4,285
- Out-of-state: $8,285
- Net Price: $13,221
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 64%
- Total Enrollment: 12,243
- Undergrad Students: 10,517
- Graduate Students: 1,726
- Diplomas Awarded: 39
- Grads Salary: $60,100
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
DeSales University
DeSales University is a small Pennsylvania university in Center Valley. With an undergraduate population of almost 2,500, the campus has much to offer students in terms of degree programs as well as personal enrichment opportunities. In fact, DSU offers its undergraduate students a choice of 70 major degree programs. The list of degrees starts with accounting and ends with TV/film and, in the middle, students find subjects such as journalism, French, education, nursing, and supply chain management. In fact, many of the business track courses offer a BS to MBA option that allows students to complete both an undergraduate and a graduate degree in approximately 5 years.
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Tuition
- In-State: $39,500
- Out-of-state: $39,500
- Net Price: $29,836
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 3,302
- Undergrad Students: 2,398
- Graduate Students: 904
- Diplomas Awarded: 22
- Grads Salary: $72,800
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Old Dominion University
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Tuition
- In-State: $10,800
- Out-of-state: $30,960
- Net Price: $17,162
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 24,286
- Undergrad Students: 19,622
- Graduate Students: 4,664
- Diplomas Awarded: 101
- Grads Salary: $68,400
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro is one part of the extensive network of University of North Carolina locations. A public research university, it is home to almost 20,000 students. Its largest school is the Joseph M. Bryan School of Business and Economics, which provides business education to roughly 3,600 Greensboro students. The rest may choose from bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees in a variety of programs such as _____________.
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Tuition
- In-State: $7,403
- Out-of-state: $22,562
- Net Price: $9,853
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 59%
- Total Enrollment: 19,764
- Undergrad Students: 15,995
- Graduate Students: 3,769
- Diplomas Awarded: 63
- Grads Salary: $58,700
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Trine University
Trine University is a small to mid-size institution founded in 1889, over 130 years ago. It is located in Angola, Indiana and is in a relatively remote area, though students interested in the outdoors will be happy to hear that there is a cluster of lakes and a wetlands and state fish and wilflife area just north of the town. The student population consists of nearly 4,000 students, with only around 100 of those being enrolled in graduate studies. The school provides associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctor's degrees to cover the needs of all of their students.
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Tuition
- In-State: $33,490
- Out-of-state: $33,490
- Net Price: $24,686
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 61%
- Total Enrollment: 3,573
- Undergrad Students: 3,370
- Graduate Students: 203
- Diplomas Awarded: 4
- Grads Salary: $68,100
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Colorado Technical University
Colorado Technical University is a large institution with their main campus located in Colorado Springs, CO. The student population is over 27,000 each year, around 23,400 of which are undergraduate students and 3,800 are graduate students. Undergraduate students can strive to earn associate's or bachelor's degrees in nearly all of the school's 20+ majors, while graduate students have options in a variety of departments including business administration, computer and information sciences, electric, computer, or systems engineering, and more.
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Tuition
- In-State: $12,573
- Out-of-state: $12,573
- Net Price: $17,048
- Retention Rate: 48%
- Graduation Rate: 23%
- Total Enrollment: 28,244
- Undergrad Students: 24,759
- Graduate Students: 3,485
- Diplomas Awarded: NA
- Grads Salary: $86,300
- Student-to-faculty: 31:1
Albertus Magnus College
You may have chosen Albertus Magnus College because of its degree programs, commitment to high-quality education, or for its affiliation with the Roman Catholic Church. AMC is a private, not-for-profit college set within the midsize city of New Haven, CT. This school was founded in 1925 and has, for 95 years, remained a small, private school. The school has 1,456 enrolled students and the student-to-faculty ratio is 13 to 1.
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Tuition
- In-State: $35,410
- Out-of-state: $35,410
- Net Price: $27,492
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 1,384
- Undergrad Students: 1,088
- Graduate Students: 296
- Diplomas Awarded: 9
- Grads Salary: $76,900
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
West Texas A&M University
WTAMU is a 4-year public institution located in Canyon, Texas, just south of the town of Amarillo. However, despite it being in an out-of-the-way area, it enrolls nearly 10,000 students each year. These students have a decent student-to-teacher ratio and retention rate; these are 18 to 1 and 68%. The school is part of the Texas A&M system and provide their students with around 70 majors in a variety of fields.
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Tuition
- In-State: $8,456
- Out-of-state: $9,903
- Net Price: $13,105
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 10,036
- Undergrad Students: 7,326
- Graduate Students: 2,710
- Diplomas Awarded: 47
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
National University
National University is a private, four-year, not-for-profit educational institution with a total student population of over 18,000 and a student-to-faculty ratio of 16 to 1. National University offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctor's degrees, and <1-2-year, post baccalaureate, and post-master’s certificates. Students can choose from nearly 90 majors across a variety of departments. ||| At National University, tuition is the same for everyone because it is a private university at around $13,200/year. The total enrollment includes 16,600 students, though only around 44% of those students are undergraduates. National University, located in a Jolla, California, is frequently ranked amongst the top __________ programs in the country. California is known for many things, including the fact that their economy is larger than the economies of some entire countries, but also for their top-notch educational facilities. This school also offers a satellite campus in Nevada and plenty of undergraduate and graduate programs that are available through online education.
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Tuition
- In-State: $13,320
- Out-of-state: $13,320
- Net Price: $21,363
- Retention Rate: 45%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 18,070
- Undergrad Students: 8,441
- Graduate Students: 9,629
- Diplomas Awarded: 12
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
University of Minnesota-Crookston
This four-year, public college educates students earning certificates that take less than a year and bachelor's degrees. Despite their limited offerings, the total student population is around 2,500+. The school offers a decent student to faculty ratio of 18 to 1, allowing for comfortable clss sizes, and a retention rate of 64%, which is about average. Students will also be able to choose between 40 majors, with the largest departments being in Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Business Management and Marketing.
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Tuition
- In-State: $12,014
- Out-of-state: $12,014
- Net Price: $12,010
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 2,768
- Undergrad Students: 2,768
- Graduate Students: 0
- Diplomas Awarded: 25
- Grads Salary: $62,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Missouri State University-Springfield
Missouri State University is a public educational institution located in Springfield, Missouri. Its student population is over 23,000, making this the fifth largest educational institution in Missouri. Students choosing to attend Missouri State University will have chosen an institution supported by the State of Missouri. Students will find plenty of campus housing available and will be able to earn degrees from bachelor's degrees through doctoral degrees, as well as all levels of certificates.
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Tuition
- In-State: $7,938
- Out-of-state: $16,608
- Net Price: $16,804
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 58%
- Total Enrollment: 23,505
- Undergrad Students: 19,621
- Graduate Students: 3,884
- Diplomas Awarded: 153
- Grads Salary: $61,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Dakota State University
Dakota State University offers their students degrees that can get them started in the world right away including <1 year certificates, 1-2 year certifiates, and associate degrees. However, students could also opt for higher levels of learning with a bachelor's, master's, or research-focused doctoral degrees, as well as postbaccalaureate certificates. They offer these degrees in a wide variety of majors, the most popular of which are Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services; Education; and Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services. Their nearly 3,200 students can earn these degrees in one of nearly 40 majors options.
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Tuition
- In-State: $9,536
- Out-of-state: $12,606
- Net Price: $17,861
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 3,186
- Undergrad Students: 2,740
- Graduate Students: 446
- Diplomas Awarded: 3
- Grads Salary: $66,200
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
University of Michigan-Flint
The University of Michigan-Flint (UM-Flint) is a four-year public university in Flint, Michigan and has a student population around 7,300 students. The most popular fields of study at UM-Flint are in healthcare and business. This college has a retention rate of 74% and an overall graduation rate of 38%. The average annual in-state tuition cost after financial aid is around $13,000 with over 68 distinct undergraduate degrees.
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Tuition
- In-State: $12,744
- Out-of-state: $24,546
- Net Price: $12,546
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 38%
- Total Enrollment: 6,829
- Undergrad Students: 5,424
- Graduate Students: 1,405
- Diplomas Awarded: 30
- Grads Salary: $66,800
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Northwood University
Northwood University is a small, private university founded in 1959. It is located in the small city of Midland, Michigan, which is right around the middle of the state. The school has a student body population of just over 2,500, nearly all of whom are undergraduates, though students can choose to earn associate's, bacheor's, postbaccalaureate certificates, master's, or doctoral degrees (research).
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Tuition
- In-State: $29,480
- Out-of-state: $29,480
- Net Price: $21,348
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 58%
- Total Enrollment: 2,541
- Undergrad Students: 2,254
- Graduate Students: 287
- Diplomas Awarded: 56
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Marian University-Fond Du Lac
Marian University is a small, private Roman Catholic institution with just under 1,600 students all together. All but around 300 of these students are undergraduates, though students can earn a bachelor's or master's degree here, or even a post-master's certificate. Students at Marian University can currently pursue around 70 different majors in fields such as business, management, marketing, communication and journalism, education and teacher certification, health professions and related programs, and more.
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Tuition
- In-State: $28,560
- Out-of-state: $28,560
- Net Price: $23,860
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Total Enrollment: 1,593
- Undergrad Students: 1,290
- Graduate Students: 303
- Diplomas Awarded: 4
- Grads Salary: $70,900
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Metropolitan State University
Barton County Community College is located in the rural town of Great Bend, Kansas, two hours from Wichita. Despite being located in a small town, the school has 160 acres of land and nearly 4,100 enrolled students. These students can choose to earn associate degrees or <1 year or 1-2 year certificates in 90+ majors, many of which are focused on health professions and related programs, though there are a broad range available. Tuition is inexpensive. In fact, despite being a public school, even out-of-state students will only pay around $4,500 a year for their education here.
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Tuition
- In-State: $8,249
- Out-of-state: $15,673
- Net Price: $15,941
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 7,552
- Undergrad Students: 6,649
- Graduate Students: 903
- Diplomas Awarded: 39
- Grads Salary: $65,700
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Davenport University
Davenport University is a small, private, not-for-profit university founded in 1866. It is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Not only do they offer on-campus certificates, associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees, but they have also been trailblazing in online learning for 20 years with their global campus and they provide other learning locations in campuses throughout the state. Students at the Grand Rapids campus can enjoy the 13 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and a 76% retention rate.
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Tuition
- In-State: $20,260
- Out-of-state: $20,260
- Net Price: $18,333
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
- Total Enrollment: 6,127
- Undergrad Students: 4,999
- Graduate Students: 1,128
- Diplomas Awarded: 30
- Grads Salary: $62,300
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Franklin University
Franklin University is a small to mid-size institution located in downtown Columbus, Ohio with a student population of just over 6,000 each year, around 4,300 of which are undergraduate students and 1,700 are graduate students. Undergraduate students can strive to earn degrees in nearly all of the school's 45+ majors, while graduate students have options in a variety of departments including public administration, psychology, business and marketing, and more.
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Tuition
- In-State: $9,577
- Out-of-state: $9,577
- Net Price: $7,658
- Retention Rate: 9%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 5,926
- Undergrad Students: 4,008
- Graduate Students: 1,918
- Diplomas Awarded: 39
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Oral Roberts University
Oral Roberts University was founded in 1963 and is a private, not-for-profit, evangelical institution located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The school's most popular fields of study are business, management, marketing, and related services; theology and religious vocations, communication, journalism, and related programs; psychology; and visual and performing arts. Oral Roberts University also offers students 1-2 year certificates, bachelor's, master's, and private practice- or research-focused degrees.
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Tuition
- In-State: $30,930
- Out-of-state: $30,930
- Net Price: $20,461
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 4,317
- Undergrad Students: 3,682
- Graduate Students: 635
- Diplomas Awarded: 19
- Grads Salary: $60,700
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Texas A&M University-Commerce
Texas A&M University's campus in Commerce, Texas was founded in 1889 and is a public research institute that is part of the Texas A&M University System. It’s most popular fields of study are business and marketing, multi/interdisciplinary studies, education, computer information sciences, and liberal arts and sciences, which are among nearly 70 majors offered at A&M - Commerce. Students may study these majors and more in order to earn bachelor's, master's, and research-focused doctorate degrees.
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Tuition
- In-State: $9,820
- Out-of-state: $22,090
- Net Price: $12,853
- Retention Rate: 58%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 12,249
- Undergrad Students: 8,349
- Graduate Students: 3,900
- Diplomas Awarded: 32
- Grads Salary: $63,900
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
Dallas Baptist University
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Tuition
- In-State: $31,940
- Out-of-state: $31,940
- Net Price: $26,062
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 4,247
- Undergrad Students: 2,874
- Graduate Students: 1,373
- Diplomas Awarded: 36
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Clarion University of Pennsylvania, located in Clarion, Pennsylvania is in a small, remote town about an hour and a half from Pittsburgh. This public, four-year institution, which was founded in 1867, is part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). The university has a total student body just under 4,500, with around 900 of those being graduate students and the rest enrolled as undergraduates. The school has a decent student-to-faculty ratio of 17 to 1 and excellent retention rate of 77%.
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Tuition
- In-State: $11,199
- Out-of-state: $16,078
- Net Price: $19,526
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 4,465
- Undergrad Students: 3,587
- Graduate Students: 878
- Diplomas Awarded: 12
- Grads Salary: $60,200
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Johnson & Wales University
Johnson & Wales University has long been one of the most prominent educational institutions in both Rhode Island and the nation. The Providence campus became nationally known for its culinary arts program, on top of its business, health & wellness, engineering, and arts & sciences degree programs. For years, students flocked to their campus in Providence, Rhode Island where they became leaders in their chosen industries. JWU Online offers students degree programs at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels.
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Tuition
- In-State: $34,736
- Out-of-state: $34,736
- Net Price: $29,560
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 64%
- Total Enrollment: 5,676
- Undergrad Students: 5,120
- Graduate Students: 556
- Diplomas Awarded: 26
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Park University
Park University is a mid-sized, private university founded in 1875. It is located in Parkville, Missouri, which is on the Kansas border just Northwest of Kansas City. The Latin motto of the university translates to "Faith and Work". This is the cornerstone of the university’s foundation of finding faith through education. The campus is home to over 11,000 students, which includes over 250 global students from at least 60 countries. The entire university consists of 16,500 students online and at all of the 41 campus locations.
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Tuition
- In-State: $11,929
- Out-of-state: $11,929
- Net Price: $15,470
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 28%
- Total Enrollment: 10,165
- Undergrad Students: 8,504
- Graduate Students: 1,661
- Diplomas Awarded: 13
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Lindenwood University
Located in Saint Charles, Missouri, a small city northeast of St. Louis, Lindenwood University offers its students an education near a historic and diverse city. With a population of around 8,400 students, this mid-size private school offers students access to bachelor's, master's, and doctor's degree programs, as well as postbaccalaureate and post-master's certificates. Some of the avaiable majors include a lot of options in business, communication, computer science, education, health professions, social sciences, etc.
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Tuition
- In-State: $18,100
- Out-of-state: $18,100
- Net Price: $18,054
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 7,382
- Undergrad Students: 4,822
- Graduate Students: 2,560
- Diplomas Awarded: 43
- Grads Salary: $60,700
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Friends University
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Tuition
- In-State: $30,120
- Out-of-state: $30,120
- Net Price: $21,609
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 1,671
- Undergrad Students: 1,089
- Graduate Students: 582
- Diplomas Awarded: 4
- Grads Salary: $67,200
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
University of Mount Olive
The University of Mount Olive is a small school at the edge of a small town: Mount Olive, North Carolina. Despite its location, the University of Mount Olive enrolls around 2,500 students each year. The acceptance rate at the school is 62%, but the retention rate is around avrage at 65%. However, this is a private institution, so you can expect to pay a higher tuition for access to their 50 majors.
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Tuition
- In-State: $22,194
- Out-of-state: $22,194
- Net Price: $14,805
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 2,536
- Undergrad Students: 2,350
- Graduate Students: 186
- Diplomas Awarded: 3
- Grads Salary: $60,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Louisiana State University-Shreveport
Louisiana State University's Shreveport campus is not a very old institution; it was established in 1967 as a two-year college expansion of the Louisiana State University system. Now it is a public, four-year university offering a variety of academic options, from bachelor's to research-focused doctorate degrees, in a variety of majors including programs in communication and journalism, computer sciences, education, health professions, psychology, and more.
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Tuition
- In-State: $7,160
- Out-of-state: $20,314
- Net Price: $8,676
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 37%
- Total Enrollment: 9,955
- Undergrad Students: 2,553
- Graduate Students: 7,402
- Diplomas Awarded: 14
- Grads Salary: $59,900
- Student-to-faculty: 28:1
University of Houston-Downtown
The University of Houston – Downtown (UHD) is a public institution located in Houston, Texas. Part of the University of Houston System, the school also has a satellite location in northwestern Harris County. The university was founded in 1974 and is the second-largest academic institution in the Houston area. A comprehensive four-year university, UHD offers both bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. The student population is around 15,200, with the majority attending classes part-time. There are also 357 full-time and 364 part-time faculty members employed by the university. This makes the student-faculty ratio 20 to 1, which means class sizes can be relatively small.
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Tuition
- In-State: $7,222
- Out-of-state: $17,038
- Net Price: $12,087
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 30%
- Total Enrollment: 15,239
- Undergrad Students: 13,663
- Graduate Students: 1,576
- Diplomas Awarded: 139
- Grads Salary: $63,800
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
SUNY College of Technology at Canton
The SUNY College of Technology campus at Canton is a four-year, public university located, unsurprisingly, in Canton, New York. The student population at this small school is just over 3,200, with all students being undergraduates. The school offers students certificates that take less than two years, associate degrees, and bachelor's degrees. These degrees are available from a variety of departments and the most popular options include healthcare administration and management, corrections and criminal justice, business administration and management, registered nursing, veterinary or animal health technology or technician, and veterinary assistant training.
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Tuition
- In-State: $8,689
- Out-of-state: $12,619
- Net Price: $13,431
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- Total Enrollment: 3,135
- Undergrad Students: 3,135
- Graduate Students: 0
- Diplomas Awarded: 11
- Grads Salary: $58,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Post University
Post University is a large, private university founded in 1890. It is located in Waterbury, Connecticut, southwest of Hartford. The school enrolls over 10,600 students each year and it offers these students certificates, associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees. There are over 30 available majors, the most popular of which are business administration and management, criminal justice and safety studies, management information systems, accounting, and public administration and social service professions.
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Tuition
- In-State: $16,610
- Out-of-state: $16,610
- Net Price: $14,663
- Retention Rate: 60%
- Graduation Rate: 25%
- Total Enrollment: 13,844
- Undergrad Students: 12,848
- Graduate Students: 996
- Diplomas Awarded: 30
- Grads Salary: $68,200
- Student-to-faculty: 23:1
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP) is a public university in Pembroke, North Carolina and was founded in 1887. UNCP has a retention rate of 72% and an overall graduation rate of 42%. Some of the most popular programs at this school are: business, criminal justice, health/fitness and social sciences. Potential students can find both bachelor's and master's degrees at UNCP.
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Tuition
- In-State: $3,456
- Out-of-state: $7,456
- Net Price: $10,069
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 8,262
- Undergrad Students: 6,436
- Graduate Students: 1,826
- Diplomas Awarded: NA
- Grads Salary: $53,200
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Dickinson State University
Founded in 1918, Dickinson State University is located in Dickinson, North Dakota. This four-year public university offers associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. It provides more than 75 academic programs at an affordable price. DSU’s motto is “Small community, big opportunity.” The total student enrollment is 1,350 with 1,321 of them being undergraduates. Almost all students applying to the school meeting the requirements are admitted and 70% of undergraduates attend full-time while 30% are part-time attendees.
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Tuition
- In-State: $8,122
- Out-of-state: $9,942
- Net Price: $13,080
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 36%
- Total Enrollment: 1,441
- Undergrad Students: 1,381
- Graduate Students: 60
- Diplomas Awarded: 8
- Grads Salary: $60,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Ottawa University-Ottawa
Ottawa University is a private, Christian, and not-for-profit higher learning institution founded in 1848. It is located in Ottawa, Kansas, which is not far from Kansas City and Lawrence. The student population is made up of 673 undergraduate students and 58 graduate students along with military students, international students, first-generation students, transfer students, and tribal students. From an academic perspective, students will have access to undergraduate and graduate degrees in diverse areas of study such as education, business, science, and health. Students will also have access to sports, performance arts, campus ministries, campus activities, and a wealth of other clubs and organizations.
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Tuition
- In-State: $32,180
- Out-of-state: $32,180
- Net Price: $27,504
- Retention Rate: 60%
- Graduation Rate: 37%
- Total Enrollment: 797
- Undergrad Students: 720
- Graduate Students: 77
- Diplomas Awarded: 2
- Grads Salary: $71,400
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Certificate Vs. Bachelor’s
Certificates can be highly confusing, as the significance of the certificate depends greatly on the education level required to complete the degree. A basic finance certificate does not require the completion of any degree. These certificates are typically offered by online colleges and universities rather than traditional four-year higher learning institutions. They offer a basic understanding of finance that is roughly equivalent to one semester in a bachelor’s finance program. Such a certificate may qualify you for entry-level positions, although it would be easier to get a job with a Bachelor of Science in Finance.
A graduate certificate from a traditional college or university requires at least an undergraduate degree and most require a master’s. Many people use these types of certificates to specialize or to continue their education throughout their career. Other finance professional certificates are offered by reputable industry organizations may require a master’s or a Master's of Business Administration (MBA) with a finance emphasis.
What Finance Bachelor’s Degrees are Available?
There are typically only two different types of bachelor’s degrees in the finance area. However, it is important to note that you can major in nearly a huge variety of specializations of the finance sector including financial management or business administration, risk management, banking, portfolio management, international finance, and more.
- Bachelor of Arts in Finance: A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Finance degree from an accredited college or university will focus on areas that are somewhat different from a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance. With a BA in Finance, most programs will focus on a more general and broad educational experience that includes subjects outside of the finance sector such as history, religion, psychology, English, and writing. With a light emphasis on science, these degrees are perfectly suited to online study.
- Bachelor of Science in Finance: A Bachelor of Science in Finance will focus on more technical areas of finance, as opposed to a BA in Finance. You will have far more courses in science, math, statistics, and IT-related curriculum. As part of a business degree, you will also have courses in economics, accounting, and entrepreneurship. When you graduate with a BS in Finance, you will be prepared for finance careers that rely on analytical and technical skills, such as those of financial analysts and personal financial advisors.
As you determine which type of online bachelor’s is right for you, it is important to consider whether you prefer a more general education or a more technical education. This should help guide you with your decision. If you are strong in, or enjoy, math and science, a BS is likely a good fit. If you are better at communication and writing, a BA might better serve your long-term finance career interests. And, if you choose to earn your degree online, then you may need to go with whatever option is available, though, there are so many online options these days, you'll likely be able to find both choices through an appropriate online platform.
Admission Requirements
In general, an undergraduate degree in any business field has the same as entry requirements as any reputable college or state university with a finance degree. This means you will require a high school diploma or its equivalent, with a minimum GPA, dependent on the specific college, university, or online program you are applying to. The GPA could be anything from a 2.0, to a 3.5, or higher depending on the school. It will also help to have been active in extracurricular activities, giving back to the community, being involved in volunteering through your religious, spiritual, or another organization, and work experience is also considered a positive by admissions offices. If you transfer schools, a degree in finance requires that you have strong mathematical skills, computer skills, and communication skills, so be sure that you study hard in these areas before you transfer.
How long does it take to earn a Finance Bachelor's online?
An online Bachelor’s in Finance will traditionally take four years to complete. Your first 2 years (associate in finance) will be core classes mixed with some entry level finance courses. It's important to note that you will have to maintain a certain GPA in core finance classes to complete most reputable programs. If you change majors several times or transfer schools during the process, it may take you longer, as some credits may not transfer, and you may have to take additional prerequisite courses before you can complete certain courses or graduate. This is why it's so vital to check for accreditation in online and traditional programs.
It is also a good idea to keep in mind that many of the top finance programs now offer a combined bachelor’s and master’s degrees program, as a way to reduce the amount of time it takes to complete both. The idea is that you complete your undergraduate degree from the same university as the master’s, often with some classes counting for both simultaneously. It will reduce the number of credit hours you have to complete, and you can often eliminate the need for a graduate school entrance exam to be completed before admission into the business school.
Potential Careers in Finance with a Bachelor’s
- Budget Analyst:
A budget analyst will work with project managers and various departments to determine the budget of an individual project. You might also be responsible for establishing the budget of the entire organization. In some instances, you will be asked to review the budget proposals of various departments or individual managers. During these reviews, you will ensure everything is compliant, accurate, and complete. You will also have to monitor budgets regularly to ensure everyone stays within the financial parameters of the project and proposals. The average annual income for budget analysts is $62,200. - Director of Corporate Finance:
As the Director of Corporate Finance you will likely report to the Chief Finance Officer. Your day-to-day responsibilities will include providing financial management guidance to your department, meeting departmental and organizational goals, maximizing profits, and improving the transparency of finances throughout the business. You will require superior financial, communication, and leadership skills. The average annual income for Directors of Corporate Finance is $126,300. - Financial Planner:
Financial planning is a steadily growing profession in the finance industry. You might work for a business or for individuals looking to save for retirement. It will be your job to help clients accomplish their goals and offer financial advice in nearly every area of one’s business or life, including reducing interest rates, eliminating debt, saving more, and spending less. The average annual income for financial planners is $63,200. - Portfolio Manager:
Portfolio managers will create and manage the investment allocations for their clients. You will assess and determine the appropriate risk level for each client based on various elements, such as market conditions, expected returns, risk preferences, and timeframes in which to work. The average annual income for a portfolio manager is $86,800. - Underwriting Technician:
Underwriting technician is more of an entry-level position. As a technician, you will determine whether or not a person or a business will be provided insurance by your employer and the terms under which they might become insured. This might include anything from premiums to coverage amounts. The average annual income for an underwriting technician is $45,100.
Options to Advance
The vast majority of management and executive jobs in the finance industry will require a minimum of a finance master’s degree or an MBA with an emphasis on finance. You can expect your pay to increase by roughly $20,000 a year with such advanced degrees for the same job of someone with a bachelor’s degree. Once you advance your career with the help of a higher degree, you can earn up to an additional $100,000 or more than with a bachelor’s degree. You can also increase your pay at a more modest increment from a bachelor’s degree by completing graduate certificates and professional certificates. In reality, if you want even an entry-level position at the top companies in the US, you might also require these additional education requirements.