At a Glance: BestColleges' Top Online MBA in Finance Programs
#1: Santa Clara University — High earnings after graduation, as well as high retention and graduation rates, landed SCU at the top of our list.
#2: University of North Carolina Wilmington — UNCW scored highly on affordability and graduation rates to earn the No. 2 spot.
#3: Florida Atlantic University — FAU is another relatively affordable program, with a high retention rate for students.
Finding the right online MBA in finance means balancing cost, flexibility, and career outcomes.
To help you find the best options for you, we analyzed factors such as student outcomes, affordability, and ease of admission to identify the best online MBA in finance programs of 2025.
Drawing on our in-depth reporting on business education, we also looked at how these programs support the needs of working professionals and adult learners.
Read on to find a program that can help improve your career prospects in the fast-growing field of finance.
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Top Online MBA in Finance Programs
Is an Online MBA in Finance Right for You?
Pros
Fast-growing industry: Several finance occupations are in high demand, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting faster-than-average job growth for financial managers, personal finance advisors and financial analysts over the next decade.
Study around your schedule: Online MBAs in finance often feature an asynchronous schedule, so you'll be able to work toward your degree while balancing work and personal commitments.
Learn skills beyond finance: In an MBA program, you'll learn business fundamentals beyond finance, such as leadership skills, human resources, and project management.
Cons
High cost: Although online MBAs are generally more affordable than in-person options, they can still cost upwards of $20,000 per year.
Time commitment: Online MBA programs are generally designed with working adults in mind; however, you'll still likely need to spend a fair amount of time working through coursework.
More general than a finance master's: An MBA in finance is basically an MBA with a concentration or specialization in finance — that is, an MBA featuring a track of finance-focused classes. While these finance courses dive deep into the field, they're still not as in-depth as a master's in finance.
How to Choose the Best Finance MBA Program for You
You should evaluate factors such as cost, program length, application requirements, and accreditation when comparing online MBAs in finance.
MBA in Finance Cost
Online
$11,187 Avg. Tuition & Fees
$8,515 Avg. Net Price
On-Campus
$23,392 Avg. Tuition & Fees
$16,208 Avg. Net Price
Source: NCES PowerStats; latest data is from 2019-2020 and is for all MBA concentrations
Business Scholarships and Fellowships: There are several MBA fellowship programs, like the Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship, to help full-time students pay for their MBA.
Employer Tuition Assistance: Some companies provide tuition reimbursement or assistance to employees pursuing an MBA, so ask your employer to check if they offer any programs you qualify for.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): It's important to fill out the FAFSA every year, as you could qualify for grants, scholarships, and other federal or state aid opportunities that can help you pay for your degree.
Student Loans: There are several federal and private student loan options available, many of which don't need to be paid until after you graduate.
Online Student Scholarships: Some business schools, like the Indiana University Kelley School of Business, offer scholarships specifically for online MBA students.
MBA in Finance Program Length
Typical # of Credits
30-60 Credits
Typical Program Length
2-3 Years
MBA in Finance Application Requirements
Bachelor's Degree: Most finance MBA programs require you to have an undergraduate degree from an institutionally accredited college or university — though your major doesn't have to be in finance.
Minimum GPA: Some programs require a minimum GPA. For instance, UNC Wilmington, the second-ranked school on our list, requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 for admission.
Work Experience: Online MBA programs often require prior work experience. Our third-ranked school, Florida Atlantic University, requires at least four years of professional experience.
GMAT or GRE Scores: Many online MBA programs don't require GMAT or GRE scores anymore, but some still allow — or even encourage — students to submit scores to enhance their applications.
Letters of Recommendation: You'll likely need to submit 1-3 letters of recommendation from professional contacts, such as professors, supervisors, and mentors.
Personal Essay: The application essay is meant to provide the admissions committee with a deeper understanding of your personal and professional goals and how a program and institution fit your aspirations.
Accreditation for MBAs in Finance
Enrolling in a finance MBA with programmatic accreditation is a good way to ensure you'll learn relevant skills from qualified faculty members.
Every school on our list is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), which is the leading accrediting body for business schools and programs. Other reputable accreditors to look for when researching your options are:
International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Ask an Expert: How Important Is Accreditation for MBAs in Finance?
"Accreditation for MBA degrees in finance is important because it signals to employers that the program meets quality standards and [the] curriculum provides the skills and knowledge for a career in finance."
Jobs With a Finance MBA
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Analyst | $87,930 | Creates budgets and forecasts potential costs and revenue for an organization |
| Financial Analyst | $101,910 | Analyzes a business's financial situation in the broader context of the economy and helps senior leaders make financial decisions |
| Financial Manager | $161,700 | Manages a company's finances, including planning and day-to-day operations |
| Financial Services Sales Agent | $78,140 | Connects buyers and sellers in financial markets |
| Personal Financial Advisor | $102,140 | Helps individuals and families manage their investments |
Education Beyond an MBA in Finance
Doctorate in Business: If you want to be a professor or focus on applied research, a doctor of business administration (DBA) could be a good option. This terminal degree focuses on applying research to real-world business problems.
Business Certificates: Most business schools offer short-term online business certificate programs. In recent years, many have launched programs in high-demand areas like AI and fintech that can keep your skill set up to date.
Ask an Expert: Frequently Asked Questions About MBAs in Finance
Dr. Angélica S. Gutiérrez is an associate professor of management at Loyola Marymount University. She's been recognized as one of the "World's Best 40 Under 40 Business School Professors" by Poets&Quants.
What's the difference between an MBA in finance and a master's in finance?
An MBA in finance provides a broader curriculum than a master's in finance. The MBA program offers a curriculum with core courses in marketing, accounting, operations, and organizational behavior. There is also a strong emphasis on developing managerial and leadership skills.
A master's in finance offers a specialized curriculum. The core courses and electives are designed to help students build knowledge in financial theory, quantitative analysis, and practical application.
What courses are usually offered in a finance MBA program?
An MBA program in finance typically offers foundational courses, including marketing, operations, organizational behavior, and leadership, and finance-focused courses such as corporate finance, investment management, and financial risk management.
Do I need a background in finance to apply for an MBA in finance?
A background in finance is not required to apply for an MBA in finance. MBA programs are designed for students with an array of academic and professional backgrounds.
Is an MBA in finance worth it?
An MBA in finance can be a worthwhile pursuit depending on your career interests. It can be a helpful degree if you are looking to pivot into finance and would like to advance to managerial or leadership roles.
