Invest in an online finance degree
- $330/credit (120 total credits)
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- CFP Board-registered concentration available
- No application fee or SAT/ACT scores
- Program accredited by ACBSP
- Median annual salary of $96,220 for financial analysts1
Online Finance Degree Overview
The art and science of money – making it, managing it and quantifying it – is at the heart of our Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance.
Our online finance degree gives you the skill set to be a player in the multidimensional business marketplace. You’ll analyze data that will inform financial planning recommendations for clients and develop knowledge of local and global economies in support of strategic goals and growth. Attention to ethical and legal practices is threaded throughout the program to help guide principled decision-making.
Best of all, you’ll develop firsthand expertise by managing a virtual stock market portfolio and using state-of-the-art simulations to marry theory with real-world application.
Planning a future beyond your bachelor's? An accelerated degree program, BS-to-MS pathway, is also available for your online finance degree. This lets you:
- Save money: Take up to 4 graduate-level courses (12 credits) during your bachelor's program at the online undergraduate tuition rate
- Save time: Apply your graduate credits to your master's degree to complete your program in as fast as 1 year
What You'll Learn
- Develop financial plans for clients
- Explore domestic and global economic environments
- Analyze financial statements to forecast and meet organizational goals
- Use methodologies to make sound financial decisions
- Apply compliant ethical and legal practices
How You'll Learn
At SNHU, you'll get support from day 1 to graduation and beyond. And with no set class times, 24/7 access to the online classroom, and helpful learning resources along the way, you'll have everything you need to reach your goals.
Concentration Options
Financial Planning
Prepare to Become a CFP® Professional: Looking for a concentration that can help your finance degree stand out? Our CFP Board-registered online financial planning degree concentration can help you specialize your skill set and align yourself with the industry's highest standard.
Graduates of our Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance with a concentration in Financial Planning will meet the educational requirement to sit for the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) exam. You'll learn how to help individuals and businesses achieve their financial goals through learning foundational knowledge in investments, retirement, estate planning, risk management and taxes.
Finance Career Outlook
The bachelor's in finance puts you in a powerful position for employment in a range of industries, including banks, credit card and investment firms and insurance and mortgage companies. Some financial specialists work solo as tax preparers, personal financial advisors or real-estate appraisers – though additional licensure requirements, which vary by state, will apply.
SNHU's CFP Board-registered online financial planning degree concentration, the only CFP-board approved program in New Hampshire, can help students who are looking to become a Certified Financial Planner. The concentration courses are designed to fulfill the educational requirements you need to sit for the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) exam.
As an individual or as part of a financial team, with this online degree, you'll be prepared for a variety of roles:
Financial Analyst
Learn to be a decision-maker for both individuals' and organizations' investments. With your online finance degree, you can create plans and evaluate opportunities based on your analytical knowledge of financial performance, trends and the economy.
Personal Banker
Help clients make sound financial decisions when you have the skills to guide them through the process. Your finance degree can help you see the bigger picture and develop the right solutions for your customers.
Risk Analyst
Develop the skills that allow you to identify concerns regarding investments and related costs. An online finance degree helps you get your foot in the door at financial institutions.
Financial Consultant
Educate your clients and make recommendations that help them plan for the future. Your BS in Finance can help you monitor changes and redirect investments to better meet your customers' goals.
Job Growth and Salary
It's a bull market for financial graduates.
Growth in the industry can be attributed, in part, to an aging baby boomer population in the U.S. "There are many baby boomers working in finance, and, as they retire, finance jobs become available," said Kristin Regis, finance associate dean at Southern New Hampshire University.
Job Growth
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment rates for financial analysts could grow 8%, and financial managers will increase by 16% – much faster than the national average for all occupations – through 2032.1
Salary
Salaries in finance are often well above the median range for all workers: In 2022, financial analysts earned a median salary of $96,220, while financial managers saw median pay of $139,790 in 2022.1
Understanding the Numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors — like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
Start Your Journey Toward an Online Finance Degree
Why SNHU For Your Finance Degree
Flexible
With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7.
Affordable
As part of our mission to make higher education more accessible, we’re committed to keeping our tuition rates low. In fact, we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.
Prior coursework could also help you save time and money. SNHU’s transfer policy allows you to transfer up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's degree and 45 credits for an associate degree from your previous institutions—that means you could save up to 75% off the cost of tuition. You could also save time and money by getting college credit for previous work experience, or by taking advantage of military discounts and employer tuition assistance if available to you.
Respected
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 160,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), a regional accreditor, which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report named SNHU the 2021 Most Innovative University in the North and one of the nation's "Best Regional Universities"
- Awarded the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology by The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
- A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Network
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 300,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
93.6% of online students would recommend SNHU (according to a 2022 survey with 17,000+ respondents). Discover why SNHU may be right for you.
Admission Requirements
Expanding access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials:
- Completed free undergraduate application
- Prior transcripts, which we can retrieve at no cost to you
- Test scores are not required as part of your application
Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to apply, follow these simple steps to get the process going:
- Complete a free undergraduate application
- Submit any additional documents required
- Work with an admission counselor to explore financial options and walk through the application process
If you have questions or need help filling out your application, call 1.888.387.0861 or email enroll@snhu.edu.
What SNHU Graduates Are Saying
Bill Burmaster ’16
"I was recruited away from my employer I was with while I was at SNHU. ... And since completing my degree at SNHU, I've taken two promotions with my employer."
Courses & Curriculum
The online degree in finance is grounded in core business knowledge, which emphasizes communication, entrepreneurial thinking, collaboration, personal and social responsibility and global orientation. The program culminates in a capstone experience that brings the numbers to life as students use cutting-edge technology and case studies to analyze and synthesize financial reporting data.
You'll use industry-leading trading simulation software (TD Ameritrade U) to develop key skills and advise clients on their financial goals, applying your knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans and real estate.
This BS in Finance program has 18 free electives. If you’re transferring in a significant amount of credits, you may want to consider our online business degree with a concentration in finance, which features 33 free electives. Ask your admission counselor to help compare cost and time savings for each program.
Curriculum Requirements & Resources
Business Core
Business programs require learners to complete the Business core program, which includes a variety of business-specific courses. This program focuses on 10 core competencies to prepare you for success wherever you go.
General Education
All undergraduate students are required to take general education courses, which are part of SNHU's newly redesigned program, The Commons. The goal of The Commons' curriculum is to empower you with some of the most in-demand skills, so you can succeed not only in your academic career, but in your personal and professional life too.
Technology Resources
We provide cloud-based virtual environments in some courses to give you access to the technology you need for your degree – and your career. Learn more about our virtual environments.
Earn Math Credits
Save time and tuition with our Pathways to Math Success assessments. Depending on your scores, you could earn up to 12 math credits – the equivalent of 4 courses – toward your degree for less than $50 per assessment. For additional information, or to register for a Pathways to Math Success assessment, contact your admission counselor or academic advisor today.
| View Full Curriculum in the Catalog |
|---|
| BS in Finance Online |
| Courses May Include | ||
|---|---|---|
| BS in Finance Online | ||
| FIN 330 | Corporate Finance | This course focuses on the topics of corporate finance with the intent to extend and further develop the long-term investment and financing topics introduced in either the Principles or Foundations of Finance. The course addresses issues that face modern corporate managers when making capital budgeting and capital structure decisions, and focuses on applied managerial decision-making. Corporate Finance is designed for students seeking a more thorough understanding of the economic analysis of strategic and tactical investments, the effect financial leverage has on firm value, and the integration of investment and financial corporate strategies. Topics addressed include advanced techniques in capital budgeting, firm valuation, capital structure, firm/division cost of capital, and quantitative risk assessment. Writing intensive course. |
| FIN 335 | Financial Markets | This course examines the nature of global financial markets, reviewing macroeconomic considerations. The role of financial intermediaries in relation to the stock, bond, and mutual fund markets and exchanges are examined. An introduction to regulatory authorities will begin to demonstrate the financial market system. Topics include investments, risk management, risk over return, stock markets, and mutual funds. |
| FIN 336 | Multinational Corporate Finance | This course emphasizes aspects of financial planning for corporations with overseas operations. The sources and uses of corporate funds abroad are evaluated and criteria for choosing among alternative foreign investments are analyzed. The effects of international corporate financial planning, including such factors as the characteristics of foreign money and capital markets, international financial institutions, exchange rate changes, currency restrictions, tax regulations and accounting practices, are examined. |
| FIN 340 | Fundamentals of Investments | This course introduces and examines various investment vehicles, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds and commodities. This course emphasizes the decision-making process that underlies all investment decisions. |
| FIN 341 | Financial Regulations and Ethics | This course emphasizes the important roles of regulations and ethics to make financial decisions that support the organization's overall strategic goals. Students in this course will explore applicable regulations and ethical considerations in support of fiduciary responsibilities, reviewing securities regulations, GAAP, SoX, and international reporting standards. The curriculum foundation is grounded on corporate social responsibility and business sustainability through the application of regulations and ethics. |
| FIN 450 | Investment Portfolio Analysis | This course will prepare students to analyze asset allocation strategies to create a tax-efficient, diversified investment portfolio that meets the goals, risk preferences, and time horizon of an individual or an organization. Methods to assess investment needs, analyze markets, create an investment strategy, and measure investment performance will be explored. Students will also learn to communicate specifics about an investment portfolio and its performance in a manner that educates others, while building trust and supporting decision-making. |
| FIN 470 | Undergraduate Finance Capstone | This capstone course is the culminating experience for the B.S. in Finance program. The aim of the capstone is to assess students' ability to synthesize and integrate the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout their coursework, rather than introducing new concepts. This course is structured to support student success in fulfilling program requirements. |
| Total Credits: 120 | ||
Minimum Hardware Requirements
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Component Type |
PC (Windows OS) |
Apple (Mac OS) |
|---|---|---|
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Operating System |
Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
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Memory (RAM) |
8GB or higher |
8GB or higher |
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Hard Drive |
100GB or higher |
100GB or higher |
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Antivirus Software |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
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SNHU Purchase Programs |
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Internet/ Bandwidth |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
Notes:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
University Accreditation
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.
This program and its concentrations are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Student achievement data can be found on College Navigator.
Tuition & Fees
As a private, nonprofit university, we’re committed to making college more accessible by making it more affordable. That’s why we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.
We also offer financial aid packages to those who qualify, plus a 30% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.
| Online Undergraduate Programs | Per Course | Per Credit Hour | Annual Cost for 30 credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree/Certificates | $990 | $330 | $9,900 |
| Degree/Certificates (U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)* | $693 | $231 | $6,930 |
Tuition Rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually. *Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional Costs No Application Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get a finance degree online?
Of course. Many colleges offer finance programs both online and on campus.
For Southern New Hampshire University, the goal is, and has always been, to meet students where they are – whether it's online, on campus or a mix of the two – because we know how busy and unpredictable life can be. In fact, the very reason we opened our doors as a brick-and-mortar business school in 1932 was to give bookkeepers the option to take night classes so they could build their practical accounting skills.
Back in 1995, we introduced online courses to make education more accessible to military service members. Now, 200+ online degree programs later, we're still growing to meet the needs of our learners.
Our online BS in Finance – along with most of our business programs – is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The ACBSP is responsible for assessing "whether or not business programs offer a rigorous educational experience and commitment to continuous quality improvement."2
In the online finance degree program, you'll learn to:
- Create financial plans
- Support strategic goals
- Analyze statements
- Analyze methods
- Comply with policies
All of these skills can be learned in either a virtual or in-person environment.
This online BS in Finance will help position you for starting or continuing your career once you graduate. It can also set you up for success in continuing your education, such as with a master's in finance online or an MBA in Finance.
Choosing to earn your degree online could allow you the flexibility to continue working and remain committed to any other responsibilities you may have. Getting your finance degree online is a smart way to meet your personal and professional goals while still living your life.
What classes are in a finance degree?
Classes in a bachelor's in finance program can help do more than just prepare you for money management – they can help you become a more well-rounded, savvy professional.
Like other students in any undergraduate program, you'll begin your degree with general education courses. At Southern New Hampshire University, this consists of English, humanities, social sciences, STEM and history. While you may be more interested in the courses that directly impact your future career in finance, it's important to note how general education courses can affect your professional path.
General education courses are crucial to your success in business and beyond. They can provide the tools you need to stand out in your job and advance your career. Some of the most in-demand skills in today's workplace include:
- Research and information analysis
- Diverse audience communication
- Critical thinking and ethical problem solving
- Leadership, emotional intelligence and collaboration
Beyond your general education requirements, you'll need to complete your business core courses. All business majors at Southern New Hampshire University take these classes, which give you a higher-level look at a variety of functions in the business world.
You'll learn about accounting, law, marketing, operations and international business, among other areas. This can be particularly impactful in that it can help you understand where finance fits in terms of broad business concepts and operations. Armed with this knowledge, you'll also feel empowered to collaborate with others in your organization to help solve bigger organizational challenges.
Your business core pairs well with the courses from your finance major, which gives you the deep dive you need to succeed in the industry. Our curriculum gives you a better understanding about the economy, financial statements, wealth management, ethics and the regulatory environment.
You'll also have the opportunity to either choose to take a handful of free electives in finance or add a financial planning degree concentration, a set of courses that meet the educational requirements for the Certified Financial Planner™️ exam.
What can I do with a bachelor's degree in finance?
Many business degrees offer you versatility throughout your career. Someone who is skilled in finance is necessary in every organization, so your options are endless for careers in finance.
Some of these roles include:
- Account manager or financial manager
- Budget analyst or financial analyst
- Financial advisor or finance teacher
- Management analyst or risk analyst
- Personal banker or financial planner
Jobs in finance allow you to combine your passion for money management with various other interests. Maybe, for example, you believe in a new business venture, and want to crunch the numbers that can help get the idea off the ground. Perhaps you want to analyze the costs and budgets that keep the lights on for a local nonprofit. No matter where you'd like to be, a finance degree can help you get there. You could enter any number of industries, including:
- Banks and credit unions
- Colleges and universities
- Credit rating agencies and insurance companies
- Government agencies and healthcare organizations
- Law offices, nonprofits and startups
- Sports and entertainment
Another option for finance graduates is to become self employed.
Armed with the knowledge, skills and support of fellow online students around the world, he was able to launch a consulting firm – adding new economic opportunities in his rural hometown in Southwest Virginia.
"We serve two distinct markets: small businesses and much larger investment companies," Yates said. "One day we're updating a local deli's e-commerce website and the next day we publish an investment analysis that's read by a multi-billion dollar international asset manager."
Learn more about what you can do with a finance degree.
Do finance degrees pay well?
Depending on your educational background and your years of experience, a finance degree could help position you for roles with promising salary projections.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, median annual salaries in 2022 included:
- Financial analyst: $96,220
- Finance manager: $139,790
- Personal financial advisor: $95,390
In comparison, in the third quarter of 2023, the BLS said the median earnings of all full-time workers in the U.S. was $58,136.1
How long does it take to get a finance degree?
While bachelor’s degrees are traditionally known as 4-year degrees, the time it takes to earn your online bachelor’s degree in finance depends on how many classes you take per term and how many credits you have to transfer in.
Depending on your previous college history, you might be more ahead than you think. If you’ve earned general education credits or taken classes in accounting, business or finance, you could have a considerable amount of your program completed already.
SNHU accepts up to 90 transfer credits for our undergraduate programs and will provide a free credit evaluation. This allows you to see how your previously earned credits will transfer before committing to a degree program, giving you a better idea of how long it will take you to graduate with your finance degree.
How much does a degree in finance cost?
For individuals who are interested in finance, we know that this is an important question, and it should be: after all, you need to know that your degree is a good investment. That's exactly why we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.
Our online undergraduate finance degree costs $330 per credit hour, and requires 120 total credits to complete. Depending on your previous educational experience, you could also transfer in up to 90 credits – saving you years of class time and up to $29,700 on tuition.
Is an accounting or a finance degree better?
Either choice could make an excellent career path in terms of salary expectations, job growth and personal fulfillment – it just depends on which one works better for you. Let's take a closer look at the two:
Finance
Between finance and accounting, finance can be thought of as the more general subject of the two areas.
A finance degree will help you build a strong foundation of knowledge in banking, economics and financial markets – all key skills to successfully run a business. Your coursework will explore topics in corporate finance, private equity, venture capital, financial planning, risk management and more. You'll take a close look at different markets, how they function and fluctuate, and how to effectively manage and mitigate the risks inherent in investing.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for financial analysts are set to grow 8% through 2032, which is on pace with the national average for all occupations.1 Financial analysts earned a median income of $96,220 in 2022.1
While typical entry-level education for these roles is a bachelor's degree,1 those who go on to take the CFP exam could position themselves for advancement in a more specialized area of finance.
Accounting
While there's some overlap in terms of skills, accounting is a bit more specialized than finance.
Mona Stephens, accounting faculty lead for SNHU, also points out a major misconception about accounting: that it's all complex mathematics.
"You don’t have to be good at math. We have technology to do the math," Stephens said. "Accounting is really all about problem solving and storytelling. How can we use this data to identify and solve problems? How can we tell the story of the data in a way that makes sense to non-accountants?"
An accounting degree online, or on campus, can prepare you for a career in the accounting field, or one of the many adjacent career paths. Course content usually covers financial accounting, tax accounting, management accounting and forensic accounting. You'll also study business strategy, risk management, information systems, quantitative analysis and more. Graduates of these programs should gain an understanding of the current regulatory and business landscapes and "big picture" knowledge of the business world, according to the AICPA.3
Similar to financial analysts, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that demand for accountants and auditors will grow 4% through 2032.1 Accountants and auditors comparably reported earning a median annual salary of $78,000 in 2022.1
While typical entry-level education for these roles is a bachelor's degree,1 those who go on to take the CPA exam could position themselves for continued career advancement.
So which career track is right for you? If you're still not sure, try taking a look at the course curriculum for each program, and try to determine which better suits you. Ask yourself: "what are my strengths or career goals?" Reach out to students or professionals with firsthand experience. Or, just give us a call. Our admission team is happy to answer your questions about what to expect in each program.
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SNHU Spotlight: Lynda Jarrett, BS in Business Administration Grad
References
Sources & Citations (1, 2)
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm (viewed Nov. 7, 2023)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm (viewed Nov. 7, 2023)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/personal-financial-advisors.htm (viewed Nov. 7, 2023)
- https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/wkyeng.pdf (viewed Nov. 7, 2023)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm (viewed Nov. 7, 2023)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
2ACBSP, About Us - Who We Are, on the internet, at https://acbsp.org/page/about-who-we-are (viewed Nov. 7, 2023)
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification mark, the CFP® (with plaque design) certification mark and the CFP® (with flame design) certification mark in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements. CFP Board also owns the CFP BOARD® service mark. Any marks owned by CFP Board are used with permission.
Licensure and Certification Disclosures
SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page.