Becoming a professional financial accountant, analyst, auditor, or any related career requires getting a finance degree certificate from any of the best finance schools. Interestingly, there are so many colleges for finance degrees, even the best finance schools in the world, that you can go for and get what you want.
Fundamentally, finance is concerned with money management, a topic of great importance to all areas of society and business! As a result, if you are studying finance, you will be prepared for a wide range of financial careers, within many types of institutions.
Finance covers technical and theoretical knowledge, including the basic financial skills you’ll need to enter finance careers. You will learn how wealth is measured and how finance affects and shapes business behavior.
Therefore, if you are looking for any of the best Schools for Finance degree programs, this post will give you precisely what you want.
Below is an overview of what to expect from this post.
Table of contents
- What is Finance all about?
- Are there the best finance schools Online?
- Finance Degree Jobs Outlook
- What is Finance degree salary Like?
- Best Schools for Finance in the World
- 1. University of Pennsylvania
- 2. Bentley University
- 3. Georgetown University
- 4. The University of Virginia
- 5. University of Notre Dame
- 6. University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
- 7. Indiana University – Bloomington
- 8. Boston University
- 9. University of Illinois
- 10. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- 11. Harvard Business School
- 12. Villanova University
- 13. Carnegie Mellon University
- 14. Providence College
- 15. University of New York
- 16. Ohio State University
- References
- Recommendations
What is Finance all about?
Finance mainly refers to resource allocation. Nowadays, people can think more commonly about finance, like money management, but let’s take another step forward.
Thus, the word “finance” has its roots in the ancient French language, which dates back to 1350 (approximately when European markets began to use money more intensively in trade rather than bartering), associated with the idea of ”ending” or settling debts by making a payment.
However, to get the financial resources for something, you have the ability to end or solve a problem (like an international student financing your degree).
The word “money management” was first recorded in English in 1770. Money was created as a tool that made trade less complicated between people with very different resources and needs, and that was not always synchronized.
In addition, it covers economics and statistics, because it is necessary to understand financial affairs. Other important financial topics may be taught include accounting, mathematics, macroeconomics and information technology.
Interestingly, you can check out top 10 Universities that study accounting and finance in UK
Are there the best finance schools Online?
Yes, of course. Many nonprofit and for-profit traditional schools offer finance degree programs online.
You can find programs from general finance to consumer and family financial services by degree level or location. If you’re interested in the convenience of an online program, you’re in luck.
However, Bachelor’s degrees and certificate programs are all available in the online format. We can help you find accredited online finance schools.
Finance Degree Jobs Outlook
Employment of financial analysts is projected to grow 6 percent from 2018 to 2028, about as fast as the average for all occupations. A growing range of financial products and the need for in-depth knowledge of geographic regions are expected to lead to solid employment growth.
Finance degree graduates are open to so many works or job opportunities. They can work in so many places.
First, companies employ graduates with a degree in finance to help them make targeted financial decisions. However, Finance managers are needed in all work environments, from companies to nonprofits and small businesses.
Note, standard job titles for financial professions include financial analysts, insurance managers, financial examiners, personal financial advisors, financial advisors, brokers, and investment bankers.
Also, Financial examiners, for example, ensure companies and banks comply with federal laws and regulations.
Furthermore, professionals in this field can become certified financial planners, allowing them to work with people like wealth managers, financial advisors, and financial planners.
What is Finance degree salary Like?
Graduates with any finance degree earn relatively high salary-wise. According to the BLS, personal financial advisors earned an average of $ 88,890 in May 2018, and jobs are expected to expand at a rate much faster than the average of 15% to 2026. And also, financial analysts earned an average of $ 85,660 in May 2018, and jobs are expected to grow faster than the average of 11% through 2026.
Secondly, according to Payscale, business educators get an average salary of $ 53,000. And commercial real estate agents an average wage of about $ 94,500.
Then, actuaries earned an average of $ 102,880 in May 2018, and jobs are expected to grow faster than the average of 22% by 2026. This is according to BLS.
Moreso, investor relations partners earn an average salary of $ 65,830, budget analysts earned an average of $ 76,220 in May 2018, and jobs are expected to grow by an average of 7% through 2026.
Furthermore, according to the BLS, attorneys earned an average of $ 120,910 in May 2018, and jobs are expected to grow by an average of 8% through 2026. And credit analysts earned an average of $ 71,270 in May 2018, and jobs are expected to grow by an average of 8% through 2026.
Read: 15 Highest Paying Careers In finance In 2024 | Salary Scale
Best Schools for Finance in the World
Below is a list of the 13 Best Schools for Finance that students can apply.
- University of Pennsylvania
- Bentley University
- Georgetown University
- Harvard University
- Boston University
- New York University
- University of Notre Dame
- University of Virginia
- Indiana University – Bloomington
- University of North Carolina
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- University of Illinois
- Ohio State University
- Villanova University
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Providence University
1. University of Pennsylvania
When trying to choose from Best Schools for Finance in the world, the University of Pennsylvania should come to your mind. The University of Pennsylvania is among the largest schools and the best in some business programs like financial and business administration and management.
However, the school enrolls 10,183 undergraduates, and over 54% receive financial support.
Note, the school offers the following courses
- Business Finance
- Security Markets
- Futures and Options Markets
- Investment Valuations
2. Bentley University
Bentley University specializes in delivering business education in Waltham, Massachusetts, just west of Boston.
It is very hard not to mention Bentley University when talking about the world’s best schools for finance.
As one of the best undergrad Finance schools, the school has different degrees in the business field. The programs include joint technology and business programs, accounting, finance, management, etc. And also, financial and financial management programs for students.
Note, the school offers the following courses
- Capital Markets
- Corporate Finance
- Financial Planning
3. Georgetown University
Acceptance Rate: 16%
Graduation Rate: 95%
Enrollment: 6,987
Georgetown University is one of the best Finance Schools in the US. Located in Washington, D.C. The school is a highly-rated private, Catholic university.
This school offers undergraduate students financial and financial management studies, including advanced degree programs. Note, Graduates of Georgetown University in Financial and Financial Management earn 43.8% more than regular funding students.
Interestingly, the Georgetown University students by faculty ratio are 11:1, and it majors in Political Science and Government, International Relations, and Finance.
4. The University of Virginia
Address: Charlottesville, VA, United States
Acceptance Rate: 30%
Graduation Rate: 94%
Enrollment: 16,777
The University of Virginia is a public institution established in 1819. The total number of students enrolled at the undergraduate level is 16,777, located in the suburbs, and the campus size is 1,682 acres.
Note, tuition fees in the state and rates are $ 17,891; Out-of-state tuition fees and fees of $ 50,920.
However, the University of Virginia was founded by Thomas Jefferson in Charlottesville. Only freshmen are required to remain on campus, and many VIPs live in apartments off-campus or in brotherhood and youth homes.
Greek life is prominent in UVA, with a membership of approximately 35 percent of the students. UVA is known as one of the best colleges for finance degree programs.
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5. University of Notre Dame
Acceptance Rate: 19%
Graduation Rate: 95%
Enrollment: 8,557
Address: 400 Main BuildingNotre Dame, IN 46556
The University of Notre Dame is one of the best options for students looking for the best finance degree colleges.
About 98.0% of freshmen return to the University of Notre Dame for the second academic year. Watch some school videos for more information about what is happening on campus.
6. University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
Address: Chapel Hill, NC, United States
Acceptance Rate: 27%
Graduation Rate: 90%
Enrollment: 19,117
North Carolina Chapel Hill is a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference and is known as the Men’s Basketball Team, which maintains excellent competition with the nearby Duke University and is one of the most successful.
Hence, the University of North Carolina is a public institution established in 1789 with one of the best undergraduate schools for finance degree programs.
However, the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, often called UNC, offers many student activities. Popular student organizations include The Daily Tarheel, the UNC University student newspaper, and WXYC, a student-run radio station.
Almost half of all university students live on campus in one of the residences or apartment complexes.
7. Indiana University – Bloomington
Acceptance Rate: 79%
Graduation Rate: 78%
Enrollment: 8,557
Address: 107 S Indiana Ave, Bloomington, IN 47405, United States
Indiana University – Bloomington is a public institution established in 1820. There are more than 750 student organizations on campus, and more than 8,200 students go to the Greek language in the large community of fraternity and women’s associations.
However, over the year, Indiana University has proven to be one of the best undergrad finance schools in the world because it offers various degree programs to undergraduate students from the state and outside the state.
Indiana university school of finance, which is known as Kelly school of business, offers academic programs that are broad, deep, and interdisciplinary.
8. Boston University
Acceptance Rate: 29%
Graduation Rate: 85%
Enrollment: 33,000
Address: Boston, MA 02215, United States
If you are searching for finance degree schools, I advise you to look at Boston University.
The school is renowned for its high-quality degree programs they offer to both national and international students who want to study in the school. Also, 10.8% of undergrads major in finance. Below are some of the programs it offers
- Money, Financial Markets, and Economic Activity
- Corporate Financial Management
- Entertainment Finance (an LA immersion course)
- Investment Banking
However, as a private university in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, the college is optimum for individuals who blossom in an urban setting.
Note, over 30k students attend BU, and are enrolled in one of the university’s prestigious colleges or schools. BU is known for its research developments, especially in health, data science, and engineering biology.
It is important to note that, Boston College does not require freshman students to live on campus. Thanks to Boston College’s diverse population, you will meet others from numerous ethnicities.
9. University of Illinois
Acceptance Rate: 62%
Graduation Rate: 95%
Enrollment: 32,613
Address: 601 E John Street Champaign, IL 61820
The University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign is one of the best undergrad finance schools in the US and among the 15 best finance schools in the World. Interestingly, the school offers a degree program to both undergraduate and graduates.
Graduates from this school earn approximately $59,273 for their initial career and $ 100,790 in half of their jobs. With more than 20,000 students, this institution is one of the largest schools in the country.
Illinois is a highly-rated public university that offers the following courses Research and Experimental Psychology, Economics, and Accounting.
Since the average SAT score for applicants at this school is around 1,382, admission officers can be somewhat selective. This institution has a high retention rate, with a return of 94.0% in the first years of the second academic year.
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10. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Acceptance Rate: 8%
Graduation Rate: 91%
Enrollment: 8,557
Address: 77 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Institute is a land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant university, with an urban campus that extends more than a mile alongside the Charles River.
The Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan) offers these courses: Accounting, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Public Administration, Healthcare Management, Human Resources Management, Industrial Management, International Business, Leadership, Manufacturing and other related courses.
Full-time tuition fee: $ 74,200 a year. Upon graduation, 86 percent of graduates of the program are employed full-time.
11. Harvard Business School
Acceptance Rate: 5%
Graduation Rate: 98%
Enrollment: 6,800
Address: Cambridge, MA, United States
This Harvard University Finance school helps you gain a solid foundation in the principles of finance, becoming well informed of topics critical to financial planning, implementation, measurement, and investment.
Thus, seen as a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with about 6,800 undergraduate students and nearly 14,000 postgraduate students, Harvard University has one of the best finance schools in the US.
However, Harvard Business School focuses on accounting, consulting, e-commerce, economics, entrepreneurship, ethics, finance, public administration, healthcare management, human resource management, international business, leadership, manufacturing, and management.
Also, Technology, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, Production / Operations Management, Organizational Behavior, Portfolio Management, Public Administration, Public Policy, Real Estate, Sports Business, Supply Chain / Logistics Management, Quantitative Analysis / Statistics and Operational Research, Taxes and Technology.
12. Villanova University
Acceptance Rate: 36%
Graduation Rate: 90%
Enrollment: 6,525
Address: 800 East Lancaster Avenue Villanova, PA 19085
Another school you should consider when looking for the best finance schools. I tell you, it will be very difficult not to mention this University once you are talking about the best Finance schools in the world.
This college has a high retention rate, with 95.0% of the first years coming back for their sophomore year. Because of Villanova’s outstanding student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, there are plenty of opportunities for students to interact with their professors.
Interestingly, Villanova provides undergraduate degree programs that are dependable and suittable for students.
Also read: How can I get a PhD in finance Online in 2024 | Schools
13. Carnegie Mellon University
Acceptance Rate: 22%
Graduation Rate: 89%
Enrollment: 6,298
Address: 5000 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Carnegie Mellon University is a private institution established in 1900 and is known as one of the world’s best colleges for finance degree programs.
However, Carnegie Mellon University was founded by craftsman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. The school offers dining and entertainment options as well as professional sports teams such as Penguin (hockey), Steelers (football), and Pirates (baseball).
Carnegie Mellon Tartan competes in the NCAA Division III competitions, and Kiltie, including packed Scottish sandwiches, performs in every home football game.
14. Providence College
Acceptance Rate: 55%
Graduation Rate: 86%
Enrollment: 3,852
Address: 1 Cunningham Square, Providence, RI 02918, United States
Providence College Department of Finance is one of the best colleges for finance degree programs. The College offers a BS in Finance degree.
Note that this BS in finance degree program handles the core areas of finance, including corporate finance, investments, and financial institutions. Also, other areas are Principles of Micro and Macroeconomics, Managerial Finance, Financial Markets, and Financial Accounting.
Furthermore, this college deals with liberal arts and classical education. Regardless of major, students are required to take classes in Western civilization, theology, fine arts, and philosophy.
15. University of New York
Acceptance Rate:
Graduation Rate:
Enrollment:
Address: Manhattan’s Greenwich Village
The University of New York is a private institution established in 1831. The school offers Finance degree programs to both national and international students.
In addition to unique classes on Chinese financial markets and the recent economic crash, core finance courses at NYU include:
- Corporate Finance
- Real Estate Capital Markets
- Alternative Investments
- Portfolio Management
New York University has a small but active Greek life with more than 30 chapters of Brotherhood and women’s associations. There are more than 300 student organizations on campus, such as WNYU, a student radio station that streams online and broadcasts on a local FM channel of the university community.
16. Ohio State University
Acceptance Rate: 48%
Graduation Rate: 83%
Enrollment: 42,003
Address: 190 N. Oval MallColumbus, OH 43210
Ohio State University – Columbus was established in 1870 as a public institution. However, Ohio State University ranked 6 in the 2020 edition of the Best Colleges and National Universities.
OSU University offers more than 160 undergraduate specializations and a personalized study program where students can design non-traditional education.
Moreso, the school offers a variety of postgraduate programs through high-level schools and is known as one of the best undergrad finance schools.
Hence, the schools at OSU include the Faculty of Education and Human Environment, the Max M. Fischer School of Business, and the Faculty of Medicine.
Note, the school has over 1000 clubs and organizations that students can be part of. It’s one of the best online finance schools.
References
- https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges-for-accounting/
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/business-finance
- https://www.collegechoice.net/rankings/best-bachelors-degrees-in-finance/
- https://www.collegechoice.net/rankings/best-finance-degrees/