The best colleges for finance in the world are listed in this post if you’re hoping to advance in the field.
The specific study of how a person or business manages their finances is known as finance. It’s among the hardest degrees in the world. Numerous modules are available for finance courses, such as those covering accounting, investing, and economics.
Those who wish to work in the finance industry can pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees at numerous highly respected universities, colleges, and schools.
Professionals who wish to work in finance shouldn’t be the only ones allowed to pursue this career path. To handle one’s finances, everyone should have a basic understanding of money.
In this article, we are going to talk about the 25 best colleges for finance for students who want to pursue a career in finance.
Table of Contents
Types of Finance Degrees
Below are the main types of finance degrees:
- Bachelor’s in Finance
Many entry-level professions demand a bachelor’s degree in finance, which is a wonderful way to get started before deciding to go back to school.
To earn a bachelor’s degree, which typically takes four years to complete, students must complete at least 120 credit hours of coursework. The application process for an associate’s degree and a bachelor’s degree in finance is comparable.
Transcripts from your prior education as well as your ACT or SAT results must be submitted. You might not need to retake those classes at the four-year college if you hold an associate’s degree in finance.
- Master’s in Finance
You may wish to pursue further study by obtaining a master’s degree in finance after receiving your bachelor’s degree and working in the industry for a while. Certain programs require you to take the GRE or GMAT in addition to providing a transcript attesting to your bachelor’s degree.
Usually taking two years to complete, a master’s degree in finance involves thirty to thirty-six credit hours. With a master’s program, you might also have the chance to focus more narrowly and study a single, specialized subject known as a specialization or concentration. Investment management, corporate finance, and international finance are some of the concentrations.
- Doctorate Degree
It takes two to six years to obtain a doctorate in finance, and you must have at least a bachelor’s degree.
A master’s degree is frequently not required to pursue a doctorate. A PhD in finance with certification will lead to opportunities in research or as a faculty member at a business school college university.
- Associate in Finance
It is possible to finish the 60–65 credit hours needed for an associate degree in finance in as little as two years of full-time study. Online finance courses are widely available from many schools, allowing you to fit the education around your existing work schedule.
You will send in your transcripts from high school when you apply. Transcripts for any previous college coursework you may have completed should also be sent. You may be required to submit your SAT or ACT results if you haven’t attended college.
- Finance Certifications
Get a professional certification if you want to advance your career without returning to school. You can study independently or enroll in a certification course before sitting for a professional exam to obtain these qualifications. Certain professions demand that you follow a code of ethics and provide documentation of your work experience.
Below are some of the numerous financial certifications available:
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
- Financial Risk Manager (FRM)
- Chartered Investment Counselor (CIC)
- Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Also, check out this article on the secrets to financial freedom to learn how you can manage your finances.
List of the Best Colleges for Finance
Below are the best colleges for finance worldwide:
- Harvard University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- University of Chicago
- Stanford University
- New York University
- University of Oxford
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Cambridge
- Columbia University
- London Schools of Economics and Political Science
- University of California
- University of California
- University of Michigan
- Boston College
- Duke University
- Cornell University
- Georgetown University
- University of Notre Dame
- Dartmouth College
- The University of Texas at Austin
- Lehigh University
- Rutgers University
- San Diego State University
- University of Utah
- University of Connecticut.
25 Best Colleges for Finance in the World
Below are the best schools in the world to study finance:
- Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Average Tuition Fee: $55,000 – $$60,000
Originally established as Harvard College in 1636, Harvard University is the most historic university in the country.
It belongs to the exclusive group of Ivy League universities. This university is among the best colleges for finance since they use real-world business situations to teach the subject.
- Location: Cambridge, United States
- Average Tuition Fee: $75,000 – $83,000
MIT was founded in 1861 and is a private research university. MIT’s Sloan School of Management offers finance courses. The graduate courses are international in scope since students have the opportunity to study abroad in other nations.
Additionally, the school offers an Action Lab where students can work on actual issues in businesses that are currently operating in China, India, and the US.
The school also holds many events; the MIT $100k Entrepreneurship Competition is one of them, and cash rewards are given to the victors. Post-graduation employment prospects for MIT students are 83.80%.
3. University of Chicago
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
- Average Tuition Fee: $63,801
One of the most prestigious universities in the country is the University of Chicago. It is constantly ranked in the top tier of colleges worldwide.
It is ranked first for part-time MBA programs and first for the best business schools. Eighty-seven percent of University of Chicago graduates find employment.
4. Stanford University
- Location: Stanford, California
- Average Tuition Fee: $55, 000 – $60, 000
In 1885, Leland and Jane Stanford founded Stanford University. Presently, Stanford University has the third position on the list of top business schools. Stanford University finance graduates have a 71 percent employment rate after graduation.
5. New York University
- Location: New York, United States.
- Average Tuition Fee: $60,438 – $70,000
Founded in 1831 in the United States, New York University is a private research institution. NYU holds the 12th position in the list of top business schools. Up to 85.90 percent of NYU graduates have good chances of finding employment in the financial field after graduation.
6. University of Oxford
- Location: Oxford, England
- Average Tuition Fee: £33,050 – £48,620
The University of Oxford, which ranks among the best colleges for finance, is a perfect fit with its 91% placement record.
The University of Oxford, which is renowned for offering top-notch research and educational facilities, has been providing students with a broad selection of courses. Presently, the University has about 26,000 students enrolled, and both the staff and student body are expanding quickly.
7. University of Pennsylvania
- Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Average Tuition Fee: $66,104 – $70,000
The University of Pennsylvania is another school on our list of the best colleges for finance worldwide. Students will be guaranteed the best possibilities in the finance area thanks to the university’s 94.1% placement rate.
Due to its amazing teaching methodology that guarantees students receive real-world experience, it is regarded as one of the top finance institutions in the world.
8. University of Cambridge
- Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Average Tuition Fee: £24,507 – £64,000
With its top-notch financial education, the University of Cambridge is regarded as one of the best colleges for finance. This public university in Cambridge is well-known for its research initiatives and has a track record of changing society via its many initiatives. One of the best finance schools, it arranges a range of social events and leisure pursuits to help students grasp the fundamental issues facing society today.
9. Columbia University
- Location: New York, United States.
- Average Tuition Fee: $55, 000 – $59, 000
Originally founded as Kings College in 1754, Columbia University is a member of the esteemed Ivy League university network. After attending Columbia University, there are up to 79.50 percent career opportunities.
10. London Schools of Economics and Political Science
- Location: London, England
- Average Tuition Fee: £26,784 – £32,000
The London School of Economics and Political Science is another member of the increasing list of the top financial schools. LSE has arrived at this point by accomplishing numerous achievements in the fields of research and education.
By allowing its student body to do research and analyze practical scenarios in the field of finance and investment, the university is also contributing to the advancement of society.
11. University of California
- Location: Berkeley, California
- Average Tuition Fee: $34,200 – $40,000
In Berkeley, California, the United States, the University of California, Berkeley was founded in 1868. Students benefit from the university’s proximity to significant corporations like Google and Visa. It is ranked No. 8 together with Columbia University, and 74.50 percent of University of California, Berkeley graduates find work.
12. University of California
- Location: Los Angeles, California.
- Average Tuition Fee: $38, 000 – $42, 000
In 1882, UCLA University was founded in Los Angeles, California. The University is ranked No. 17 among the best business schools and No. 10 in finance programs. Approximately 80% of university graduates find jobs after graduation.
13. University of Michigan
- Location: Ann Harbor, Michigan.
- Average Tuition Fee: $50, 000 – $52, 000
In 1817, a Michigan territorial act established the University of Michigan. In terms of finance programs, the university is placed ninth and its business school ranking is tenth. There is an employment rate of up to 88.20 percent for university graduates.
14. Boston College
- Location: Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.
- Average Tuition Fee: $57, 000 – $58, 000
The University was established in Massachusetts in 1863. Despite being a university, it nevertheless uses the term “college” to refer to its former status as a small liberal arts college.
As of right now, the university is rated as the 41st best business school. After graduating from Boston College, 76.80% of students find work.
15. Duke University
- Location: North Carolina, United States.
- Average Tuition Fee: $64, 000
Originally founded in the modern town of Trinity in 1838, the university relocated to Durham in 1892. Major publications list it among the best in the United States.
At the moment, the university is ranked No. 11 for finance programs and No. 12 for finest business schools. Graduates from Duke University have an 87 percent employment rate.
16. Cornell University
- Location: Ithaca, New York.
- Average Tuition Fee: $57, 000
In Ithaca, New York, Cornell University was established in 1865. It’s also included in the exclusive list of Ivy League colleges.
On the list of top business schools, the university is now ranked #15th. Cornell University graduates get up to 84.90 percent of career opportunities.
17. Georgetown University
- Location: Washington D.C.
- Average Tuition Fee: $50, 000 – $57, 000
The university was founded in the town of Washington, D.C., in 1789. On the list of top business schools, the university comes in at number 22. Georgetown University graduates have a 77 percent employment rate.
18. University of Notre Dame
- Location: Notre Dame, Indiana.
- Average Tuition Fee: $55, 000 – $56, 000
The University of Notre Dame is a private four-year institution located in Notre Dame, Indiana. It provides finance bachelor’s and master’s degrees. It has a 96% graduation rate and awards roughly 246 diplomas.
Graduates typically make $82,200 per year. On lists of the most attractive college campuses in America, the University of Notre Dame frequently comes in first. Additionally, they have competitive sports teams that serve to unite the college community.
19. Dartmouth College
- Location: New Hampshire, United States.
- Average Tuition Fee: $33, 000 – $39, 000
One of the esteemed Ivy League universities is Dartmouth College. It was founded in New Hampshire, USA, in the year 1769.
Currently, the university holds the eleventh-best ranking among business schools. 84.50 percent of university graduates have employment opportunities.
20. The University of Texas at Austin
- Location: Austin, Texas.
- Average Tuition Fee: $38, 000
Situated in Austin, Texas, the University of Texas at Austin is a public four-year institution. It provides finance bachelor’s and master’s degrees. In a recent year, it graduated 86% of students with 331 diplomas.
The average pay for graduates is $76,600. Other iconic structures on the stunning site are open for tours. You won’t want to miss the LBJ Presidential Library and the Texas Memorial Museum.
21. Lehigh University
- Location: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
- Average Tuition Fee: $50, 000 – $55, 000
The financial degrees offered are both bachelor’s and master’s. Approximately $55,000 is spent on tuition annually. A 90% graduation rate was achieved in a recent year, awarding about 194 diplomas.
Graduates typically earn $83,800 per year in compensation. A list of the world’s most attractive campuses includes Lehigh University. New York City is 1.5 hours southwest and Philadelphia is 1 hour north.
22. Rutgers University
- Location: New Brunswick, New Jersey.
- Average Tuition Fee: $15, 000 – $32, 000
New Brunswick, New Jersey is home to the public university Rutgers University. The average graduating salary at this school is $73,900, and its graduation rate is 84%. With convenient access to transit, the campus is located in the heart of New Brunswick and offers easy access to New York City.
23. San Diego State University
- Location: San Diego, California.
- Average Tuition Fee: $18, 000 – $20, 000
San Diego State University is a public university located in San Diego, California. It grants certification as a financial planner and grants bachelor’s degrees in a variety of financial fields.
The college has a respectable 73% graduation record. Graduates typically earn $74,400 in salary. The student body is varied, and the campus is consistently rated as one of the most beautiful in the country.
24. University of Utah
- Location: Salt Lake City, Utah.
- Average Tuition Fee: $8, 000 – $28, 000
Located in Salt Lake City, Utah, is the University of Utah, a public college. The institution grants a finance bachelor’s degree. The salary average for graduates is $74,400.
There are numerous on-campus amenities on this spacious campus. You’ll get the opportunity to spend time with nature because the mountains are nearby as well.
25. University of Connecticut
- Location: Storrs, Connecticut.
- Average Tuition Fee: $39, 000
The University of Connecticut is a public four-year university in Storrs, Connecticut. It has an 84% graduation rate and awarded 226 diplomas in the last year. $73,400 is the average salary for graduates.
The university is near the walkable downtown Storrs neighborhood and offers a wide variety of sit-down and take-out dining options.
What a Finance Degree Can Get You
For graduates of finance-related programs, there are numerous career opportunities. For someone with sufficient financial expertise, there is a position in almost every kind of firm. Finance experts can choose to start their own financial planning or consulting company, or they can work for banks, corporations, schools, or other organizations.
Some examples of finance-related job positions include:
1. Financial Planner: While assisting clients in reaching their financial objectives, a financial planner typically makes over $61,000 a year. This entails assisting them in setting spending priorities for the present as they invest and save for the future.
2. Insurance Agent: The starting salary for an insurance agent is often more than $37,000 annually. With this position, you’ll be able to gain experience in a wide range of financial areas, such as evaluating risks, forecasting financial trends, and interacting with consumers.
3. Finance Officer: A finance officer is an individual who supervises the activities of finance firms, credit unions, and banks. They are similar to financial managers.
4. Public Accountant: The average annual payment to public accountants is over $64,000. To assist with financial audits and tax return preparation, you will collaborate with both small and large businesses in this role.
5. Loan Officer: A loan officer works for a bank or credit union and assists consumers and businesses with the loan application process.
6. Venture Capitalist: By supporting startups, venture capitalists can expect to profit about $92,000 annually. You will be employed by a bigger company that assesses smaller companies before making investments in them in the hopes that the stock will increase in value over time.
7. Credit Analyst: As a credit analyst, the risk of granting credit to people or as wonderful as these universities are, there are many more top-notch finance schools available; you may still get a solid education in finance by studying in your home country and many more that aren’t on this list. All in all, make sure you thoroughly investigate any college you plan to attend as well as the environment’s level of ease. Check out the evaluations posted by knowledgeable websites and former students. Enterprises will be assessed while you analyze financial data.
8. Investment Banker: As an investment banker, you will have the chance to work in a high-stress environment for an average salary of almost $96,000 per year. On behalf of significant companies and private clients, you will trade stocks and bonds and sell corporate securities.
9. Financial Analyst: Financial analysts evaluate and examine a business’s financial status and offer suggestions to direct management, expenditure, and investment decisions.
If you’re looking to maximize your finances using AI, see this post on how to make money online with ChatGPT to learn how you can achieve that.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Best Colleges for Finance in the World
How are Accounting and Finance Different From One Another?
Accounting is the study of how money is managed daily in a business or organization. A larger area of study, finance is primarily concerned with managing assets and liabilities, investing, and planning for future expansion.
How Much Time Does it Take to Earn a Finance Degree?
You can probably start an entry-level career after four years of study toward a bachelor’s degree in finance. Even while an associate degree only takes two years to complete, you won’t have as many alternatives for careers. After you get your foot in the door, a master’s degree in finance can help you progress. While they may not be required for success, finance certifications can also help you raise your earning potential in the industry.
For Finance and Accounting, Which Country is the Best?
Top locations for accounting studies worldwide are the USA and the UK.
What Advantages Come with Learning Finance?
In addition to providing, you with a wide range of job opportunities, studying finance will also help you manage your finances.
What Types of Jobs Are Available for Those with a Finance Degree?
You can work as an accountant, financial planner, actuary, investor, and more after receiving a degree in finance. In addition to preparing, you for careers in finance, your financial education can also help you land work as a manager, real estate agent, or attorney.
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Conclusion
Even though these schools are among the best colleges for finance in the world, there are plenty of other excellent programs in finance; even if your country is not on this list, you can still study finance well and gain a lot of other knowledge there.
The bottom line is that you conduct thorough research on any institution you intend to study at and also study the convenience of that environment. Examine reviews from reputable websites and previous students who attended.
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