A degree in finance can open doors to a wide range of exciting career opportunities. Whether you’re looking to work as a financial analyst in a private business, an accountant for a nonprofit, or help individuals achieve their retirement goals, enrolling in a collegiate finance program can give you the tools you need to succeed.
But the tools of higher education don’t come cheap. The average cost of in-state tuition is $9,750 per year, and out-of-state tuition averages $28,386. Fortunately, there are many available avenues in the way of loans, grants, and scholarships that can support your dreams and ease financial anxiety.
Keep reading to learn more on what a finance degree is, what careers you can get with a finance degree, how to pay for a finance degree, and more.
Table of Contents
Key Points
• A finance degree — typically a Bachelor of Science or Arts — prepares students for roles in money management, investing, economics, and business law, serving as a solid foundation for further graduate study.
• Entry-level salaries for finance graduates are usually above the national median, with strong employment growth projected in finance-related fields.
• Graduates can pursue careers such as financial analyst, financial manager, personal financial advisor, financial examiner, or loan officer, offering varied opportunities across industries.
• The cost of a finance degree varies significantly between public and private institutions, with private schools often being more expensive.
• Many students rely on a combination of scholarships, grants, and work-study programs to offset the cost of their finance degree. Federal and private loans are also available, but it’s crucial to understand the terms and potential long-term financial impact.
What Is a Finance Degree?
A finance degree program focuses on the study of money management, investing, and market trends. It can prepare you for a job in the economic sector, or lay the groundwork for graduate studies in business or law.
Undergraduates enrolled in an accredited four-year program typically obtain either a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts, depending on the area of focus. Introductory coursework can include the fundamentals of economics, statistics, business law, and accounting. Some people interested in working in finance may also consider pursuing a math degree.
Is a Degree in Finance Worth It?
Entry-level compensation in the field of finance tends to top the national median salary. The employment rate in this sector is expected to grow faster than average through 2033, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
While jobs in the financial realm are competitive, there is an expanding need for more accountants, strategists, and market analysts. Most of these ground-floor opportunities require at least a bachelor’s degree in finance. Another big bonus of a business finance degree program is connections — the alumni and internship possibilities that could lead to employment.
What Kinds of Finance Degrees Are There?
Educational institutions can offer a bachelor’s in finance, associate degrees, master’s degrees (including MBAs), and doctorate programs. Popular subfields within a finance program include financial planning, management, and accounting, which could help steer you in a career direction.
Financial Management
A student pursuing a degree in financial management learns how to make informed financial discussions for nonprofit businesses and corporations. Students can take classes in business economics, data analysis, financial reporting, and business law.
Financial Planning
A degree in financial planning prepares you to assist businesses, individuals, and families in creating monetary plans for the future. Course topics can be in retirement strategies, investment portfolios, tax planning, healthcare, estate planning, and risk management.
Accounting
While a degree in accounting offers a more specific focus than a general finance degree, the employment opportunities are far from limited. There are an estimated 130,000 job opportunities projected each year. Students take courses in auditing, tax preparation, and qualitative analysis.
What Can I Do With a Finance Degree?
From analysts to money managers to a think tank researcher or top government economist, a degree in finance can pave the way to a world of job opportunities.
Loan Officer
Loan officers work for banks, mortgage companies, and credit unions. They are instrumental in helping businesses and individuals acquire a home, a business loan, or new car. A loan officer usually holds a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or business.
Median salary: $74,180
Personal Financial Advisor
Personal financial advisors work with individuals and families to reach their economic goals. They assist with investment portfolios, navigating tax laws, and can help make retirement dreams come true. Financial advisors may be required to complete certifications, acquire licenses, or complete ongoing education requirements. Requirements may be dictated by your specific career path, employer, or state.
Median salary: $102,140
Financial Examiner
Banks and other institutions rely on financial examiners to help keep them out of trouble. A financial examiner helps businesses comply with current laws and regulations, making sure all their transactions follow mandated guidelines. They can specialize in risk assessment, keeping companies fiscally secure, or in consumer compliance to protect customers.
Median salary: $98,140
Financial Analyst
A financial analyst works for banks and investment companies assessing market trends to inform investment choices and strategic direction. They help create financial forecast models, fiscal reports, and then recommend a course of action.
Median salary: $101,910
Financial Manager
A financial manager oversees the financial well-being of a business. Responsibilities include supervising company cash flow, keeping tabs on expenses, submitting financial reports, and developing long-term fiscal goals for investment institutions, banks, or insurance companies.
Median salary: $161,700
How to Pay for a Finance Degree
A degree in finance can help put you on a career path to success, but the journey usually isn’t free. In 2023, 59% of college grads took out loans for school. An undergrad program can cost you, and a graduate degree only adds to the educational price tag.
Fortunately, there are federal student loans, private student loans, scholarships, and other options that can help alleviate the fiscal burden of higher education.
Federal Student Loans
Federal student loan debt represents more than 92% of total student loan debt in the United States. The 2025-26 interest rate for subsidized and unsubsidized loans is 6.39% for undergraduates. Typically, federal loan rates are fixed and lower than most private loans, and they also don’t require a credit check or cosigner.
The first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to determine how much financial aid you can receive. This application is used to determine student eligibility for federal financial aid including scholarships, grants, and work-study, in addition to federal student loans.
Private Student Loan
When federal financial aid isn’t enough to cover the cost of a finance degree program, a private student loan can be one option to fill in the gaps. These loans are issued by banks, online lenders, or credit unions. The lender will check your credit score and financial records to determine the loan amount and terms for which you qualify.
Younger applicants who don’t have a credit score or have limited employment history may consider applying with a cosigner, typically a parent or legal guardian, to pledge responsibility for your loan. Rates for private student loans can vary, so be sure to do your homework and shop around at various lenders to find the best loan for your situation.
It’s a good idea to research the pros and cons of federal vs. private student loans to determine how they can work best for you.
Recommended: A Complete Guide to Private Student Loans
Borrow from Loved Ones
Borrowing from a loved one for your finance degree may allow for lower interest rates (if any) and generous repayment arrangements. But be sure to spell the terms of the loan on paper to legally protect you and the lender, and to avoid potential confusion, argument, or future resentment.
If a parent or guardian is unable to loan you money directly, they could consider borrowing a Direct PLUS Loan from the government or a private parent student loan.
Pay Cash
“Cash is king!” as the saying goes. No educational institution will turn it down. By working as much as you can during school and summer vacations to help pay for college, you can avoid borrowing interest-accruing loans.
Scholarships
College scholarships are free money gifted from numerous organizations. They can be based on financial need or merit — awarded for grades, test scores, talent, ancestry, or special interests.
Scholarship money does not generally have to be paid back. You can find information from government resources, a college financial aid office, a high school counselor, or this state-by-state scholarship guide. Pay attention to the submission deadlines and application requirements so you don’t miss your chance to qualify.
Grants
Grant money is typically awarded solely based on financial need, and often by government agencies. For example, the Federal Pell Grant is gifted to undergraduate students from low-income households. Like scholarships, grants do not have to be repaid.
The Takeaway
A finance degree can unlock a wide range of rewarding career paths — from financial analyst or planner to management roles — while offering strong earning potential and projected job growth.
While the investment may be worth it, a finance degree (and the cost of college in general) is not cheap. Luckily, there are many options when it comes to paying for college, including cash savings, scholarships, grants, federal student loans, and private student loans.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
FAQ
What does a finance degree do?
A finance degree equips you with the skills to manage and analyze financial data, make investment decisions, and understand economic trends. It prepares you for careers in banking, investment, corporate finance, and more, providing a strong foundation in financial theory and practical applications.
What types of jobs can you get with a finance degree?
A finance degree can lead to diverse roles such as financial analyst, investment banker, financial advisor, accountant, and risk manager. These positions are available in various sectors including banking, corporate finance, consulting, and government. Each job offers unique opportunities for growth and specialization.
How can I pay for a finance degree?
To pay for a finance degree, consider a mix of scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and part-time jobs. Explore federal and private loans, but be mindful of interest rates and repayment terms. Financial aid offices and online resources can offer valuable guidance and opportunities to reduce costs.
Photo credit: iStock/Nuthawut Somsuk
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