By: MOFD Staff
We compiled this list of the top 10 best associate degree programs in finance available online. If you’re in the market for this degree, here’s the info to help you find the right program at the right price point. With this degree, you can start on the path for a career in banking or head to a four-year school to finish your bachelor’s with about half the student debt of a standard college junior.
Online schooling takes a slightly different set of skills than a brick and mortar school. Self-motivation and awareness of deadlines are essential. Most college websites will have a quick online quiz to see where you have these attributes.
Rating and Ranking Methodology
In gathering the information to make this list of the top 10 best online associates in finance, we utilized the following points-based criteria.
Student to Faculty Ratio:
12:1 and lower : 5 points
13:1 to 15:1 : 4 points
16:1 to 20:1 : 3 points
21:1 and higher : 2 points
Out-of-State Tuition Cost (per year):
Under $10,000 : 5 points
$10,001 – $20,000 : 4 points
$20,001 – $30,000 : 3 points
$30,001 – $40,000 : 2 points
$40,001 and higher : 1 point
Overall Graduation Rate:
50% and above : 3 points
25% – 49% : 2 points
24% and below : 1 point
20-Year Net Return on Investment (ROI):
10% and above: 5 points
8%-9% : 4 points
6%-7% : 3 points
4%-5% : 2 points
3% and below : 1 point
Note: All tuition and other numbers were obtained by the National Center for Education Statistics, and are accurate as of February 2021. In the event of a tie, the higher ranking was given to the degree program with the lower annual tuition rate.
#1. Davenport University
Online Associate of Business Administration — Finance
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Tuition: $19,383
Points: 12
Michigan-based Davenport University offers an associate in finance that can be earned entirely online. The 65-credit online finance degree prepares students for entry-level jobs, or to continue their education. Making up the degree are courses in:
- Foundations of Excellence
- Foundations of Business
- Finance
Like the rest of Davenport’s business degree programs, this associate in finance is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education.
#2. Milwaukee Area Technical College
Online Associate in Banking and Financial Services
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Tuition: $6,706
Points: 11
As an institution of higher learning, Milwaukee Area Technical College is:
- affordable
- accessible
- comprehensive
The student/faculty ratio is 13:1. The school offers an online associate in banking and financial services. It’s a 62 credit hour program that includes coursework in ethics and statistics. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#3. Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
Online Associate of Applied Business in Finance Technology
Cincinnati, Ohio
Tuition: $8,379
Points: 10
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College offers in-state tuition rates to residents of Indiana and Kentucky, when applicable under reciprocity agreements. The student/faculty ratio is 14:1. The school has an online associate of applied business in finance technology offering two tracks: general finance, and financial planning. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#4. Columbus State Community College
Online Associate of Applied Science in Finance
Columbus, Ohio
Tuition: $9,540
Points: 10
Columbus State Community College was founded in 1963 to serve Southern Ohio. It has a student/faculty ratio of 18:1. The school offers an online associate of applied science in finance. It’s a 60 credit hour program. It includes coursework in international finance and marketing. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#5. Franklin University
Online Associate in Science of Financial Management
Columbus, Ohio
Tuition: $9,577
Points: 10
Franklin University was founded in 1902 to make a college education possible for more people, and they live that mission to this day. The student/faculty ratio is 13:1. The school offers an online associate of science in financial management. It’s a 64-credit hour program including coursework in financial accounting and microeconomics. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#6. Miami Dade College
Online Associate in Science in Financial Services — Wealth Management
Miami, Florida
Tuition: $9,661
Points: 10
Miami Dade College was founded in 1960 and has one of the most diverse student bodies in the country. It has a student/faculty ratio of 19:1. their online associate in financial services is a 60-credit hour program. It includes coursework in managerial accounting and principles of banking. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#7. New England Institute of Business at Cambridge College
Online Associate of Science in Business Administration w/ a concentration in Finance
Boston, Massachusetts
Tuition: $16,164
Points: 10
Originally named New England College of Business, New England Institute of Business at Cambridge College was founded in 1909 by the Boston banking industry. In 2020, it was acquired by Cambridge College and gained its current name. The student/faculty ratio is 11:1. The school offers an online associate of science in business administration with a concentration in finance. It is a 61 credit hour program that includes coursework in finance law and investment theory. The school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
#8. NorthWest Arkansas Community College
Online Associate of Applied Science in Business Management w/ an option in Finance
Bentonville, Arkansas
Tuition: $4,432
Points: 9
Northwest Arkansas Community College has the vision to make positive changes in their students’ lives. The student/faculty ratio is 17 to 1. The school offers an online associate in finance degree that is a 60-credit hour program. It includes coursework in accounting and marketing. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#9. Stark State College
Online Associate of Applied Business in Accounting
North Canton, Ohio
Tuition: $7,286
Points: 9
Stark State College is dedicated to lifelong learning and providing high-quality degrees to its community and through the internet, the world. The student/faculty ratio is 20:1. The school offers an online associate of accounting. It’s a 63-credit hour program that includes coursework in fraud examination and business taxation. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#10. North Hennepin Community College
Online Associate in Applied Science in Finance Management
Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
Tuition: $4,566
Points: 8
North Hennepin Community College sees their school’s mission as engaging the student body and changing their lives. The student/faculty ratio is 24:1. The school offers an online associate in applied science in finance management that is a 60 credit hour program. It includes coursework in public speaking and investments. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Related Resources:
- Top 10 Affordable Associates Degrees in Finance Online
- Top 50 Best Associates in Accounting Online
- 5 Benefits of Completing an Associates in Accounting
- 5 Benefits of Completing an Associates in Accounting Online
- 5 Benefits of Completing an Associates in Finance
