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The 10 Best PhD Programs in Finance

In essence, finance is the study of economics and the claims on resources. The best PhD programs in finance help you develop professionally so you can make difficult decisions around fund allocation, financial planning, and corporate financial management. This qualification will also equip you for a career in teaching or research at top universities.

Which of the 10 best finance PhDs is best for you?

Read on to learn everything you need to know.

Table of Contents

Why Get a Doctorate in Finance?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), finance managerial professionals have an average salary of $131,710  per year, and jobs are estimated to grow by 17%  from 2020 to 2030. This is much more than the average across all occupations. With a PhD in finance, you may work as a finance manager or even become a CEO of a large corporation.

Jobs and Salaries for Doctors of Finance

After earning a PhD in finance, you can find well-paid jobs as a professor or in various corporate finance roles.

Here are some of the most common finance professions with the average annual salaries for each:

• Financial Manager ( $96,255 )
• Financial Analyst ( $63,295 )
• Finance Professor ( $73,776 )
• Chief Financial Officer ( $140,694 )
• Investment Analyst ( $67,730 )

Read More:   The Highest Paying PhD Programs

What’s the average cost of a phd program in finance.

The tuition for a PhD in finance can vary depending on the university, with public institutions generally being much more affordable than private ones.

Across all schools, the average tuition is around $30,000 per year.

However, on top of this, you need to factor in other expenses, which could add up to another $30,000 a year. Some top universities offer full funding, including tuition and a stipend for all students who are successfully admitted to the program.

Read Next: The Average Cost of a Master’s Degree in Finance

Top finance phd programs and schools, stanford university, graduate school of business.

PhD in Finance

Stanford University is one of the most prestigious business schools in the world. Its PhD in finance programs has an emphasis on theoretical modeling and empirical testing of financial and economic principles.

• Courses include: Financial markets, empirical asset pricing, macroeconomics, and financial markets.
• Duration: 5 years
• Tuition : Full funding
• Financial aid: Research & teaching assistantship, grants, outside employment, and outside support.
• Delivery: On-campus
• Acceptance rate: 5%
• Location: Stanford, California

The University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School

The University of Pennsylvania’s renowned Wharton School of Business is home to faculty who are well-known in the field of business research. The school boasts a low student-faculty ratio in an atmosphere that allows you to work with faculty members as peers. This doctor of finance program emphasizes subjects like asset pricing, corporate finance, and portfolio management. This helps students become experts in research and teaching in these areas.

• Courses include: Topics in asset pricing, financial economics, and international finance.
• Credits: 18 courses
• Financial aid: Fellowships, grants, student employment, health insurance, stipend, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 9%
• Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The University of Chicago, Booth School of Business

Booth School of Business is a major center for finance education because its faculty includes Eugene F. Fama, Nobel laureate and the father of modern empirical finance. This finance doctoral degree has an option for a joint PhD in collaboration with the university’s economics department.

• Courses: Financial economics, financial markets in the macroeconomy, and behavioral finance.
• Tuition : Refer tuition page
• Financial aid: Grants, stipends, health insurance, scholarships, fellowships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 7%
• Location: Chicago, Illinois

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Gies College of Business

The University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign is one of the best places for studying and conducting research in finance. Its finance research faculty was ranked #4  in the UTD Top 100 Business School Research Rankings between 2016-2019. In this PhD in finance program, students can take the qualifying examination at the end of the first year and, if successful. They’ll be able to start their research project earlier and complete the degree sooner.

• Courses include: Empirical analysis in finance, corporate finance, and statistics & probability.
• Duration: 4-5 years
• Financial aid: Full tuition waiver, stipends, scholarships, grants, student employment, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 63%
• Location: Champaign, Illinois

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management

The Sloan School is one of the top research centers in the world, which aims to transform students into experts who can handle real-world problems in a wide range of spheres, from business and healthcare to climate change. This PhD program in finance gives students the flexibility to choose between a wide range of electives and even study some courses at Harvard.

• Courses include: Current research in financial economics, statistics/applied econometrics, and corporate finance.
• Duration: 6 years
• Financial aid: Full tuition, stipend, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, health insurance, fellowships, scholarships, and loans.
• Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management

The Kellogg School of Management allows students to conduct independent research under the supervision of faculty who’ve made significant contributions to the field and have earned numerous prestigious awards. This doctorate of finance program’s admission process has a dual application option. You can also apply to the Economics PhD simultaneously, so if you are not selected for the finance program, you may be considered for economics.

• Courses include: Econometrics, corporate finance, and asset pricing.
• Duration: 5.5 years
• Financial aid: Tuition scholarship, stipends, health insurance, moving allowance, and subsidies.
• Location: Evanston, Illinois

The University of California Berkeley, Haas School of Business

The Haas School of Business in Berkeley is an innovative institution that questions the status quo, takes intelligent risks, and accepts sensible failures in its path to progress. This finance PhD program offers students opportunities to learn about cutting-edge research from faculty from around the world.

• Courses include: Corporate finance theory, stochastic calculus, and applications of psychology & economics.
• Tuition : Refer cost page
• Financial aid: Fellowships, grants, tuition allowance, stipends, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships.
• Acceptance rate: 17%
• Location: Berkeley, California

The University of Texas at San Antonio, Alvarez College of Business

The Alvarez College of Business is one of the forty largest business schools in the USA. It follows a comprehensive and practical approach to education that allows students to apply the knowledge they gain directly in the workplace. This PhD in finance encourages students to do collaborative research with the faculty, which helps them publish their own academic papers before they even complete the program.

• Courses include: Corporate finance, international financial markets, and microeconomic theory.
• Credits: 84 (post-bachelors)
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, work-study, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, research fellowships, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 84%
• Location: San Antonio, Texas

Liberty University, School of Business

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Finance

Liberty University is a non-profit institution among the top five online schools in the USA and has been offering fixed tuition fees for the past seven years. This is one of the best PhD in Finance programs you can do completely online. It aims to prepare students to address issues in business finance through research, best practices, and relevant literature.

• Courses: Managerial Finance, Investments & Derivatives, Business Valuation, etc.
• Credits: 60
• Duration: 3 years average
• Tuition : $595 per credit
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, work-study, veteran benefits, and loans.
• Delivery: Online
• Acceptance rate: 50%
• Location: Lynchburg, Virginia

Northcentral University

PhD in Business Administration (PhD-BA) – Finance Management

Northcentral University was founded with the objective of offering flexible, fully-online programs to working professionals around the world. This doctorate degree in finance online is flexible and allows you to design your own schedule. You will also get one-on-one personal mentoring from qualified faculty.

• Courses include: Business financial systems, business statistics, and business leadership & strategy.
• Duration: 84 months average
• Tuition: $1,105 per credit
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, and military scholarships.
• Acceptance rate: NA
• Location: Scottsdale, Arizona

Things To Consider When Choosing a Finance PhD Program

The right PhD program for you is a very personal decision and will depend on several individual factors.

However, these general questions will help you to make the right choice:

• Is the university properly accredited?
• Does the university conduct innovative and cutting-edge research?
• Are there renowned faculty members who you’ll want to work with?
• Do they offer subjects or specializations that match your career goals?
• What is the school’s placement history?
• What are the tuition fees, costs, and options for scholarships and financial aid?
• Does the program offer online study options?

It’s also important to consider if you want to pursue a career in academia or work in organizations as a senior finance professional. A PhD degree will generally set you up for a career in research or academia, while a DBA is more suited to a career in business or government.

Preparing for a Finance Doctorate Program

It’s important to start preparing early if you want to be selected for one of the best finance PhD programs.

These handy tips can help you put your best foot forward:

• Research the requirements of the best universities offering PhD in finance degrees, including pre-requisite subjects and qualifying grades. Keep these in mind when completing your bachelor’s or master’s degree.
• Understand your strengths and weaknesses in relation to the program’s requirements. Work on your weaknesses and continue to hone relevant skills.
• Read extensively in the field and keep up-to-date on regional and global developments.
• Join communities of finance professionals to build your network and be exposed to the latest knowledge in the discipline.

Skills You Gain from Earning a PhD in Finance

The most important skills you learn as a doctor of finance include:

• Communication skills, including writing and presentation skills
• Data analytical skills
• Economics and accounting skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Mathematical skills
• Analytical software skills
• Management and leadership skills
• Problem-solving skills

PhD Programs in Finance FAQs

How long does a phd in finance take.

PhD programs in finance usually take between three and eight years to complete.

Is It Worth Getting a PhD in Finance?

A PhD in Finance is a qualification that’s in high demand today. It is a terminal degree and can help you get top-level jobs with lucrative salaries in corporate or large organizations.

How Much Can You Make With a PhD in Finance?

With a finance doctorate, you can expect to earn a salary anywhere from around $45,000 to $150,000, depending on your experience, role, and the organization you work for. According to the BLS, the average salary for finance PhD holders is $131,710 .

What Do You Need To Get a PhD in Finance?

The admissions requirements vary depending on the program, but you’ll typically need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in finance. The programs can take three to eight years of coursework and research.

To apply, you’ll usually need to submit:

• Application
• Academic resume
• Academic transcripts
• Recommendation letters
• GRE or GMAT score
• Personal essay

Final Thoughts

With a doctorate in finance, you can build a rewarding career in academia, research, or the business sector. Like any doctorate, these programs ask for dedication and hard work. By planning early, you’ll set yourself up to pursue one of the best PhD programs in finance.

For more on how to build your career in the field, take a look at our guides to the best master’s degree in finance , the highest paying PhDs , and fully-funded PhD programs .

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

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Finance Graduate Programs in America

1-25 of 209 results

Harvard Business School

Boston, MA •

Harvard University •

Graduate School

• • Rating 4.2 out of 5   5 reviews

Other: The HBS community fosters an environment where students are motivated to pursue their entrepreneurial interests. The extensive resources available cater to the distinct requirements of innovators, both in and out of the classroom. The diverse global perspectives within the immersive learning setting contribute to a continuous exchange of dynamic ideas, resulting in significant and enduring impact. With a rich history of entrepreneurship, marked by over 50% of graduates initiating at least one new venture, HBS remains committed to supporting alumni through comprehensive programs that encourage collaboration and lifelong learning. ... Read 5 reviews

Harvard University ,

Graduate School ,

BOSTON, MA ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.

Featured Review: Other says The HBS community fosters an environment where students are motivated to pursue their entrepreneurial interests. The extensive resources available cater to the distinct requirements of innovators,... .

Read 5 reviews.

Wharton School

Philadelphia, PA •

University of Pennsylvania •

• • Rating 4.67 out of 5   15 reviews

Master's Student: Intensive but interesting. Great people, but professor quality varied. Lectures tend to be very interesting, but are high level in some cases. Coming from an engineering background, this felt "easy", but it is a different type of learning- more focused on the concepts than proving theories and underlying complexities. TAs are great and there is a lot of effort put towards making students understand the material. Since there isn't a sink or swim culture, I think it incentivizes learning for the sake of learning rather than curving to a "B". Professors are very friendly and actually enjoy getting to know their students. ... Read 15 reviews

University of Pennsylvania ,

PHILADELPHIA, PA ,

15 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Intensive but interesting. Great people, but professor quality varied. Lectures tend to be very interesting, but are high level in some cases. Coming from an engineering background, this felt "easy",... Professors are very friendly and actually enjoy getting to know their students. .

Read 15 reviews.

Kellogg School of Management

Evanston, IL •

Northwestern University •

• • Rating 4.82 out of 5   17 reviews

Master's Student: Kellogg's MBA program at Northwestern University stands out for its collaborative environment, rigorous curriculum, and emphasis on experiential learning. With a focus on teamwork and diverse perspectives, students engage in group projects and case competitions to develop essential leadership skills. The curriculum offers customization options through electives and experiential opportunities, including internships and global immersion trips. Kellogg's strong alumni network and industry connections provide valuable career support, ensuring students are well-prepared for success in their chosen fields. Overall, Kellogg offers a dynamic and immersive MBA experience that equips students to excel as future business leaders. ... Read 17 reviews

Northwestern University ,

EVANSTON, IL ,

17 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Kellogg's MBA program at Northwestern University stands out for its collaborative environment, rigorous curriculum, and emphasis on experiential learning. With a focus on teamwork and diverse... .

Read 17 reviews.

College of Liberal and Creative Arts - San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University •

Graduate School •

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

A. B. Freeman School of Business

Tulane University •

NEW ORLEANS, LA

San Francisco State University

• • Rating 4.19 out of 5   52

Owen Graduate School of Management

Nashville, TN •

Vanderbilt University •

• • Rating 4.4 out of 5   5 reviews

Master's Student: I attend my first semester in the fall of 2024. My experience so far has been amazing. I cannot wait until I start my experience. ... Read 5 reviews

Vanderbilt University ,

NASHVILLE, TN ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I attend my first semester in the fall of 2024. My experience so far has been amazing. I cannot wait until I start my experience. .

Olin Business School

St. Louis, MO •

Washington University in St. Louis •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   7 reviews

Master's Student: The enrolment process was an absolute pleasure. Being able to sit in on classes and interact with faculty and students was a fantastic opportunity. It gave me a real feel for the academic dynamic and the supportive community. This firsthand experience greatly influenced my decision, and I'm eagerly looking forward to becoming a part of the institution. ... Read 7 reviews

Washington University in St. Louis ,

ST. LOUIS, MO ,

7 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The enrolment process was an absolute pleasure. Being able to sit in on classes and interact with faculty and students was a fantastic opportunity. It gave me a real feel for the academic dynamic and... .

Read 7 reviews.

College of Science - University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN •

University of Notre Dame •

University of Notre Dame ,

NOTRE DAME, IN ,

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McDonough School of Business

Washington, DC •

Georgetown University •

• • Rating 4.88 out of 5   8 reviews

Master's Student: It's a great experience. The opening term, before mod 1 classes, gets you ready for anything academic wise. Because the experience has been great, the "worst" part would be early 8 AM classes for a semester a couple times a week. ... Read 8 reviews

Georgetown University ,

WASHINGTON, DC ,

8 Niche users give it an average review of 4.9 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says It's a great experience. The opening term, before mod 1 classes, gets you ready for anything academic wise. Because the experience has been great, the "worst" part would be early 8 AM classes for a... .

Read 8 reviews.

Carey Business School

Baltimore, MD •

Johns Hopkins University •

• • Rating 4.62 out of 5   26 reviews

Master's Student: Especially catered to the student who is a full time professional. Professors are incredible with a real world knowledge and experience that I feel is unequaled. ... Read 26 reviews

Johns Hopkins University ,

BALTIMORE, MD ,

26 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Especially catered to the student who is a full time professional. Professors are incredible with a real world knowledge and experience that I feel is unequaled. .

Read 26 reviews.

Tepper School of Business

Pittsburgh, PA •

Carnegie Mellon University •

• • Rating 4.73 out of 5   11 reviews

Master's Student: Embarking on Carnegie Mellon's Master in Business Analytics promises unparalleled growth. Its esteemed reputation in academia assures an intellectually stimulating environment, fostering collaboration and innovation. The meticulously crafted curriculum equips students with advanced analytical skills and a deep understanding of business dynamics. Beyond coursework, experiential learning opportunities abound, from hackathons to industry partnerships. Moreover, the vibrant community fosters inclusivity and camaraderie, enriching the overall experience. With each lecture and interaction, I anticipate expanding my knowledge, honing my skills, and becoming a catalyst for positive change. Carnegie Mellon's program is not just an education; it's a transformative journey toward personal and professional excellence. ... Read 11 reviews

Blue checkmark.

Carnegie Mellon University ,

PITTSBURGH, PA ,

11 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Embarking on Carnegie Mellon's Master in Business Analytics promises unparalleled growth. Its esteemed reputation in academia assures an intellectually stimulating environment, fostering... .

Read 11 reviews.

D'Amore-McKim School of Business

Northeastern University •

• • Rating 2.5 out of 5   4 reviews

Master's Student: Recently began my journey in the GSPA MS in Accounting/ MBA program! So far classes have been tailored to students with nonbusiness/ accounting allowing for any interested parties to join. Teachers are both flexible with grad students and amazing at providing real-world experience. ... Read 4 reviews

Northeastern University ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 2.5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Recently began my journey in the GSPA MS in Accounting/ MBA program! So far classes have been tailored to students with nonbusiness/ accounting allowing for any interested parties to join. Teachers... .

Read 4 reviews.

Leonard N. Stern School of Business

New York, NY •

New York University •

• • Rating 4.82 out of 5   28 reviews

Master's Student: As a part-time MBA candidate at NYU Stern, I'm deeply impressed by the program's blend of academic rigor and practical application. The faculty, industry leaders in their own right, provide invaluable insights, fostering a rich learning environment. The diversity among my peers enhances our discussions, offering varied perspectives on business challenges. Stern's location in NYC is ideal for networking and accessing career opportunities, which is crucial for a working professional like me. The flexibility of evening and weekend classes allows me to balance my professional and academic commitments effectively. Stern equips students with advanced business knowledge and fosters personal and professional growth, making it an exceptional choice for anyone aspiring to excel in the business world. ... Read 28 reviews

New York University ,

NEW YORK, NY ,

28 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says As a part-time MBA candidate at NYU Stern, I'm deeply impressed by the program's blend of academic rigor and practical application. The faculty, industry leaders in their own right, provide... .

Read 28 reviews.

Carroll School of Management

Chestnut Hill, MA •

Boston College •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   2 reviews

Master's Student: I am currently enrolled in the part time, professional evening MBA program. So far it has brought me to communicate with like minded individuals and the professors truly want to see you succeed so they will go out of their way to connect with you and help you. ... Read 2 reviews

Boston College ,

CHESTNUT HILL, MA ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I am currently enrolled in the part time, professional evening MBA program. So far it has brought me to communicate with like minded individuals and the professors truly want to see you succeed so... .

Read 2 reviews.

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Claremont McKenna College

Claremont, CA •

CLAREMONT, CA ,

McCombs School of Business

Austin, TX •

University of Texas - Austin •

• • Rating 4.69 out of 5   13 reviews

Master's Student: Being in the accounting program at UT Austin has been a remarkable opportunity for me. The best part of being an accounting major at McCombs is the diverse set of classes that students can utilize to explore different interests within business and broaden their career opportunities. The worst part of being at McCombs is the competitive environment, although it incentivizes students to work harder, it can be mentally draining to constantly try to outperform one's peers. ... Read 13 reviews

University of Texas - Austin ,

AUSTIN, TX ,

13 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Being in the accounting program at UT Austin has been a remarkable opportunity for me. The best part of being an accounting major at McCombs is the diverse set of classes that students can utilize to... .

Read 13 reviews.

College of Business - Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA •

Lehigh University •

Lehigh University ,

BETHLEHEM, PA ,

Hough Graduate School of Business

Gainesville, FL •

University of Florida •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   4 reviews

Master's Student: The academics at UF are rigorous but prepare you for real life scenarios. The coursework is well rounded for students to be able ready for all aspects of business administration. ... Read 4 reviews

University of Florida ,

GAINESVILLE, FL ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The academics at UF are rigorous but prepare you for real life scenarios. The coursework is well rounded for students to be able ready for all aspects of business administration. .

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences - Boston University

Boston University •

Boston University ,

Questrom School of Business

• • Rating 4.29 out of 5   7 reviews

Master's Student: Boston University's MBA program transformed me. Faculty, experts in their fields, nurtured my learning. A diverse student body broadened my perspective. Experiential learning honed skills and purpose. BU's strong alumni network opened doors. The sense of community is invaluable. BU has equipped me for success and instilled a passion for growth. Grateful for this transformative journey. ... Read 7 reviews

7 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Boston University's MBA program transformed me. Faculty, experts in their fields, nurtured my learning. A diverse student body broadened my perspective. Experiential learning honed skills and... .

Wisconsin School of Business at UW Madison

Madison, WI •

University of Wisconsin •

University of Wisconsin ,

MADISON, WI ,

Business School - University of Miami

Coral Gables, FL •

University of Miami •

• • Rating 4.33 out of 5   9 reviews

Current Master's student: I'm currently enrolled in the online MBA program at the university of miami at Herbet Business School. As an online student and the sole provider for my family, I find the online format and curriculum to be rigorous and fulfilling. What makes this program great is the ability to complete my MBA on my time (for the most part) without sacrificing my income. The classes and professors are nothing short of amazing. I appreciate the time and dedication they put into making the videos and encouraging us to speak with fellow students and share differences in opinion to get the answer. ... Read 9 reviews

University of Miami ,

CORAL GABLES, FL ,

9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Current Master's student says I'm currently enrolled in the online MBA program at the university of miami at Herbet Business School. As an online student and the sole provider for my family, I find the online format and... .

Read 9 reviews.

Simon Business School

Rochester, NY •

University of Rochester •

• • Rating 4.6 out of 5   5 reviews

Master's Student: Academic at Simon in the business analycitcs program is quite rigorous and we hit the ground running with a July start for the fall semester. Very good program. Benet Career services are outstanding a really valuable resource to all students who are preparing to quickstart their careers even before graduating ... Read 5 reviews

University of Rochester ,

ROCHESTER, NY ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Academic at Simon in the business analycitcs program is quite rigorous and we hit the ground running with a July start for the fall semester. Very good program. Benet Career services are outstanding... .

Cox School of Business

Dallas, TX •

Southern Methodist University •

• • Rating 4.43 out of 5   14 reviews

Master's Student: While acting as a Divisional CISO at Bank of America, I had colleagues and mentors that recommended that I attend a graduate college. With my near decade of supporting military operations with the Department of Defense and my nearly 10 years of financial experience I felt that a MBA would be the logical next step. When searching for programs at SMU I met with the admissions staff who helped me find that the Executive MBA would be the best program for me and provide me with all of the knowledge, skill sets and experience to succeed in my future business endeavors. ... Read 14 reviews

Southern Methodist University ,

DALLAS, TX ,

14 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says While acting as a Divisional CISO at Bank of America, I had colleagues and mentors that recommended that I attend a graduate college. With my near decade of supporting military operations with the... .

Read 14 reviews.

Weatherhead School of Management

Cleveland, OH •

Case Western Reserve University •

• • Rating 2.8 out of 5   5 reviews

Current Master's student: My time so far at the Weatherhead School of Management has been challenging, yet it has also been extremely rewarding and has opened up so many doors for me in terms of networking and expanding my intellectual world. I would highly recommend the Weatherhead School's online MBA in Healthcare Management because it is giving me the tools to succeed both through a traditional MBA curriculum and through courses that will help me to be successful in Healthcare Management simultaneously. ... Read 5 reviews

Case Western Reserve University ,

CLEVELAND, OH ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 2.8 stars.

Featured Review: Current Master's student says My time so far at the Weatherhead School of Management has been challenging, yet it has also been extremely rewarding and has opened up so many doors for me in terms of networking and expanding my... .

New Orleans, LA •

Tulane University ,

NEW ORLEANS, LA ,

Leavey School of Business

Santa Clara, CA •

Santa Clara University •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   2 reviews

Master's Student: Smaller class sizes and up to date equipment make for a comfortable experience. Class is mostly younger international students. ... Read 2 reviews

Santa Clara University ,

SANTA CLARA, CA ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Smaller class sizes and up to date equipment make for a comfortable experience. Class is mostly younger international students. .

Mississippi College

CLINTON, MS

• • Rating 4.37 out of 5   35

School of Education - William Jessup University

Jessup University •

ROCKLIN, CA

LaFetra College of Education

University of La Verne •

LA VERNE, CA

• • Rating 4.44 out of 5   9

Showing results 1 through 25 of 209

Master of Finance: Is This The Right Degree For You?

Choosing a graduate program is a major decision. After all, it can be considered the final stepping stone to your dream career ! If you've been curious about a Master of Finance degree, stick around as we answer all of your questions. We'll also provide you with the tools you need to be on your way to completing a Master of Finance program.

How long does it take to complete a Master of Finance program?

Assuming that you've completed your undergraduate studies, a Master of Finance program takes an average of three years to complete. Like other schooling programs, this timeline often depends on your specific situation. If you plan on enrolling as a full-time student and can pass all your courses, you can complete this program in two years.

When deciding which institution to complete your Master of Finance degree at, it is important to consider their options for this program. Some grad schools offer accelerated programs that can be completed in as little as 18 months and online courses to better fit your schedule.

Is it hard to earn a master's in finance?

Like all graduate programs, earning a master's in finance can vary in difficulty depending on a student's skill level, understanding of courses, and study habits. If you're wondering if a master's in finance will be difficult for you, you should first look at what the program entails and assess your ability to perform well in those areas.

A major aspect of all Master of Finance programs is that they are interdisciplinary, touching on various topics like:

If you enjoy these subjects, chances are you will enjoy this graduate program! That is not to say that it won't be challenging — however, with the right tools and study habits , we are confident that you will find success.

What career can I have with a master's in finance?

A graduate program is a great way to set you up for your future career and help you accelerate your job growth. With a growing economy, the finance industry offers many opportunities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupations in the financial sector are expected to see an 8% growth from 2020 to 2030, making this your prime time to complete your grad program and join the workforce. Obtaining your master's in finance will also give you the competitive edge you need to land a rewarding position with competitive pay.

Some career options you have upon completing your Master of Finance degree are:

• Budget Analyst
• HR Specialist
• Purchasing Manager

If you want to explore the different career opportunities offered in the finance industry, be sure to use our Places to Work tool. You will be able to view stats on different companies and hear from employees' personal experiences.

Where do I start a master's in finance?

If you're ready to begin your journey in earning your Master of Finance degree, look no further! At Niche, we are your one-stop shop for all things college, graduate school, and post-grad life. Check out our list of the best finance graduate programs and start narrowing your search to a school that fits your needs as a student. If you find yourself having questions along the way, visit our blog, where we offer you all of the best guidance for navigating life as a student.

External Sources:

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/home.htm

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PhD Program

• Program of Study

Wharton’s PhD program in Finance provides students with a solid foundation in the theoretical and empirical tools of modern finance, drawing heavily on the discipline of economics.

The department prepares students for careers in research and teaching at the world’s leading academic institutions, focusing on Asset Pricing and Portfolio Management, Corporate Finance, International Finance, Financial Institutions and Macroeconomics.

Wharton’s Finance faculty, widely recognized as the finest in the world, has been at the forefront of several areas of research. For example, members of the faculty have led modern innovations in theories of portfolio choice and savings behavior, which have significantly impacted the asset pricing techniques used by researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. Another example is the contribution by faculty members to the analysis of financial institutions and markets, which is fundamental to our understanding of the trade-offs between economic systems and their implications for financial fragility and crises.

Faculty research, both empirical and theoretical, includes such areas as:

• Structure of financial markets
• Formation and behavior of financial asset prices
• Banking and monetary systems
• Corporate control and capital structure
• Saving and capital formation
• International financial markets

Candidates with undergraduate training in economics, mathematics, engineering, statistics, and other quantitative disciplines have an ideal background for doctoral studies in this field.

Effective 2023, The Wharton Finance PhD Program is now STEM certified.

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2024 Best Finance & Financial Management Doctor's Degree Schools

In 2024, College Factual analyzed 13 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Best Finance & Financial Management Doctor's Degree Schools ranking. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 43 doctor's degrees in finance & financial management during the 2020-2021 academic year.

What's on this page: * Our Methodology

• Best Doctor’s Degree Schools List

Choosing a Great Finance & Financial Management School for Your Doctor's Degree

Overall Quality Is a Must

A school that excels in educating for a particular major and degree level must be a great school overall as well. To take this into account we include a college's overall Best Colleges for a Doctor's Degree ranking which itself looks at a collection of various factors like degree completion, educational resources, student body caliber and post-graduation earnings for the school as a whole.

Average Early-Career Salaries

Average early-career salary of those graduating with their doctor's degree is one indicator we use in our analysis to find the schools that offer the highest-quality education. That is, everyone wants their doctor's degree to be worth something, and salaries are one measure of determining that.

Other Factors We Consider

The metrics below are just some of the other metrics that we use to determine our rankings.

• Major Focus - How much a school focuses on finance & financial management students vs. other majors.
• Major Demand - The number of finance & financial management students who choose to seek a doctor's degree at the school.
• Educational Resources - How many resources are allocated to students. These resources may include educational expenditures per student, number of students per instructor, and graduation rate among other things.
• Student Debt - How easy is it for finance & financial management to pay back their student loans after receiving their doctor's degree.
• Accreditation - Whether a school is regionally accredited and/or accredited by a recognized finance & financial management related body.

Our full ranking methodology documents in more detail how we consider these factors to identify the best schools for finance & financial management students working on their doctor's degree.

One Size Does Not Fit All

The finance school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we've developed a number of major-specific rankings , including this list of the Best Finance & Financial Management Doctor's Degree Schools.

Best Schools for Doctorate Students to Study Finance & Financial Management in the United States

The following list ranks the best colleges and universities for pursuing a doctor's degree in finance & financial management.

10 Top Schools for a Doctorate in Finance

It is difficult to beat University of Pennsylvania if you wish to pursue a doctor's degree in finance & financial management. UPenn is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Philadelphia. More information about a doctorate in finance & financial management from University of Pennsylvania

Every student pursuing a degree in a doctor's degree in finance & financial management needs to check out Northwestern University. Located in the small city of Evanston, Northwestern is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. More information about a doctorate in finance & financial management from Northwestern University

Boston College is one of the best schools in the country for getting a doctor's degree in finance & financial management. Located in the small city of Chestnut Hill, Boston College is a private not-for-profit college with a large student population. More information about a doctorate in finance & financial management from Boston College

Texas Tech University is one of the best schools in the United States for getting a doctor's degree in finance & financial management. Located in the large city of Lubbock, Texas Tech is a public university with a very large student population. More information about a doctorate in finance & financial management from Texas Tech University

Any student pursuing a degree in a doctor's degree in finance & financial management needs to take a look at University of Connecticut. UCONN is a fairly large public university located in the large suburb of Storrs. More information about a doctorate in finance & financial management from University of Connecticut

Michigan State is a very large public university located in the small city of East Lansing. More information about a doctorate in finance & financial management from Michigan State University

Located in the city of Manhattan, K -State is a public university with a fairly large student population. More information about a doctorate in finance & financial management from Kansas State University

UA is a very large public university located in the city of Tuscaloosa. More information about a doctorate in finance & financial management from The University of Alabama

UTSA is a very large public university located in the large city of San Antonio. More information about a doctorate in finance & financial management from The University of Texas at San Antonio

Located in the city of Anderson, Anderson University Indiana is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. More information about a doctorate in finance & financial management from Anderson University Indiana

Related Programs

Learn about other programs related to Finance & Financial Management that might interest you.

MS in Finance

Prepare to advance your current career in finance with Southern New Hampshire University's online Master's in Finance degree program.

BS in Finance

Managing and quantifying money is at the heart of the online bachelor's degree in finance at SNHU. You'll learn the fundamentals of investments, address key managerial issues, examine ethics from every angle and build the skillset to be a player in the multidimensional business marketplace.

MBA in Finance

Earn the finance MBA that can fit both your goals and your budget.

Finance & Financial Management by Region

View the Best Finance & Financial Management Doctor's Degree Schools for a specific region near you.

Other Rankings

Best associate degrees in finance & financial management, best master's degrees in finance & financial management, best value in finance & financial management, best for non-traditional students in finance & financial management, best online in finance & financial management, most popular online in finance & financial management, best bachelor's degrees in finance & financial management, best overall in finance & financial management, highest paid grads in finance & financial management, best for veterans in finance & financial management, most popular in finance & financial management, most focused in finance & financial management.

View All Rankings >

Rankings in Majors Related to Finance

Finance & Financial Management is one of 21 different types of Business, Management & Marketing programs to choose from.

Finance Concentrations

Most popular related majors, notes and references.

• The bars on the spread charts above show the distribution of the schools on this list +/- one standard deviation from the mean.
• The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ( IPEDS ) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
• Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s ( College Scorecard ).
• Credit for the banner image above goes to Dave Dugdale . More about our data sources and methodologies .

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The field of finance covers the economics of claims on resources. Financial economists study the valuation of these claims, the markets in which they are traded, and their use by individuals, corporations, and the society at large.

At Stanford GSB, finance faculty and doctoral students study a wide spectrum of financial topics, including the pricing and valuation of assets, the behavior of financial markets, and the structure and financial decision-making of firms and financial intermediaries.

Investigation of issues arising in these areas is pursued both through the development of theoretical models and through the empirical testing of those models. The PhD Program is designed to give students a good understanding of the methods used in theoretical modeling and empirical testing.

Preparation and Qualifications

All students are required to have, or to obtain during their first year, mathematical skills at the level of one year of calculus and one course each in linear algebra and matrix theory, theory of probability, and statistical inference.

Students are expected to have familiarity with programming and data analysis using tools and software such as MATLAB, Stata, R, Python, or Julia, or to correct any deficiencies before enrolling at Stanford.

The PhD program in finance involves a great deal of very hard work, and there is keen competition for admission. For both these reasons, the faculty is selective in offering admission. Prospective applicants must have an aptitude for quantitative work and be at ease in handling formal models. A strong background in economics and college-level mathematics is desirable.

It is particularly important to realize that a PhD in finance is not a higher-level MBA, but an advanced, academically oriented degree in financial economics, with a reflective and analytical, rather than operational, viewpoint.

Faculty in Finance

Anat r. admati, juliane begenau, jonathan b. berk, greg buchak, antonio coppola, peter m. demarzo, darrell duffie, steven grenadier, benjamin hébert, arvind krishnamurthy, hanno lustig, matteo maggiori, paul pfleiderer, joshua d. rauh, claudia robles-garcia, ilya a. strebulaev, vikrant vig, jeffrey zwiebel, emeriti faculty, robert l. joss, george g.c. parker, myron s. scholes, william f. sharpe, kenneth j. singleton, james c. van horne, recent publications in finance, make decisions with a vc mindset, behavioral responses to state income taxation of high earners: evidence from california, beyond the balance sheet model of banking: implications for bank regulation and monetary policy, recent insights by stanford business, cashless: is digital currency the future of finance, nine stories to get you through tax season, “geoeconomics” explains how countries flex their financial muscles.

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PhD | Finance

The Ph.D. in Finance

Stern’s Ph.D. program in finance trains scholars to conduct research at the leading edge of financial economics. The faculty represents one of the largest finance research groups in the world that has been ranked consistently as the leading publisher of academic research in top finance journals. Comprised of more than 40 researchers, including a Nobel-prize-winning economist, our faculty are active in all areas of finance—asset pricing, corporate finance, derivatives, market microstructure, and behavioral finance—with both theoretical and empirical focus, and with emerging specialization in the areas of financial intermediation, crises, and macro-finance. As a result of this unusual breadth, students have access to expertise in almost any topic that they might wish to explore.

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Ph.D. in Finance

An international reputation for academic excellence.

Finance faculty at Boston College are experts in their disciplines and globally acclaimed for their scholarship, research, and mentorship. In our collegial environment, students typically collaborate with one another and with faculty to produce groundbreaking research.

The academic program begins with systematic, rigorous training in quantitative methods, economics, and finance. In addition, students complete a major research project, serve as research and teaching assistants, and write a doctoral dissertation.

• Academic Program
• Class Profile

Doctoral students in finance at Boston College complete a program of study that leads to competency in three areas: quantitative methods, economics, and finance. The program begins with course work in quantitative methods, economics, and finance. In the third year, students complete a major research project designed to develop their ability to do original research. Through hands-on experience as teaching assistants, students gain important pedagogical experience. Finally, each student completes a doctoral dissertation that contributes substantial, original work to the field of finance.

Students must complete a program of study that leads to competency in three areas: quantitative methods, economics and finance. The requirements of the program of study are typically satisfied by completing 14 courses in the first two years in the program. In some cases, course work prior to entering the program or successful performance on waiver examinations may be substituted for required courses. However, each student must complete a minimum of 12 courses while in the Program.

Comprehensive Examination

Satisfactory performance on a comprehensive examination marks the student’s transition from course work to full-time thesis research. The examination is intended to allow the student to demonstrate substantial knowledge of the literature and theory of finance and economics and competence in the area of quantitative methods. The examination consists of two steps.

• Step 1: Students take an exam at the end of the second year in the program (late May). The exam covers all Finance Ph.D. classes taken during the first and the second year in the program. Whereas some of the questions will be specific and will test a particular topic, other questions will focus on broader understanding of the literature. Each student will be notified on their exam performance, immediately after it has been graded. There will be no second attempt to take the exam. If a student fails the exam, the only way to get admitted into “Ph.D. candidacy” would be to perform exceptionally well in Step 2.
• Step 2: Students submit independent research proposals by the end of the summer of the second year in the program (late August) to their faculty advisors. Students present research papers at the end of the third Fall semester (early December). Ph.D. committee members will attend the presentation and will jointly evaluate the proposal. Students will be evaluated based on their performance in the exam (step 1)  and  the quality of research paper presentation (step 2).

Doctoral students are expected to engage early in research. The culmination of the program is the doctoral dissertation, a substantial, significant, and original contribution to the field that is prepared under the guidance of a thesis committee of three or more faculty members. When the research is complete, students present a thesis-defense seminar that is open to the Boston College community.

Research and Teaching Assistant Requirement

Doctoral students at the Carroll School are expected to serve as research assistants, teaching assistants, and/or instructors throughout their studies. Students work for a set number of hours per week, throughout the duration of their Ph.D. programs. In exchange, the Carroll School provides financial support for doctoral students in the form of a stipend and tuition remission.

Sample Course Sequence

Course Descriptions

The Ph.D. Program in Finance at the Carroll School attracts applicants from all over the world and from a wide array of backgrounds. While notable for the diversity of their individual achievements, our students typically share a track record of leadership, a strong commitment to research and teaching, and a desire to make a difference in the world.

Note: The following information reflects data for the entering classes of 2019–2023. Updated September 25, 2023.

Demographics

Academic & professional profile, where do our graduates work.

Our students and recent graduates are also prolific scholars and writers, publishing regularly in top economic and finance journals such as the American Economic Review, Journal of Finance, Journal of Financial Economics, Review of Financial Studies, and the Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis.

American University

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National University of Singapore

Texas A&M University

The College of William and Mary

University of Alberta

University of Arizona

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University of New South Wales

University of Notre Dame

University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)

University of Virginia (Darden School)  

University of Hong Kong

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Virginia Tech University

Meet Our Students

Learn more about current Ph.D. in Finance candidates.

Finance Faculty

Faculty take an active role connecting students with exceptional career opportunities. 

Ph.D. Admission FAQ

Application link & deadlines.

Application Deadline:  The deadline to apply for Fall 2024 is January 9, 2024.

Application Fee: All applicants are required to pay a nonrefundable application fee of $100 USD.

Interviews: If selected, applicants will be invited to interview in early spring.

Admission Decisions: Applications are generally reviewed after the final deadline has passed. There is no specific decision notification date for Ph.D. programs. Final decisions are typically available by mid-spring.

CV and Resume

Your current curriculum vitae should include your education, research, and professional information.

We also require  a separate Employment History, using the form provided within the online application.

Recommendations

Recommendations from two individuals who can provide an objective appraisal of your capacity for intensive graduate study and potential for professional success.

Transcripts

All applicants must possess a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. You must submit transcripts from every institution where you were enrolled in a degree-granting program. At the time of application, only a self-reported transcript is required but if you are admitted, we will require an official transcript sent directly from your degree-granting institution. Transcripts should include:

Course names

All grades received (including transfer credits and study abroad programs)

Cumulative GPA

Degree conferral information

Graduates of non-U.S. institutions must possess a college or university degree equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree. If admitted, international students are required to submit an official English translation of all academic credentials, along with a third-party degree verification from an agency such as  SpanTran or  World Education Services (WES) .

GMAT or GRE Scores

Applicants must submit GMAT or GRE scores from within the past five years. We accept both the GMAT Exam and GMAT Focus Edition. Our test codes are:

• GMAT school code: 44x-J5-96
• GRE school code: 3033

While Graduate Admissions does not have a preference between the GMAT or GRE, we encourage you to consult class profile data for average test scores in order to gauge where you stand.

English Proficiency

If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you are required to submit an English language proficiency exam score with your application. We accept TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores. We do not accept the Duolingo English Test.

Scores must be from within the past two years, and applicants must meet the following minimum scores:

TOEFL, iBT, and TOEFL iBT Home Edition: 100

You are eligible to waive the language test requirement if you meet either of the following criteria:

You have completed a four-year bachelor’s degree or a two-year master’s degree (or higher) at an institution where the medium language of instruction is English. You must have completed your degree in its entirety at the English-medium institution. The medium language of instruction must be indicated on your transcript or verified in an official letter from the institution.

You have worked in a full-time, post-degree position for at least two years in the United States or a country where English is an official language. NOTE: Working for a company that conducts its business in English in a country where English is not an official language will not qualify you for a language test waiver. 

If you are eligible to waive the language test requirement, you do not need to submit a waiver request beforehand and can simply move forward with your application.

Required & Optional Essays

Applicants must submit a required essay discussing their research interests and career objectives. You may also submit an optional essay that addresses aspects of your candidacy that have not already been covered in other parts of the application.

If you have any further questions, please email us at bcmba@bc.edu , or schedule a phone call or Zoom appointment with a member of the Graduate Admission team.

Quick Links

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Online Ph.D. In Finance

Contributing Writer

Learn about our editorial process .

Updated April 10, 2023

AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to find your fit?

Who gets a ph.d. in finance & what to expect.

If you already work in finance or want to pursue an advanced degree in the field, earning a Ph.D. in finance online may make for an excellent choice. This degree, like all doctor of philosophy degrees, typically prepares learners for careers focused on research, education, and academic scholarship.

Comparatively, graduate students with a  master's degree  in finance often possess skills that make them good candidates for positions in accounting, wealth management, and investment banking. Master's degree students, however, often do not develop the same level of research skills and specialized knowledge that Ph.D. students acquire.

Doctoral degree-holders in finance often pursue professorships at colleges and universities that incorporate teaching and research components. The  Bureau of Labor Statistics projects  a bright outlook for postsecondary teachers in this area, reporting that professors will experience an 11% increase in open positions by 2028.

6 Skills and Competencies Learned During a Program in Finance

A graduate program in finance allows each student to acquire a diverse set of financial, analytical, educational, presentational, and interpersonal skills. Accredited colleges and universities ensure that their graduates develop the necessary habits and characteristics to become successful professionals in the field. The list that follows describes six skills and competencies that students can gain in online Ph.D. in finance programs.

Ph.D. in Finance Online Programs

Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.

5 Reasons to Pursue an Online Ph.D. in Finance

Professionals who earn their Ph.D. in finance online can position themselves for many exciting careers in education, research, and related areas. The specialized knowledge that doctoral students develop in these programs is unique to each learner and highly individualized based on research interests.

Most colleges and universities require each degree-seeker to write a dissertation for graduation. This research document serves as a distinguishing mark for degree-holders and greatly influences their career options upon graduating. In the list below, we offer five of the top reasons for a distance learner to pursue an Online Ph.D. in finance.

• Career Advancement Most of the top teaching and research positions in the U.S. require each employee to possess a Ph.D .  While some positions in this area may only require a master's degree, the Ph.D .  separates students from other competitive candidates and gives them an edge in the job market when pursuing the top jobs.
• Personal Interest and Growth This specialized degree often provides a highly rewarding educational experience for students. Ph.D. degree-seekers typically enjoy becoming experts in particular areas of their field. These programs allow learners to conduct extended research on topics that excite them.
• Research Skills Many professionals benefit from above-average research skills. With the wealth of information available online today, professionals need to be able to distill important and credible information from a vast body of knowledge. the Ph.D. allows students to develop high-level research skills that set them apart in the professional arena.
• Instructional and Educational Skills Many universities and colleges with online Ph.D. in finance programs incorporate courses focused on educating others and developing public speaking skills. With a doctor of philosophy degree, graduates typically find themselves in professorships or executive-level positions in which they must teach students or coworkers, both of which demand articulate and informed educational and presentation skills.
• Increased Earning Potential Salaries vary greatly between positions in this field.  World Education Services  reports that, according to the United States Census Bureau, professionals with doctoral degrees in fields such as business and education earn a 9% and 24% higher average salary, respectively, than their master's degree-holding peers.

What Can I Do With an Online Doctorate in Finance?

Career paths and job titles can vary greatly between professionals who hold  doctoral degrees  in finance. Additionally, prospective students must understand the differences between a doctor of finance, a doctor of business administration in finance, and a doctor of philosophy in finance.

Doctor of finance programs best serve professionals already working in business who wish to further develop their hands-on, business-oriented skill sets. Doctors of finance or business administration receive less training in philosophy and social theory. They typically work as financial examiners, loan officers, auditors, budget analysts, and financial services sales agents.

The Ph.D. in finance online, on the other hand, readies students for research- and education-driven careers both inside and outside of academia. While someone with a Ph.D. is not necessarily excluded from jobs available to professionals with a doctor of finance or DBA, these degree-holders work best in educational and research institutions, due to their specialized knowledge, advanced research training, and strong organizational and presentation skills.

Common Career Paths and Salaries

Each Ph.D. in finance degree-holder needs to find a competitive angle in today's job market. Job titles and career paths differ between individuals, but several commonalities exist between research- and education-focused positions for these professionals. The table below includes descriptions of five potential careers for individuals with a Ph.D. in finance, as well as annual salary information.

• Collapse All

Assistant Professor

These professors work at colleges and universities. They often assume roles as educators and researchers to publish academic papers about their work. Academic institutions typically require each professor to hold a Ph.D.

Average Annual Salary: �$67,021

Full professors, many of which hold tenured positions, work in educational institutions as teachers, researchers, and departmental administrators. They may assume temporary roles as heads of departments, help develop curricula, and serve on administrative boards. This advanced professorship requires a Ph.D.

Average Annual Salary: �$87,018

Finance Manager

These professionals work individually or with teams to develop and monitor budgets for businesses and organizations. They conduct research to make predictions on future budgets and timelines. They need strong leadership and interpersonal skills, as they often hold management or executive-level roles at their institution. These professionals usually possess an� MBA �or� Ph.D.

Average Annual Salary: �$90,285

Research Scientist

These professionals compile information and conduct advanced research that benefits businesses, organizations, or academic institutions, depending on their employer. Researchers may rely on grants and funding from academic institutions to carry out scientific research. Because of the research-heavy components required by this position, research scientists often possess� a Ph.D.

Average Annual Salary: �$78,507

Finance Director

Finance directors occupy leadership positions in their organization. Depending on the position, they may oversee tasks such as personnel management, performance evaluations, scheduling, and the hiring process. They usually develop strategic plans for financial branches of companies and organizations. Directors typically possess a master's degree in business administration or a Ph.D. in finance, economics, or a related field. They often work as part of a team and need strong interpersonal skills.

Average Annual Salary: �$112,151

Source: PayScale

Finance Ph.D. Program Requirements and Outcomes

Admission requirements for an online Ph.D .  in finance vary between schools. In most cases, doctoral degree-seekers must possess a master's degree from an accredited college or university. Some schools may require applicants with a master's degree to come from a program in economics, finance, or a closely related field. Alternatively, in some cases, colleges and universities accept incoming students with only a  bachelor's degree . In these scenarios, accepted students usually earn a master's degree in route to completing the doctoral degree.

Ph.D. students typically need to complete 70-90 total credit hours of coursework. Similar to other doctoral programs, Ph.D. in finance programs usually require students to complete a traditional doctoral dissertation based on original research. Depending on the student's availability and workload, as well as the duration of their dissertation research and writing process, degree-seekers may take up to seven years to complete the program. Some online schools may require their doctoral scholars to complete in-person components such as in-person dissertation defenses or hands-on practicums.

5 Common Courses Covered in a Graduated Finance Degree

The curriculum offered by a college or university correlates with the faculty's specialty areas and the school's access to resources. As such, curricula vary between schools. Prospective doctoral students should research course offerings at each school of interest to determine strengths and weaknesses, available concentrations, and how well the program can serve their personal and academic needs. The list that follows describes a variety of courses commonly required by doctoral programs in finance.

1. Empirical Methods in Finance

Students in this course explore several macroeconomic models and research methods. The course typically includes online student presentations, lectures from faculty, and weekly empirical exercises and assignments. Professors use academic studies published on corporate finance topics to inform learners on labor economics, industrial organization, and econometric techniques.

2. Analysis and Research Methods

This introductory course prepares students with the fundamental tools to conduct research in dynamic asset pricing. Degree-seekers investigate empirical patterns, nonwearable utilities, corporate payout and financing, international capital flows, and risk-sharing. This course introduces advanced empirical methods that professionals use to analyze financial data and incorporate quantitative dynamic research into their daily practices.

3. Real Estate and Finance

This introductory class helps learners build their foundation in real estate practices and principles. Faculty members typically cover topics such as business ethics, encumbrances, closing procedures, real estate finance, marketing, real estate investment, and taxation. This course is especially helpful for finance students looking to work in financial management, investment banking, market analysis, and land use planning.

4. Risk Management

Degree-seekers in this course can investigate the relationship between the goals of an organization or business and the related financial risks. Learners examine the management of corporate risks; conduct broad financial evaluations; and explore leveraging, contingent financing, post-loss financing, and other hedging strategies. This course best serves students interested in careers focused on financial planning, corporate budgets, and large investment opportunities.

5. Wealth Management

This class allows students to develop several useful skills widely used by professionals in the financial services industry, financial planning, tax shield structures, estate planning, and behavioral finance. Students can also learn about the development of this rapidly growing field and how it relates to an increase in personal wealth and citizens' interest in managing their own investments and businesses.

Other Requirements

In addition to coursework, students in online Ph.D. in finance programs usually need to complete a few other requirements to graduate. These requirements vary between schools. In the section below, we offer three requirements beyond coursework that Ph.D. students in finance typically need to complete.

Dissertation

Ph.D. programs �typically require each student to take on an extensive research endeavor that results in a written document or dissertation. These projects usually take multiple years to finish and often require enrollees to work closely with a committee of faculty members to complete a series of steps throughout the process.

Practicum Experience

Depending on the school, graduate students may need to engage in a teaching or research practicum while enrolled in a Ph.D. in finance program. In some cases, Ph.D. students serve as research assistants for faculty members and provide instructional services and mentorship for undergraduate finance students.

Ph.D. students may need to take a field exam at least one time during their program. In some cases, schools require graduate students to take the exam in the summer semester after their first year of classes. The exam helps faculty determine whether or not a student acquired the necessary introductory knowledge to continue toward the Ph.D. Faculty members typically reserve the right to remove students who do not pass the field exam from the program.

Finance Professional Organizations

Student pursuing a Ph.D. in finance online can benefit greatly from joining a professional organization while enrolled in their program. After graduate school, many professionals also take advantage of networking opportunities and online resources offered by these organizations. Members can usually gain access to active job boards, up-to-date news sources on research in the field, and membership directories to establish contacts around the globe.

Whether they obtain jobs working for businesses and organizations or locate research positions or professorships at universities and colleges, professionals with a Ph.D. in finance often join more than one professional organization to maximize their networking opportunities and resources. They usually join the flagship society related to their field, as these groups tend to offer highly beneficial annual conferences with finance professionals from around the world. Additionally, many people find special interest organizations that align more directly with their specialized areas of study in finance or a closely related field.

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15 Best Online PhD in Finance Programs [2024 Guide]

Looking for Online PhD in Finance Programs? Some schools have no GRE and offer accelerated courses to help you finish faster.

A doctoral degree in finance may be your ticket to the career you’ve always wanted.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

This online finance degree can help you pursue an executive role or a teaching job related to accounting, banking, asset management, or financial policymaking.

Universities Offering Online PhD in Finance Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

1. Capella University

With Capella University in Minnesota, students can study online to earn a DBA with a concentration in Accounting or a PhD in Business Management with a concentration in Accounting.

These programs are designed to help students learn about theories, methods, rules and ethical issues that influence accounting practice and consider the implications of practicing accounting within a global marketplace.

Before graduation, DBA students are expected to complete two residencies and submit a major research project. PhD students are expected to do three residencies and complete a dissertation.

Both programs use Capella’s GuidedPath format with weekly discussions and specific deadlines for submitting assignments.

• PhD in Accounting
• DBA in Accounting

Capella University  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

2. City University of Seattle

When you study with City University of Seattle, you’ll have the opportunity to choose your own area of specialty for your DBA program.

Students who choose the Specialized Study concentration can submit a proposal for the graduate-level courses they would like to take as part of their studies.

If you’re interested in finance, you may be able to request courses on the topics of finance and accounting. During online classes, you’ll have opportunities to engage in live conversations with faculty.

You’ll be expected to submit a dissertation during your doctoral studies and complete three different residencies.

• DBA in Business Administration (Finance concentration)

The City University of Seattle is Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

3. George Fox University

As you pursue a DBA with a concentration in Accounting from George Fox University, you may take classes like Advanced Applications of Ethical Reasoning and Compliance in Accounting and Advanced Topics in Accounting.

In addition, you’ll need to complete both a dissertation and a practicum for the program. During the practicum, you’ll have opportunities to try your hand at teaching or consulting.

Most of the work for this hybrid DBA program is online, but you’ll need to report to the school’s campus in Oregon a few times a year.

George Fox University  is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

4. Hampton University

If you’re interested in a PhD in Business Administration, check out Hampton University in Virginia. The program students to pursue a concentration in Accounting and Finance by taking multiple credit hours of elective courses.

These electives include classes like Financial Accounting and Reporting Research, Accounting Theory, Corporate and Financial Institutions, and Behavior Finance.

Students at this university take online courses during the traditional school year and come to campus for two summer residencies. This PhD program is appropriate for current professionals and for those straight out of a master’s program.

• PhD in Business Administration

Hampton U  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

5. Kansas State University

Do you believe that it is critical for individuals and families to have a solid financial plan for their future? If so, you may be interested in the PhD in Personal Financial Planning from Kansas State University.

You may choose to use this degree in the business world or spread your knowledge to others by working in an academic setting.

During the online doctoral program, you’ll need to come to the school’s Kansas campus for a few intensive sessions and go overseas to expand your knowledge about global markets. A dissertation is required for this program.

• Hybrid PhD in Personal Financial Planning

Kansas State University  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

6. Liberty University

For those interested in numbers and money, Liberty University’s online DBA offers two concentration options: Accounting and Finance.

Both programs begin with the same core courses, but Accounting students take specialized classes like Accounting for Decision Making and Advanced Auditing while Finance students focus on classes like Managerial Finance and Advanced Financial Statement Analysis.

Whichever track you choose, you will need to take a comprehensive exam and complete a dissertation before graduation from this Virginia university. Accounting graduates often work as auditors or budget supervisors, and Finance graduates may choose to become treasurers or financial managers.

Liberty University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

7. National University

You can pursue a DBA or a PhD in Business Administration from National University. NU is a network of nonprofit institutions headquartered in San Diego, CA.

The school encourages students of either program to pursue high-level leadership positions, but the PhD program is research-based, and the DBA involves the application of research findings that are already available.

Specialization options for both PhD and DBA students include Financial Management and Advanced Accounting. All faculty hold doctoral degrees, and many tracks can be completed fully online. Dissertations are required for PhD programs.

• PhD in Business Administration – Advanced Accounting
• DBA in Financial Management
• DBA in Advanced Accounting

National University  is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

8. Rutgers University

This university offers a PhD in Management; concentrations include Finance, Accounting or Accounting Information Systems. The concentration in finance offers courses like Investments, Corporate Finance, Theory of Corporate Disclosures, Control and Governance, and Econometrics.

The concentration in accounting offers courses like Current Topics in Auditing and Empirical Analysis of Financial Reporting. Students are expected to take a qualifying exam and defend a dissertation before graduating from these programs. The school recommends that students have master’s level education in mathematics, economics or computer science before applying for enrollment.

Rutgers University  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

9. Sacred Heart University

Although Sacred Heart University does require DBA in Finance students to come to its Connecticut campus, the program is described as “low-residency,” and it is structured to fit the schedules of people who are already in the workforce.

Each student is part of a cohort that provides opportunities for networking and group projects. During the course of the program, students study topics like mathematics and global markets and choose electives like Fixed Income Securities or Portfolio Management.

Students are also required to submit a dissertation before graduation. The school’s DBA graduates often find work in government, academia, and corporations.

• DBA in Finance

SHU  is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

10. Saint Leo University

You can get an online DBA from Saint Leo University in Florida. The program offers classes like Analytics for Decision Making, Organizational Behavior and Social Responsibility, and A History of Applied Management Theory. It can help you acquire research skills and learn how to apply your findings to real-world business applications.

Before graduation, you will be expected to take a comprehensive exam, defend a dissertation and complete a practicum. This DBA course of study is particularly well-suited for students who want to go into consulting, but the school’s graduates also teach, work as CFOs, manage organizations and become investment analysts.

• Doctor of Business Administration

Saint Leo University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

11. Trident University

Whether you want to earn an online DBA or a PhD in Business Administration, you can pursue your degree from Trident University in California.

One available concentration for the PhD program is Accounting and Finance; students on that track study topics like auditing, global markets, corporation finance, and taxation.

The DBA is a generalist degree that doesn’t include specialization. If you go the PhD route, you’ll need to complete a dissertation, and if you choose a DBA, you will be expected to complete a doctoral study. To help you move through the online program, the university offers its Doctoral Positioning System tracker.

• PhD in Business Administration – Accounting

Trident University  is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

12. University of Dallas

Students at the University of Dallas can earn a DBA through a mix of online classes and time on the school’s Texas campus.

This program is designed for those who already hold leadership positions in the business world and desire increased advancement, and its flexible nature helps working professionals earn their doctoral degrees while remaining in their current jobs.

This generalist program includes classes like Agile Organizations and Emerging Technologies. If you choose this university, you will be expected to join a colloquium and defend a dissertation and will have the option to complete a teaching practicum.

The University of Dallas  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

13. University of South Carolina

The Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina offers an on-campus program through which you can earn a PhD in Business Administration.

One available concentration for this program is Finance, and classes include Current Issues in Finance, Empirical Methods in Financial Research and Theory of Finance.

Faculty in this department have earned multiple recognitions, including the Alfred G. Smith, Jr. Excellence in Teaching Award and the Mortar Board Excellence in Teaching Award. A master’s degree is recommended before admission to the program, but it is not a requirement.

• Hybrid DBA in Business Administration – Finance

The University of South Carolina  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

14. University of the Cumberlands

The PhD in Business program at the University of the Cumberlands takes business courses ranging from comparative economic and corporate finance to managerial ethics and responsibility. Students can choose one of their specialty areas like accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, etc. The Curriculum of this program will engage students in the theories, strategies, and tactics that they need to.

• PhD in Business (Finance concentration)

The University of the Cumberlands is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

15. Walden University

Whether you’re interested in DBA or a PhD, you can earn it from Walden University. The DBA program offers concentrations like Accounting and Finance. On the path to earning a DBA, you can complete a doctoral study, assemble a portfolio or take part in a consultation program in which you work with a local organization or company.

If you would prefer to earn a PhD in Management, you can select a 21st Century Finance concentration, which requires the completion of a dissertation. Both the DBA and PhD tracks can be completed through online study.

Walden  University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Online PhD in Finance Programs

If you have a particular area of interest within the world of finance, then you may want to select a corresponding degree concentration.

PhD in Finance

Phd in financial management, phd in financial planning.

A concentration can give you opportunities to take an array of courses designed to hone your knowledge on that particular topic.

If you are a numbers person, there’s a good chance that you like accounting just as much as you enjoy general financial topics. This concentration can allow you to explore both of these areas of study.

You might put this degree to work in corporate or academic settings. You may also be interested in an Online PhD in Accounting program .

Being in charge of a company’s financial resources requires a special set of managerial leadership skills. A concentration in financial management can help you gain those skills.

This concentration is designed to teach topics like building a solid financial strategy and navigating international markets.

Helping individuals do their best with their money is the goal behind a concentration in financial management.

This concentration can help train you to guide wise financial choices as you learn not only about asset management and investment growth but also about how to influence smart decision-making through relational know-how.

With a PhD Financial Planning degree, you may help others manage their money, lead a financial advisement company, or teach future finance students.

Doctorate in Finance Salary

Earning your doctoral degree in finance may open many career paths to you. Once you graduate with this degree, you may work in an academic setting, a nonprofit organization, the corporate world, or the public sector.

Here are a few jobs you may be able to look forward to, along with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics job outlook and average salary information.

Budget Analyst

Budget analysts are responsible for setting an organization’s budget and helping the company stick to it.

• Outlook for job growth: 5% increase
• Median salary per year: $78,970

This may be an enjoyable career path for those who want to understand all facets of a company – tracking and justifying where each penny goes. Budget analysts make recommendations for investment and expenditure to boost their company’s profitability.

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts are responsible for paying attention to the market in order to make recommendations on how people or businesses should invest their resources.

• Outlook for job growth: 6% increase
• Median salary per year: $83,660

Rather than monitoring their business or organization, they monitor the economy as a whole. This career may be ideal for those who find financial markets interesting and have a deep understanding of investments.

Personal Financial Advisor

Consider this career path if you want the satisfaction of knowing that you’re helping others plan for their futures.

• Median salary per year: $89,330

You might also need to have a knack for marketing and sales as you attract and welcome new clients to your firm. In this role, you might work for a successful money management company or start your own practice.

Finance Professor

You may be able to pass your knowledge onto others by teaching students at the university level.

• Outlook for job growth: 7% increase
• Median salary per year: $88,010

Like many careers, you’ll need more than knowledge of the financial sector to be successful in this position. You’ll need organization and communication skills to be able to teach effectively. You’ll also need to be willing to prove your teaching effectiveness to your department via annual reviews.

If you enjoy teaching, researching, and discussing business, you may find yourself quite at home among the faculty of a business college.

Curriculum for Finance PhD Programs

Similar to a MBA in finance or online master’s in finance , when pursuing an advanced degree in finance, you’ll likely take a variety of courses designed to equip you with a thorough understanding of financial matters and how they relate to decision-making for individuals and businesses.

Your classes may include:

• Accounting and Control for Nonprofit Organizations
• Business Ethics
• Business Valuation
• Data Analysis for Investments
• Financial Management for International Business
• Human Resource Development
• Investment Portfolio Analysis
• Managerial Finance
• Mathematical Foundations for Finance
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Money, Capital Markets & Economic Growth
• Quantitative Research Design & Methodology
• Real Estate Finance
• Real Option Valuation
• Risk Management
• Strategic Thinking for Decision-Making
• Stochastic Foundations of Finance

Since your program will likely encourage you to take a mix of both foundational classes and specialized electives, the coursework listed above includes both core classes and electives. Your PhD in finance requirements may also include a dissertation or capstone project. A growing number of doctorate programs have no dissertation required , but these tend to be professional doctorates, not PhDs.

Choose programs with a capstone project if you’d like to finish your degree faster. Dissertations can often take 2-3 years more to complete after you finish your coursework.

DBA in Finance vs. PhD in Finance

When you have your sights set on a finance degree, there are two different doctoral routes you can take. You could earn a doctorate of business administration (DBA) in finance or pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in finance.

Although you can learn a great deal about numbers, money, and economics either way, the two different degrees will likely set you on divergent career tracks.

People often choose a professional doctorate, such as a DBA in Finance, if they want to put their education to work in the field — for example, working on Wall Street or in a Fortune 500 company.

A DBA in Finance:

• Is typically pursued by those who want to stay with their current company or work for another corporation.
• May involve drawing from others’ data and research for the culminating project.
• Is often pursued by those with several years of professional experience.

A PhD in finance is often pursued by people who want to work in an academic setting. You may find that a PhD program focuses more on the theoretical aspects of finance than the practical ones.

A PhD in Finance:

• Is typically pursued by people who want to conduct research, get published or teach.
• Typically requires conducting original research.
• May be good for those straight out of school, such as recent graduates of a master’s in finance or master’s in accounting program.

Think about what you want to do for your career, then choose the degree that best fits those goals.

Online vs. Traditional Finance Degree

When it comes to online versus traditional finance doctoral programs, the main difference is the format through which the material is presented. The content should remain about the same, and the rigors of the program likely will as well.

You may choose a fully online program, an on-campus one, or a hybrid mix.

Accreditation for a Doctorate in Finance Online

Universities receive accreditation as proof that their programs provide a thorough educational experience for students. Therefore, when you’re looking for a doctor of finance program, the school’s accreditation should be the first thing that you consider.

Reputable universities receive accreditation from a regional accrediting agency . These organizations give a broad stamp of approval to the entire school rather than to its individual programs. It is essential that you enroll in a school with regional accreditation.

In addition, there are several national and international organizations that provide accreditation specifically for business programs. Although this type of accreditation may not be absolutely essential, it’s certainly a valuable sign that the program is thorough, reputable, and excellent in quality.

A finance program may be accredited by:

• Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB)
• International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)

The top finance PhD programs are accredited both regionally and programmatically by one of these specialty boards. You can find your chosen university’s accreditation by searching the US Department of Education’s accreditation database .

Financial Aid for a Finance Degree

As you begin looking into finance PhD programs, don’t forget to also look into financial aid opportunities. At the doctorate level, you may still be eligible for federal financial aid as well as fellowships and scholarships from universities and scholarships from private organizations.

Your employer might even have tuition assistance programs available.

Can I Get My PhD Online?

Yes, many universities offer online PhD and professional doctorate programs. This includes doctoral degrees in finance, public health, education, nursing, and organizational leadership.

This approach can help you earn your advanced degree in a format that fits your schedule.

Is an Online PhD Respected and Credible?

In an online program, you should have to work just as hard as you do in an on-campus program. Additionally, your official records are unlikely to specify how you earned your degree.

The important thing is not the format in which you completed your coursework but whether you attended an accredited university.

Are There Any Online PhD In Finance Programs?

Earning a doctoral degree in finance doesn’t have to require moving onto campus or uprooting your whole life. Rather, there are programs for a DBA or PhD in finance online.

In these programs, you can engage in a computer-based educational experience as you work toward your degree.

Getting Your PhD in Finance Online

To take your finance education to the highest level, you may want to pursue a doctoral degree in this field, whether a PhD or a DBA.

Completing your coursework online can help you receive a solid education in a format that fits your lifestyle and prepare you for the next step on your career path.

Use the above list of schools to narrow down the finance PhD programs for you.

Related Guides:

• Best Online Masters in Finance No GMAT
• Finance vs. Accounting – What’s the Difference?

Best Finance Schools in the U.S. | 2024

What is finance.

Individuals, companies, and governmental agencies all must make decisions regarding their money. Such choices are numerous – and highly important. After all, wise financial management can determine whether an organization possesses the wealth to expand its operations. Wise personal management can determine when you can retire and what kind of lifestyle you have.

Employers value input from financial experts, and obtaining a degree in finance is an excellent way to gain the knowledge necessary to weigh in on financial matters. Finance majors learn the intricacies of how to allocate resources over time under conditions of risk or uncertainty. They become well-versed in theories, applications, and analytical tools that help predict what actions will succeed and which will not.

For their services, people in financial occupations stand to make good money of their own. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for this group was $76,570 in May 2021, which is quite a bit higher than the $45,760 median annual wage for all occupations. Plus, overall employment in business and financial occupations is projected to grow 7 percent from 2021 to 2031.

Best Finance Schools In The U.S.

A variety of private and public institutions of higher learning offer a degree in finance. According to our ranking methodology , the following are the 10 best finance schools in the U.S .

Of course, there are many places at which to study finance, and you must weigh them all against your individual needs such as interests, career aspirations, location, and costs. For additional assistance in locating schools that award finance degrees, check out the Find Your Perfect “U” tool . You can search over 6,000 colleges and universities with 11 different filters to find the perfect school for you! 

University of Pennsylvania

Looking to study finance while receiving a top-notch liberal arts education? This Ivy League school in Philadelphia fits the bill. Undergraduates can earn a BS in Economics through the prestigious Wharton School, with finance being one of 20 concentrations offered. Students learn how to apply business methods and economic theory to real-world problems. 

The highly active Wharton Undergraduate Finance Club enhances the collegiate experience through speakers, competitions, and networking events. Undergrads leave well-prepared to take on a variety of entry-level positions. Many, though, opt to further develop their financial acumen through graduate study, and UPenn itself offers a finance concentration in its MBA program, as well as awards the PhD in finance.

Texas A & M University – College Station

Would you like to manage real money for course credit? Students enrolled in FINC 422/668 at this public institution do just that. Through management of The Tanner Fund, they put their theoretical knowledge to practical use. Even if you aren’t fortunate enough to grab a spot in this popular class, you’ll graduate with a solid foundation in the core financial areas of corporate finance, investments, and markets and institutions. 

In addition to earning a BBA in Finance, interested majors can enhance their employability by fulfilling requirements for specialized certificates in areas such as petroleum ventures or trading, risks, and investments. The university also offers graduate programs leading to an MS in Finance, an MFM in Financial Management, and an MRE in Land Economics and Real Estate. 

Boston College

Whether you’re interested in earning a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate in finance, this private institution in Massachusetts will give your job applications a major boost. In fact, among the most recent undergraduate class from the Carroll School of Management, 94% were employed within three months of graduation and commanded an average starting salary of $71,000. 

The college has an international reputation for excellence. Faculty are top scholars and practitioners in the industry and often publish in prestigious journals. And while the coursework is rigorous, students note that the college maintains a collaborative nature where peers, staff, and even alums are committed to helping you succeed.

Northwestern University

With an acceptance rate around 20% , getting into the MBA program at the prestigious Kellogg School of Management requires a stellar application. Students who land a coveted spot at this private institution in Evanston, Illinois receive a top-notch education that combines classroom learning with plenty of hands-on experiences. Finance is one of eight majors offered. 

Graduate students interested in research careers can pursue a Doctorate in Finance, which includes substantial coursework in mathematics, statistics, and economics. At the undergraduate level, students from any major may seek a Financial Economics Certificate to be awarded along with the degree in their chosen major. Getting into the certificate program requires fulfilling prerequisites in economics and math and then completing a sequence of four courses covering principles of finance, investments, derivatives, and topics in financial economics.

CUNY Bernard M. Baruch College

If your career aspirations include working in finance in the Big Apple, this public college in NYC might assist in getting your foot in the door. Seniors seeking a BBA in finance can enroll in an internship training program that offers three credits a semester for 20 weekly hours of work. And for Baruch undergrads looking to immediately continue their Baruch experience in graduate school, the Path to MS program streamlines the admission’s process – eliminating standardized test scores for those with a qualifying cumulative undergraduate GPA. Embark on your MS in finance, financial risk management, real estate, accounting, or related field without needing to take the GMAT or GRE!

Hofstra University

While Hofstra’s location in Hempstead, NY, is more than 30 miles from Wall Street, walking into the Martin B. Greenberg Trading Room at the Frank G. Zarb School of Business certainly channels the same feeling of hustle and bustle. With 34 Bloomberg Professional terminals, it is one of the largest academic trading rooms in the nation. 

Whether you’re at this private institution to earn a BBA or MS in Finance or to make finance the concentration of your MBA, Hofstra considers real-world simulations a vital part of the learning experience. And for those who want to learn more about the ever-expanding global marketplace, the conferences and executive speaker series hosted by the Center for International Financial Services and Markets brings the world to you.

Tulane University of Louisiana

All students who earn a BSM from this private school in New Orleans, Louisiana receive a solid foundation in corporate finance, capital markets, and investments. The university  is particularly well-suited, however, to finance majors with an interest in the rapidly changing field of energy, both traditional sources and renewable energy. At the graduate level, Tulane offers a fast-paced, immersive Master of Finance degree . The curriculum covers much of the same material found on the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam, putting graduates in a good position to pass that career-boosting test.

Florida State University

With an enrollment of more than 43,000 students, you’d expect this public school in Tallahassee, Florida to offer a wide variety of majors. FSU does not disappoint. It awards the BS in Finance, the MSF, an MBA with an emphasis on finance, and a PhD in Business Administration with a major in finance. 

Ambitious undergrads can apply to the Combined Pathways program to take courses that give them a jump start on graduate school. Another great reason to keep that undergraduate GPA high is that FSU’s College of Business awards a substantial number of scholarships to upper-division business students (rising juniors and seniors), including ones specifically designated for finance majors.

Florida International University

Students wishing to study finance at a large public school in Florida possess another great option in Florida International University . But if relocating to Miami isn’t for you, FIU’s online BBA in Finance or Master of Science in Finance can provide the same rigorous studies as on campus and put you on your way to achieving career goals. 

FIU also conducts a research-oriented, on-campus PhD program in business administration with a concentration in finance. As one might guess from the university’s name, the institution ranks particularly high in international business, and the composition of the student body reflects the university’s commitment to diversity. More than two-thirds of its business school undergrads are Hispanic/LatinX, and international students represent more than 120 countries.

The Ohio State University – Main Campus

No doubt about it: OSU is a very large school. This public institution in Columbus, Ohio enrolls more than 60,000 students and offers some 12,000 courses! But with size comes opportunity. The university conducts 200+ study abroad programs and hosts more than 30 career fairs each year. And with more than half a million OSU alumni throughout the world, graduates receive a huge network along with their diploma. 

The school is also known for sustainability, commitment to veterans, a strong LGBTQ+ community, and quality of campus food. Whether you’re seeking a BS in Finance , a Specialized Master in Business – Finance (SMF), an online or on-campus MBA, or a PhD in Business Administration with an emphasis on finance, you’ll appreciate the fact that OSU also has a national reputation as a great value for the money. 

What To Expect As A Finance Major

As a finance major, you will learn how money is raised and invested. You will also acquire skills in assessing risk and using financial modeling to explore different strategies and scenarios. You will gain a deep understanding of economic policy and its impact on markets, and upon graduation, you’ll be ready to help your employer with asset and liability management.

Types of Finance Classes

The courses taken by students in finance vary by institution as well as by individual interests. However, there are some classes that are fairly standard to most programs. These often include:

• Basic Finance
• Corporate Finance
• Buyouts and Acquisitions
• Investment Banking
• Real Estate Finance
• Fixed Income Analysis
• Data Analytics in Finance
• Risk Management
• Forecasting Techniques
• Global Financial Systems
• Cryptocurrency

Students pursuing a degree in finance also should be aware that graduation requirements often include specific courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, calculus, and statistics.

Skills Learned in a Finance Major

Graduates of finance programs learn a variety of skills. These abilities help them go on to immediate employment or to pursue higher-level degrees, often in business or law.

Skills gained include:

• Agility to quickly understanding and process new information
• Verbal and written communication
• Evaluation of financial markets
• Financial modeling
• Problem-solving
• Reading financial statements
• Basic accounting
• Valuation methods
• Statistical data analysis

How Long Does It Take to Get a Finance Degree?

Earning a bachelor’s degree in finance generally takes four years of full-time study. A master’s degree requires an additional two years. Note that some places, including many of the best finance schools, offer accelerated routes that enable highly qualified students to achieve both a bachelor’s and a master’s within five years. PhD programs generally take five years to complete.

Factors contributing to the length of time to earn a degree in finance include:

• Previous education (graduate programs may require students without an undergraduate finance degree to take additional classes)
• Part-time vs full-time learning
• Accelerated program availability 

Finance Degree Specializations

All students learn the fundamentals of finance. However, finance degrees also can come with specializations that suit individual interests and career aspirations. Some popular specializations include:

• Corporate finance
• Capital markets
• Private equity and venture capital
• Investments
• Quantitative finance

What Can I Do With A Finance Degree?

Money is important everywhere! Thus, a finance degree opens doors for employment in a variety of settings. Some possibilities include:

• Commercial, investment, and savings banks
• Brokerage firms
• Insurance companies
• Investment advisory services
• Corporations
• Non-profit institutions
• Wall Street
• Government agencies
• Self-employment

Finance Major Career Paths

People possessing a degree in finance often land quite lucrative jobs. The following chart notes some of the many careers and salaries. Note that projected job growth is not a guarantee. Estimates are made under current conditions. And as every smart finance major knows, variables are always changing!

• Median Salary: $95,570  
• Career Outlook: +9% (2021-2031)
• Required Education: Bachelor's Degree

Analysts evaluate financial data and economic trends to help businesses and individuals make decisions about where to invest money to obtain profit.

• Median Salary: $94,170  
• Career Outlook: +15% (2021-2031)

Advisors assess the financial situations of clients and help them make decisions on how to reach short-term and long-term monetary goals.

• Median Salary: $131,710  
• Career Outlook: +17% (2021-2031)

Managers oversee the financial health of an organization and perform activities such as preparing reports, overseeing employees, recommending cost-cutting measures, and guiding investment decisions.

• Median Salary: $62,910  
• Career Outlook: +10% (2021-2031)

Agents connect buyers and sellers in financial markets.

• Median Salary: $77,250  
• Career Outlook: +6% (2021-2031)

These professionals prepare and examine financial records to ensure accuracy and proper fulfillment of tax and compliance obligations.

  Source: BLS

How To Get Into The Top Finance Colleges

Think earning an undergraduate degree in finance might be a good career move? The following steps can help you land a spot in the best finance school well-suited to meet your needs and interests:

Admissions Requirements for Finance Degree Programs

Each institution has its own admission’s requirements, so carefully follow instructions when applying. The following are items frequently requested:

• The school’s application or The Common App (a standardized application used by thousands of schools – be sure the places you’re applying to accept it)
• High school transcript that includes courses taken, grade in each, and cumulative GPA
• Transcripts from any previous post-secondary institutions
• Recommendations from teachers, counselors, or other relevant professionals
• SAT and/or ACT scores
• Proof of English language proficiency (if an international student)
• Application fee

Finance Schools FAQ

• Many who graduate with a major in finance work for financial institutions such as brokerage firms, investment advisory services, commercial banks, and savings banks. Others find employment with corporations, non-profits, and governmental agencies.
• For someone who is good with numbers and likes figuring out how to allocate resources while minimizing risk, a finance degree can definitely prove a worthwhile pursuit. The median salary of financial occupations is well-above the national average, and predictions show growth of 7% in the field over the next decade.
• The best finance school is the one that fits the individual student’s interests and circumstances. Among the many great U.S. institutions that award finance degrees, standouts include University of Pennsylvania , Texas A&M University , Boston College , Northwestern University , and CUNY Bernard M. Baruch College .
• Students pursuing finance degrees take a variety of classes that teach them about financial markets, forecasting financial outcomes, and allocating resources. Courses such as corporate finance, valuation, risk management, and investment banking are part of the curriculum at most schools. Finance majors also take advanced math classes such as calculus and statistics.

Stay updated on college news, advance, updates, financial aid, and more.

Best Undergraduate Finance Programs

The undergraduate business program rankings were based solely on peer assessment surveys. To appear on these surveys, undergraduate business programs must be accredited by AACSB International. Read the methodology »

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University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

• #1 in Finance
• #1 in Business Programs

Founded by Benjamin Franklin, the University of Pennsylvania is a private institution in the University City neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Students can study in one of four schools that grant undergraduate degrees: Arts and Sciences, Nursing, Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Wharton.

(fall 2022)

SAT, GPA and More

New York University

New York, NY

• #2 in Finance
• #5 in Business Programs  (tie)

New York University’s primary campus is located in the lively Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan. NYU is a true city school, with no borders separating a distinct campus from the streets of the Big Apple. Students are guaranteed housing for all four years in the many residence halls throughout Manhattan, but many upperclassmen choose to live off campus in apartments around the city. NYU has a small but active Greek life with more than 30 fraternity and sorority chapters. There are more than 300 student organizations on campus, such as WNYU, the student radio station which streams online and broadcasts on a local FM channel to the university community.

University of Michigan--Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI

• #3 in Finance
• #4 in Business Programs

The university boasts of Ann Arbor, only 45 minutes from Detroit, as one of the best college towns in the U.S. Freshmen are guaranteed housing but not required to live on campus. Students can join one of the school’s more than 1,500 student organizations or 62 Greek chapters. Athletics play a central role at Michigan, including the football team’s fierce rivalry with Ohio State. Michigan also offers highly ranked graduate programs, including the Stephen M. Ross School of Business, College of Engineering, Law School and Medical School, in addition to the well-regarded School of Dentistry and Taubman College for Architecture and Urban Planning. The University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers is ranked among the top hospitals in the country.

(out-of-state)

University of Texas at Austin

• #4 in Finance

The University of Texas at Austin is one of the largest schools in the nation. It’s divided into 13 schools and colleges, the biggest of which is the College of Liberal Arts. It also has highly ranked graduate programs, including the McCombs School of Business, Cockrell School of Engineering and School of Nursing. Students can participate in more than 1,000 clubs and organizations or in the sizable UT Greek system. The university has several student media outlets, and its sports teams are notorious competitors in the Division I Big 12 Conference. UT also offers hundreds of study abroad programs, with the most popular destinations being Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, France and China. Freshmen do not have to live on campus.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA

• #5 in Finance
• #2 in Business Programs  (tie)

Though the Massachusetts Institute of Technology may be best known for its math, science and engineering education, this private research university also offers architecture, humanities, management and social science programs. The school is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just across the Charles River from downtown Boston.

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

• #6 in Finance

The University of California, Berkeley overlooks the San Francisco Bay in Berkeley, Calif. Students at this public school have more than 1,000 groups to get involved in, including more than 60 fraternity and sorority chapters.

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA

• #7 in Finance
• #29 in Business Programs  (tie)

Boston College, located just outside downtown Boston, was founded by the Society of Jesus and has maintained its Roman Catholic Jesuit religious affiliation. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classifies it as a university with high research activity. BC has nine schools, which include such highly ranked graduate programs as the Lynch School of Education, Boston College Law School and Carroll School of Management. The school competes in nearly 30 NCAA Division I varsity sports in the Atlantic Coast Conference, and the BC Eagles have one of the highest graduation rates for student athletes in the country. Students can join more than 200 clubs and organizations, but there is no Greek system on campus. Freshmen are not required to live on campus, but the majority choose to do so. More than 1,000 students participate in study abroad each year.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

• #8 in Finance
• #8 in Business Programs  (tie)

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, often referred to as UNC, offers a wide range of student activities. Popular student organizations include The Daily Tarheel, UNC's student newspaper, and WXYC, the student-run radio station. Nearly 20% of students are members of Greek life. Chapel Hill, which surrounds UNC, is often considered one of the best college towns in the country, offering music, restaurants and shopping. Almost half of all undergraduates live on campus in one of the residence halls or apartment complexes. The North Carolina Tar Heels are members of the Atlantic Coast Conference and are known for their men’s basketball team, which maintains a storied rivalry with nearby institution Duke University and is one of the most successful programs in college basketball. Former players include Michael Jordan and Vince Carter.

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA

• #9 in Finance
• #7 in Business Programs

Carnegie Mellon University, a private institution in Pittsburgh, is the country’s only school founded by industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. The school specializes in academic areas including engineering, business, computer science and fine arts.

Indiana University--Bloomington

Bloomington, IN

• #10 in Finance

No one quite knows what a "Hoosier" is, but a murky definition does not stop students at Indiana University— Bloomington from fiercely identifying with the term. The school's sports teams are notorious competitors in the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference, and, since Indiana University does not have a mascot, all teams are known simply as Hoosiers. There are more than 750 student organizations on campus, and more than 8,200 students go Greek in the school’s large community of fraternities and sororities. Freshmen must live on campus for at least two semesters, though there are some exceptions. The Midwestern college town of Bloomington, or B-town, as it is known to many, is home to a lively cultural scene. Arts and entertainment performances, such as the annual Lotus World Music & Arts Festival, take place year-round. Students can explore the surrounding area through the Indiana University Outdoor Adventures program, which coordinates hiking, whitewater rafting and rock climbing trips. Active students can compete in the annual Little 500, the largest collegiate bike race in the nation and a fundraiser for university scholarships, or spend 36 hours on their feet in the IU Dance Marathon, a fundraiser for Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis.

Cornell University

• #11 in Finance  (tie)

Cornell University, a private school in Ithaca, New York, has 14 colleges and schools. Each admits its own students, though every graduate receives a degree from Cornell University. The university has more than 1,000 student organizations on campus.

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA

• #12 in Business Programs

Founded by Thomas Jefferson, the University of Virginia is located in Charlottesville. It’s referred to among insiders as Mr. Jefferson’s University or simply The University. Only first-year students are required to live on campus, and many upperclassmen live in off-campus apartments or fraternity and sorority houses. Greek life is prominent at UVA with a membership that includes approximately 35 percent of the student body. The Cavaliers, known unofficially as Wahoos or ‘Hoos, are members of the NCAA Division I Atlantic Coast Conference and are well known for their consistently dominant men’s and women’s lacrosse teams.

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More Schools in this List (Alphabetical)

Arizona State University

• in Business Programs

Arizona State University’s Tempe campus offers more than 200 research-based programs in the arts, business, engineering and more. The campus is located just outside of Phoenix, in the suburb of Tempe, Arizona.

Reputation Score

Babson College

Babson Park, MA

Founded in 1919, Babson College is a private institution. The school has 13% of its classes with fewer than 20 students.

Bentley University

Waltham, MA

Founded in 1917, Bentley University is a private institution. Bentley University offers a Greek system, where 14 percent of the student body is involved in a sorority and 26% is involved in a fraternity.

Boston University

Boston University is one of the largest independent, nonprofit universities in the country. The BU Terriers have more than 20 NCAA Division I varsity sports. BU’s hockey team has won multiple NCAA national championships. BU also has nearly 500 student clubs, ranging from Ski Racing to the Juggling Association. BU created one of the first study abroad programs, and currently sponsors more than 90 international programs. Freshmen are required to live on campus, and about 80 percent of undergraduate students live on the main Boston campus, which lies along the Charles River.

Canisius University

Buffalo, NY

Students at Canisius University in Buffalo can choose from more than 125 majors, minors and special programs, including a nationally recognized deaf education master's program. On campus, Canisius students can join more than 100 clubs and play Division I sports.

Case Western Reserve University

Cleveland, OH

Case Western Reserve University is known for its world class research, but with more than 200 student organizations, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved outside the classroom, too. The Case Western Spartans varsity teams compete in the Division III University Athletic Association. The Greek system, which stresses a commitment to on-campus and community service, involves about one third of students. The campus is located about 20 minutes from downtown Cleveland, where students have free access to a handful of downtown museums like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Great Lakes Science Center. On campus, freshmen live in one of four themed residential communities, which are called Cedar, Juniper, Magnolia and Mistletoe. All students are invited to the annual SpringFest, a collection of music, carnival games and activities that is the largest student-run event on campus.

Creighton University

Creighton University is a Jesuit institution in Omaha, Nebraska. Creighton has more than 200 student organizations on campus, ranging from the College Democrats to the Swing Dance Society. Many students are involved with student media outlets, which include a newspaper, literary magazine, radio station and yearbook. A thriving Greek community on campus includes more than 10 fraternities and sororities. Ministry also plays a significant role in student life. Creighton offers ministry opportunities such as retreats and community service. The Creighton Bluejays compete in the NCAA Division I Big East Conference. All first- and second-year students are required to live on campus.

CUNY--Baruch College

Baruch College is a City University of New York institution in Manhattan. Classrooms, research facilities, an athletic complex and more are all housed in the school's Newman Vertical Complex, a 17-story, blockwide building.

Emory University

Atlanta, GA

Students can begin their education at the school's main location in a suburb of Atlanta, known as Emory College, or at Oxford College, a smaller campus about 40 miles away. This private institution offers about 70 majors in the arts and sciences, as well as degrees in business administration and nursing.

Fairfield University

Fairfield, CT

Located on the Connecticut shoreline, Fairfield University is a private, Jesuit institution. Fairfield encourages students to explore the arts by bringing numerous performers to campus each year. 

50 Best Colleges for Philosophy – 2024

April 29, 2024

Are you someone who is comfortable “living in the gray,” where sometimes no right or wrong answers exist? If so, philosophy may just be an ideal major for you. While parents may bristle at the idea of paying six figures for a philosophy degree, those who pursue this path typically emerge with standout skills in the areas of writing, comprehension of complex texts, problem-solving, formulating logical arguments, and analyzing complicated situations. It’s no wonder that many who study in this field go on to become lawyers, professors, researchers, consultants, diplomats, ministers, and journalists. As you can see from our list of the Best Colleges for Philosophy, many of the premier programs can be found at highly selective colleges including many Ivies and elite liberal arts colleges.

Methodology 

Click here to read our methodology for the Best Colleges for Philosophy Majors.

Best Colleges for Philosophy Majors

Here’s a quick preview of the first ten philosophy departments that made our list. Detailed profiles and stats can be found when you scroll below.

1) University of Pennsylvania

2) University of Chicago

3) Columbia University in the City of New York

4) University of California-Los Angeles

5) Princeton University

6) Harvard University

7) Yale University

8) Claremont McKenna College

9) Stanford University

10) Emory University

All of the schools profiled below have stellar reputations in the area of philosophy and commit substantial resources to undergraduate education. For each of the best colleges for philosophy majors, College Transitions will provide you with—when available—the university’s:

• Cost of Attendance
• Acceptance Rate
• Median  SAT
• Median  ACT
• Retention Rate
• Graduation Rate

We will also include a longer write-up of each college’s:

• Academic Highlights – Includes facts like student-to-faculty ratio, average class size, number of majors offered, and most popular majors.
• Professional Outcomes – Includes info on the rate of positive outcomes, companies employing alumni, and graduate school acceptances.

University of Pennsylvania

• Philadelphia, PA

Academic Highlights : 90 distinct degrees are available across four schools: the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Applied Science and Engineering, the College of Nursing, and the world-renowned Wharton School. The greatest number of students pursue degrees in business (19%), social sciences (14%), biology (11%), health sciences (9%), engineering (9%), and computer science (9%). The university boasts an exceptional 26% of courses with an enrollment under ten and 59% with an enrollment under twenty as well as multiple ways for undergrads to conduct research.

Professional Outcomes: 75% of Class of 2022 grads were employed within six months of graduating, and 18% were in graduate school. Finance attracted the highest percentage of grads (30%) followed by consulting (20%), technology (15%), and healthcare (10%). Employers hiring the greatest number of 2022 grads included JPMorgan, Boston Consulting Group, McKinsey, Bain & Company, Meta, and Goldman Sachs. The median starting salary for all graduates is $80,000. For those continuing their educational journeys, the most popular move is to remain at Penn, followed by Columbia and Harvard.

• Enrollment: 9,760 (undergraduate); 13,614 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $89,028
• Median SAT: 1540
• Median ACT: 35
• Acceptance Rate: 7%
• Retention Rate: 98%
• Graduation Rate: 96%

University of Chicago

• Chicago, IL

Academic Highlights: There are 53 majors at UChicago, but close to half of all degrees conferred are in four majors: economics, biology, mathematics, and political science, all of which have particularly sterling reputations. Economics alone is the selection of roughly one-fifth of the undergraduate population. Over 75% of undergrad sections have an enrollment of nineteen or fewer students, and undergraduate research opportunities are ubiquitous as 80% of students end up working in a research capacity alongside a faculty member.

Professional Outcomes: On commencement day, 99% of the Class of 2023 were employed or continuing their education. Business and financial services (30%) and STEM (12%) were the two sectors that scooped up the most graduates, but public policy and consulting were also well-represented. The most popular employers of recent grads include Google, JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, McKinsey & Company, Bank of America, Citi, and Accenture. For those heading to grad school, the top seven destinations are Yale, Columbia, Penn, MIT, Stanford, UCLA, and Johns Hopkins.

• Enrollment: 7,653 (undergraduate); 10,870 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $89,040
• Acceptance Rate: 5%
• Retention Rate: 99%

Columbia University

• New York, NY

Academic Highlights: Columbia offers 100+ unique areas of undergraduate study as well as a number of pre-professional and accelerated graduate programs.  Class sizes at Columbia are reasonably small and the student-to-faculty ratio is favorable; however, in 2022, it was revealed that the university had been submitting faulty data in this area. It is presently believed that 58% of undergraduate courses enroll 19 or fewer students. The greatest number of degrees are conferred in the social sciences (22%), computer science (15%), engineering (14%), and biology (7%).

Professional Outcomes: Examining the most recent graduates from Columbia College and the Fu Foundation School of Engineering & Applied Science, 73% had found employment within six months, and 20% had entered graduate school. The median starting salary for graduates of Columbia College/Columbia Engineering is above $80,000. Many graduates get hired by the likes of Amazon, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Google, Citi, McKinsey, and Microsoft.

• Enrollment: 8,832
• Cost of Attendance: $89,587
• Acceptance Rate: 4%
• Graduation Rate: 95%

University of California, Los Angeles

• Los Angeles, CA

Academic Highlights: UCLA offers 125 majors in 100+ academic departments, and more than 60 majors require a capstone experience that results in the creation of a tangible product under the mentorship of faculty members. The most commonly conferred degrees are in the social sciences (25%), biology (16%), psychology (11%), mathematics (8%), and engineering (7%). Departmental rankings are high across the board, especially in computer science, engineering, film, fine and performing arts, mathematics, and political science.

Professional Outcomes: UCLA grads flow most heavily into the research, finance, computer science, and engineering sectors. High numbers of recent grads can be found at Disney, Google, EY, Teach for America, Amazon, and Oracle. Hundreds also can be found at Bloomberg, Deloitte, Mattel, Oracle, and SpaceX. The average starting salary exceeds $55,000. 16% of recent grads enrolled directly in a graduate/professional school, with other CA-based institutions like Stanford, Pepperdine, USC, Berkeley, and Loyola Marymount being the most popular.

• Enrollment: 33,040 (undergraduate); 15,010 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $38,517 (in-state); $71,091 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: Test Blind
• Median ACT: Test Blind
• Acceptance Rate: 9%
• Retention Rate: 97%
• Graduation Rate: 93%

Princeton University

• Princeton, NJ

Academic Highlights: 39 majors are available at Princeton. Just under three-quarters of class sections have an enrollment of 19 or fewer students, and 31% have fewer than ten students. Princeton is known for its commitment to undergraduate teaching, and students consistently rate professors as accessible and helpful. The Engineering Department is widely recognized as one of the country’s best, as is the School of Public and International Affairs.

Professional Highlights: Over 95% of a typical Tiger class finds their next destination within six months of graduating. Large numbers of recent grads flock to the fields of business and engineering, health/science, & tech. Companies presently employing hundreds of Tiger alumni include Google, Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, Morgan Stanley, IBM, and Meta. The average salary ranges from $40k (education, health care, or social services) to $100k (computer/mathematical positions). Between 15-20% of graduating Tigers head directly to graduate/professional school.

• Enrollment: 5,604 (undergraduate); 3,238 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $86,700
• Acceptance Rate: 6%
• Graduation Rate: 98%

Harvard University

• Cambridge, MA

Academic Highlights: There are 50 undergraduate fields of study referred to as concentrations; many are interdisciplinary. Even with a graduate population of over 14,000 to cater to, undergraduate class sizes still tend to be small, with 42% of sections having single-digit enrollments and 71% being capped at nineteen. Economics, government, and computer science are the three most popular areas of concentration at Harvard. Biology, chemistry, physics, math, statistics, sociology, history, English, and psychology all sit atop most departmental ranking lists.

Professional Outcomes: The Crimson Class of 2022 saw 15% of students head directly into graduate/professional school. Of the graduates entering the world of work (virtually everyone else), 58% were entering either the consulting, finance, or technology field. Over 1,000 Harvard alumni presently work for Google and over 500 for Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, and Goldman Sachs. Turning our attention to those moving on to graduate school, Harvard grads with at least a 3.5 GPA typically enjoy acceptance rates into medical school of 90% or greater.

• Enrollment: 7,240
• Cost of Attendance: $79,450
• Median SAT: 1550
• Acceptance Rate: 3%

Yale University

• New Haven, CT

Academic Highlights: Yale offers 80 majors, most of which require a one- to two-semester senior capstone experience. Undergraduate research is a staple, and over 70% of classes—of which there are over 2,000 to choose from—have an enrollment of fewer than 20 students, making Yale a perfect environment for teaching and learning. Among the top departments are biology, economics, global affairs, engineering, history, and computer science. The social sciences (26%), biology (11%), mathematics (8%), and computer science (8%) are the most popular areas of concentration.

Professional Outcomes: Shortly after graduating, 73% of the Yale Class of 2022 had entered the world of employment and 18% matriculated into graduate programs. Hundreds of Yale alums can be found at each of the world’s top companies including Google, Goldman Sachs, McKinsey & Company, Morgan Stanley, and Microsoft. The most common industries entered by the newly hired were finance (20%), research/education (16%), technology (14%), and consulting (12%). The mean starting salary for last year’s grads was $81,769 ($120k for CS majors). Nearly one-fifth of students immediately pursue graduate school.

• Enrollment: 6,590 (undergraduate); 5,344 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $87,705

Claremont McKenna College

• Claremont, CA

Academic Highlights: CMC offers 33 majors and 11 “sequences,” series of courses that can be completed across the neighboring schools in addition to one’s major. The college boasts an average class size of eighteen, and 82% of course sections have fewer than twenty students. Economics, government, international relations, biology, and psychology are the most popular majors, and among the strongest. Interdisciplinary majors such as Environment, Economics, and Politics (EEP) and Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) also carry outstanding reputations.

Professional Outcomes: Eighty-eight percent of 2022 graduates found employment within six months of graduation, and only 4% were still looking for work. The median starting salary for a 2022 Claremont grad is $87,000. You name the prestigious graduate/professional program and, chances are, a recent CMC grad (or two or three) is presently studying there. Since 2001, more than 120 alumni have enrolled at USC and UCLA. More than 60 grads have headed to UChicago, Columbia, and Stanford.

• Enrollment: 1,386
• Cost of Attendance: $86,500
• Median SAT: 1500
• Median ACT: 34
• Acceptance Rate: 10%
• Retention Rate: 96%
• Graduation Rate: 91%

Stanford University

• Palo Alto, CA

Academic Highlights: Stanford has three undergraduate schools: the School of Humanities & Sciences, the School of Engineering, and the School of Earth, Energy, and Environmental Sciences. 69% of classes have fewer than twenty students, and 34% have a single-digit enrollment. Programs in engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, international relations, and economics are arguably the best anywhere. In terms of sheer volume, the greatest number of degrees are conferred in the social sciences (17%), computer science (16%), engineering (15%), and interdisciplinary studies (13%).

Professional Outcomes: Stanford grads entering the working world flock to three major industries in equal distribution: business/finance/consulting/retail (19%); computer, IT (19%); and public policy and service, international affairs (19%). Among the companies employing the largest number of recent grads are Accenture, Apple, Bain, Cisco, Meta, Goldman Sachs, Google, McKinsey, Microsoft, and SpaceX. Other companies that employ hundreds of Cardinal alums include LinkedIn, Salesforce, and Airbnb. Starting salaries for Stanford grads are among the highest in the country.

• Enrollment: 8,049 (undergraduate); 10,236 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $87,833

Emory University

• Atlanta, GA

Academic Highlights: This midsize university offers a diverse array of majors (80+) and minors (60+), and 30% of Emory students pursue more than one area of study. Over half of Emory’s student body works directly with a faculty member on academic research and 58% of courses have class sizes of under twenty students. Ultimately, the greatest number of students go on to earn degrees in the social sciences (15%), biology (14%), business (14%), health professions (12%), and mathematics (9%).

Professional Outcomes: Shortly after graduation, 66% of 2022 grads were already employed, and 96% had arrived at their next destination. The top employers of recent Emory grads include Deloitte, Epic, ScribeAmerica, Meta, Morgan Stanley, and Cloudmed. Graduates of the Goizueta Business School found strong starting salaries with an average of $81k.  In the last few years, multiple Emory grads/alums received acceptance letters from the following top law schools like Columbia, Berkeley, and Georgetown. Med school acceptances included Duke, Johns Hopkins, and Vanderbilt.

• Enrollment: 7,101
• Cost of Attendance: $83,702
• Median ACT: 33
• Acceptance Rate: 11%
• Retention Rate: 95%
• Graduation Rate: 90%

Dartmouth College

• Hanover, NH

Academic Highlights: Dartmouth sports 60+ majors and a stunning breadth of course selections for an institution of its size. The learning environment at Dartmouth is extraordinarily intimate. Not only do 61% of course sections have under twenty students, but 18% have single-digit enrollments. The student-to-faculty ratio is an outstanding 7:1. Top programs offered by Big Green include biology, economics, neuroscience, and government. The social sciences are the most popular, accounting for 32% of degrees conferred, followed by computer science (10%), mathematics (9%), engineering (9%), and biology (7%).

Professional Outcomes: A great reputation along with a passionate alumni network that is 80,000 strong leads Dartmouth grads to successful transitions into graduate school and the world of work. Included in the top ten employers of Dartmouth grads are a number of investment banks including Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Bain & Company, Citibank, and Deutsche Bank. Right off the bat, 52% of graduates make more than $70,000 in salary. Those pursuing graduate degrees often flock to the likes of Harvard, Columbia, and Princeton.

• Enrollment: 4,458
• Cost of Attendance: $87,793

University of California, Berkeley

• Berkeley, CA

Academic Highlights: More than 150 undergraduate majors and minors are available across six schools: the College of Letters and Science, the College of Chemistry, the College of Engineering, the College of Environmental Design, the College of Natural Resources, and the Haas School of Business. Many departments have top international reputations including computer science, engineering, chemistry, English, psychology, and economics. 22% of sections contain nine or fewer students, and over 55% of students assist faculty with a research project or complete a research methods course.

Professional Outcomes: Upon graduating, 49% of Cal’s Class of 2022 had already secured employment, and 20% were headed to graduate school. Business is the most popular sector, attracting 62% of employed grads; next up are industrial (17%), education (8%), and nonprofit work (7%). The median starting salary was $86,459 across all majors. Thousands of alumni can be found in the offices of Google, Apple, and Meta, and 500+ Golden Bears are currently employed by Oracle, Amazon, and Microsoft. The school is the number one all-time producer of Peace Corps volunteers.

• Enrollment: 32,831 (undergraduate); 12,914 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $48,574 (in-state); $82,774 (out-of-state)
• Graduation Rate: 94%

Duke University

Academic Highlights: The academic offerings at Duke include 53 majors, 52 minors, and 23 interdisciplinary certificates. Class sizes are on the small side—71% are nineteen or fewer, and almost one-quarter are less than ten. A stellar 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio helps keep classes so reasonable even while catering to five figures worth of graduate students. Computer Science is the most popular area of concentration (11%), followed by economics (10%), public policy (9%), biology (8%), and computer engineering (7%).

Professional Outcomes: At graduation, approximately 70% of Duke diploma-earners enter the world of work, 20% continue into graduate schools, and 2% start their own businesses. The industries that attract the largest percentage of Blue Devils are tech (21%), finance (15%), business (15%), healthcare (9%), and science/research (6%). Of the 20% headed into graduate school, a hefty 22% are attending medical school, 18% are in PhD programs, and 12% are entering law school. The med school acceptance rate is 85%, more than twice the national average.

• Enrollment: 6,640
• Cost of Attendance: $85,238
• SAT Range: 1490-1570
• ACT Range: 34-35
• Graduation Rate: 97%

Colgate University

• Hamilton, NY

Academic Highlights: Fifty-six majors are on tap at Colgate, including all of the expected liberal arts concentrations. With a student-faculty ratio of 9:1 and an average class size of 16, Colgate undergraduates work intimately with their instructors. The social sciences account for 35% of all degrees conferred and, within that umbrella, economics, political science, and English are among the most popular and most well-regarded majors.

Professional Outcomes: Nine months after graduation, only a small number of Colgate alumni are still looking for work; in 2022, that group represented less than 2% of the graduating class. A substantial 80% had already landed full-time jobs. Employers hiring the most Colgate grads included BOA, Merrill Lynch, JP Morgan, EY, Wayfair, and the NIH. 85-95% of law school applicants are accepted into one of their target institutions. The medical school numbers were even more impressive with 100% of graduating seniors gaining acceptance into at least one med school.

• Enrollment: 3,130
• Cost of Attendance: $83,814
• Median SAT: 1470
• Acceptance Rate: 12%
• Retention Rate: 94%

New York University

Academic Highlights: NYU is divided into a number of smaller (but still quite large) colleges organized by discipline; in sum, there are 230 areas of undergraduate study across nine schools and colleges. For its size, a commendable 58% of classes have an enrollment under 20 students. While all schools within NYU have solid reputations, Stern holds the distinction as one of the top undergraduate business programs in the country. For those entering film, dance, drama, or other performing arts, Tisch is as prestigious a place as you can find to study.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of exiting, 94% of Class of 2022 grads had landed at their next destination, with 78% employed and 21% in graduate school. The top industries for employment were healthcare (11%), internet and software (9%), finance (8%), and entertainment (8%). Large numbers of alumni can be found at Google, Deloitte, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, IBM, JP Morgan Chase, Citi, and Amazon. The mean starting salary is $75,336. In 2022, business, arts and sciences, and law school were the most popular grad school destinations.

• Enrollment: 29,401 (undergraduate); 29,711 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $90,222-$96,172
• Median SAT: 1520
• Graduation Rate: 87%

University of Southern California

Academic Highlights : There are 140 undergraduate majors and minors within the Dornsife College of Arts & Sciences alone, the university’s oldest and largest school. The Marshall School of Business, Viterbi School of Engineering, and programs in communication, the cinematic arts, and the performing arts are highly acclaimed. Popular areas of study are business (22%), social sciences (11%), visual and performing arts (11%), communications/journalism (9%), and engineering (8%). Most courses enroll 10-19 students, and USC does an excellent job facilitating undergraduate research opportunities.

Professional Outcomes: 96% of undergrads experience positive postgraduation outcomes within six months of earning their degree. The top five industries entered were finance, consulting, advertising, software development, and engineering; the median salary across all majors is an astounding $79k. Presently, between 300 and 1,500 alumni are employed at each of Google, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, KPMG, Goldman Sachs, and Meta. Graduate/professional schools enrolling the greatest number of 2022 USC grads include NYU, Georgetown, Harvard, Stanford, Pepperdine, and UCLA.

• Enrollment: 20,699 (undergraduate); 28,246 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $90,921
• Median SAT: 1510

Boston College

• Chestnut Hill, MA

Academic Highlights: The college offers roughly 60 majors across four schools that award undergraduate degrees. Approximately half of the college’s sections contain nineteen or fewer students. 95% of graduates reported learning how to think critically at BC, and 93% said they learned how to write clearly and effectively. BC offers highly respected programs in communications, psychology, and business through the renowned Carroll School of Management. Other popular and well-regarded majors include economics, biology, and chemistry.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 96% of the Class of 2022 had landed at their next destination. The most favored industries were financial services and real estate (26%), health care/science (20%), and business/consulting (16%). The median starting salary for a 2022 BC grad was $67,000. Eighteen percent of the Class of 2022 entered graduate schools including Brown, Columbia, the University of Chicago, and Yale. Examining the Class of 2022 data, 16% entered law school, and 14% pursued some other type of doctoral degree.

• Enrollment: 9,484
• Cost of Attendance: $86,155
• Average SAT: 1482
• Average ACT: 34
• Acceptance Rate: 17%
• Graduation Rate: 92%

Johns Hopkins University

• Baltimore, MD

Academic Highlights: With 53 majors as well as 51 minors, JHU excels in everything from its bread-and-butter medical-related majors to international relations and dance. Boasting an enviable 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio and with 78% of course sections possessing an enrollment under 20, face time with professors is a reality. Many departments carry a high level of clout, including biomedical engineering, chemistry, English, and international studies. Biology, neuroscience, and computer science, which happen to be the three most popular majors, can also be found at the top of the national rankings.

Professional Outcomes: The Class of 2022 saw 94% of graduates successfully land at their next destination within six months of exiting the university; 66% of graduates entered the world of employment and a robust 19% went directly to graduate/professional school. The median starting salary across all majors was $80,000 for the Class of 2022. JHU itself is the most popular choice for graduate school. The next most frequently attended institutions included Columbia, Harvard, Yale, and MIT.

• Enrollment: 6,044
• Cost of Attendance: $86,065

University of California, Santa Barbara

• Santa Barbara, CA

Academic Highlights: There are 90 undergraduate majors across three schools: the College of Letters and Science, the College of Engineering, and the College of Creative Studies. The social sciences are the most popular area of study, accounting for 27% of the total degrees conferred. Biology (10%), math (9%), and psychology (9%) are next in popularity. The school has highly regarded programs in communication, computer science, engineering, physics, environmental science, and the performing arts. More than half of sections contain fewer than 20 students, and 72% enroll 29 or fewer.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of earning their diplomas, 84% of grads had found employment. The most popular industries were science/research (16%), engineering/computer programming (14%), business (13%), finance/accounting (11%), and sales (10%). Top employers of recent grads include Google, EY, KPMG, Oracle, Amazon, IBM, and Adobe. Many alumni also can be found at Apple, Meta, Microsoft, and Salesforce. Two years after graduating, UCSB alumni make an average salary of $55k; more than half make $100k by mid-career.

• Enrollment: 23,460 (undergraduate); 2,961 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $41,289 (in-state); $73,863 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance Rate: 28%
• Retention Rate: 92%
• Graduation Rate: 86%

Washington University in St. Louis

• St. Louis, MO

Academic Highlights : WashU admits students into five schools, many of which offer nationally recognized programs: Arts & Sciences, the Olin School of Business, the School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, and the Art of Architecture programs housed within the Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts. The most commonly conferred degrees are in engineering (13%), social sciences (13%), business (13%), biology (11%), and psychology (10%). 66% of classes have fewer than 20 students, and over one-quarter have single-digit enrollments. 65% double major or pursue a minor.

Professional Outcomes: The Class of 2022 sent 52% of grads into the workforce and 28% into graduate and professional schools. Companies employing the highest number of WashU grads feature sought-after employers such as Amazon, Bain, Boeing, Deloitte, Google, IBM, Goldman Sachs, and Microsoft. Of the employed members of the Class of 2022 who reported their starting salaries, 79% made more than $60k. The universities welcoming the largest number of Bears included the prestigious institutions of Caltech, Columbia, Harvard, Penn, Princeton, and Stanford.

• Enrollment: 8,132 (undergraduate); 8,880 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $83,760
• Median SAT: 1530

University of Notre Dame

• Notre Dame, IN

Academic Highlights: 75 majors are offered across six undergraduate colleges: the School of Architecture, the College of Arts and Letters, the Mendoza School of Business (one of the country’s best business schools), the College of Engineering, the Keough School of Global Affairs, and the College of Science. In 2022, the most degrees were conferred in business (20%), the social sciences (18%), engineering (12%), and biology (8%). A solid 60% of courses enroll fewer than 20 students, and 15% have single-digit numbers. 75% of Notre Dame undergrads study abroad.

Professional Outcomes: 69% of 2022 grads directly entered the world of employment, with the most common industries being financial services (21%), consulting (17%), technology (12%), and health services (9%). Massive numbers of alumni can be found at Deloitte, EY, PwC, IBM, Accenture, Booz Allen Hamilton, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, and McKinsey & Co. The median early-career salary was $76,000. Of the 20% of grads who went directly into their graduate/professional studies, 18% were pursuing medical degrees and 9% were studying law.

• Enrollment: 8,971 (undergraduate); 4,134 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $86,125
• Acceptance Rate: 13%

Washington and Lee University

• Lexington, VA

Academic Highlights: The university offers 36 majors and 29 minors. With an exceptionally low 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, over 80% of class sections contain 19 or fewer students. Instructors earn rave reviews. The renowned Williams School of Commerce, Politics, and Economics offers outstanding programs, as do the Journalism and Mass Communication, English, and History Departments. Altogether, business accounts for 23% of the degrees conferred; the social sciences (25%), biology (9%), and foreign language (6%) are also popular.

Professional Outcomes: Last year, 69% of recent graduates found employment within six months of leaving Lexington; the most frequently entered industries were financial services, economics/finance, education, consulting, and real estate. Companies presently employing more than two dozen Generals including EY, Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs, PwC, JPMorgan, Capital One, and Morgan Stanley. Starting salaries are solid with the majority of the cohort being paid $55,000 or more while 18% brought home in excess of $75,000.

• Enrollment: 1,867 (undergraduate); 376 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $87,000
• Median SAT: 1480

Wellesley College

• Wellesley, MA

Academic Highlights: There are 50+ departmental and interdisciplinary majors. Thirty-six percent of course sections have single-digit enrollments while 77% have 19 or fewer students. In addition, opportunities for participation in research with faculty members abound. Most programs possess sterling reputations, including chemistry, computer science, neuroscience, and political science, but the Department of Economics shines most brightly, leading many into PhD programs and high-profile careers. Economics, biology, and computer science are the most frequently conferred degrees.

Professional Outcomes : Six months after graduating, 97% of the Class of 2022 had achieved positive outcomes. Of the 76% of grads who were employed, 24% were working in the finance/consulting/business fields, 17% in education, 17% in internet and technology & engineering, and 15% in healthcare/life sciences. Top employers included JPMorgan Chase, Google, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Goldman Sachs. The average starting salary for one recent cohort was a solid $63k. Of the 20% of 2022 grads who directly entered an advanced degree program, common schools attended included Harvard, Columbia, Brown, Stanford, MIT, and Emory.

• Enrollment: 2,447
• Cost of Attendance: $84,240
• Median SAT: 1490
• Acceptance Rate: 14%

Bates College

• Lewiston, ME

Academic Highlights: Thirty-four percent of courses at Bates have a single-digit enrollment, and 63% of classrooms contain nineteen or fewer students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1, and not a single graduate student is present to vacuum up professorial attention. Twenty-eight percent of all degrees earned at Bates are in the social sciences, and psychology (14%), biology (13%), and the physical sciences (7%) are next in popularity. Though strong across many disciplines, Bates boasts exemplary programs in political science, art, philosophy, economics, and psychology.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 99% of the Class of 2022 were either employed, enrolled in graduate school, or otherwise meaningfully engaged in a fellowship or internship. The most frequently entered fields were healthcare (17%), education (16%), finance/banking (14%), and technology (7%). Within ten years of graduation, approximately 13% of Bates graduates are in, or have completed, law school whereas 7% enroll in medical school.

• Enrollment: 1,790
• Cost of Attendance: $81,382
• Median SAT: 1430
• Median ACT: 32
• Retention Rate: 93%

Hamilton College

• Clinton, NY

Academic Highlights: The student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1, and without any pesky graduate students to get in the way, face time with professors is a regular occurrence. In fact, 28% of all classes have nine or fewer students; 72% have nineteen or fewer. Economics, government, and biology are among the strongest and most popular majors; other standout programs include public policy, mathematics, and environmental studies. Thirty percent of students earn social science degrees, with biology (13%), visual and performing arts (9%), physical science (7%), and foreign languages (7%) next in line.

Professional Outcomes: Examining the 491 graduates in Hamilton’s Class of 2022, an enviable 97% wasted no time landing jobs, graduate school acceptances, or fellowships. The most commonly entered industries were finance (17%), education (13%), business (12%), and science/tech (11%). Only 17% of 2022 graduates went directly into an advanced degree program. In one recent year, 33% of Hamilton grads were studying a STEM field, 22% were in the social sciences, 17% pursued a health care degree, and 5% went to law school.

• Enrollment: 2,075
• Cost of Attendance: $82,430

Northwestern University

• Evanston, IL

Academic Highlights : Northwestern is home to six undergraduate schools, including Medill, which is widely regarded as one of the country’s best journalism schools. The McCormick School of Engineering also achieves top rankings, along with programs in economics, social policy, and theatre. The social sciences account for the greatest number of degrees conferred (19%), followed by communications/journalism (13%), and engineering (11%). 45% of classes have nine or fewer students enrolled; 78% have fewer than twenty enrollees. 57% of recent grads had the chance to conduct undergraduate research.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduating, 69% of the Class of 2022 had found employment and 27% were in graduate school. The four most popular professional fields were consulting (18%), engineering (18%), business/finance (16%), and communications/marketing/media (13%). Employers included the BBC, NBC News, The Washington Post , NPR, Boeing, Google, IBM, Deloitte, PepsiCo, Northrop Grumman, and Goldman Sachs. Across all majors, the average starting salary was $73k. Of those headed straight to graduate school, engineering, medicine, and business were the three most popular areas of concentration.

• Enrollment: 8,659 (undergraduate); 14,073 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $91,290

Vanderbilt University

• Nashville, TN

Academic Highlights: Four of Vandy’s ten schools cater to undergrads: the College of Arts and Sciences, the Blair School of Music, the Peabody College of Education and Human Development, and the School of Engineering. In the 2022-23 school year, 87% of course sections contained 19 or fewer students. Of the 70 undergraduate majors, economics, politics and government, and neuroscience are the most popular. The School of Engineering has a strong national reputation as do offerings in biology, economics, education, and music.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduating, 96% of the Class of 2021 were employed or in graduate school. The most commonly entered industry was finance followed by technology, consulting, education, and engineering. Alumni can be found in droves at Capital One, Goldman Sachs, Bain & Company, JP Morgan Chase, Citi, and Meta. Among 2022 alumni who directly pursued advanced degrees, the majority enrolled at Vanderbilt followed by Columbia, Harvard, Penn, NYU, and Northwestern.

• Enrollment: 7,151 (undergraduate); 6,559 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $89,590

Rice University

• Houston, TX

Academic Highlights : Rice offers more than 50 majors across six broad disciplines: engineering, architecture, music, social science, humanities, and natural science. Programs in biology, biochemistry, cognitive science, and music are incredibly strong, while the School of Architecture and the George R. Brown School of Engineering are among the highest-ranking schools in their disciplines. One-third of computer science majors are female, almost twice the national average. Class sizes are ideally small with 66% containing fewer than 20 students and a median class size of only fourteen.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduation, 88% of Rice grads have found careers or a graduate school home. Companies that employ many recent grads include Deloitte, Capital One, JP Morgan Chase, Google, and Microsoft. Over one hundred alumni are also current employees of companies such as Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron, Amazon, Accenture, and Meta. Across all majors, the average starting salary is $73k. One-third of graduates move directly into graduate or professional school, with Harvard, Yale, Stanford, MIT, Columbia, and Berkeley being the most popular destinations.

• Enrollment: 4,494 (undergraduate); 4,178 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $78,278
• Median SAT: 35

Williams College

• Williamstown, MA

Academic Highlights: The school’s 25 academic departments offer 36 majors and a number of concentrations rather than minors. An unparalleled 40% of courses have fewer than ten students enrolled; the median class size is 12 students. Programs in economics, English, history, math, and political science are especially renowned, and the greatest number of degrees are conferred in the social sciences (26%), the physical sciences (10%), math and statistics (9%), psychology (9%), and computer science (7%).

Professional Outcomes: Among the Class of 2022, 92% were employed or continuing their educational journey within six months of graduating. Business and education typically attract the most students, with popular companies/organizations including Apple, Google, Goldman Sachs, The New York Times Co., the Peace Corps, and Teach for America. The median annual income for 2022 grads was $75,000. 75% pursue an advanced degree within five years of leaving Williams, with the most frequently attended graduate programs being Harvard, Columbia, and Yale.

• Enrollment: 2,152 (undergraduate); 53 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $81,160
• Acceptance Rate: 8%

Georgetown University

• Washington, D.C.

Academic Highlights: The student-faculty ratio is 11:1, and 60% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students. While some classes are a bit larger, only 7% cross the 50-student threshold. Those desiring to join the world of politics or diplomacy are in the right place. The Government and International Affairs programs are among the best in the country. The greatest number of degrees are conferred in the social sciences (38%) followed by business (20%), interdisciplinary studies (8%), and biology (7%).

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, 75% of members of the Class of 2022 entered the workforce, 19% went directly into a graduate or professional program of study, and 3% were still seeking employment. The Class of 2022 sent massive numbers of graduates to a number of major corporations including JPMorgan Chase (22), Citi (21), BOA (18), Morgan Stanley (16), and EY (10). Those attending grad school stay at Georgetown or flock to other elite schools like Columbia and Harvard.

• Enrollment: 7,900
• Cost of Attendance: $85,000

Wesleyan University

• Middletown, CT

Academic Highlights: With 45 majors and 32 minors, Wes truly has something for everyone. The academic requirements are relatively minimal, giving undergrads a high degree of intellectual freedom. Under 75% of class sections have fewer than twenty students; students rave about the accessible faculty. Research opportunities with professors are plentiful. Offerings in economics, English, film studies, and neuroscience typically receive the most praise from employers/grad schools; accordingly, the social sciences (24%), psychology (17%), and the visual and performing arts (12%) are the most popular.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, 66% of 2022 grads had entered employment, with tech/engineering/sciences, education, and arts/entertainment being the three top sectors. The companies employing the highest numbers of recent Wesleyan grads included Google, Epic, Analysis Group, Boston Medical Center, Booz Allen Hamilton, Accenture, and Apple. Graduate school was the next stop for 18% of new alums; enrolling institutions included MIT, Stanford, Berkeley, Yale, Harvard, Temple, and UMass.

• Enrollment: 3,069 (undergraduate); 184 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $89,094

Brown University

• Providence, RI

Academic Highlights: Students must choose one of 80+ “concentration programs,” but there are no required courses. Class sizes tend to be small—68% have fewer than twenty students—and 35% are comprised of nine or fewer students. Biology, economics, computer science, mathematics, and engineering are among the most popular areas of concentration at Brown; however, it is hard to distinguish any one program, because Brown possesses outstanding offerings across so many disciplines.

Professional Outcomes: Soon after receiving their Brown diplomas, 69% of graduates enter the world of employment. Companies employing the greatest number of Brown alums include Google, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, Amazon, Morgan Stanley, Apple, McKinsey & Company, and Bain & Company. The Class of 2022 saw 27% of graduates go directly into graduate/professional school. Right out of undergrad, Brown students boasted an exceptional 81% admission rate to med school and an 81% admission rate to law school.

• Enrollment: 7,639
• Cost of Attendance: $84,828

University of Michigan

• Ann Arbor, MI

Academic Highlights: There are 280+ undergraduate degree programs across fourteen schools and colleges, and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) enrolls the majority of students. The Ross School of Business offers highly rated programs in entrepreneurship, management, accounting, and finance. The College of Engineering is also one of the best in the country. By degrees conferred, engineering (15%), computer science (14%), and the social sciences (11%) are most popular. A solid 56% of classes have fewer than 20 students.

Professional Outcomes: Within three months of graduating, 89% of LSA grads are employed full-time or in graduate school, with healthcare, education, law, banking, research, nonprofit work, and consulting being the most popular sectors. Within three months, 99% of Ross grads are employed with a median salary of $90k. Top employers include Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, EY, Morgan Stanley, PwC, Deloitte, and Amazon.  Within six months, 96% of engineering grads are employed (average salary of $84k) or in grad school. General Motors, Ford, Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Meta employ the greatest number of alumni.

• Enrollment: 32,695 (undergraduate); 18,530 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $35,450 (in-state); $76,294 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance Rate: 18%

Davidson College

• Davidson, NC

Academic Highlights: With its small size, the impressive part of the college is the exceptional quality of its offerings, not the breadth of them, as only 37 majors are available. The student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1, which allows the college to ensure that 62% have fewer than twenty students and 24% have enrollments you can count on two hands. Overall, the average number of students per class is only 18. Top programs at Davidson include psychology, political science, chemistry, and English; biology is also quite popular, accounting for 12% of degrees conferred in 2022.

Professional Outcomes: Looking at the outcomes data for 2022 grads, 70% landed jobs within six months of graduation, 26% were enrolled in a graduate program, and 3% were still seeking employment. Of those who attended grad school, the highest number were in healthcare-related programs (including MDs), law school, and laboratory sciences. Significant numbers of students pursue advanced degrees at other Southern gems including Vanderbilt, Emory, Duke, Wake Forest, and UNC.

• Enrollment: 1,927
• Cost of Attendance: $76,450

Wake Forest University

• Winston-Salem, NC

Academic Highlights: All freshmen enter the Undergraduate College, which offers 45 majors and 60 minors. Sporting a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, classes are kept on the small side with 59% of sections enrolling fewer than 20 students. 60% of students engage in hands-on research for academic credit. Wake Forest is strong across myriad disciplines, most notably chemistry, communication, accounting, finance, and international affairs. The most frequently conferred degrees are in business (22%), the social sciences (20%), journalism (8%), and biology (8%).

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 97% of the Class of 2022 had found their next destination, with 71% starting their first professional job and 26% matriculating into a graduate program. Management/consulting, investment banking, and healthcare were the top three industries. Employers landing the highest numbers of alumni included national and multinational corporations IBM, Siemens, Volvo, Goldman Sachs, Disney, Deloitte, Dell, Gucci, PepsiCo, EY, and Nike. By the start of mid-career, Wake Forest alumni earn the second-highest median salary of any school in North Carolina.

• Enrollment: 5,447 (undergraduate); 3,516 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $87,622
• Median SAT: 1450
• Acceptance Rate: 21%

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

• Chapel Hill, NC

Academic Highlights: Undergraduates can choose from 74 bachelor’s degree programs in a number of schools and colleges, the largest of which is the College of Arts & Sciences. 44% of classes have a student enrollment under 20. The social sciences (15%), biology (12%), media/journalism (9%), computer science (8%), and business (6%) are the areas in which the most degrees are conferred. The Kenan-Flager Business School is internationally renowned and requires separate admission. Other strong programs include those in chemistry, journalism, psychology, and political science.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after leaving Chapel Hill, 97% of 2022 grads had entered employment, military service, or graduate school. Among the for-profit companies that hire the most graduates are Wells Fargo, IBM, Cisco, Deloitte, EY, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Oracle, McKinsey & Company, and Goldman Sachs. In the nonprofit sector, a large number of alumni are employed by AmeriCorps, NIH, Teach for America, and the Peace Corps. The average starting salary is $70,619. 18% of 2022 grads enrolled directly in graduate/professional school.

• Enrollment: 20,210 (undergraduate); 11,739 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $27,036 (in-state); $60,040 (out-of-state)

Carnegie Mellon University

• Pittsburgh, PA

Academic Highlights: There are a combined 80+ undergraduate majors and 90 minors available across the six schools. Impressively, particularly for a school with more graduate students than undergrads, CMU boasts a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio and small class sizes, with 36% containing single digits. In a given school year, 800+ undergraduates conduct research through the University Research Office. The most commonly conferred degrees are in engineering (21%), computer science (16%), mathematics (12%), business (10%), and visual and performing arts (9%).

Professional Outcomes: By the end of the calendar year in which they received their diplomas, 66% of 2022 grads were employed, and 28% were continuing to graduate school. The companies that have routinely scooped up CMU grads include Google, Meta, Microsoft, Apple, Accenture, McKinsey, and Deloitte. With an average starting salary of $105,194, CMU grads outpace the average starting salary for a college grad nationally. Of those pursuing graduate education, around 20% typically enroll immediately in PhD programs.

• Enrollment: 7,509
• Cost of Attendance: $84,412

University of Virginia

• Charlottesville, VA

Academic Highlights: Undergrads can study within one of seven colleges/schools, which all offer many small classes; 15% boast single-digit enrollment and 48% contain 19 or fewer students. The McIntire School of Commerce and the School of Engineering and Applied Science have glowing reputations. Other notable strengths include computer science, economics, and political philosophy, policy, and law. The most popular degree areas are liberal arts/general studies (22%), the social sciences (14%), engineering (11%), business/marketing (8%), and biology (7%).

Professional Outcomes:  Upon receiving their degree, 95% of the Class of 2022 immediately joined the workforce–with an average starting salary of $90k–or headed directly to graduate school. The most popular industries were internet & software, higher education, and management consulting. Capital One (85), Deloitte (46), Amazon (38), and Bain & Co. (26) scooped up the greatest number of 2022 grads. UVA itself was the most popular grad school destination followed by Columbia, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Johns Hopkins.

• Enrollment: 17,496 (undergraduate); 8,653 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $39,494-49,874 (in-state); $78,214-90,378 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance Rate: 19%

Swarthmore College

• Swarthmore, PA

Academic Highlights: Swarthmore offers forty undergraduate programs and runs 600+ courses each academic year. Small, seminar-style courses are the norm—an outstanding 33% of sections enroll fewer than ten students, and 70% contain a maximum of nineteen students. Social science degrees are the most commonly conferred, accounting for 24% of all 2022 graduates. Future businessmen/women, engineers, and techies are also well-positioned, given Swat’s incredibly strong offerings in economics, engineering, and computer science.

Professional Outcomes: 68% of Class of 2022 grads entered the workforce shortly after graduation. Popular industries included education (17%), consulting (16%), and financial services (13%); the median starting salary was $60,000. Google is a leading employer of Swarthmore grads followed by Amazon, Goldman Sachs, IBM, and a number of the top universities.  18% of 2022 grads pursued advanced degrees, with 35% pursuing a PhD, 35% entering master’s programs, 10% heading to law school, and 7% matriculating into medical school.

• Enrollment: 1,625
• Cost of Attendance: $81,376

Tulane University

• New Orleans, LA

Academic Highlights: Tulane offers 75 majors within five colleges, with the A.B. Freeman School of Business and programs in architecture, biology, and neuroscience enjoying strong national reputations. The most degrees are conferred in business/marketing (22%), the social sciences (20%), psychology (9%), biology (8%), and health professions (8%). The average class size is 21 students and a solid 21% of courses have single-digit enrollments, providing a seminar-style environment. The majority of undergraduate courses are taught by full-time professors.

Professional Outcomes: Over three-fifths of Tulane grads find employment within six months of graduation. The most popular occupations were financial analyst, management analyst, marketing specialist, and postsecondary teacher. Significant numbers of alumni can be found working in the Louisiana-based Ochsner Health System or at corporations such as Shell, EY, Google, PwC, IBM, Morgan Stanley, Deloitte, and Accenture. 35% of grads eventually enroll in graduate or professional school—the most common destinations are Tulane itself, Louisiana State University, Boston University, and Johns Hopkins University.

• Enrollment: 7,295 (undergraduate); 4,990 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $86,000
• Acceptance Rate: 15%
• Graduation Rate: 89%

Cornell University

Academic Highlights: A diverse array of academic programs includes 80 majors and 120 minors spread across the university’s seven schools/colleges. Classes are a bit larger at Cornell than at many other elite institutions. Still, 55% of sections have fewer than 20 students. Most degrees conferred in 2022 were in computer science (17%), engineering (13%), business (13%), and biology (13%). The SC Johnson College of Business houses two undergraduate schools, both of which have phenomenal reputations.

Professional Outcomes: Breaking down the graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences, the largest school at Cornell, 68% entered the workforce, 28% entered graduate school, 1% pursued other endeavors such as travel or volunteer work, and the remaining 3% were still seeking employment six months after receiving their diplomas. The top sectors attracting campus-wide graduateswere financial services (18%), technology (17%), consulting (15%), and education (10%). Of the students from A&S going on to graduate school, 15% were pursuing JDs, 5% MDs, and 22% PhDs.

• Enrollment: 15,735
• Cost of Attendance: $88,150

Bowdoin College

• Brunswick, ME

Academic Highlights: Class sizes are small—64% contain fewer than twenty students—and 21% have fewer than ten students. The student-faculty ratio is 9:1. More than half of Bowdoin undergrads report interacting with a professor outside of regular class time at least once per week. The greatest percentage of degrees are conferred in the social sciences (30%), biology (13%), area/ethnic/gender studies (8%), computer science (7%), and mathematics (7%). Economics and government and legal studies are two of the more popular majors within the social sciences.

Professional Outcomes: An examination of three recent years’ worth of outcomes data reveals that one year after graduation, between 73 and 77% of recent grads have found full-time employment, and 15% have gone directly into graduate school. Of those entering graduate school, 48% were enrolled in master’s programs, 23% in PhD programs, 13% in law school, and 8% in med school. The top twenty graduate schools attended, by volume, in the last five years make an exclusive list including six Ivies along with Duke, MIT, Johns Hopkins, and Stanford.

• Enrollment: 1,915
• Cost of Attendance: $82,600

Tufts University

• Medford, MA

Academic Highlights: Three schools serve Tufts’ undergraduate population: the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Engineering, and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. The three schools combined offer more than 90 majors and minors; approximately one-third of all students double major, and half declare a minor. 15% of all courses see fewer than ten students enrolled, and 60% have sub-twenty enrollments. The most popular majors include international relations, economics, computer science, political science, and biology—all of which receive very high marks.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after earning their diplomas, 97% of 2022 graduates were employed or attending graduate school. The most commonly entered fields were finance, consulting, real estate (23%); engineering and technology (22%); health, life sciences, environmental (21%); and education, advocacy, social services (11%). Prolific employers of Tufts alums include Booz Allen Hamilton, JPMorgan, MITRE, Google, Deloitte, Amazon, Raytheon, Morgan Stanley, and BlackRock. Of the 21% of 2022 grads who went directly to graduate school, 85% were accepted into their first-choice institution.

• Enrollment: 6,815 (undergraduate); 6,616 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $88,300

Brandeis University

• Waltham, MA

Academic Highlights: Brandeis offers 43 majors, the most popular of which are in the social sciences (18%), biology (17%), business (10%), psychology (8%), public administration (8%), and computer science (7%). The student-faculty ratio is 11:1, and 60% of courses contain nineteen or fewer students. Departments with a particularly strong national reputation include economics, international studies, and sociology as well as all of the traditional premed pathways including biology, and chemistry.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 98% of the Class of 2022 had found their way to employment (59%), graduate school (35%), or another full-time activity like travel or volunteer work (4%). Members of the Class of 2022 were hired by Red Hat, Deloitte, Nasdaq, NPR, and McKinsey & Company. The average starting salary for recent grads is $61k. A large contingent of grads elects to continue at Brandeis for graduate school. Many others go to BU, Columbia, Duke, Harvard, and Yale.

• Enrollment: 3,687
• Cost of Attendance: $86,242
• Median SAT: 1440
• Acceptance Rate: 39%
• Retention Rate: 91%

Middlebury College

• Middlebury, VT

Academic Highlights: Midd offers 50 departments and programs in which to major and minor. The school’s 9:1 student-faculty ratio allows 100% of courses to be taught by professors, not graduate assistants. Most classes are small; the mean class size is 16, and 14% of sections contain fewer than ten students. Middlebury is renowned for its Language Department as well as its programs in economics and international studies. The college has a robust international program (75 programs in 40 countries); over 50% of juniors take a semester abroad.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduating, 81% of the Class of 2022 had landed jobs and 12% were in graduate school. The most commonly held jobs fell under the categories of financial services (19%), consulting (14%), science and healthcare (14%), and media and technology (12%). Many Middlebury grads now enter tech-related fields; Google and Facebook are two of the leading employers alongside Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, Deloitte, Amazon, and JP Morgan. More than 100 alumni work in the US State Department.

• Enrollment: 2,773 (undergraduate); 70 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $89,850
• Median SAT: 1460

College of the Holy Cross

• Worcester, MA

Academic Highlights: The college offers thirty traditional majors as well as additional subjects in which one can pursue a student-designed major. The average class size is a manageable 19 students, and 62% of courses have enrollments lower than that. There are no majors that undergrads flock to in overwhelming numbers, but the most popular are the social sciences (29%), psychology (14%), history (7%), and biology (6%). All of those popular departments also rank well nationally.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after moving their tassels to the left, 68% of the Class of 2021 (most recent stats available) were employed, 19% were in graduate school, and only 3% were still seeking full-time employment. Organizations employing more than one recent graduate include Fidelity Investments, JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Massachusetts General Hospital, Deloitte, EY, PwC, Oracle, and Dell. Among those enrolled in graduate school, 14% were in law school, 14% were pursuing degrees in a health profession, and 6% were in PhD programs.

• Enrollment: 3,233
• Cost of Attendance: $78,600
• Median SAT: 1360
• Median ACT: 30
• Acceptance Rate: 36%

Boston University

Academic Highlights: In total, the university offers more than 300 programs of study, 100+ of which are distinct undergraduate degrees spread across ten schools/colleges. Many classes at BU are reasonably small—60% contain fewer than twenty students; only 19% contain more than forty. The student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1. The greatest number of degrees are conferred in social sciences (16%), business/marketing (15%), communications and journalism (15%), biology (11%), engineering (9%), and health professions/related sciences (7%).

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduation, 90% of BU grads have found their way into the world of employment or full-time graduate study. Across all graduating years, companies employing more than 350 BU alums include Google, Oracle, Accenture, IBM, and Amazon Web Services. Of the one-quarter of grads who move directly into graduate school, many are welcomed onto the campuses of elite graduate programs. For example, engineering students found new academic homes at MIT, Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, and Columbia.

• Enrollment: 18,459
• Cost of Attendance: $86,363

Pomona College

Academic Highlights: There are 48 majors and minors to select from with the most popular being social sciences (23%), biology (13%), and computer science (12%). Majors in economics, international relations, chemistry, and mathematics receive especially high marks. More than 600 courses are on the menu at Pomona alone, but students can access any of the Claremont Consortium’s 2,700 courses. Pomona’s 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio leads to an average class size of only 15 students, and over 50% of the undergraduate population conduct research alongside a faculty member.

Professional Outcomes: 71% of the Class of 2022 were employed within six months of graduating. Overall, the largest number of alumni can be found at Google, Kaiser Permanente, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta. Recently, economics degree-earners have landed jobs at Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, Morgan Stanley, or Accenture. Majors in the hard sciences frequently landed at top research laboratories and hospitals. Of the 21% of 2022 grads who were accepted directly into graduate school, the most frequently attended institutions included the University of Cambridge, Duke, Harvard, Caltech, UChicago, and Stanford.

• Enrollment: 1,761
• Cost of Attendance: $88,296

Vassar College

• Poughkeepsie, NY

Academic Highlights: Vassar students have the choice of 50 majors and only three foundational curricular mandates, which means that there is plenty of room to explore electives and intellectual passions. A 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio leads to an average class size of 17 students, and 23% of all sections have an enrollment of nine or fewer. Professors are extremely available outside the classroom. The most popular majors are in the social sciences, biology, the visual and performing arts, foreign languages, and psychology.

Professional Outcomes: 93% of alums enjoy positive outcomes within six months of graduation, with 20% enrolling directly in a graduate or professional degree program. A solid number land at competitive companies like Google, Meta, EY, Deloitte, Microsoft, Citi, and Amazon. Elite universities such as Harvard, Penn, NYU, and Columbia are also among the top employers of former students, many of whom earn advanced degrees and enter academia. The school is one of the top 15 PhD producers.

• Enrollment: 2,459
• Cost of Attendance: $85,220

College of William & Mary

• Williamsburg, VA

Academic Highlights: Forty undergraduate programs are available and William & Mary has a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Class sizes are rarely tiny seminars, but 44% do enroll fewer than twenty students, and only 9% contain more than fifty. Among the college’s most notable academic programs are (1) government and (2) international relations, both of which serve as pipelines to Washington, DC, employers. The Mason School of Business is highly regarded in the corporate world. The social sciences (20%) and biology (11%) are also popular.

Professional Outcomes: 52% of the most cohort joined the workforce, and 36% entered graduate school within six months of graduation. Over 500 employers snatched up at least one member of the Tribe. Companies hiring at least four 2020 grads included Accenture, Booz Allen Hamilton, KPMG, and Deloitte. Many of those opting for immediate entry into graduate school stayed at their alma mater and the next most frequented universities included Columbia, Duke, Harvard, Northwestern, and the University of Chicago.

• Enrollment: 6,797
• Cost of Attendance: $39,595 (In-State); $63,967 (Out-of-State)
• Acceptance Rate: 33%

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A licensed counselor and published researcher, Andrew's experience in the field of college admissions and transition spans two decades. He has previously served as a high school counselor, consultant and author for Kaplan Test Prep, and advisor to U.S. Congress, reporting on issues related to college admissions and financial aid.

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Academic Degrees , Business Administration Articles , MBA News

MBA Finance Specialization: Top Trends

Published: April 26, 2024

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is one of the most popular graduate programs worldwide, as it has been for the past decade. With many types of MBAs available, the Master’s of Business Administration is a versatile degree that can be customized to suit a variety of different career paths.

Along with the advanced business knowledge, problem-solving skills, and leadership experience students gain, an MBA is highly respected in the business world. Graduates are often rewarded with career opportunities and increased earning potential. 

According to The Princeton Review , one of the most in-demand MBA specializations is the Finance MBA. In this article, we will take a deep dive into that program to help you discern whether it is the right educational path for you. 

Let’s jump in!

What is an MBA in Finance? 

An MBA in Finance is a specialized graduate-level degree that focuses on the management of financial resources within businesses and organizations. Students learn how companies make financial decisions, manage risk, and handle financial resources to maximize profitability and ensure stability. It provides a strong foundation in business principles while emphasizing finance-specific skills such as financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.

For students interested in advancing their careers in the financial sector, an MBA in Finance can open doors to leadership positions such as financial manager, chief financial officer, investment banker, financial analyst, or portfolio manager. The degree aims to equip graduates with the necessary skills to handle complex financial issues in a dynamic business environment, making it an excellent choice for those looking to excel in the business world .

What is the Scope of an MBA in Finance?

The scope of an MBA in Finance is broad and diverse, equipping graduates with in-depth knowledge of financial management, investment strategies, and market analysis. Here are some of the key lessons you will learn in a Finance MBA:

Financial Analysis and Reporting

Students learn to analyze financial statements, interpret financial data, and prepare reports on financial performance. 

Investment Strategies

The program covers various investment theories and practices, including portfolio management, risk assessment , and the evaluation of different investment vehicles. 

Corporate Finance

You will learn how corporations manage their finances, including capital raising, investment decisions, and dividend policies. 

Risk Management

Students learn to identify, analyze, and mitigate financial risks. This includes understanding market risk, credit risk, and operational risk.

Quantitative Analysis

MBA finance programs often include training in quantitative methods, such as statistical analysis and econometrics, to help students analyze and interpret complex datasets and make data-driven financial decisions.

Strategic Thinking and Planning

You will learn to think strategically about financial planning and business development. This skill is crucial for leadership roles, where long-term planning and strategic decision-making are key responsibilities.

Ethical Decision-Making

Students explore the importance of ethical decision-making in finance, ensuring the integrity of financial practices and compliance with regulations.

Communication and Presentation Skills

You will polish your communication and presentation skills, so you can convey complex financial information to non-experts and influence decision-making processes.

Leadership and Teamwork

Leadership training prepares students to lead teams, manage projects, and drive organizational success.

Global Financial Markets

Students will understand the impact of global economic events on financial markets and learn about international finance regulations and practices.

Technological Proficiency

You will become familiar with financial software, databases, and analytical tools, as well as fintech innovations and their applications in finance.

After mastering these lessons, graduates of MBA programs in finance are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the financial industry, lead with confidence, and make impactful decisions that drive business success.

What Jobs Can You Get With an MBA in Finance?

There are a wide variety of career paths you can follow once you have earned an MBA in finance. One of the most popular is a role in the financial services industry. This includes work in investment banking, asset management, private equity, or hedge funds.

Corporate finance is also a common place for MBA graduates to work. Consider taking on roles as a financial analyst, chief financial officer, or corporate controller. Additionally, you could work for a financial consulting firm, providing expert advice on financial management, restructuring, strategy, and risk management to businesses across various sectors. 

MBAs can also find opportunities in government agencies, public sector, and nonprofit organizations, managing finances, budgets, and funding strategies. Although these jobs are not often as highly compensated as corporate positions, they offer the opportunity to further a cause and improve the world around you.

The comprehensive skill set gained from an MBA in Finance can empower graduates to start their ventures as entrepreneur . Other options include specializing in real estate — financing real estate projects, managing property investment portfolios, and real estate valuation — or fintech, which involves work on financial technology innovations, digital banking, blockchain, and more.

An MBA in Finance is not just about acquiring a set of financial skills; it’s about developing a strategic mindset that can navigate the complexities of today’s business and financial landscape. The degree opens up myriad paths, from traditional finance roles to innovative sectors, ensuring that graduates can find their niche in a changing economic environment.

What are the Benefits of Earning an MBA in Finance?

Earning an MBA in Finance offers numerous benefits, making it a valuable investment for professionals aiming to enhance their career prospects in the financial sector. 

As we discussed above, an MBA significantly boosts career advancement opportunities, opening doors to high-level positions in a variety of industries. It equips graduates with a deep understanding of financial markets, corporate finance, investment strategies, and risk management, which are crucial for making informed and strategic financial decisions within organizations.

Additionally, an MBA in Finance often results in increased earning potential. Graduates with specialized skills and knowledge qualify for more senior, well-compensated roles in the finance industry. 

The program also broadens one’s professional network, connecting students with peers, alumni, and industry leaders, which can be instrumental in career growth. Moreover, the degree enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills , preparing graduates to tackle complex financial challenges effectively. 

Where Can You Earn an MBA in Finance?

UoPeople is an accredited online university offering MBA degrees that can be completed in less than a year, tuition-free. Of several specializations offered, UoPeople’s certificate in finance is best suited for students wishing to pursue a career in any of the areas we’ve discussed in this article.

UoPeople’s finance certificate layers financial lessons on top of the more traditional MBA curriculum. Students participating in the certificate program will understand basic principles of finance, develop budgets and financial plans, learn how to make financial decisions to maximize shareholder wealth and gain practical knowledge of personal finance management.

The MBA program at UoPeople is designed with flexibility, making it perfect for working professionals, multitasking parents, and returning students. The program provides asynchronous classes that allow learners to study on their own schedule, with the possibility of completing the 12-course curriculum in as few as seven months. 

Throughout the program, students will acquire skills in strategic planning, management, organization, and business operations. They will also learn to craft innovative solutions to complex business challenges and to thrive in the modern, globally interconnected business environment.

As you consider whether pursuing a finance MBA is for you, remember that this path is more than an educational commitment—it’s a strategic career investment. Thanks to the comprehensive skills and robust knowledge the program imparts, graduates emerge as sought-after professionals in the business world. 

Moreover, the connections you’ll make with peers, professors, and industry professionals will provide you with a powerful network that will help you climb the corporate ladder. You’ll graduate with a heightened ability to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to businesses and society at large. 

In an ever-evolving financial landscape, the investment in a finance MBA could be a prudent decision if you want to become a leader in the field. It’s an investment in a future marked by success, leadership, and continuous advancement in the exciting world of finance.

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Student loans may allow people to bridge the gap between what they can afford for college and the overall cost of an education. If you've already used your "free money" (scholarship, grants, and your savings) to pay for college and still find that you're unable to pay for school, a student loan could be a good option.

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Compare the Top Graduate Student Loans

Graduate students don't qualify for all types of federal loans, but they are able to take out Direct Unsubsidized loans and Direct PLUS loans.  Here are some of the best options for graduate students looking to take out private loans. 

7.03% - 15.20% variable and 5.17% - 15.11% fixed (with AutoPay discount, varies by program)

Undisclosed

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No prepayment or origination fees
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Low APRs
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Multiple ways to contact customer support
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. May be eligible without a cosigner
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cashback reward after graduation
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Credit check required
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Late payment fee
• Apply through your computer
• Customer service available via phone, email, and physical mail
• Provided you are eligible, you'll receive 1% of your initial loan balance as a cashback bonus after graduation
• Seven, 10, 12, or 15-year repayment terms available (15-year term only available for variable loans)
• Loan minimum of $2,001*, maximum up to 100% cost of attendance per term
• *The minimum amount is $2,001 except for the state of Massachusetts. Minimum loan amount for borrowers with a Massachusetts permanent address is $6,001.
• Overall maximum loan amount of $400,000
• Loans made through Bank of Lake Mills, Member FDIC

Ascent has a lower minimum APR on fixed-rate graduate student loans than most other competitors. However, its maximum APRs on both fixed and variable are higher than what you'll find at most comparable companies. 

Ascent also doesn't charge any origination fees. 

What to watch out for: Late payment fee. Ascent charges a late payment fee equivalent to 5% of the past due amount, up to a maximum of $25.

Read our Ascent graduate loans review .

5.59% - 14.49% variable and 4.39% - 14.49% fixed (with AutoPay discount, varies by program)

mid-600s for cosigners

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. International students eligible with an eligible cosigner
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Multiple options for repayment term length
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Many ways to contact customer support
• Apply through your computer or mobile device
• Customer service available via phone, text, email, and live chat
• Five, eight, 10, or 15 year repayment terms available
• Late payment of 5% of the amount due, capped at $25
• Loan minimum of $1,000, maximum up to 100% cost of attendance
• Loans made through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC

College Ave offers many term lengths and doesn't charge any origination or prepayment fees. Five, eight, 10, or 15 year repayment terms are available. A longer repayment term will reduce out your monthly payments, but you'll pay more in overall interest.

What to watch out for: Middle-of-the pack interest rates. College Ave's graduate student loans aren't quite as good of an offering as its undergraduate students loans, as the lender has so-so APRs compared to competitors and comes with no extra perks.

Read our College Ave graduate loans review .

5.89% - 15.97% variable and 4.11% - 14.30% fixed (with AutoPay discount)

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No origination fees, prepayment penalties, or late fees
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Great APR
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Many options for repayment term length
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Quick application process
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Skip a payment option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Low loan minimum
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Credit check
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. May need a cosigner
• Five, seven, 10, 12, 15, and 20-year repayment term lengths available
• Customer service available via phone, live chat, email, and standard mail
• Skip a payment feature allows you to forgo making one payment every year
• Loans are originated by Earnest Operations LLC
• This is an advertisement. You are not required to make any payment or take any other action in response to this offer.

Earnest's loans have a distinguishing feature: the ability to skip one payment every year. You can request your first skip once you've made at least six months of consecutive on-time, full principal and interest payments, as long as your loan is in good standing.

However, interest will accrue during this time, and the lender will extend the final payoff date of your loan by the length of the skipped payment period. 

What to watch out for: May need to add a cosigner. To get the lowest rates, you may need to enlist a cosigner to help. Cosigners can also help you qualify for a loan where you otherwise might not have. 

Read our Earnest graduate loans review .

6.62% - 16.22% variable and 4.99% - 14.48% fixed

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Part-time students are eligible
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. High APR
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Only one repayment term length
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Customer service unavailable on Saturday and Sunday
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No loan preapproval
• Customer service available via phone Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET or on Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET
• 15 year repayment term
• Loan approval requires a hard credit pull
• $1,000 loan minimum
• Member FDIC

Sallie Mae loans are available to international students with an eligible cosigner. Not all lenders allow international students to apply, so Sallie Mae may be able to help you if you're coming to the US to study from abroad. 

What to watch out for: Only one repayment term option. Your repayment term will be set for you at 15 years. However, if you want to pay off your loan earlier and avoid forking over more cash in interest, you won't pay any prepayment penalties. 

Read our Sallie Mae graduate loans review .

5.39% - 15.57% variable and 4.43% - 14.04% fixed

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Can receive graduation discount
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Get your rates within a few minutes
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Low minimum loan amount
• 7, 10, or 15-year repayment terms available
• Customer service available by phone, email, or standard mail
• $1,000 loan minimum, up to $180,000 lifetime loan limit
• 2% principal reduction upon graduation
• Loans are made by Citizens Bank, Member FDIC

Custom Choice offers a 2% reduction of your loan's principal after you graduate. This may not seem like much, but will save you some on the overall cost of your loan. 

What to watch out for: Credit check required. While most of the lenders on the list require a credit check, you run the risk of not qualifying if your credit isn't in the best shape. 

Read our Custom Choice graduate loans review .

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

5.50% undergraduates and 7.05% graduate and professional students

1.057% loan fee

Not applicable

Up to $5,500 for first-years, scales up each year you're in school

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Low interest rate
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No credit check needed
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No cosigner
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Not based on financial need
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Interest accrues while you're in school
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No variable loans
• 10-year standard repayment term
• Rates are fixed, but new rates for each school year
• Loan maximum of $5,500 for first-years, $6,500 for second-years, and $7,500 per year for each school year after that

Federal loans have some of the lowest rates around. And you don't need to have a superb credit score to qualify for them like you would with the private lenders on our list.

You'll also qualify for certain protections with federal loans that you otherwise wouldn't with private loans. This includes the ongoing repayment pause on federal loans and the potential for student loan forgiveness — though that is currently being challenged in courts.

What to watch out for:  Interest will begin to accrue shortly after you take out the loan. This means that if you don't pay off your interest while in school, you'll end up with a higher balance than you initially borrowed. 

Federal Direct PLUS Loan

Federal loans offer some of the lowest rates available, and you don't need to have excellent credit to qualify for them like you would with the private lenders on our list.

Additionally, you'll qualify for certain protections with federal loans that you otherwise wouldn't with private loans. This includes the ongoing repayment pause on federal loans and the potential for student loan forgiveness.

What to watch out for: You'll pay an origination fee of 4.228% with Direct PLUS loans, which will be deducted from the loan disbursement. However, there are no prepayment penalties with a Direct PLUS Loan, so you can pay it off early without facing a fee.

Which Graduate Student Loan Lender Is the Most Trustworthy?

We've only selected student loan lenders with no public controversies in the last three years. We've also compared each institution's Better Business Bureau  score.

The BBB, a non-profit organization focused on consumer protection and trust, evaluates companies by judging a business's responses to consumer complaints, honesty in advertising, and clarity about business practices. Here is each company's score:

Of our top private lender picks, only Custom Choice is not currently rated an A- or higher by the BBB. The BBB doesn't have a rating for Custom Choice. That said, this doesn't necessarily reflect Custom Choice's trustworthiness, and you should ask others about their experiences with the businesses before deciding against borrowing from the companies. 

Graduate Student Loans FAQs

Federal student loans have a number of protections that private student loans don't. These include  income-based repayment plans , which help to lower payments to a percentage of a person's income. It's always best to use all of your available federal loan options first to take advantage of these protections.

Unfortunately, private student loans are not eligible for any federal forgiveness programs. However, if you have federal student loans, you may be eligible for forgiveness if you are under a certain income threshold or if you work a certain job.   

Interest will accrue during the six-month grace period after you graduate, similarly to how it does while you are in school.  

Graduate student loan interest will probably accrue while you're in school, depending on your lender. Paying some of the principal, interest, or both, can be beneficial because when your loan goes into repayment, any unpaid interest will be added to the principal balance of your loan. Interest is then determined using this new, higher loan balance.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Graduate Student Loans

Personal Finance Insider's mission is to help smart people make the best decisions possible with their finances. To do that, we looked through many student loan companies, comparing interest rates, terms, and fine print so you don't have to. We looked for several factors in determining the best student loans, including: 

• Interest rates: The lower the interest rate the better, and we prioritized lenders with the lowest interest rates for graduate students.
• Nationwide availability: We searched for student loans available in all or most US states. 
• Flexibility of repayment plans:  There are four main options for repayment offered by most lenders: defer payments until after school; interest-only payments in school; small, fixed payments in school; and full monthly in-school payments. We looked for lenders with the most ways to pay.
• No or few fees: We prioritized lenders that didn't charge fees, like origination fees or prepayment penalties.

See our full ratings methodology for student loans >>

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

• Main content

Two Florida business schools now ranked among top 70 nationwide, U.S. News says

Florida’s two top business schools now rank among the 70 best in the United States, according to a new ranking by U.S. News and World Report.

Joining UF in the top 70 was the University of Miami, which surged 13 points to a four-way tie for 62nd.

One other Florida business school made it into the top 100: the University of South Florida (in a tie for 87 th with the University of Denver).

U.S. News based its rankings on the employment rates and starting salaries of recent graduates, student test scores and assessments of the schools by recruiters and academic administrators.

The top business school overall? A tie between Stanford University and the University of Pennsylvania. Find the full rankings here .

Here are the three Florida business schools ranked in the top 100

36. University of Florida (up 4)

62. tie, University of Miami (up 13)

87. tie, University of South Florida (down 14)

Andrew Marra is a reporter at The Palm Beach Post. Reach him at [email protected] .

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Explore the latest news from the university of Northern Colorado.

UNC Graduates a Diverse Class of More Than 1,200 this Spring

• University-News

Nearly 43% of the spring 2024 undergraduate class are the first in their families to graduate from college

April 25, 2024 | By Deanna Herbert

The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) celebrates its newest graduating class at its spring commencement ceremonies May 3-4, inside the Bank of Colorado Arena. This class includes the largest percentage of first-generation students receiving a bachelor’s degree in the past five years and the most diverse classes of graduate and undergraduate students during that same timeframe.  

Overall, the College of Natural and Health Sciences is awarding the largest number of bachelor’s degrees this year, and the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences is awarding the largest number of master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees.  

Graduate Commencement, recognizing approximately 389 students who will receive a doctoral, specialist or master’s degree, will take place on Friday, May 3, at 6 p.m.  

Undergraduate Commencement will include three ceremonies on Saturday, May 4, recognizing approximately 843 students receiving bachelor’s degrees.

• The ceremony for graduates of both the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences and the College of Performing and Visual Arts begins at 9 a.m.
• The ceremony for graduates of the College of Natural and Health Sciences begins at noon.
• The ceremony for graduates of both the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Kenneth W. Monfort College of Business begins at 3 p.m. 

RELATED: Celebrating the Class of Spring 2024

An additional 309 students are expected to complete their degree requirements this summer and are eligible to participate in the spring ceremonies.  

All ceremonies will be held at UNC’s Bank of Colorado Arena . Tickets are required for entry and are distributed to graduates electronically via their BearMail accounts. Guests must obtain tickets before the ceremony as they are not available at the door.  

The ceremonies can be viewed in many ways, including livestream via UNC’s website and on social media platforms for family and friends watching from home. The university also offers live Spanish-language interpretation services and viewing spaces on campus for people who want a less crowded viewing space.  

More information about tickets, parking locations and a campus map are available on UNC’s commencement website .  

Meet Our Spring Graduates  

• The spring undergraduate class is the most diverse one in the past five years with the number of students identifying as Hispanic/Latine (24.3%), Multiracial (5%) and Black or African American (4.3%) at some of the highest percentages over that timeframe.  
• This year marks the highest percent of graduate students who identify as Hispanic/Latine graduating in a spring ceremony in the past five years, more than doubling from 7% in 2020 to 16.7% in 2024.   
• Undergraduate students graduating this spring received over $24.4 million in combined merit-based and private scholarships and grants (aid that doesn’t need to be repaid) throughout their UNC education.   
• The spring class has the highest percentage of undergraduate students in the past five years (42.9%) who are the first in their families to earn a college degree.    

Most popular undergraduate degree programs:

• Psychology (100) 
• Business Administration (98) 
• Elementary Education (54)
• Nursing (53)
• Criminology and Criminal Justice (45)

Most popular graduate degree programs:

• Business Administration (46) 
• Special Education programs (46) 
• Sport and Exercise Science (28)
• Educational Leadership (19)
• School Psychology (19)
• The spring class includes 35 undergraduate and graduate student athletes across the following programs: baseball, football, men’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, softball, swimming and diving, volleyball, women’s golf and women’s soccer.  
• This class includes 54 United States veterans, 37 undergraduate students and 17 graduate students.  
• Graduates come from 46 Colorado counties, 45 states and 21 countries.   
• The youngest graduate this spring is 19 years old and the oldest is 66. 
• The College of Natural and Health Sciences graduated the largest number of undergraduate students (260), followed by the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences (200), College of Humanities and Social Sciences (193), the College of Performing and Visual Arts (107) and the Monfort College of Business (98). 
• The College of Education and Behavioral Sciences graduated the largest number of graduate students (178), followed by College of Natural and Health Sciences (111), Monfort College of Business (46), College of Performing and Visual Arts (34) and College of Humanities and Social Sciences (20). 
• UNC awarded the highest number of undergraduate degrees in the past five years in these areas: Musical Theatre (18) and English Secondary Education (16), and the number of graduate degrees awarded in Music (34), Clinical Mental Health Counseling (21) and Biological Sciences (16).

With the spring 2024 graduating class, UNC now has more than 141,600 living alumni living and working in all 50 states and more than 89 countries.  

Data about UNC’s spring 2024 class is preliminary and based on demographics of students who have applied to graduate as of April 12, 2024. Degrees are officially conferred June 2024.  

Graduate Commencement Student Speakers

Melissa Lafferty  

College of Education and Behavioral Sciences   Doctor of Philosophy, Higher Education and Student Affairs Leadership  

Melissa Lafferty is a first-generation student from Bismarck, North Dakota, with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago and a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Illinois University. She currently works as the Finish What You Started re-engagement coordinator at Colorado State University, where she also serves on the Center for Mindfulness Leadership Team. Lafferty is committed to improving access to higher education and creating positive, inclusive environments through mindful leadership.   

Nia Renee Connolly  

Monfort College of Business   Master of Business Administration, Human Resources concentration  

Nia Renee Connolly, founder of How To Love A Battered Woman, LLC., ignites transformation as a certified motivational speaker, relationship coach and author. With unwavering dedication, she empowers individuals to overcome adversity, fostering resilience and growth. As a proud wife, Connolly embodies the values of love, compassion and strength in both her personal and professional life. Her journey epitomizes the power of perseverance and the ability to rise above challenges. Through her inspirational work, Connolly inspires others to embrace their potential, cultivate healthy relationships and pursue their dreams with courage and conviction.  

Undergraduate Commencement Student Speakers  

Jenessa Hamm  

College of Education and Behavioral Sciences   Bachelor of Arts, Psychology  

Jenessa Hamm is graduating with a bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Services. She is a Colorado native and is excited for what the world has to offer after graduation. Hamm has been inspired and motivated from a young age to go to college and pursue a degree in psychology. Life circumstances were challenging, but in the face of that, she was fortunate enough to have support. While she was at UNC, Hamm was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi, attended Gender and Sexuality Resource Center events and meetings and multi-cultural events. After graduation, she plans to explore the world via traveling, and pursue a master's degree in social work.  

Madison Gremillion  

College of Natural and Health Sciences   Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences — Pre-health and Biomedical Sciences concentration  

Madison Gremillion is a non-traditional Honors student graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Bio logical Sciences on the pre-med path. Gremillion ’s Honors thesis , titled, "End-of-Life Patient Communication: Exploring Comfort, Communication and Education of Healthcare Professionals for End-of-Life Care" was awarded the Portz Interdisciplinary Fellowship through the National Collegiate Honors Council in 2022 . Gremillion hopes to contribute to the growing body of research shedding light on the importance of empathy-based practice as she continues in the Master of Public Health program at the Colorado School of Public Health at UNC in f all 2024 . She later plans to pursue a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program.   

Cesar Rosales Cordova  

College of Humanities and Social Sciences   Bachelor of Arts, Economics — Public Policy concentration  

Cesar Alejandro Rosales Cordova is a queer first-generation Latinx student born and raised in Colorado with a passion for helping others. He is graduating with a bachelor's degree in Economics and two minors , the first in Mexican American Studies and the second in Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy. At UNC, Rosales Cordova has enjoyed working with organizations such as the Office of Health Promotion, Earth Guardians, Student Affairs, Student Government and the College of Performing and Visual Arts . In the future, Rosales Cordova aims to earn his master's degree in p ublic h ealth and continue to help and empower his community .   

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Colorado lawmakers give final approval to fund UNC's proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine

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Celebrating the Class of Spring 2024

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Trump's hush money trial

College protests across the US

April jobs report

April 30, 2024 - US university protests

By Rachel Ramirez, Chandelis Duster, Samantha Delouya, Tori B. Powell, Aditi Sangal, Amir Vera, Deva Lee, Kathleen Magramo, Dalia Faheid and Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN

Our live coverage of the protests rocking US campuses has moved here

Over 100 protesters arrested across 2 New York college campuses, law enforcement official says

From CNN’s Mark Morales

Over 100 protesters were arrested Tuesday at Columbia University and City College of New York, according to a law enforcement official.

Most of the arrests were made at Columbia, including about two dozen protesters who police say tried to prevent officers from entering the campus, the official said.

Tactical teams at Columbia first set up a perimeter around the campus to hold back protesters and prevent further arrests, according to the official. Offers then entered the campus through multiple entry points.

"It's still a student-fueled movement," Columbia student magazine editor says

From CNN's Kathleen Magramo

Jonas Du, editor-in-chief of a Columbia student magazine, told CNN that the protests on campus are student-fueled regardless of any outsider involvement.

It’s “hard to say” whether those arrested from Columbia's Hamilton Hall were students or from outside the institution, the Columbia Sundial editor said.

“Even though campus has been locked down to Columbia ID holders, now there has been ways of getting in, getting non-affiliated into campus. But for the most part you need Columbia IDs, you need students to provide you with IDs that can get you into campus," said Du, who is a junior student at the university.

Du said he believes there is “evidence” of outside organizations behind the occupation's planning, but he also says numerous Columbia students were inside Hamilton Hall. 

He said he recognized “many, many Columbia students in the crowd” that formed human chains around the entrances to Hamilton Hall while reporting on the protests. 

“At the end of the day, it's still a student-fueled movement. It wouldn’t have gotten to (this) extent without the of the student organizations here.” 

Du said students received a text message and email alert from the school stating that a shelter-in-place order had been issued, asking them to remain in their dorms and not to go on campus.

"But all of us knew that that was sort of a signal that the NYPD was going to raid campus," he added.

Video shows Arizona State University police officer removing protester’s hijab during arrest

From CNN’s Cindy Von Quednow

Video taken over the weekend at Arizona State University shows a campus police officer removing a hijab from a protester’s head during her arrest.

The blurred video, obtained by Mass Liberation AZ and provided to CNN by attorney Zayed Al-Sayyed, who represents the women, shows several ASU Police Department officers surrounding a woman whose hands are held behind her back as one of the officers removes her hijab.

People nearby can be heard yelling, “You’re violating her privacy,” and “Give it back.”

The officers then pull the woman’s sweatshirt hood over her head and a bystander yells, “So she can wear a hood but not her hijab?” At one point one of the officers blocks the woman from the view of those taking the video, as a person yells, “let her go!”

A lawyer representing her and three other women who said it also happened to them is demanding accountability.

Al-Sayyed, who said the arrests took place early Saturday, did not identify the women but indicated that three of them are students at the university and all four are Phoenix-area residents. They are facing criminal trespass charges.

Upon being taken into custody, Al-Sayyed said, the women explained the significance of a hijab and “begged” to keep their hijabs, but he said they were told that their hijabs had to be removed for safety reasons.

“They never expected that an officer … who’s sworn to protect and serve is going to violate their most basic protected right under the United States Constitution, which is the right to practice their religion. So they're hurt,” Al-Sayyed said.

After being detained and bused to jail, the women were not given their hijabs back, Al-Sayyed said.

Around 15 hours later, when he was finally given access to his clients, Al-Sayyed said he was able to bring them new hijabs.

The Arizona chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-AZ),  condemned  the university police for the recorded incident and others like it and called for a full investigation.

“This act represents a blatant infringement upon the religious liberties of peaceful protesters. It is profoundly distressing for the affected women, and ASU Police must conduct a thorough investigation into this matter,” Azza Abuseif, executive director of CAIR-AZ, said in an email to CNN.

In a statement to CNN, the university said, “This matter is under review.” CNN has reached out to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office for comment.

Protests will continue despite police presence at Columbia, student negotiator says

A lead student negotiator for protesters at Columbia University has told CNN that protests will continue on the campus despite the school's request for a police presence.

The university has asked NYPD to maintain its presence on campus until May 17.

"I’m very confident that students will continue this movement even after all this brutality against them," negotiator Mahmoud Khalil said, adding that students still have the right to protest despite increased security.

Since negotiations between student protesters and the Columbia University administration began two weeks ago, the university has not viewed them as an anti-war movement, he said. 

"Instead, they dealt with it as an internal student discipline matter. They negotiated with us about bringing food and blankets to the encampment. They refused to acknowledge that this actually is more than that, this is a nationwide movement.

"This is a movement that asks Columbia to divest its investments from the companies that are fuelling the war in Gaza right now,” said Khalil, who is a second-year graduate student at Columbia.

Tensions escalated on campus when officers entered Columbia's Hamilton Hall , which had been occupied by protesters since the early hours of Tuesday, and dozens were seen being arrested.

Khalil said that "the autonomous group decided to take that building when they felt the university is not answering their demands" and was "alienating" them.

Police presence at Columbia may dampen graduation celebrations, CNN journalist and student says

From CNN's Elizabeth Wolfe

Julia Vargas Jones, a CNN journalist and Columbia Journalism School graduate student, said the university's request for an on-campus police presence through May 17 will only "dampen the mood even more" as students and their families prepare for graduation.

NYPD swarmed the university Tuesday night after the university authorized them to go into the campus to clear out a building being occupied by protesters. CNN has witnessed dozens of arrests.

"Graduation is May 15. That is my graduation as well. I have family coming from Brazil to come watch me walk across the stage and get my diploma. I hope of course, as everyone does, that this (graduation) can happen," Jones said.

"But at the same time, is there a climate for celebration, for graduation?" Jones said.

Jones said she's unsure the climate on campus will be celebratory as graduation nears.

"I spoke to a lot of students on campus today and students were just feeling caught in between. I don't really see celebration being something we flock to in the coming weeks," she said. "I'm interested to see who will actually attend graduation."

Jones said she has not witnessed any violent altercations as she reported from inside Columbia’s campus Tuesday night. After the campus was cleared by NYPD, Jones described the atmosphere as quiet enough to “hear a pin drop.”

NYPD used flash bangs to breach Columbia building where doors were barricaded

From CNN’s Matthew Friedman and Miguel Marquez

NYPD officers used flash-bang grenades to breach Columbia's Hamilton Hall, which protesters had barricaded themselves inside Tuesday, the police department told CNN.

The building's doors had been barricaded with chairs, tables and vending machines, and windows had been covered with newspaper, the NYPD said.

When a flash-bang grenade is deployed , it emits a bright flash and a very loud bang, often used to shock and disorient. 

Video posted by NYPD Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry shows officers searching a bookshelf-lined office after busting the door's lock with a hammer.

Another video shows officers packing a stairwell and passing chairs to one another.

At least 50 officers had earlier used an elevated ramp to climb into the building through a window. 

Columbia University property has been cleared, NYPD says

From CNN’s Matthew Friedman and Miguel Marquez at Columbia

Columbia University’s property has been cleared, the New York Police Department told CNN, less than two hours after officers entered the school’s campus in Morningside Heights.

Hamilton Hall has also been cleared, the NYPD says, and nobody was wounded during the operation. 

The NYPD is still monitoring different locations for protesters across the city, they said.

Photos show NYPD action at Columbia University

From CNN Digital’s Photo Team

The New York Police Department entered the Columbia University campus late Tuesday evening after receiving a letter from the university authorizing them to go into the campus, a law enforcement source familiar with the situation told CNN. 

Officers entered Hamilton Hall , which had been occupied by protesters since the early morning hours Tuesday.

Dozens of people have been arrested.

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