The Cheapest Finance Degree Programs of 2027
Key Points: Best Cheapest Finance Degree Programs
- Florida Atlantic University ranks #1 on an 80.0 Program Score, with a 63% graduation rate.
- Only the top 15 programs make this list; every one is ranked on the same federal data, not on reputation.
- The #1 program is also the lowest-tuition program on the list, so the best value and the best score are the same school.
- Scores weigh graduation rate most, then selectivity, cost and graduate earnings, from IPEDS, College Scorecard and BLS data. No school pays for a place (methodology).
- Lowest in-state tuition
- $2,522
- In-state tuition range
- $2,522-$5,292
- Average graduation rate
- 62%
- Median salary (BLS)
- $100,910
The cheapest finance degree programs are not the ones advertising the lowest price. They are the accredited programs that graduate their students and charge honestly for it. From the 405 finance programs we analyzed, this ranking lists the 15 most affordable options with the lowest in-state tuition that still clear an accreditation and completion floor, so "cheap" never means a degree that does not finish or does not count.
At the top, Florida Atlantic University charges $2,522 a year in-state while graduating 63% of its students. In-state tuition across the ranked programs runs $2,522 to $5,292 a year. Against a field median of $100,910 (BLS), the lowest-cost accredited programs are where the return on a finance degree is widest.
One caveat up front: these are in-state figures. Out-of-state students pay more at public schools, so the cheapest program for you depends on where you live, a point the cost section below unpacks.
The Lowest-Cost Finance Degree Programs, Compared
In-state tuition for the 10 most affordable programs. Shorter bars cost less; the resident rate is what state schools charge in-state students.
How We Rank Cheapest Finance Degree Programs
We analyzed 405 accredited finance programs reported to IPEDS, then ranked the 15 lowest in-state tuition among programs that clear an accreditation and completion floor. No school pays for inclusion.
Every program earns a Program Score from 0 to 100, built only from federal data (IPEDS, the U.S. Department of Education, and BLS) and scored against its true peers: programs in the same field at the same degree level. No reputation surveys, no pay-to-play. Here is how the score is weighted:
- Outcomes44%
Graduation rate (26%) and real per-school graduate earnings (18%). Does the program get students to the finish line, and where do they land?
- Selectivity & academics38%
Admissions selectivity (24%) and the academic profile of admitted students (14%).
- Scale & value18%
Enrollment (7%), cost-to-earnings value (6%), and the number of graduates a program produces (5%).
Weights renormalize over the data each program actually reports, so a school missing a metric (many open-access colleges do not publish entrance scores or earnings) is never penalized for it. Scores are percentiles within the peer group, curved to a 0-to-100 scale. What the score does not measure: individual instructor quality, specific course content, or campus culture. Verify those directly with the program.
The 15 Cheapest Finance Degree Programs, Ranked for 2027
The 15 cheapest finance degree programs, ranked by in-state tuition.
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL · Public
- Grad rate
- 63%
- Admit rate
- 66%
- In-state
- $2,522
- Out-of-state
- $14,374
Florida Atlantic University's finance major deliberately narrows its focus to prepare students for the financial work of corporations and banks, and the college lists a trading room among student resources.
- 63% graduation rate
- Program Score 80
- $2,522 in-state tuition
- Finance-focused major
Florida Atlantic University's College of Business offers a major in finance that prepares students to plan, manage and analyze the financial and monetary operations and performance of organizations, banking institutions and other financial businesses. The school says the major, unlike other business administration majors, intentionally narrows its focus to the short and long-term financial challenges of a changing financial landscape. Requirements are published by catalog year in finance program sheets, and students must meet the college's requirements for admission to a business major before declaring. The college also lists a trading room among its student resources and an online BBA among its delivery options.
Related options include a minor in finance, a minor in real estate, an M.S. in Finance and a Ph.D. with a finance concentration. The school reports AACSB accreditation. FAU admits 66% of applicants, and 63% of students complete a program. In-state tuition is $2,522 and out-of-state tuition is $14,374. The Program Score of 80 out of 100 is the basis of this ranking. The major fits students who already know they want a finance career in banking, corporate finance or investing and who are willing to specialize earlier than a general business degree would require.
Dalton State College
Dalton, GA · Public
- Grad rate
- 25%
- Admit rate
- Open admission
- In-state
- $2,616
- Out-of-state
- $9,936
Dalton State College's finance degree is a B.B.A. in Finance and Applied Economics with an on-campus finance lab streaming Bloomberg TV.
- Program Score 57.5
- Open admission
- $2,616 in-state tuition
- Finance lab with Bloomberg TV
Dalton State College in Dalton, Georgia, offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Applied Economics through its Wright School of Business. The program teaches analytical skills for understanding market dynamics, identifying trends and making informed decisions, including market research, trend analysis and strategic planning. The school says graduates are prepared for careers in banking, risk management and government, and lists financial planning and analysis, insurance and investment banking as career paths. Students can use a finance lab in Gignilliat Hall with Bloomberg TV, stock tickers and individual computers. Dalton State names alumni employers such as Truist, Mohawk Industries, Shaw Industries and the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Dalton State is an open-admission college, and 25% of students graduate. In-state tuition is $2,616 and out-of-state tuition is $9,936, one of the lowest in-state prices among bachelor's programs. The program has a Program Score of 57.5 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits students who want a very low-cost route into finance, who plan to work in northwest Georgia, or who need an open door to a bachelor's degree, and who can plan around the modest graduation rate.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC · Public
- Grad rate
- 69%
- Admit rate
- 80%
- In-state
- $3,812
- Out-of-state
- $19,065
A Belk College of Business finance degree with a Risk Management and Insurance concentration whose students report 100% employment within two months of graduating.
- 69% graduation rate
- Program Score 82.7
- $3,812 in-state tuition
- Risk Management and Insurance concentration
The B.S.B.A. in Finance at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte is offered through the Belk College of Business and delivered on campus across 120 credit hours. Students admitted to the college start as Pre-Business majors and declare finance after finishing the progression courses. Four paths are listed: Finance, a Finance and Accounting joint concentration, Finance with Real Estate, and Finance with Risk Management and Insurance. The page highlights the chance to manage a live investment portfolio. For the Risk Management and Insurance concentration, it reports about 50 students completing an internship each year, 100% employed within two months of graduation and nearly 700 completers since 1998. The school also reports AACSB accreditation held for more than 30 years, and strong undergraduates can apply for early entry to graduate programs in economics or financial engineering and fintech.
UNC Charlotte graduates 69% of its students and admits 80% of applicants. In-state tuition is $3,812, compared with $19,065 out of state. The program has a Program Score of 82.7 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits students who want a finance degree with options in banking, real estate or insurance, and who may want to continue to a master's degree through early entry.
University of North Florida
Jacksonville, FL · Public
- Grad rate
- 69%
- Admit rate
- 53%
- In-state
- $3,996
- Out-of-state
- $16,799
A Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance at University of North Florida with 12 credits of major courses and 18 elective credits, including Corporate, Investment and Real Estate focus areas.
- 69% graduation rate
- Program Score 85.8
- $3,996 in-state tuition
- Corporate, Investment and Real Estate focus areas
The University of North Florida's Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance combines 21 credits of prerequisites, an 18-credit business core and 12 credits of major requirements: Financial Institutions, Investments, International Finance and Management Information Systems. Students then take 18 elective credits, with at least 6 in finance, and can select courses from FIN, real estate and risk management prefixes. The page suggests three areas of focus. Corporate options include Financial Management II and Financial Statement Analysis, Investment options include Security Analysis and Derivatives, and Real Estate options include Real Estate Analysis and Real Estate Finance. A grade of C or better is required in all prerequisite, core and major courses, and the final semester includes a strategic management capstone.
UNF graduates 69% of its students and admits 53% of applicants. In-state tuition is $3,996 and out-of-state tuition is $16,799. This program earns a Program Score of 85.8 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits students who want a flexible finance degree they can steer toward corporate finance, investing or real estate, at a low in-state price.
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC · Public
- Grad rate
- 75%
- Admit rate
- 90%
- In-state
- $4,242
- Out-of-state
- $21,875
A BSBA in Finance and Banking in a business college the school reports is AACSB accredited, with exposure to simulations and business professionals.
- 75% graduation rate
- Program Score 79.6
- $4,242 in-state tuition
- Finance and Banking BSBA, Boone campus
Appalachian State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Finance and Banking on its Boone campus, housed in the Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance within the Walker College of Business. The page says students learn how money is raised and invested, how to manage a company's financial resources, and how capital markets, corporate finance, investments and financial institutions work. Coursework includes models, simulation exercises and interaction with business professionals. The school reports that the Walker College is accredited by AACSB International. Students can use Business Career Services for coaching and resume reviews, and an accelerated bachelor's-to-master's option lets them start graduate study as undergraduates.
Federal data shows a 75% graduation rate and a 90% admit rate. In-state tuition is $4,242 and out-of-state tuition is $21,875. The program earns a Program Score of 79.6 out of 100, which is the basis for its ranking. App State enrolls about 21,570 students. The degree suits students aiming at corporate finance, financial planning, investment banking, insurance or real estate who want a public university price for in-state residents and a broad business foundation alongside the finance coursework.
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL · Public
- Grad rate
- 91%
- Admit rate
- 24%
- In-state
- $4,477
- Out-of-state
- $25,694
The University of Florida's finance bachelor's degree has students manage real investment portfolios and compete in stock pitch and case competitions.
- 91% graduation rate
- Program Score 98.4
- $4,477 in-state tuition
- Manage real investment portfolios
The University of Florida's BSBA in Finance at the Warrington College of Business is a 120-credit, four-year program with on-campus study on a semester schedule that includes in-person, online and hybrid courses. It teaches students to evaluate new business opportunities, secure and manage capital, understand the returns investors expect, value stocks and investments, and minimize risk. The page emphasizes hands-on work: managing real investment portfolios, competing in stock pitch competitions, joining national site visits with employers, networking with finance professionals and alumni, and solving problems in case competitions. It describes the goal as preparing students for roles from startups to Fortune 500 companies and investment management.
The University of Florida graduates 91% of its students and admits 24% of applicants. In-state tuition is $4,477 a year and out-of-state tuition is $25,694. The program has a Program Score of 98.4 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits students who want applied experience in investing and corporate finance during their undergraduate years and who are ready for a competitive, on-campus business college.
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL · Public
- Grad rate
- 78%
- Admit rate
- 40%
- In-state
- $4,478
- Out-of-state
- $19,810
A finance major whose upper-level classes use Bloomberg terminals and prepare students for the Bloomberg Market Concepts certification.
- 78% graduation rate
- Program Score 93.3
- $4,478 in-state tuition
- Bloomberg terminal coursework
University of Central Florida's finance major in the Miller College of Business covers business finance, investments, financial institutions, international finance, risk management and insurance, and real estate. Students learn asset valuation, corporate planning and performance analysis. In upper-level classes they work on Bloomberg terminals, and they can take the Bloomberg Market Concepts test for certification. A Financial Statement Analysis course covers material relevant to the CFA. Courses include Intermediate Corporate Finance, Equity and Capital Markets and Advanced Topics in Financial Management, which relies heavily on case studies. UCF says it was the first college in Florida to offer a fintech minor and certificate, which finance majors can pair with the degree.
Federal data show a 78% graduation rate at UCF and an admit rate of 40%. In-state tuition is $4,478, compared with $19,810 for out-of-state students. The program holds a Program Score of 93.3 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It suits students aiming at corporate finance, investments, wealth management, banking or insurance who want hands-on experience with the data tools used in the industry.
University of West Georgia
Carrollton, GA · Public
- Grad rate
- 43%
- Admit rate
- 52%
- In-state
- $4,488
- Out-of-state
- $16,200
University of West Georgia's BBA in finance requires 21 upper-level major hours, three core finance courses and a strategic management capstone, and can be earned more than 50% online.
- 43% graduation rate
- Program Score 74.1
- $4,488 in-state tuition
- Over 50% online option
The University of West Georgia offers a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in finance through the Department of Accounting and Finance in the Richards College of Business. The major consists of seven upper-level courses totaling 21 hours, plus a three-hour strategic management capstone required of all BBA students. Required courses are Intermediate Corporate Finance, Investment Analysis and Bank Management. Students add three finance electives, such as international finance, portfolio management or derivative markets, and one accounting course in either financial statement analysis or management accounting. An internship course is available for those who secure a qualifying position. The degree requires 120 semester hours and can be earned more than 50% online, though campus visits are required and the page lists courses below the 4000 level as available online. The school reports AACSB accreditation for the college.
The program has a Program Score of 74.1 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. West Georgia's federal graduation rate is 43% and its admit rate is 52%. In-state tuition is $4,488 and out-of-state tuition is $16,200. It suits students who want a banking and investments emphasis in a partly online format and who can manage occasional trips to the Carrollton campus.
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, GA · Public
- Grad rate
- 55%
- Admit rate
- 88%
- In-state
- $4,488
- Out-of-state
- $16,200
A BBA in finance with a Wall Street trip in New York City and a student investment group, backed by a 55% graduation rate.
- 55% graduation rate
- Program Score 72.6
- $4,488 in-state tuition
- Eagles on Wall Street course
Georgia Southern University offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance on its Statesboro campus through the Parker College of Business. Students learn time value of money analysis, ratio analysis, risk and return measures, and how to build spreadsheets to solve business finance problems. Experiential options include Eagles on Wall Street, a course with a travel component in New York City where students meet analysts and executives at financial firms, and membership in the Finance Association or the Southern Investment Association. The university also partners with the Georgia FinTech Academy for online fintech learning. The page lists graduate employers such as Fidelity Investments, PIMCO, GEICO, The Home Depot and PricewaterhouseCoopers, and roles from financial analyst to financial advisor.
Federally reported figures show a 55% graduation rate and an 88% admit rate. In-state tuition is $4,488 and out-of-state tuition is $16,200. The program earns a Program Score of 72.6 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It suits Georgia students who want a broad finance foundation covering banking, investing, insurance and financial planning at a public-university price, with hands-on investment experience built in.
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL · Public
- Grad rate
- 77%
- Admit rate
- 43%
- In-state
- $4,559
- Out-of-state
- $15,473
University of South Florida's finance major offers four concentrations: corporate finance, fintech, investment analysis and real estate.
- Program Score 89.9
- 77% graduation rate
- $4,559 in-state tuition
- Fintech and real estate concentrations
The University of South Florida (USF) finance major is a broad-based, analytical program for students planning careers in managing large and small organizations. The school says finance majors can take courses that prepare them for financial management of corporations, management of financial institutions, investments, financial services, insurance and real estate. Four concentrations are available: Corporate Finance, Fintech, Investment Analysis and Real Estate. USF describes career paths in banking, including commercial lending, bank branch management and trust management, as well as corporate finance, financial planning, finance-related sales and investments, where graduates work as security analysts or portfolio managers. A curriculum guide and flyer are linked from the program page, and the school features student spotlights on its news feed.
USF reports a 77% graduation rate and a 43% admit rate. In-state tuition is $4,559, compared with $15,473 out of state. The program earned a Program Score of 89.9 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It suits students who want a quantitative business degree with room to specialize in fintech, investments or real estate, and who are comfortable with a large public university.
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL · Public
- Grad rate
- 86%
- Admit rate
- 24%
- In-state
- $4,640
- Out-of-state
- $19,084
Florida State University's finance major prepares students for banking, investments, portfolio management, financial planning and multinational finance, and also serves as a route to law or business school.
- 86% graduation rate
- Program Score 96.1
- $4,640 in-state tuition
- Eight-semester academic map
Florida State University awards a Bachelor of Science in Finance through its College of Business. The program introduces the theory, concepts, applications, institutional environment and analytical tools needed for sound financial decisions. The page lists career directions in financial management and analysis, commercial and investment banking, financial institutions and markets, investments, portfolio analysis and management, financial planning and multinational finance, and calls finance valuable preparation for graduate study in law or business. To enter the major, students must meet College of Business admission requirements, and the school notes that students are typically certified to the college beginning their junior year. Course requirements follow the academic year of certification, and an academic map lays out a recommended eight-semester plan.
Florida State graduates 86% of its students and admits 24% of applicants. In-state tuition is $4,640 a year and out-of-state tuition is $19,084. The Program Score of 96.1 out of 100 is the basis of this ranking. The program fits students who want a broad finance foundation and can plan around the junior-year certification step, whether they aim for corporate finance, banking or an investment path, or want finance as a base for later graduate study.
Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 48%
- Admit rate
- 90%
- In-state
- $4,704
- Out-of-state
- $16,522
A finance major with a banking concentration that requires bank management and bank strategy courses and nine credit hours of electives.
- 48% graduation rate
- Program Score 65.4
- $4,704 in-state tuition
- Banking concentration with agricultural finance electives
The page lists the finance major with a banking concentration at Fort Hays State University, housed in the Department of Economics, Finance & Accounting. The concentration core includes Principles of Banking, Fundamentals of Investments, Intermediate Finance, Financial Markets and Institutions, Bank Management, Bank Strategy, Quantitative Methods, Money and Banking and Financial Statement Analysis, each worth three credit hours. Students then choose nine credit hours of banking electives. Options include intermediate accounting, income tax procedure, fundamentals of lending, investment theories and strategies, international finance and estate planning. Several electives are agricultural, such as farm management, agricultural commodity marketing and agricultural finance, which gives the concentration a clear rural and agribusiness lending angle.
Federal data show a 48% graduation rate and an admit rate of 90%. In-state tuition is $4,704, compared with $16,522 for out-of-state students. The program's Program Score is 65.4 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. The program fits students aiming at banking, lending or agricultural finance who want a defined sequence of bank-focused courses and a low in-state price, and it is a stronger match for them than for students who want a general corporate finance track.
Florida International University
Miami, FL · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 74%
- Admit rate
- 55%
- In-state
- $4,721
- Out-of-state
- $16,529
A 120-credit BBA in Finance at Florida International University that splits 60 lower-division and 60 upper-division credits and is also offered online.
- 74% graduation rate
- Program Score 86.3
- $4,721 in-state tuition
- Online option available
The Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance at Florida International University (FIU) teaches how money is raised and invested and how a company manages its financial resources. The curriculum covers capital markets, corporate finance, investments and financial institutions, along with risk analysis, valuing investments and the regulatory environment. Learning goals on the program page include time value of money applied to mortgage math and capital budgeting, the commercial banking business, and derivative instruments and strategies used by investors and corporations. The degree combines 60 credits of lower-division coursework with 60 credits of upper-division work, and the school lists a separate online option, BBA in Finance Online. FIU says graduates are prepared for corporations, financial institutions, brokerage firms, investment banks and government, or for postgraduate study.
Federal data show a 74% graduation rate and a 55% admit rate at FIU, so admission is selective but not extreme. In-state tuition is $4,721, against $16,529 for out-of-state students. The program's Program Score of 86.3 out of 100 is the basis of its ranking. It suits students who want a broad, low-cost finance foundation at a large public university in Miami, and those who need the flexibility of an online route. Students aiming at investment banking, corporate finance or financial planning will find the coursework aligned with those paths.
McNeese State University
Lake Charles, LA · Public
- Grad rate
- 47%
- Admit rate
- 78%
- In-state
- $5,147
- Out-of-state
- $6,647
McNeese finance offers Financial Analysis, Financial Services and General Finance concentrations in a 120-credit B.S.B.A.
- Program Score 66.8
- $5,147 in-state tuition
- 3 finance concentrations
- LNG Business certificate option
McNeese State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a finance major, taught in person over four years and 120 credit hours. Students choose among concentrations in Financial Analysis, Financial Services and General Finance. The school says finance students learn how financial information shapes business decisions and how resources are managed. Internships and connections with the regional business community let students see finance in practice. College of Business students can add a minor in Entrepreneurship or Construction Management, or the Certificate in Liquefied Natural Gas Business, which ties coursework to a major Southwest Louisiana industry. Support comes from small classes and the Center for Learning and Student Success, which offers tutoring, writing support and career development.
McNeese reports a 47% graduation rate and admits 78% of applicants. In-state tuition is $5,147 and out-of-state tuition is $6,647. The program has a Program Score of 66.8 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits students in the Lake Charles region who want a finance degree with a choice of three tracks, a possible link to the local energy sector through the LNG certificate, and a modest price for out-of-state students as well.
University of the District of Columbia
Washington, DC · Public
- Grad rate
- 33%
- Admit rate
- Open admission
- In-state
- $5,292
- Out-of-state
- $12,144
A finance BBA that the school reports is AACSB accredited, with trips to the Federal Reserve and stock trading simulations.
- 33% graduation rate
- Program Score 55.7
- $5,292 in-state tuition
- 121-credit BBA with trading simulations
The University of the District of Columbia offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance through its School of Business and Public Administration. The page states that the program is accredited by AACSB and describes an integrated look at business financing, investments, financial organizations and the way government and business interact on financial controls. Experiential learning includes field trips to the Federal Reserve, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and Chicago, plus stock trading simulations. Graduation takes 121 credit hours: 27 in the major, 51 in ancillary requirements, 37 in general education and 6 in electives. Students may add a concentration in Logistics and International Trade. The school points to careers in corporate financial management, commercial banking, mortgage lending, securities brokerage, real estate, insurance, financial counseling and investment management, as well as government budgeting and regulatory work.
UDC is an open-admission university, and federal data show a 33% graduation rate. In-state tuition is $5,292 and out-of-state tuition is $12,144, a notably low price for District residents. The program has a Program Score of 55.7 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. It fits students who want a finance degree in a public urban setting with hands-on exposure to financial institutions and who need an affordable route into the field.
Open admission: the school admits every qualified applicant, so it reports no admit rate.
Graduation Rates at the Ranked Cheapest Finance Degree Programs
The median school on this list graduates 69% of its students. The highest rates belong to University of Florida (91%) and Florida State University (86%). The top graduation rate is not at the #1 school, because the score also weighs selectivity, cost, and earnings.
- #6 University of Florida91% graduation rate
- #11 Florida State University86% graduation rate
- #7 University of Central Florida78% graduation rate
Institution-wide graduation rates reported to IPEDS. They describe the whole school, not this program alone.
How Selective Are the Cheapest Finance Degree Programs?
On this list, 2 of 15 schools are open-admission, taking every qualified applicant. Of the rest, 4 schools admit fewer than half of applicants, the most selective being University of Florida at 24%.
- #6 University of Florida24% admitted
- #11 Florida State University24% admitted
- #7 University of Central Florida40% admitted
Institution-wide admit rates for first-time applicants, reported to IPEDS. Open-admission schools do not report one.
Online Options Among the Cheapest Finance Degree Programs
Of the 15 schools ranked here, 2 offer distance education. The highest ranked is Fort Hays State University, at #12.
- #12 Fort Hays State UniversityHays, KS
- #13 Florida International UniversityMiami, FL
Based on each school reporting distance-education offerings to IPEDS. Whether this specific degree is fully online varies, so confirm the format with the school.
Where the Cheapest Finance Degree Programs Are
The 15 ranked schools are spread across 6 states. Florida (7), Georgia (3), and North Carolina (2) are the only ones with more than one ranked school.
Main campus state as reported to IPEDS.
Campus Size Across the Cheapest Finance Degree Programs
Enrollment on this list runs from 4,202 at University of the District of Columbia to 69,713 at University of Central Florida. Of the 15, 9 enroll 20,000 students or more and 1 enrolls fewer than 5,000.
Total institution enrollment reported to IPEDS, all levels and programs.
What Graduates of the Cheapest Finance Degree Programs Earn
| Rank | School | Median earnings, 4 years outEarnings, 4 yrs | Average net priceNet price |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Florida Atlantic UniversityFlorida Atlantic | $70,078 | $10,394 |
| #3 | University of North Carolina at CharlotteNorth Carolina at Charlotte | $74,965 | $15,142 |
| #4 | University of North FloridaNorth Florida | $75,475 | $11,689 |
| #5 | Appalachian State UniversityAppalachian State | $75,396 | $16,082 |
| #6 | University of FloridaFlorida | $106,153 | $5,969 |
| #7 | University of Central FloridaCentral Florida | $82,007 | $11,516 |
| #8 | University of West GeorgiaWest Georgia | $72,717 | $11,787 |
| #9 | Georgia Southern UniversityGeorgia Southern | $79,411 | $16,785 |
| #10 | University of South FloridaSouth Florida | $73,933 | $8,648 |
| #11 | Florida State UniversityFlorida State | $87,089 | $8,605 |
| #12 | Fort Hays State UniversityFort Hays State | $64,524 | $16,333 |
| #13 | Florida International UniversityFlorida International | $71,355 | $11,462 |
| #14 | McNeese State UniversityMcNeese State | $62,705 | $11,228 |
Graduates of Florida earn the most four years after finishing, a median of $106,153; the lowest figure here is $62,705 at McNeese State.
Florida Atlantic, the highest-ranked of these schools (#1), comes in at $70,078.
Net price, what the average aided undergraduate pays after grants, ranges from $5,969 a year at Florida to $16,785 at Georgia Southern.
College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Earnings cover each school's programs in this field at this degree level; net price is for full-time first-time undergraduates receiving aid.
In-State vs. Out-Of-State: Read the Price Twice
The tuition ranked here is the in-state rate, and at public schools that is the number residents pay. Out-of-state students often pay two to three times as much, which can flip the order of this list entirely. If you are looking outside your home state, check the out-of-state column, look for online programs that charge every student the resident rate, and factor in that some states honor regional tuition-exchange agreements.
Published annual tuition and required fees reported to IPEDS. Private schools charge one rate regardless of residency; public schools charge non-residents the out-of-state rate shown on each card.
Are the Cheapest Finance Degree Programs Worth It?
Low tuition only pays off if the degree finishes and counts. That is why this ranking filters for accreditation and a real graduation rate before sorting on price: a $2,095 program that graduates a fraction of its students is not a bargain. Every school here is accredited and reporting completion data to the federal government, so the price reflects a credential that employers and licensing boards recognize.
What "Tuition" Leaves Out
Sticker tuition is not total cost. Fees, books, and (for on-campus students) living expenses can rival tuition itself, while grants and scholarships pull the net price down. Use each school's net price calculator for your situation, and weigh whether an online option lets you keep working while you study, which changes the real cost of the degree more than a few hundred dollars of tuition.
Best Bachelor's in Finance Programs by State
Prefer a state-by-state view? We rank Finance Programs in 16 states, each grounded in that state's real, accredited programs.
Keep Exploring
Cheapest Finance Degree Programs: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest finance degree?
Florida Atlantic University has the lowest in-state tuition among accredited programs at $2,522 a year, followed by Dalton State College and University of North Carolina at Charlotte. These are in-state rates; out-of-state students pay more at public schools.
Are cheap finance programs worth it?
An affordable finance degree is worth it when the school is accredited and actually graduates students, both of which we require before ranking on price. Accreditation, not tuition, determines whether the credential counts.
Is in-state tuition the price I'll pay?
Only if you are a resident of the school's state. Public schools charge non-residents a higher out-of-state rate, so confirm your residency status and check the out-of-state column before comparing.
Can I get a finance degree online for less?
Sometimes. Online programs often charge a flat per-credit rate for every student, which can beat out-of-state tuition. See our best online finance programs ranking to compare.