Rankings / Online Masters
Best Online Master's in Finance
- 50
- Schools
- $50,282
- Avg. Earnings
- 39%
- Avg. Graduation
- $17,860
- Avg. Net Price
- $21,972
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $24,651 at the low end to $84,131 at the top. That 3.4× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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University of Florida-Online offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $71,588 against $4,815 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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Cost and quality are not at odds here. The most affordable school, University of Florida-Online at $4,815 a year in net price, delivers earnings of $71,588, matching or exceeding the list average.
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Completion rates separate this field: University of Florida-Online graduates 81% of its students, well above the 39% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Western Governors University: graduates owe only 0.18× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to University of Florida-Online ($71,588 earnings), not the highest earner, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide ($84,131). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. University of Florida-Online ($4,815/yr) and Southern New Hampshire University ($36,708/yr) produce graduates earning $71,588 and $50,318 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $31,893 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, University of Florida-Online outperforms Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
The Takeaway
The through line among the top-ranked schools is plain. They pair solid graduate earnings with affordable costs and meaningful social mobility. Prestige and selectivity matter far less than whether students end up better off.
What This Means for Students
Your shortlist should start with University of Florida-Online. For each school, look up the net price your family would actually pay, weigh it against typical graduate earnings, and build the decision around the return instead of the name recognition.
Why this ranking matters
Business is one of the higher-return fields in the economy, but the payoff depends heavily on where you study it. Graduates of these programs earn a median of about $50K within a decade, and financial analyst roles are projected to grow 9%. We rank programs by the outcomes they produce for graduates, not by reputation.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 University of Florida-Online #1 overall | $71,588 ▲ +42% vs avg | $4,815 | 81% | 100 |
| 2 Southern New Hampshire University #2 overall | $50,318 ▲ +0% vs avg | $36,708 | 44% | 100 |
| 3 Bellevue University #3 overall | $61,289 ▲ +22% vs avg | $17,550 | 39% | 100 |
| $84,131 ▲ +67% vs avg | $18,725 | 21% | 100 | |
| $49,520 ▼ -2% vs avg | $24,860 | 55% | 100 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Online Master's in Finance
This analysis ranks 50 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $50,282 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 39% and an average net price of $17,860.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: University of Florida-Online — Net Price: $4,815 | Graduation Rate: 81%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: University of Florida-Online — 81% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide — Median alumni earnings: $84,131
Our Analysis Found
The most expensive quartile of colleges costs 373% more than the most affordable — but their graduates earn just 34% more.
Finance & Accounting Careers Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the future of finance, accounting, and compliance careers?
$49,338
Median earnings (10yr)
37%
Median graduation rate
$18,846
Median net price
1.9%
Avg. mobility rate
Two forces are reshaping finance and accounting careers, and they pull in opposite directions. Automation keeps eliminating routine transaction work. Meanwhile a deepening CPA shortage has intensified competition for graduates who can handle audit, controls, compliance, and strategic analysis. Programs that build those higher-order skills hold their value best.
The median graduation rate across these 50 schools is 37%. Median graduate earnings reach $49,338 ten years after enrollment, roughly $1,338 more than the national worker average of $48,000. Average net price, the cost after grants, is $18,846 a year, and median federal debt at graduation is about $22,057. Some 42% of students receive Pell grants, and mobility, the share of low-income students who reach the top quintile, averages 1.9%.
The programs that pair professional credentialing (CPA and CFA pathways) with strong employer placement deliver the most reliable returns. Graduates post a median of $49,338 ten years after enrollment, with typical debt of $22,057. As automation raises the floor, the credential plus the network is what separates a good program from the rest.
The podium
Build your ranking
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Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
University of Florida-Online lands at #1 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (87/100) and pulled down by academic quality (68/100). Graduates earn a median $71,588 a decade after enrolling, 42% above this list's average, and net price runs $4,815 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Southern New Hampshire University lands at #2 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (93/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (31/100). Graduates earn a median $50,318 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $36,708 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Bellevue University lands at #3 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (90/100) and pulled down by academic quality (46/100). Graduates earn a median $61,289 a decade after enrolling, 22% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,550 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Daytona Beach, FL · 58% accepted · $18,725 net
Why it ranks #4
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide lands at #4 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (77/100) and pulled down by academic quality (41/100). Graduates earn a median $84,131 a decade after enrolling, 67% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,725 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Ave Maria University lands at #5 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (72/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $49,520 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $24,860 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Franklin University lands at #6 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (91/100) and pulled down by academic quality (31/100). Graduates earn a median $51,892 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $25,243 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Western Governors University lands at #7 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (74/100) and pulled down by academic quality (64/100). Graduates earn a median $60,615 a decade after enrolling, 21% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,548 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
University Park, PA · 91% accepted · $19,550 net
Why it ranks #8
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus lands at #8 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $63,435 a decade after enrolling, 26% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,550 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Grand Canyon University lands at #9 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (93/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $42,186 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,472 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
University of West Alabama lands at #10 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (50/100). Graduates earn a median $44,232 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,684 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Empire State University lands at #11 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (70/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $54,080 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,676 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
University of Arkansas Grantham lands at #12 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by academic quality (39/100). Graduates earn a median $63,496 a decade after enrolling, 26% above this list's average, and net price runs $8,370 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Manchester, NH · $10,864 net
Why it ranks #13
University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online lands at #13 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (71/100) and pulled down by academic quality (37/100). Graduates earn a median $66,479 a decade after enrolling, 32% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,864 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Waldorf University lands at #14 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (91/100) and pulled down by academic quality (41/100). Graduates earn a median $51,165 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,693 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Purdue University Global lands at #15 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (65/100) and pulled down by academic quality (48/100). Graduates earn a median $36,596 a decade after enrolling, 27% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,770 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Liberty University lands at #16 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (61/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (36/100). Graduates earn a median $44,813 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $29,357 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
National University lands at #17 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (46/100). Graduates earn a median $67,548 a decade after enrolling, 34% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,878 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Touro University Worldwide lands at #18 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (57/100) and pulled down by academic quality (48/100). Graduates earn a median $40,803 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,058 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
University of Maryland Global Campus lands at #19 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (71/100) and pulled down by academic quality (42/100). Graduates earn a median $65,287 a decade after enrolling, 30% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,063 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Upper Iowa University lands at #20 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (90/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $52,766 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,942 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Herzing University-Madison lands at #21 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (57/100) and pulled down by academic quality (36/100). Graduates earn a median $36,909 a decade after enrolling, 27% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,327 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Shreveport, LA · 51% accepted · $7,022 net
Why it ranks #22
Louisiana State University-Shreveport lands at #22 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (74/100) and pulled down by social mobility (51/100). Graduates earn a median $47,477 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,022 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
Bryant & Stratton College-Online lands at #23 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (52/100) and pulled down by academic quality (31/100). Graduates earn a median $32,568 a decade after enrolling, 35% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,187 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Belhaven University lands at #24 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $46,440 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,676 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
Saint Leo University lands at #25 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (90/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $48,364 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,293 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Fort Wayne, IN · $20,473 net
Why it ranks #26
Indiana Institute of Technology-College of Professional Studies lands at #26 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (61/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $47,327 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,473 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
Arizona State University Digital Immersion lands at #27 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (71/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (64/100). Graduates earn a median $62,668 a decade after enrolling, 25% above this list's average. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Oklahoma City, OK · 92% accepted · $16,692 net
Why it ranks #28
Mid-America Christian University lands at #28 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (67/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $46,116 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,692 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
Columbia International University lands at #29 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $38,951 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $26,036 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
Remington College-Shreveport Campus lands at #30 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (58/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (31/100). Graduates earn a median $31,349 a decade after enrolling, 38% below this list's average, and net price runs $30,758 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
College of Micronesia-FSM lands at #31 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (87/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (12/100). Graduates earn a median $24,651 a decade after enrolling, 51% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,789 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #32
Prescott College lands at #32 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (62/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $42,359 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,583 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #33
University of Cincinnati-Clermont College lands at #33 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (70/100) and pulled down by academic quality (32/100). Graduates earn a median $54,810 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,803 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Saint Louis, MO · 95% accepted · $22,066 net
Why it ranks #34
Maryville University of Saint Louis lands at #34 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $62,105 a decade after enrolling, 24% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,066 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #35
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global lands at #35 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $59,986 a decade after enrolling, 19% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,898 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #36
Eastern University lands at #36 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $51,655 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $26,662 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #37
Fisher College lands at #37 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (92/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $49,669 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $26,649 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #38
Kent State University at East Liverpool lands at #38 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (65/100) and pulled down by academic quality (30/100). Graduates earn a median $45,388 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,392 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #39
Southeastern Oklahoma State University lands at #39 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $45,079 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,039 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #40
Buena Vista University lands at #40 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $49,156 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,846 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #41
Salish Kootenai College lands at #41 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (79/100) and pulled down by social mobility (46/100). Graduates earn a median $32,725 a decade after enrolling, 35% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,945 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #42
University of the Southwest lands at #42 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (62/100) and pulled down by social mobility (49/100). Graduates earn a median $45,389 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,927 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #43
Ensign College lands at #43 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (45/100). Graduates earn a median $50,630 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,824 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #44
Wilkes University lands at #44 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (36/100). Graduates earn a median $63,454 a decade after enrolling, 26% above this list's average, and net price runs $27,743 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #45
McMurry University lands at #45 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (56/100). Graduates earn a median $48,779 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,581 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #46
Metropolitan College of New York lands at #46 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (58/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (31/100). Graduates earn a median $46,236 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $28,882 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #47
Lamar University lands at #47 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $49,652 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,366 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #48
Spring Arbor University lands at #48 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $51,732 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,353 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #49
Great Basin College lands at #49 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (88/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (61/100). Graduates earn a median $39,289 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,471 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Presque Isle, ME · 100% accepted · $7,035 net
Why it ranks #50
University of Maine at Presque Isle lands at #50 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (78/100) and pulled down by social mobility (47/100). Graduates earn a median $40,956 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,035 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 50 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs — and the jobs are
Where these graduates work
Graduates of these programs most often become Financial Analysts and related roles — a field with $95,080 median pay and 9% projected growth.
See the Financial Analyst career guide →In today's job market, an online master's in finance can be a key asset for professionals looking to advance their careers. With median earnings for graduates in finance reaching $60,255, many are weighing their options among the best programs available.
What sets the top schools apart are their graduation rates, post-graduate earnings, and student debt levels. High graduation rates suggest that a program supports its students effectively, while strong earnings indicate good return on investment. The schools listed below reflect these trends, helping prospective students make informed decisions about their education.
Take the University of Florida-Online and Western Governors University. The former boasts an impressive $71,588 in earnings and an 81% graduation rate, while the latter has lower earnings at $60,615 with only a 48% graduation rate. This contrast highlights the importance of not just choosing a program solely based on price or convenience, but also on the outcomes that truly matter.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 21 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 1.9%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Saint Leo University leads the group at 3.6%, with Franklin University (3.5%) and Southeastern Oklahoma State University (3.2%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 12% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. National University enrolls the most, at 30.4%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 18.5% across the list, peaking at 44.7% at Wilkes University.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.55, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Maryville University of Saint Louis is highest at 1.76.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
Where These Schools Are Located
When we look closely at the data, a clear trend emerges: graduates from the University of Florida-Online enjoy significantly higher earnings compared to those from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide. With earnings of $71,588 versus only $84,131 for Embry-Riddle, the former not only shows higher financial return but also has a much better graduation rate of 81%. This suggests that the support and resources available at Florida play a crucial role in student success.
After reviewing these options, consider what matters most for your situation. Are you leaning towards a program that offers strong financial returns, or are you more focused on manageable debt levels and flexible learning options? Rank your priorities: location, program fit, or financial situation, and use this framework to assess which program aligns best with your goals.
The data tells a story about future stability. A degree in finance can pave the way for a secure financial future, but the right choice is essential. With choices like the University of Florida-Online, families can see a tangible path forward—an investment in education that aligns with long-term gains. Choosing wisely could mean the difference between a stable career and financial uncertainty.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Online Master's in Finance: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Online Master's in Finance ranking? +
University of Florida-Online in Gainesville, FL ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Online Master's in Finance ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $71,588 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 81% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide posts the highest median earnings on this list: $84,131 ten years after enrollment, well above the $50,282 average across the 50 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, University of Florida-Online leads: graduates earn a median $71,588 against net price of about $4,815 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
University of Florida-Online has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 81%, compared with a 39% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $17,860 a year across the 49 ranked schools with cost data. University of Florida-Online is among the most affordable at roughly $4,815. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Online Master's in Finance ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 50 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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