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Finance programs under $20,000 reveal striking cost variations, from St Petersburg College's negative net price of $52 to NUC University's $5,732 annual cost. The City University of New York system dominates affordable finance education, with Baruch College graduates earning $49,501 annually while maintaining a 72.10% graduation rate. These programs prepare students for careers in financial services, banking, and investment management across major metropolitan areas where finance jobs concentrate. Public institutions consistently deliver the lowest costs, with Texas and Florida schools offering particularly strong value propositions. The earnings potential spans from $35,701 to $59,318 nationally, reflecting regional economic differences and program specializations. Community colleges and regional universities provide accessible entry points into finance careers, often serving as transfer pathways to four-year degrees. Geographic clustering around major cities like New York, Houston, and Jacksonville reflects the industry's urban concentration, where financial institutions, credit unions, and corporate finance departments create steady job demand.
50
Programs
$-52 – $9,144
Net Price Range
$43,108
Avg. Program Earnings
45.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Finance and Financial Management Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $-52 $2,682 37.5%
2 $1,113 $6,627 95.7%
3 $2,760 $2,878 32.4%
4 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
5 $2,978 $7,464 72.1% 49.5%
6 $3,061 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
7 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
8 $3,830 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
9 $4,285 $5,986 37.9% 80.4%
10 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
11 $4,694 $3,283 29.6%
12 $4,734 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
13 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
14 $5,458 $3,148 26.8%
15 $5,732 $8,054 56.2%
16 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
17 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
18 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
19 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
20 $6,352 $7,200 33.3% 74.2%
21 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
22 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
23 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
24 $6,507 $5,324 52.5% 51.6%
25 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
26 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
27 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
28 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
29 $7,455 $5,354 50.6% 54.0%
30 $7,563 $5,612 28.6% 96.9%
31 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
32 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
33 $8,130 $7,327 33.2% 88.9%
34 $8,142 $5,954 47.7% 76.8%
35 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
36 $8,245 $5,580 43.1% 52.8%
37 $8,327 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
38 $8,376 $9,590 43.8% 93.6%
39 $8,463 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
40 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
41 $8,624 $7,499 26.5% 82.1%
42 $8,783 $5,580 33.0% 33.8%
43 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
44 $8,896 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
45 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
46 $8,964 $5,580 31.6% 46.8%
47 $9,034 $5,580 42.7% 40.1%
48 $9,121 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
49 $9,133 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
50 $9,144 $10,904 43.0% 94.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY Baruch College stand out among affordable finance programs?

Baruch College combines a $2,978 net price with graduates earning $49,501 annually, the highest among schools in this price range. The 72.10% graduation rate significantly exceeds most affordable programs, while student debt averages just $11,750. Its Manhattan location provides direct access to Wall Street internships and entry-level positions.

How do graduation rates compare across these affordable finance programs?

Graduation rates vary dramatically, from Ohio University-Southern Campus at 19.30% to Baruch College at 72.10%. CUNY schools generally perform well, with Queens College at 60.20% and Brooklyn College at 56.60%. Regional universities like Texas A&M International achieve 48.90%, while community colleges typically range from 20% to 37%.

Is attending school in Texas particularly advantageous for finance students on a budget?

Texas offers multiple affordable options, with Texas A&M University-Central Texas at $1,113 net cost and a 95.71% acceptance rate. Texas A&M International provides a $3,061 net price with a solid 48.90% graduation rate. The state's lack of income tax and growing financial services sector in cities like Austin and Dallas create favorable conditions for finance graduates.

Does student debt vary significantly among these affordable programs?

Available debt data shows considerable variation, from CUNY Baruch's $11,750 average to Florida State College Jacksonville's $26,292. CUNY schools consistently maintain lower debt levels, with Brooklyn College at $12,464. Ohio University campuses report $24,250 in average debt despite their low graduation rates.

Where can students find the most accessible finance programs with high acceptance rates?

Texas A&M University-Central Texas leads with a 95.71% acceptance rate and $1,113 net cost. California State University-Dominguez Hills accepts 89.13% of applicants at $3,659 net price. Universidad Central de Bayamon admits 80.36% of students while maintaining a reasonable $4,285 cost, making it accessible for varied student populations.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.