Online Associates Degree in Finance
Derick de Souza
Derick is a business and education consultant working on various projects and scopes. With about 25 years of experience in different settings, he loves to tell others about “how not to be a failure” rather than “how to be successful.” Derick writes and edits articles on online learning, business, employment, and skill development, among others. His hobbies include photography, web design and development, and traveling.
Degrees
Master of Social Work, Master of Health Psychology
Areas of Expertise & Credentials
None to disclose in particular; the basics are covered in the short bio.
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Numbers and figures are some of the pillars upon which a business is built. Any company’s financial records tell a tale about how it is doing and how it might take advantage of financial opportunities. Finance professionals can assess trends, analyze facts and figures, research changing economic climates, and compare forecasts to actual performance, therefore making them necessary in business and industry. With finance at the heart of the program, an Online Associates Degree in Finance is often an excellent start to a career in finance or progression to higher education in finance. With an associates in finance, it becomes relatively easy for individuals to seek a variety of jobs in a wide range of settings, assessing and managing financial risk, conducting basic accounting practices, and developing financial plans and outlays, among other things. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for business and financial occupations was $72,250 in May 2020, higher than the median annual wage for all occupations. This page lists all of the intricacies of an associate degree in finance and provides vital information on what the degree entails, how to fund it, the best colleges, career options, types of finance degrees, and more.
Best Online Associates Degree
in Finance Courses
With the associate degree being an entry-level degree, only a few good universities offer the best online finance associates degree. To qualify among the best, the colleges must have experienced and qualified teachers, have good infrastructure, be affordable, offer good student services, have high graduation rates, and help with placements. Based on all such factors and several other parameters, here are some of the best associates degree in finance online in the U.S.: *
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
What to expect from the Online Associates
Degree in Finance?
Types of Online Associates
Degree in Finance
Areas of Specialization for Online Associates
Degree in Finance
Associate degrees in finance can be A.A., AS, AAS, but some colleges also offer them as associate degrees in business administration with a finance specialization or concentration, in with finance becomes a specialty and is emphasized the most. Specializations can lead to finance-related professions in banking, credit, mortgage, and financial services, among others. Examples of specialization areas within finance include:
- Financial Management
- Finance & Credit
- Mortgage Finance
- Finance & Banking
- Financial Services
Why should I do an Online Associates
Degree in Finance?
How to get into the Online Associates Degree
in Finance program?
Unlike a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree, the requirements for entry to an online associate degree in finance are not many or demanding. Students should check for program/college-specific requirements when applying, as these may vary. Apart from any such specific requirements, the main associates in finance admission requirements generally include:
- Application for Admission
- Application Fee
- Official Academic Transcripts
- High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED)
- Above Average Grade Point Average (GPA)
- Test Scores of American College Testing (ACT) / Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)
- Personal Statement
- High School Self-Certification Form
- Proof of English Proficiency (if the native tongue is or education was not in English)
How long does it take to complete the Online
Associates Degree in Finance?
Accreditation for Online Associates
Degree in Finance
Community Online Associates
Degree in Finance
Free Courses for Online Associates
Degree in Finance
Free courses are excellent options for the associate degree in finance students who want to learn more but keep their educational costs under control. Although many such free courses may not culminate in a certificate, they provide enough knowledge and information to widen one’s horizon and learn outside of the textbook. Some examples of free courses and sites that offer free courses are:
| Course | Description | Offered by |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Financial Accounting | This course introduces students to financial accounting in preparation for more advanced business topics. Students will learn how to compile and analyze financial statements, conduct business valuations, and draw comparisons between a firm and its competitors. | Saylor Academy |
| Managerial Accounting | This course examines complex financial decision-making and identifies the tools and methods managers require to make informed decisions. Students will learn how to use tools to track costs and profits and how to report the overall performance of a firm or department. | Saylor Academy |
| Principles of Finance | This course teaches students how to use financial concepts such as the time value of money, pro forma financial statements, financial ratio analysis, capital budgeting analysis, capital structure, and the cost of capital. It also provides a basic introduction to bonds and stocks. | Saylor Academy |
| Finance and Finance-related Topics | EdX, a leading study portal, offers a host of finance and finance-related topics, some of which can be used for associate-level studies. Topics include ‘Essential Career Skills for Investment Banking and Finance’, ‘Fundamentals of Financial Mathematics and Capital Budgeting’, ‘Financial Accounting Made Fun: Eliminating Your Fears’, etc. | EdX |
| Finance and Finance-related Topics | Coursera offers associate-level courses in various finance topics connected with the Accelerated Introduction to Managerial & Financial Accounting, the Fintech Revolution, Finance & Economics, Quantitative Finance, Investment Management Practices and Trends, Financial Literacy for Informed Decisions, and more. | Coursera |
| Finance and Finance-related Topics | A quick search on Udemy shows up some 93 results of courses under the label of Finance. Some include ‘Business Finance Essentials’, ‘Capital Budgeting and Project Evaluation Techniques’, ‘Learn Financial Statement Basics: A beginner’s journey’, and ‘Introduction to Corporate Finance (Mergers & Acquisitions)’, among others. | Udemy |
How to Pay for Online Associates Degree
in Finance Programs?
Scholarships for Online Associates
Degree in Finance
Scholarships are a great way to fund one’s education. Often termed “free money”, they are awarded on certain criteria but largely on merit and academic performance. Although coming by scholarships at the associate level is infrequent, a few colleges and organizations offer financial aid in various forms. Here is an example:
| Scholarship | Description | Amount/Award | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Free Community College Plan for Boston Public Schools’ Graduates | The Tuition-Free Community College Plan at the Roxbury Community College for Boston Public Schools’ (BPS) Graduates is a partnership between the Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development and Boston Public Schools. This program has been rolled to help BPS graduates better afford college. Students who have received a Pell Grant are covered for the remaining costs of tuition and mandatory fees. | Up to $1,000 over 3 years of college-related expenses | Varies |
FAQs about Online Associates Degree
in Finance Programs
How to get an associate’s degree in finance?
What are the best associates programs in Finance?
What can you do with an Associates in Finance?
What is the average fee charged by colleges offering an associates degree in finance?
Can you become a CPA with an associate’s degree?
How long is an online associate’s degree in finance?
Is an associate in finance worth it?
Career Opportunities and Salaries after Online
Associates Degree in Finance
Graduating from an online finance associates degree provides a relatively quick entry into the financial world. Not only can it be the starting point to a promising career in finance, but it can also serve as a springboard to higher education in the subject, such as a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree. Workwise, there are a plethora of entry-level roles and responsibilities one can consider in organizations, including accounting firms, small businesses, manufacturing firms, banks, hospitals, school systems, and governmental agencies, or for that matter, any establishment that handles money, assets, and debts in some way or another. Here are some typical associate degree in finance jobs one could consider:
- Human Resources Assistant/Benefits Coordinator
- Business Analyst
- Medical Billing Specialist
- Computing Business Coordinator
- Bookkeeper/ Accounts Receivable Coordinator/Accounting Clerk
- Customer Service Manager
- Loan Officer
- Operations Manager
- Loan Interviewer & Clerk
- Insurance Sales Agent
- Real Estate Broker
- Purchasing Manager/Agent
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerk
- Manufacturing Sales Representative
- Entrepreneur
- Credit Counselor
- Administrative Assistant
- Financial Administrator
- Business Services Representative
- Loan Officer
What a finance associate degree salary is, is highly dependent on the individual, their areas of specialty, and a variety of other factors. Location and industry further impact potential growth and pay. It is also important to note that an associate’s degree will only get an individual entry-level position with lower pay; a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. will vastly boost one’s work prospects and earning potential.
To cite an example, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of jobs as Financial Analysts is set to grow 6% between 2020 and 2030, as fast as the average for all occupations, and earn a median annual wage of $83,660. Although this projection is good for those who hold at least a bachelor’s degree, it is a good indicator of the potential for finance professionals.
Here is a quick run-down of jobs online associates degree finance graduates can explore, and their salaries and growth potential, as reported by O*Net OnLine:
| Occupation | Skills Required | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2030) | Job Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loan Interviewer and Clerk | Speaking skills, active listening skills, critical thinking, written communication skills, reading comprehension | $41,370 | -1% (decline) | A Loan Interviewer and Clerk interviews loan applicants to elicit information; investigates applicants’ backgrounds and verifies references; prepares loan request papers; and forwards findings, reports, and documents to the appraisal department. |
| Loan Officer | Active listening skills, speaking skills, reading comprehension, critical thinking, written communication skills, judgment, and decision making | $63,960 | 1% to 5% (slower than average) | A Loan Officer evaluates, authorizes, or recommends approval of commercial, real estate, or credit loans. They advise borrowers on financial status and payment methods. |
| Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerk | Critical thinking, speaking skills, writing skills, active listening skills, oral comprehension, mathematics, time management | $42,410 | -1% (decline) | A Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerk computes, classifies, and records numerical data to keep financial records complete. They perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. |
| Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerk | Reading comprehension, speaking skills, critical thinking, writing skills, active listening skills, service orientation | $42,050 | 1% to 5% (slower than average) | Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerk An Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerk processes new insurance policies, modifications to existing policies, and claims forms. They obtain information from policyholders to verify the accuracy and completeness of information on claims forms, applications and related documents, and company records. |
| Credit Counselor | Active listening skills, speaking skills, critical thinking, persuasion, negotiation, service orientation, complex problem-solving skills, social perceptiveness, judgment, and decision making | $46,170 | 5% to 10% (average) | A Credit Counselor advises and educates individuals or organizations on acquiring and managing debt. They may provide guidance in determining the best type of loan and explain loan requirements or restrictions, and also help develop debt management plans or student financial aid packages. |
Certifications and Licensing for Online Associates
Degree in Finance
Additional Resources for Online Associates
Degree in Finance
Author Bio:
Derick de Souza
Derick is a business and education consultant working on various projects and scopes. With about 25 years of experience in different settings, he loves to tell others about “how not to be a failure” rather than “how to be successful.” Derick writes and edits articles on online learning, business, employment, and skill development, among others. His hobbies include photography, web design and development, and traveling.
Degrees
Master of Social Work, Master of Health Psychology
Areas of Expertise & Credentials
None to disclose in particular; the basics are covered in the short bio.
Disclaimer:
The average tuition (based on degree type for in-state students), average graduation rates, and rankings are based on data from various sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and are variable over time. All rankings and statistics are subject to change. The rankings are solely the opinion of Find Best Degrees (FBD) and are based on our proprietary methodology. They do not represent the views of the institutions or organizations mentioned, nor do they represent any official government census or survey. Furthermore, any views or opinions expressed on this page are of FBD’s researchers and teams. Unless otherwise specified, they do not represent the thoughts and opinions of the individuals, institutions, or organizations mentioned. This page’s content is provided solely for informational purposes, with data drawn from various sources, including IPEDS. FBD and its employees make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information found on this page or by following any link. FBD will not be held liable for any errors or omissions in this material nor any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the exposure or use of this information. Although the information on this page is/was correct at the time of publication, readers should exercise caution because some or all of the provided information may have changed over time, potentially resulting in inaccuracies. For more information, please read our Terms of Service. Trademarks and logos are the property of their registered owners. | Page last updated: Dec 2023.