Is a bachelors in finance worth it?

Written by: Nancy Finney, Edited by: Luke Daugherty

Published: February 14, 2025

Majoring in finance allows you to explore money management for individuals, corporations, governments, and banks. Read ahead to learn why a bachelor's in finance can help you forge a career in a high-demand field and if earning this degree is worth it for you.

Find the right bachelor's in finance for you

It's important to consider the faculty, course delivery method (online, in-person, or hybrid), and opportunities for minors and concentrations when deciding between bachelor's in finance programs.

Earning a bachelor's in finance can improve your employability in related fields such as management, economics, and accounting. Many bachelor's programs feature areas of concentration with topics like real estate, insurance, and financial analysis.

What is a bachelor's degree in finance?

A bachelor's in finance is a four year undergraduate degree that teaches you how financial markets work and prepares you for finance careers.

Universities provide these degrees as either a bachelor of science or a bachelor of business administration.

You'll take required coursework exploring investment strategy, risk management, mathematical concepts, and statistical and data analysis. A bachelor's in finance demands strong math skills and often includes courses in economics, statistics, business law, and business communication.

Benefits of a bachelor's degree in finance

Studying finance can help you understand money and investments, which you can utilize in your personal and professional life. Finance degree programs cultivate strong analytical reasoning skills and interpersonal communication abilities, lending to successful career opportunities in any area of business. Some specific benefits include:

Increased financial acumen
Knowledge of investment strategies
Enhanced communication, analytical, and critical thinking skills

How much money can you make with a bachelor's degree in finance?

Salaries for the financial industry have a wide range. Our list covers some of the common opportunities for finance graduates.

Financial analyst

Financial analysts use data to help businesses, people, and corporations decide how to spend money while still making a profit.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) median annual salary (2023): $99,890
BLS projected growth rate (2023-33): 9%, faster than the average 4% for all occupations

Financial manager

Financial managers work with banks, insurance companies, or investment companies to develop long-term strategies for their financial plans.

BLS median annual salary: $156,100
BLS projected growth rate (2023-33): 17%

Personal financial advisor

Personal financial advisors work directly with individuals and help them manage their money and develop financial strategies.

BLS median annual salary: $99,580
BLS projected growth rate (2023-33): 17%

Accountants and auditors

Accountants and auditors keep financial records to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.

BLS median annual salary: $79,880
BLS projected growth rate (2023-33): 6%

Frequently asked questions about a bachelor's degree in finance

Are graduates with a bachelor's degree in finance in demand?

According to the BLS, business and finance careers are expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations, with a projected 963,500 job openings per year. Many finance careers have projected growth rates that are higher than the average for all occupations, indicating a strong demand in the field.

How much can you earn with a bachelor's in finance?

Salaries vary widely and depend on your role, location, and experience. However, the BLS reports that the median annual salary for business and finance occupations was $79,050 in 2023.

Some roles, like accountant and auditor report median annual salaries of $79,880 per BLS data, while roles like financial manager report median salaries of $156,100 annually.

What is the difference between finance and economics degrees?

Finance degrees focus on money management and strategy, investments, and financial markets. They analyze moneymaking decisions like stocks, derivatives, and bonds, as well as other tools that businesses and organizations can use.

Economics degrees focus on micro and macroeconomic principles, public policy and law, and financial and economic systems. These programs emphasize human behavior and look at how people and organizations use money and capital to create products or services.

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