Finance Courses in the USA

Finance courses in the USA are known for their global recognition and direct pathways to banking, investment, and corporate finance careers. USA universities offer specialized undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in finance, financial engineering, and quantitative finance.

The best universities and colleges in the USA for finance include the University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) ranked #1 in the 2025 QS World University Rankings for Accounting and Finance, while Harvard, MIT, and Stanford closely follow.

They offer specialized undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in finance, financial engineering, and quantitative finance. Admission to top undergraduate finance programs, such as those at the University of Pennsylvania is highly selective, with acceptance rates often below 15% and median SAT scores ranging from 1450 to 1570.

This blog provides a complete guide on the top universities in the USA for finance, admission tips, and benefits of studying in the USA. 

Finance Courses in USA: Overview

Finance courses in the USA have various specializations and academic levels, with over 2,500 finance programs offered across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels at more than 220 institutions nationwide.

Bachelor’s degrees in finance typically take four years to complete and are offered both on-campus and online, while master’s in Finance , including MS in Finance and MBA in Finance, generally require 12–24 months of full-time study.

Here’s a quick overview of the finance courses in USA: 

Here are the reasons why pursuing finance courses in the USA is the best choice. 

Why Study Finance Courses in the USA in 2025?

The USA stands at the center of finance education in 2025. Finance job openings in the U.S. increased by 25,000 in March 2025, even as overall job openings declined in other sectors, highlighting continued demand for finance professionals. 

Top universities like MIT Sloan and UC Berkeley Haas report employment rates of 96–100% for finance graduates within six months of graduation.

Some of the key reasons to study finance in the USA in 2025 are:

• Exceptional Employment Prospects: Finance and accounting roles see unemployment rates as low as 1.7–2.0%, compared to the national average of 4.2%, with 65% of employers planning to expand their finance teams in 2025.
• Rising Demand and Job Openings: The finance and insurance sector added 25,000 job openings in March 2025, even as other industries saw declines, reflecting the sector’s resilience and ongoing talent shortage.
• High Salary Potential:Entry-level salaries for finance graduates in 2025 range from $71,000 to $141,200 (INR 59–117 lakh), with mid-level and senior professionals earning significantly more.
• Progressive Skills and Technology:U.S. finance roles increasingly require expertise in AI, automation, and analytics, making graduates with these skills highly sought after.
• Strong Industry-University Linkages: Top U.S. universities maintain direct connections to major employers, ensuring high placement rates and access to internships, contract roles, and permanent positions.

As you consider your career options after graduation, selecting the right university is crucial for accessing elite finance programs and top-tier job placements in the USA. Let’s discuss the top 10 universities for finance courses in the USA.

Top Universities Offering Finance Courses in USA

The United States is home to several globally renowned universities for finance, with MBA at Wharton (University of Pennsylvania), MIT Sloan, and NYU Stern consistently ranking among the world’s best.

Admission is highly competitive, Wharton’s acceptance rate is just 16%. Many of these universities have multiple application rounds, with deadlines typically falling between October and January for the following academic year.

Below is a table highlighting the top universities for finance in the USA: 

Note: Currency conversions are approximate and based on the current exchange rate.

Apart from these top universities, many other US universities also deliver outstanding education in finance courses. 

Popular Universities for Finance Courses in USA

A number of reputable US universities outside the top  deliver outstanding finance education, featuring specialized tracks such as quantitative finance, banking, and financial analytics. 

These institutions, like Golden Gate University and Santa Clara University, provide modern facilities and accessible tuition fees.

Notably, the MBA at Golden Gate University offers a Finance concentration, combining core management skills with advanced financial expertise.

The table below outlines some other popular options for finance courses in USA: 

Note: Tuition fees are approximate and rounded. Deadlines are for upcoming intakes and sourced from official university pages as of June 2025.

Next, let’s understand the eligibility criteria to enroll in finance courses in the USA. 

Eligibility Criteria for Finance Courses in USA

Admission to finance courses in the USA is highly program-specific, with each university setting distinct, detailed eligibility benchmarks. 

For example, Penn State’s Smeal College of Business requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50. At Brooklyn College, students must have a minimum of 30 credits and a cumulative GPA of 2.50 to declare a finance major.

English language proficiency is mandatory, with most top programs requiring a TOEFL iBT score of 78–107 or an IELTS band score of 6.0–7.5, depending on the institution and degree level. For postgraduate finance programs, competitive GMAT scores (typically 510–731 for top schools) or GRE scores (315–330) are standard.

Here’s a table with detail eligibility requirement for applying to finance courses in USA:

Note: Scores must be valid within two years prior to course start date. Check individual university pages for program-specific language score requirements.

Next, let's understand the application process to apply for the specific Finance course.

Application Process for Finance Courses in USA

For Spring and Summer intakes, finance programs in the USA offer additional flexibility beyond the traditional Fall cycle. 

The Spring (January) intake is available at top universities such as the University of Cincinnati, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and NYU SPS, with application deadlines typically falling between October and November 2025 for the 2026 session.

For example, the University of Cincinnati’s MS Finance Spring 2026 deadline October 1, 2025.

Here's a step-by-step application process to apply for the finance courses in USA: 

Step 1: Research Universities and Programs

Identify finance programs that align with your academic and career goals. Review each university’s official website for program details, faculty, course structure, and specific admission requirements.

Step 2: Track Application Deadlines and Intakes

Note the intake periods (primarily Fall, with some Spring and Summer options) and mark the exact deadlines. 

For example, University of Cincinnati’s MS Finance Spring 2026 deadlines is October 1, 2025). The University of Illinois Gies College of Business opens Spring 2026 applications in July 2025, with deadlines on September 7 and October 5, 2025 (Rounds 1 and 2).

Step 3: Prepare Standardized Test Scores

Register and take required exams (GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE) well in advance. Arrange for official score reports to be sent directly to each university.

Step 4: Gather Academic and Supporting Documents

Collect official transcripts, degree certificates, Statement of Purpose, Letters of Recommendation (usually 2–3), resume/CV, and a copy of your passport. Ensure all documents meet requirements to study in the USA and are translated to English if necessary.

Step 5: Complete and Submit the Online Application

Access the university’s official application portal, fill out all required fields accurately, upload supporting documents, and pay the application fee, $75–$275 (INR 6K–23K).

Step 6: Apply for Scholarships and Financial Aid

Explore and submit applications for merit-based or need-based scholarships, if available, by the specified deadlines. Some universities require separate scholarship applications.

Step 7: Monitor Application Status and Respond to Requests

Regularly check your application portal for updates, requests for additional documents, or interview notifications. Respond immediately to any communication from the admissions office.

Step 8: Accept Admission Offer and Begin Visa Process

Upon receiving an admission offer, accept it by the stated deadline and pay any enrollment deposit. Begin your F-1 student visa application by securing your I-20 form and preparing financial and identification documents.

Building on the competitive application process and strong career outcomes, it’s essential to explore the different and highly specialized finance courses available to international students in the USA.

Finance Courses in USA: Course Details & Specialization

International students can pursue finance degrees at all levels, Bachelor’s, Master’s, MBA, and Doctorate, with program durations ranging from 1 year (MS Finance) to 4 years (BBA/BS/BA in Finance). 

Key specializations include Corporate Finance, Investment Banking, Financial Engineering, Risk Management, Financial Planning, Quantitative Finance, and more, with each program tailored to meet evolving industry demands and career pathways.

The table below lists specific specializations for finance courses in USA: 

Carefully planning your finances is also essential before committing to a finance course in the USA. Let's discuss the cost of studying finance courses in the USA.

Cost of Pursuing Finance Courses in USA

International students must budget for not only tuition but also accommodation, food, health insurance, books, pre-arrival costs, and daily living expenses. 

For the 2025–2026 academic year, annual tuition for finance programs ranges from $17,010/INR 14.6L (Southern New Hampshire University) to $46,014/INR 39.64L (University of Evansville), with total estimated annual costs, including living and personal expenses, reaching up to $66,820/INR 57.5L. 

Pre-arrival costs such as visa fees and travel, as well as miscellaneous and public transit expenses, should also be factored in for a realistic budget.

The table below lists the costs of living in the USA while doing finance courses: 

Note: 

• Cost estimates are annual and may vary by city and university.
• INR conversion is based on the latest exchange rate and may fluctuate; please check current rates for precise budgeting.

As you plan for the costs of studying finance courses in the USA, exploring scholarship opportunities will help you make your education more affordable.

Scholarships for pursuing Finance Courses in USA

The USA offers one of the world’s largest and most competitive scholarship ecosystems for international students, with over 260 universities providing financial aid and scholarship opportunities specifically for foreign applicants.

Many top universities, such as Yale, provide need-blind admissions and guarantee to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students. 

To help you understand what universities provide directly, look at the internal scholarships available for finance students.

Internal Scholarships

Universities in the USA provide highly competitive internal scholarships for finance students, often targeting both academic excellence and financial need. 

Awards such as the University of Houston’s Academic Excellence Scholarship and UT Austin’s General ISSS Financial Aid can cover partial to full tuition, and in some cases, offer annual stipends or leadership grants.

Below is the list of bachelor’s scholarships along with the scholarship requirements: 

Next, explore external scholarships awarded to finance courses in the USA.

External Scholarships

External scholarships provide significant funding opportunities for international students pursuing finance courses in the USA, supplementing university-based awards. 

Programs like the Fulbright Foreign Student Program award over 4,000 scholarships each year to graduate students from more than 160 countries.

Below is the list of fully-funded scholarships in the USA for international students: 

Next, see your job options after completing your finance courses in the USA. 

Job Opportunities After Finance Courses in USA

The return on investment for a finance degree is the strongest, with  finance graduates in the USA enjoying some of the highest employment rates and fastest-growing salaries across all industries.

The average annual salary for finance professionals is $92,631 (INR 77L), with top earners making up to $135,000 (INR112 L) and specialized roles in areas like M&A, equities, and sales & trading offering total compensation packages exceeding $400,000 (INR 332 L).

Here's a detailed look at some of the highest-paying jobs in the USA after doing a finance courses: 

Note: Salaries and roles may vary based on experience, location, and employer.

As finance graduates enter the job market, they are recruited by some of the world’s largest and most prestigious financial institutions and consulting firms. Let's have a look at some of the top recruiters for finance graduates in the USA. 

Top Recruiters for Finance Degree Holders in the USA

Finance graduates in the USA are recruited by industry leaders recognized for exceptional career growth, compensation, and advancement opportunities, with firms like Wells Fargo, Capital One, and JPMorgan Chase topping LinkedIn’s 2025 list of best finance employers.

Here’s a list of top recruiters for finance degree holders in USA: 

Source: Glassdoor

Note: INR conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

Whether you’re aiming for a top U.S. finance program or seeking scholarships, expert guidance can make all the difference in your study abroad journey.

How Can upGrad Help You Study Finance Courses in the USA?

upGrad offers end-to-end support for aspiring finance students, including personalized university shortlisting, application strategy, and exclusive insights on top finance programs in the USA.

Experienced counselors help you prepare compelling applications, maximize scholarship opportunities, and simplify visa and pre-departure processes with ease. You’ll also access upGrad’s curated prep resources, free finance courses, and alumni network to increase your admission chances and career prospects.

Take admission in your choice of university for finance courses in USA. Book a free one-on-one counselling session with upGrad's experts today and improve your chances of selection in top USA universities.