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Finance Programs and Careers in Connecticut

This guide provides information on finance degrees and careers in Connecticut to help students meet their academic and professional goals. There are many finance degree options within the state, from bachelor’s programs to Master of Science in Finance (MSF) programs. Some programs allow students to customize their degree with concentrations or add graduate certificates. Working professionals can find flexible degree options in Connecticut, including part-time or fully online degrees. After finishing their finance degree, graduates may find expanded career opportunities in the state. Continue reading for details on specific degrees in finance, as well as potential post-graduation employment opportunities and salary information.

Quick Facts

For not-for-profit colleges and universities with finance degree programs.

Table of Contents

Connecticut Finance Program Comparison

We have developed the following table to help you compare all of the finance programs in Connecticut from not-for-profit schools. In addition to allowing you to compare the business school’s accreditation, finance degrees that appear in bold are Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute University Affiliation Programs, those that have been recognized for curricula aligned to preparing for the CFA Exam.

School NameAccreditationFinance Degree(s)Acceptance Rate6Grad Rate1Online Options?Median Debt7Net Price1
Albertus Magnus CollegeIACBEBS-Finance;
Minor-Finance		N.Av.61%Yes$22,625$25,972
Central Connecticut State UniversityAACSBBS-Finance;
BA-Mathematics: Actuarial Science;
MBA-Finance		100%57%—$15,835$15,602
Eastern Connecticut State University—BS-Finance;
BS-Mathematics: Actuarial Science;
BSBA-Finance;
Minor-Insurance		N.Av.57%—$17,750$18,572
Fairfield UniversityAACSBCertificate-Financial Planning and Analysis;
BS-Finance;
Minor-Finance;
MS-Finance;
MBA-Finance		N.Av.83%—$23,000$39,546
Naugatuck Valley Community College—Certificate-Finance;
AS-Business Finance		N.Av.15%Yes$3,500$6,525
Quinnipiac UniversityAACSBBS-Finance;
Minor-Finance;
MBA-Finance		98.1%77%Yes$21,500$41,636
Sacred Heart UniversityAACSBBS-Finance;
Minor-Actuarial Science;
Minor-Financial Analytics;
MS-Finance and Investment Management		N.Av.73%—$19,500$41,570
Southern Connecticut State University—BSBA-Finance;
Minor-Real Estate;
Accelerated MBA-Finance		N.Av.52%Yes$16,000$19,155
Tunxis Community CollegeACBSPCertificate-FinanceN.Av.12%—$3,500$7,732
University of BridgeportACBSPBS-Finance;
MS-Finance;
MBA-Finance		N.Av.45%Yes$20,500$22,347
University of ConnecticutAACSBBS-Finance;
BS-Financial Management;
BS-Mathematics: Actuarial Science/Finance;
BA-Mathematics: Actuarial Science/Finance;
MS-Financial Risk Management		50.7%84%—$18,750$20,042
University of HartfordAACSBBSBA-Finance;
BS-Risk Management and Insurance;
Minor-Actuarial Science;
Minor-Risk Management and Insurance		78.5%59%—$19,000$29,141
University of New HavenAACSBCertificate-Finance;
BS-Finance;
MS-Finance;
MBA-Financial Analysis;
MBA-Management Finance		90.4%62%—$21,500$34,353
Western Connecticut State UniversityAACSBBBA-Finance;
Minor-Finance Investments;
Minor-Finance Management		N.Av.52%—$17,000$18,110
Yale UniversityAACSBMaster’s in Asset Management;
Master’s in Systemic Risk		25.2%97%—$12,000$18,073

  • — indicates none.
  • N.Av. indicates no data available.

Top-Ranked Schools with Finance Programs in Connecticut

Georgetown CEW’s ROI Ranking by Long-Term Net Present Value 2019

The Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) has compared 4,500 colleges and universities on graduates’ return on investment (ROI). We use their net present value (NPV) ranking, which is the current dollar value of earning a four-year degree from the school over a 40-year horizon.

  • Yale University (#21; $1,777,000)
  • Fairfield University (#62; $1,454,000)
  • Quinnipiac University (#152; $1,251,000)
  • University of Connecticut (#176; $1,223,000)
  • Sacred Heart University (#351; $1,081,000)
  • Albertus Magnus College (#423; $1,046,000)
  • University of New Haven (#529; $1,012,000)
  • Central Connecticut State University (#561; $1,000,000)
  • Eastern Connecticut State University (#720; $958,000)
  • Western Connecticut State University (#808; $939,000)7

Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Business and Finance Majors 2020

  • Fairfield University

US News & World Report’s Best Undergraduate Finance Programs 2021

  • Fairfield University (#20)

      • US News & World Report’s Best Graduate Finance Programs 2021

      • Yale University (#21 tie)
      • Fairfield University (#25)

      Select Schools in Connecticut with Finance Degrees

      Traditional Undergraduate Programs

      Central Connecticut State University

      At Central Connecticut State University’s (CCSU) AACSB-accredited School of Business, students can earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance. The 57-credit hour program prepares students for managerial careers in financial institutions, corporations, and governmental organizations. Students evaluate business and financial risks to make sound financial business decisions, using accounting techniques and economic theory to direct funds acquisition and investment. Students can choose to specialize in Personal Financial Planning by completing specific elective courses such as Financial Modeling and Analytics, Personal Financial Planning, and Introduction to Income Taxation. All finance faculty are PhD-trained scholars with domestic and international backgrounds in financial management and investments. The school also offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Mathematics with a concentration in Actuarial Science and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Finance.

      Eastern Connecticut State University

      Eastern Connecticut State University offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance for students seeking careers in the financial services sector. The program is designed to develop skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, and quantitative analysis. With an emphasis on ethical decision-making and knowledge of financial regulations and principles, students prepare to meet financial business challenges. In addition to general education requirements, the program consists of 66 credit hours of major courses, including four required courses, seven business core courses, seven finance core courses, and three finance electives. Core courses include Case Studies in Financial Management with Electronic Spreadsheets; Financial Management; and Financial Institutions and Markets. Students can elect to complete an internship at a financial services organization for practical hands-on experience. Students may also choose to pursue a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mathematics with a concentration in Finance, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) with a concentration in Finance, or a minor in Insurance.

      Traditional Master’s Programs

      Sacred Heart University

      Sacred Heart University’s (SHU) AACSB-accredited Jack Welch College of Business offers a Master of Science (MS) in Finance and Investment Management that emphasizes quantitative techniques in asset valuation, product development, and risk management. Students learn financial theory and advanced modeling methods as well as practical applications in the financial field. This 33-credit hour program prepares graduates to sit for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Financial Risk Management examinations. Students can earn their degrees in as little as 12 months, though most students complete the degree in 18 months. Two foundational courses must be completed prior to beginning the program unless students demonstrate proficiency in the subject areas of calculus, linear algebra, and statistics. SHU boasts a historical 98% employment rate within one month of graduation and alumni have found work in the finance field in positions such as financial analyst, investment banker, portfolio manager, and wealth equity manager.

      University of Connecticut

      Students can earn a Master of Science in Financial Risk Management (MSFRM) from the University of Connecticut’s (UConn) School of Business. With classes located at both the Hartford and Stamford campuses, students can complete the program on a full-time basis in 15 months or on a part-time basis on a flexible schedule. This 33-credit hour program is ideal for business professionals interested in learning how to identify and manage financial risk in their field. The coursework blends theory with practice, as students study analytical and quantitative theories and examine the human factors in risk management. The curriculum teaches students how to direct investment strategies and manage the financial risks of firms, institutions, and private clients. After completing the MSFRM program, students can elect to study for an additional semester to add a concentration in Quantitative Methods in Risk Management.

      University of New Haven

      At the AACSB-accredited Pompea College of Business at the University of New Haven, students can earn a Master of Science (MS) in Finance degree. This 30-credit hour program offers students a combination of real-world business experience and a strong academic foundation. Students first complete required courses such as Capital Market Theory, Applied Quantitative Finance, and Fixed Income Analysis before choosing electives based on their interests. Students graduate from the University of New Haven with a strong foundation in financial theory and knowledge of data and analytical tools, as well as interpersonal skills in teamwork and deal-making. For those interested in pursuing the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, the university offers study and review courses. The College of Business also draws on professionals in the local securities industry to speak and network with students. Two foundation courses must be completed unless students demonstrate proficiency in those skill areas. The Pompea College of Business also offers a certificate in Finance, a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with concentrations in Financial Analysis and Management Finance.

      Online and Hybrid Programs

      Albertus Magnus College

      Albertus Magnus College offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance through its Tagliatela School of Business and Leadership with courses that can be completed online. The program requires 48 credit hours in Finance and is designed for students seeking careers in corporate finance and personal financial planning. The IACBE-accredited program builds skills in finance principles and business applications while developing competencies in critical thinking and problem-solving. Leadership skills, cultural awareness, and ethical decision-making are emphasized throughout the program to help students prepare to engage in the global business world. Required courses include Financial Accounting, Principles of Macroeconomics, and Business Law. The Office of Career and Professional Development provides students with career advising and counseling and can assist students seeking internships in the field of financial services. A minor in Finance is also available.

      Quinnipiac University

      At Quinnipiac University (QU), students can earn an AACSB-accredited Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree completely online at their own pace. This 45-credit hour program is designed to teach students the skills necessary to lead in global business, from theoretical techniques to decision-making and leadership strategies. Students learn skills in business fundamentals such as accounting, finance, and marketing, and the coursework emphasizes communication, ethical leadership, and problem-solving skills as well. Students can customize their electives to match their interests and complete a concentration in areas such as Finance, Health Management, and Marketing. The Finance track is ideal for those pursuing careers in asset valuation or portfolio management, focusing on the skills needed to make risk management and wealth management decisions. A Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance and a minor in Finance are also offered.

      Southern Connecticut State University

      The online Accelerated Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) is designed for students with professional experience who want to grow within their career. The MBA aims to prepare leaders in business, nonprofits, and governmental organizations and can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. The accelerated program is in an 18-month format, with online coursework and four on-campus Saturday meetings per eight-week session. The 51-credit hour program offers six concentrations: Accounting, Finance, Healthcare Administration, International Business, Management, and Marketing. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on, practical business knowledge, focusing on a systematic approach to the forces that influence modern business. Students also learn how to take on leadership positions to help their organizations stay competitive and grow. A Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) with a concentration in Finance and a minor in Real Estate are also available.

      Connecticut Finance Careers and Salary Outlook

      The financial services and insurance industries are major employers in Connecticut. Companies such as The Hartford, The Travelers Companies, Cigna, Aetna, MassMutual, People’s United Financial, and Bridgewater Associates are headquartered or have large regional offices in the state. These companies offer many different positions for graduates with finance degrees. Other large companies, including United Technologies Corporation and XPO Logistics, are based in the state. Many of these companies are based in the state’s major cities of Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, Bridgeport, and Greenwich.

      Financial analysts in Connecticut earn an average salary of $103,250, higher than the national average of $94,160, and the state is home to the fifth-highest concentration of financial analysts in the country.8,9 The Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk metropolitan area, in particular, is the second highest-paying metropolitan area in the nation for financial analysts, with an average annual salary of $122,340; it also boasts the third-highest concentration of financial analyst positions nationwide.8,9 Positions in this field are projected to grow at a rate of 5.3% through 2028 in Connecticut, slightly lower than the national average of 6.2%.10 Connecticut also has the second-highest concentration of personal financial advisors nationally and has the fourth-highest average salary for this occupation in the country, with an average annual salary of $137,440 compared to $119,290 nationally.8,11 The Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk metropolitan area has the highest concentration of positions in this field in the US.11 These positions are expected to grow at a rate of 5.3% through 2028, slightly lower than the national projected rate of 7%.10 Connecticut also has the fifth-highest concentration of financial managers in the US. 12 Financial managers in Connecticut earn the highest average salary by state in the nation at an average of $167,000 annually, compared to the national average of $147,530, and these positions are projected to grow on par with the national average (16%) at a rate of 15.4% through 2028.8,10,12 The Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk metropolitan area has the highest concentration of jobs in this occupation nationally.12

      Connecticut Finance Salary Information

      OccupationNumber Employed8Average Salary8
      Business and Financial Operations Occupations94,570$86,280
      Financial and Investment Analysts and Other Specialists7,410$103,250
      Financial Examiners310$106,240
      Financial Managers17,790$167,000
      Loan Officers2,170$83,050
      Personal Financial Advisors4,250$137,440

      Finance Associations in Connecticut

      References:
      1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
      2. Forbes Best Business Schools 2019: https://www.forbes.com/business-schools/list/
      3. The Princeton Review. The Best 382 Colleges, 2020 Edition. The Princeton Review, 2019.
      4. US News & World Report Best Undergraduate Finance Schools 2021: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/business-finance
      5. US News & World Report Best Graduate Finance Schools 2021: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/finance-rankings
      6. US News & World Report Best Business Schools 2021: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools
      7. Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, Ranking ROI of 4,500 US Colleges and Universities: https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/CollegeROI/
      8. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Connecticut: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ct.htm
      9. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages, Financial and Investment Analysts, Financial Risk Specialists, and Financial Specialists, All Other: https://www.bls.gov/oes/2019/may/oes132098.htm
      10. Projections Central Long Term Occupational Projections: https://projectionscentral.org/projections/longterm
      11. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages, Personal Financial Advisors: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes132052.htm
      12. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages, Financial Managers: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes113031.htm