Finance Programs and Careers in Ohio
This guide provides detailed information about finance degrees in Ohio. Those interested in a finance degree can find many different options within the state, from Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) programs to Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science in Finance (MSF) degrees. Many universities offer quantitative and technical specializations in finance. Students can choose between accelerated, full-time programs, part-time evening and weekend schedules, and even entirely online degrees. Graduates with finance degrees may find many career opportunities in Ohio after finishing their studies. Continue reading below to find details about Ohio finance degrees, different program types, and opportunities within the finance industry.
Quick Facts
- There are 44 colleges and universities with finance degree programs in Ohio.1
- 3 schools offer a certificate in finance.1
- 7 schools offer an associate’s degree in finance.1
- 41 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in finance.1
- 11 schools offer a master’s or advanced degree in finance.1
- 2 schools ranked in Forbes’ Best Business Schools 2019.2
- 3 schools ranked in Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Business and Finance Majors 2020.3
- 2 schools ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Undergraduate Finance Programs 2021.4
- 2 schools ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Graduate Finance Programs 2021.5
For not-for-profit colleges and universities with finance degree programs.
Table of Contents
- Comparison of Finance Programs
- Top-Ranked Schools with Finance Programs in Ohio
- Select Schools in Ohio with Finance Degrees
- Ohio Finance Careers and Salary Outlook
- Finance Associations in Ohio
Ohio Finance Program Comparison
We have developed the following table to help you compare all of the finance programs in Ohio from not-for-profit schools that offer programs with a concentration in finance. 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 Name | Accreditation | Finance Degree(s) | Acceptance Rate6 | Grad Rate1 | Online Options? | Median Debt7 | Net Price1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashland University | ACBSP | BSBA-Finance: Asset Management; BSBA-Finance: Corporate | N.Av. | 65% | — | $18,750 | $19,758 |
| Baldwin Wallace University | — | BA-Finance; BS-Financial Economics; Minor-Finance; MS-Finance: Corporate Finance; MS-Finance: Financial Risk Management & Analytics; MS-Finance: Financial Accounting | N.Av. | 65% | — | $23,750 | $23,832 |
| Bowling Green State University | AACSB | BSBA-Finance; BSBA-Financial Planning; BSBA-CFA; Minor-Finance; MA-Financial Economics; MBA-Finance | 56.4% | 61% | Yes | $16,750 | $17,427 |
| Capital University | ACBSP | Bachelor of Financial Economics | N.Av. | 62% | — | $20,091 | $21,946 |
| Case Western Reserve University | AACSB | BS-Management: Finance; MS in Management-Finance; MBA-Finance | 67.9% | 84% | — | $22,000 | $35,890 |
| Cedarville University | ACBSP | BS-Finance | N.Av. | 75% | — | $16,000 | $23,827 |
| Cincinnati State Technical and Community College | — | AAB-Finance | N.Av. | 17% | — | $6,333 | $4,585 |
| Cleveland State University | AACSB | BBA-Finance; Minor-Finance; MBA-Finance | 95.6% | 46% | Yes | $14,000 | $16,219 |
| Columbus State Community College | ACBSP | AAS-Finance; Certificate-Banking Fundamentals | N.Av. | 27% | Yes | $6,500 | $6,027 |
| Denison University | — | BS-Economics: Financial Economics | N.Av. | 82% | — | $23,250 | $36,650 |
| Franciscan University of Steubenville | IACBE | BS-Finance; Minor-Finance | N.Av. | 77% | — | $19,500 | $26,356 |
| Franklin University | IACBE | AS-Financial Management; BS-Financial Management; BS-Financial Planning | N.Av. | 28% | Yes | $15,938 | $12,459 |
| Hiram College | — | BA-Accounting and Financial Management; Minor-Accounting and Financial Management | N.Av. | 54% | — | $23,251 | $21,976 |
| John Carroll University | AACSB | BSBA-Finance; Bachelor of Finance; BS-Financial Planning and Wealth Management | 98.6% | 76% | — | $22,478 | $27,260 |
| Kent State University | AACSB | BBA-Finance; Minor-Finance | 68.9% | 62% | — | $17,125 | $18,643 |
| Lake Erie College | IACBE | BS-Finance | N.Av. | 47% | — | $16,819 | $20,254 |
| Malone University | ACBSP | BA-Finance; Minor-Finance | N.Av. | 54% | — | $18,243 | $20,193 |
| Marietta College | — | BA-Finance | N.Av. | 58% | — | $21,500 | $21,483 |
| Miami University | AACSB | BS-Business: Finance; BA-Finance; Minor-Finance | N.Av. | 81% | — | $16,500 | $22,989 |
| Mount Saint Joseph University | — | BS-Financial Economics; BS-Mathematics: Financial Economics | N.Av. | 45% | — | $19,000 | $18,503 |
| Mount Vernon Nazarene University | ACBSP | BS-Finance; BBA-Finance; Minor-Finance; Minor-Financial Planning; MBA-Finance | N.Av. | 68% | Yes | $17,559 | $21,221 |
| Notre Dame College | — | BA-Finance; Minor-Finance; MBA-Finance | N.Av. | 37% | — | $16,184 | $20,061 |
| Ohio Christian University | — | MBA-Finance | N.Av. | 32% | Yes | $13,750 | $24,515 |
| Ohio Dominican University | ACBSP | BS-Finance | N.Av. | 47% | — | $19,500 | $20,478 |
| Ohio Northern University | AACSB | BSBA-Finance | N.Av. | 77% | — | $24,466 | $24,821 |
| Ohio State University | AACSB | BS-Finance; Specialized Masters in Finance; MBA-Finance | 51.7% | 86% | — | $15,500 | $18,706 |
| Ohio University-Athens | AACSB | BBA-Finance; Master of Financial Economics | N.Av. | 65% | Yes | $13,000 | $22,521 |
| Ohio Wesleyan University | — | BS-Financial Economics; Minor-Finance | N.Av. | 65% | — | $24,500 | $27,242 |
| Otterbein University | — | BS-Finance; Minor-Finance | N.Av. | 66% | — | $21,635 | $23,732 |
| Stark State College | ACBSP | APB-Finance | N.Av. | 21% | — | $8,500 | $6,639 |
| Tiffin University | ACBSP | BBA-Finance; MBA-Finance | N.Av. | 39% | Yes | $18,000 | $21,539 |
| University of Akron | AACSB | BBA-Financial Management; Minor-Finance; Minor-Financial Planning; Certificate-Financial Planning; MBA-Finance | N.Av. | 46% | Yes | $15,500 | $17,351 |
| University of Cincinnati-Cincinnati | AACSB | BBA-Finance: Analytic Finance; BBA-Finance: Financial Planning; BS-Insurance and Risk Management; BBA-Real Estate; Minor-Insurance and Risk Management; MS-Finance; MBA-Finance | 63.3% | 71% | Yes | $14,000 | $19,219 |
| University of Cincinnati-Clermont College | — | APB-Financial Management Technology | N.Av. | 20% | — | $14,000 | $9,412 |
| University of Dayton | AACSB | BSBA-Finance; BSBA-Finance: Investment Management; Minor-Finance; MS-Finance; MBA-Finance | 75% | 82% | Yes | $23,000 | $33,372 |
| University of Findlay | ACBSP | BS-Finance; BSBA-Finance | N.Av. | 65% | — | $18,500 | $25,066 |
| University of Mount Union | ACBSP | BA-Finance | N.Av. | 66% | — | $22,500 | $23,583 |
| University of Rio Grande | IACBE | Certificate-Professional Banking; Minor-Professional Banking | N.Av. | 32% | — | $10,250 | $32,262 |
| University of Toledo | AACSB | BBA-Finance; BBA-Financial Services; Minor-Finance; Minor-Financial Data Analytics; Minor-Financial Services; Minor-Insurance and Risk Management; Minor-Commercial Real Estate; MBA-Finance | 61.9% | 50% | — | $13,000 | $17,822 |
| Walsh University | IACBE | BBA-Finance | N.Av. | 65% | — | $22,000 | $20,180 |
| Wittenberg University | — | BA-Finance; BS-Financial Economics | N.Av. | 63% | — | $20,500 | $23,060 |
| Wright State University | AACSB | BSB-Finance; BSB-Finance: Financial Management; BSB-Finance: Investments; BSB-Finance: Real Estate | 84.1% | 45% | — | $13,000 | $15,251 |
| Xavier University | AACSB | BSBA-Finance; MBA-Finance | 81.6% | 73% | Yes | $21,500 | $32,429 |
| Youngstown State University | AACSB | BSBA-Finance: Certified Financial Planner; BSBA-Finance: Financial Management; Minor-Finance; Master of Financial Economics | N.Av. | 41% | Yes | $17,250 | $11,616 |
- — indicates none.
- N.Av. indicates no data available.
Top-Ranked Schools with Finance Programs in Ohio
Forbes’ Best Business Schools 2019
- Ohio State University (#41)
- Case Western Reserve University (#52)
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.
- Case Western Reserve University (#47; $1,519,000)
- Ohio Northern University (#103; $1,326,000)
- University of Dayton (#330; $1,095,000)
- John Carroll University (#338; $1,090,000)
- Xavier University (#484; $1,025,000)
- University of Cincinnati-Clermont College (#599; $988,000)
- Franklin University (#627; $982,000)
- Miami University-Oxford (#683; $967,000)
- Ohio State University (#705; $961,000)
- University of Toledo (#878; $924,000)7
Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Business and Finance Majors 2020
- Miami University
- Ohio University-Athens
- Wittenburg University
US News & World Report’s Best Undergraduate Finance Programs 2021
- Ohio State University-Columbus (#12)
- Xavier University (#16 tie)
US News & World Report’s Best Graduate Finance Programs 2021
- Xavier University (#26 tie)
- Ohio State University (#31 tie)
Select Schools in Ohio with Finance Degrees
Traditional Undergraduate Programs
Bowling Green State University
The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) can be completed with one of three concentrations in Finance: Finance, Financial Planning, or Certified Financial Analyst (CFA). The Finance concentration is a more general course of study that includes exposure to the five main topics in finance: corporate finance, financial institutions, investments, insurance, and personal financial planning. The Financial Planning concentration offers a more specialized course of study for students who wish to pursue careers in this area. The CFA track helps students prepare to pass the CFA exam and earn the CFA designation following graduation. Finance majors may also be interested in taking a minor in Insurance. BGSU also offers a Finance Minor that is open to both business and non-business students, which requires 18 to 21 credit hours.
Otterbein University
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance at Otterbein University provides students with an understanding of corporate finance and investments, laying the groundwork for a variety of careers as well as graduate study. Core finance courses include Financial Accounting; Intermediate Corporate Finance; Case Studies in Finance; and a Strategy Capstone. Students additionally take general business, writing, and marketing courses. Otterbein also offers a minor in Finance, as well as minors in business-related areas that can complement a Finance major. It is also possible for students to pursue a double major with Sport Management, providing students with unique preparation for careers in the sports industry. The Department of Business, Accounting, and Economics (BAE) through which the BS in Finance is offered provides students with personalized support and educational planning, as well as access to a wide variety of enrichment opportunities including study abroad and service learning.
Traditional Master’s Programs
Ohio State University
The Fisher College of Business at Ohio State University (OSU) offers a Specialized Master in Finance (SMF) degree that can be earned in just two semesters. The program starts with a core curriculum focused on contemporary finance. The foundational classes teach students financial theory, quantitative analytical skills, teamwork, communication strategies, and principles of ethical and professional conduct. The program also emphasizes the knowledge and application of the software tools and databases used in the finance industry. After completing the core curriculum, students can choose their own electives to earn one of four specializations: Corporate Finance, Investment Management, Risk Management, or Real Estate. The program prepares graduates to sit for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Financial Risk Manager (FRM) examinations. OSU also encourages SMF students to pair with alumni in a mentorship program focused on preparing for networking and post-graduation opportunities.
Case Western Reserve University
At Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management, students can earn a Master of Science in Management-Finance (MSMF). This program focuses on giving students a strong foundation in finance with real-world applications. Students learn the necessary knowledge to work in corporate finance, financial modeling, valuation, derivatives, and risk management. No work experience is required for the program and the curriculum can be completed in two semesters. Students interested in subjects beyond the core requirements can add a departmental certification in a specialization such as Financial Big Data, Corporate Finance, or Risk Management. Case Western offers career resources for students through alumni connections, internship possibilities, and professional development opportunities. The curriculum prepares students to sit for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) examination. The Weatherhead School of Management also offers a dual-degree program for students interested in both the MSMF and a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
University of Toledo
The College of Business and Innovation at the University of Toledo offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program that can be started at multiple points within the year. Those pursuing the degree full-time can complete the program in 12 to 15 months while working professionals attending school part-time can complete the degree in two to three years. MBA students can select up to two majors from areas such as Finance, Information Systems, International Business, and Leadership. The College of Business and Innovation maintains relationships with area businesses and alumni, connecting students for internship possibilities and consulting opportunities. The University of Toledo also offers a 12-month Executive MBA designed for those with three to five years of business experience and significant management responsibilities.
Online and Hybrid Programs
Ohio University
At Ohio University (OU), students can earn a Master of Financial Economics (MFE) in a hybrid online format, taking classes on-campus and through distance education. This program is ideal for those interested in managing the interaction between financial markets and the larger economic environment. Graduates from OU go on to pursue careers in areas such as bond analysis, equity analysis, and investment management at mutual funds, insurance companies, and investment banks. The curriculum focuses on investment management and the coursework also prepares students for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) examination. Coursework includes topics such as Financial Statement Analysis, Econometrics, Quantitative Analysis in Financial Markets, Corporate Finance, and Portfolio Theory.
Cleveland State University
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program at Cleveland State University can be completed entirely online. Students can start in the fall or spring, and the curriculum can be completed in one year by taking courses in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. The MBA format is flexible and ideal for professionals who travel or work full-time, and the program tuition is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students. The curriculum focuses on courses such as International Business, Managerial Accounting, Marketing Strategy, Integrative Business Strategy, and Business Analytics Fundamentals. Those without an undergraduate business degree may be required to take additional prerequisites. Cleveland State University also offers on-campus, cohort-based MBA programs that offer immersive plans of study.
Ohio Finance Careers and Salary Outlook
Ohio’s economy includes many local and national companies with career opportunities for graduates with finance degrees. This midwestern state has large trade, transportation, and utilities sectors as well as many manufacturing, bioscience, and financial companies. Major companies such as Procter & Gamble, Goodyear Tire & Rubber, AK Steel, and Cardinal Health are headquartered in Ohio. Financial services companies such as KeyBank, Fifth Third Bancorp, and American Financial Group are also based in the state, offering many potential financial positions. Progressive, Nationwide, and other insurance companies have headquarters in the state as well.
Northeastern Ohio and Northwestern Ohio have some of the highest employment levels of business and financial operations occupations in nonmetropolitan areas in the US.8 The average salary for this industry is $72,640 in Ohio, comparable to the national average of $78,130.8 Ohio also has the fifth-highest concentration of financial examiners in the country.8 Financial examiners in Ohio earn an average of $73,730 a year, and these positions are projected to grow by 8.6% in Ohio through 2028.9,10 Other positions such as financial analysts and financial managers are projected to grow at rates similar to the national average, with financial analyst positions expected to grow by 5.7% (compared to 6.2% nationally) and financial manager positions are projected to increase by 13.9% (compared to 16% nationally) between 2018 and 2028.10
Ohio Finance Job Information
| Occupation | Number Employed11 | Average Salary11 |
|---|---|---|
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 298,800 | $72,640 |
| Financial and Investment Analysts and Other Specialists | 15,670 | $81,110 |
| Financial Examiners | 3,140 | $73,730 |
| Financial Managers | 22,110 | $137,890 |
| Loan Officers | 10,630 | $78,300 |
| Personal Financial Advisors | 7,040 | $106,800 |
Finance Associations in Ohio
- Association for Financial Professionals Northern Ohio (Northern Ohio AFP): Association focused on the advancement of finance and treasury professionals through monthly meetings, educational events, and scholarship opportunities. The AFP also has chapters in Central Ohio and Southwest Ohio.
- The Ohio Society of CPAs (OSCPA): Aims to advance business in Ohio and provide CPAs with continuing education events and networking opportunities.
- Ohio Bankers League (OBL): Trade association for the Ohio banking that advocates for industry standards, promotes banking in Ohio, and organizes networking and educational events.
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 and Wages, Business and Financial Operations Occupations: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes130000.htm
9. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages, Financial Examiners: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes132061.htm
10. Projections Central Long Term Occupational Projections: https://projectionscentral.org/projections/longterm
11. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Ohio: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_oh.htm