If you’re dreaming of a career in finance—whether it’s investment banking, wealth management, or corporate finance—choosing the right college can make all the difference. The best colleges for finance offer top-notch coursework and connect you with industry leaders, provide hands-on learning experiences, and help you land competitive internships at major firms like Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, and Morgan Stanley.
But with so many options out there, how do you know which school is the best fit for you? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. In this blog, we’ll break down the top colleges for finance, what makes them stand out, and how they can set you up for success in the fast-paced world of finance.
- What Are the Top 10 Colleges for Finance in the US?
- Top Tips To Get Accepted Into the Best Colleges for Finance
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
What Are the Top 10 Colleges for Finance in the US?
Here’s a look at the top 10 best colleges for finance in 2025, according to the U.S. News & World Report:
1. University of Pennsylvania
Acceptance rate: 5.4%
Average tuition cost: $60,920
If you’re serious about a career in finance, it’s hard to beat Wharton at UPenn—arguably the gold standard among the best colleges for finance. With a curriculum that integrates quantitative finance, asset management, and hands-on investment experience, you’ll be learning from some of the brightest minds in the industry.
Wharton also boasts one of the largest undergraduate finance clubs, the Wharton Investment and Trading Group, where you can manage real investments. Plus, its alumni network is stacked, with big names like Elon Musk, Warren Buffett, and Donald Trump. If Wall Street is your dream, Wharton is one of the best launchpads to get there.
2. New York University
Acceptance rate: 8%
Average tuition cost: $62,796
Ever dreamed of interning on Wall Street while still in college? At NYU Stern, that’s not just possible—it’s the norm. Located in New York City, Stern gives you direct access to finance giants like Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, and Morgan Stanley.
The curriculum covers everything from FinTech and risk management to alternative investments, ensuring you’re ready for the fast-paced world of finance. Plus, the Global Business Program lets you study finance from an international perspective—an edge in today’s economy. It’s no wonder Stern is consistently ranked among the best colleges for finance.
Famous alumni? Henry Kravis (KKR co-founder) and Robert Greifeld (former Nasdaq CEO) are just a couple of big names who started here.
3. The University of Texas – Austin
Acceptance rate: 28.2%
Average tuition cost: $11,678 (in-state)
If you’re looking for one of the best colleges for finance outside the usual East Coast schools, McCombs at UT Austin should be on your radar. The program is known for its hands-on learning approach, and if you want real investment experience, the Undergraduate Investment Banking and Private Equity Fund lets you manage actual money. Plus, Texas is a major energy hub, so if you’re interested in energy finance, this is one of the best places to study it.
McCombs also has strong ties to top banks and firms across the country, helping you land that all-important first job. Notable alumni? Michael Dell (Dell Technologies) and Rex Tillerson (former ExxonMobil CEO and U.S. Secretary of State) walked these halls.
4. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
Acceptance rate: 17%
Average tuition cost: $17,736
At Michigan Ross, finance is about real-world experience. That’s why students here are part of clubs like the Michigan Investment Club, where you get to manage actual portfolios, and programs like the Zell Lurie Institute, which supports those looking to break into venture capital and private equity.
And when it comes to connections, Ross has one of the strongest alumni networks out there, helping you land roles at top firms like Goldman Sachs, BlackRock, and Morgan Stanley. Famous alumni include Stephen Ross (billionaire real estate developer) and Larry Page (Google co-founder, though he studied engineering).
5. University of California, Berkeley
Acceptance rate: 11%
Average tuition cost: $17,106
Think finance is just an East Coast specialty? UC Berkeley Haas proves otherwise. While it’s best known for entrepreneurship and tech, its finance program is a hidden gem, especially if you’re interested in venture capital, fintech, or impact investing.
Thanks to its Silicon Valley location, Haas students have great access to tech-driven finance careers—perfect if you’re eyeing a future in VC or hedge funds. Plus, the Haas Investment Fund gives you real-world investing experience before you even graduate.
If you’re looking for a finance degree with a tech edge, Haas is one of the best colleges for finance on the West Coast. Notable alumni include Paul Otellini (former Intel CEO) and Janet Yellen (U.S. Secretary of the Treasury and former Fed Chair).
6. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Acceptance rate: 4.5%
Average tuition cost: $61,990
When you think of MIT, finance might not be the first thing that comes to mind—but it should be. The Sloan School of Management offers one of the most rigorous, data-driven finance programs in the world, combining economics, mathematics, and cutting-edge financial technology.
Courses in quantitative finance, algorithmic trading, and financial engineering make it an ideal choice for those looking to break into hedge funds, investment banking, or fintech.
With MIT’s strong focus on innovation, you’ll also have access to its world-class entrepreneurship ecosystem if you’re interested in fintech startups. Notable alumni include John Reed (former Citigroup CEO) and Bill Ackman (billionaire hedge fund manager, though he transferred out of MIT to Harvard).
7. Boston College
Acceptance rate: 15.45%
Average tuition cost: $34,700 (per semester)
At Boston College’s Carroll School of Management, finance is also about ethics, leadership, and long-term impact. With a Jesuit education philosophy, BC emphasizes finance as a tool for creating positive change, making it an excellent choice for those interested in sustainable investing or corporate social responsibility.
The school’s Applied Portfolio Management Program (APMP) is a standout, giving select students the chance to manage a multi-million-dollar investment fund.
Thanks to BC’s strong alumni ties to Wall Street, grads frequently land jobs at top investment banks and asset management firms. Famous alumni include Bob Diamond (former CEO of Barclays) and Seth Klarman (billionaire hedge fund manager, Baupost Group).
8. Carnegie Mellon University
Acceptance rate: 11.5%
Average tuition cost: $67,020
If you’re drawn to the intersection of finance and technology, Carnegie Mellon’s Tepper School of Business is an ideal choice. The finance program here is heavily quantitative, with a focus on financial modeling, machine learning in finance, and computational investment strategies.
Tepper’s unique Computational Finance Program, a collaboration between the business, math, and engineering departments, is one of the best in the country for students interested in quantitative finance and algorithmic trading.
The school’s close ties to hedge funds, trading firms, and fintech startups make it an incredible launching pad for high-tech finance careers. Notable alumni include David Tepper (billionaire hedge fund manager, Appaloosa Management) and Jim Swartz (co-founder of Accel Partners, a major VC firm).
9. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Acceptance rate: 18.7%
Average tuition cost: $7,020 (in-state)
UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School is a hidden gem among the best colleges for finance, offering a comprehensive finance curriculum with a strong emphasis on investment banking, private equity, and real estate finance. The UNC Investment Banking Club is one of the most competitive undergraduate finance organizations, preparing students to land top roles on Wall Street. UNC also has a particularly strong reputation in real estate finance, thanks to its Wood Center for Real Estate Studies.
If you’re looking for a finance degree without the cutthroat competition of Ivy League schools—but with equally strong career prospects—UNC is a fantastic choice. Notable alumni include Hugh McColl (former CEO of Bank of America) and Sallie Krawcheck (former Citigroup CFO and Wall Street executive).
10. Indiana University Bloomington
Acceptance rate: 80%
Average tuition cost: $12,142 (in-state)
If you want elite finance training without the East Coast price tag, Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business is a standout. The undergraduate finance program at Kelley is highly respected, with specialized tracks in corporate finance, investment management, and financial markets.
What sets Kelley apart is its Investment Banking Workshop (IBW)—a highly selective program that provides hands-on investment banking training and nearly guarantees placement at top Wall Street firms.
Kelley also boasts one of the strongest alumni networks in finance, making it easier for grads to break into major investment banks and private equity firms. Notable alumni include Marc Cuban (billionaire investor and entrepreneur) and Jamie Heller (head of global banking at Goldman Sachs).
Top Tips to Get Accepted Into the Best Colleges for Finance
Here are our five best strategies to help you get accepted into the best colleges for finance:
1. Ace your math and business courses.
If you want to study finance at top schools like Wharton, NYU Stern, or MIT Sloan, you need to prove that you can handle rigorous quantitative coursework. That means excelling in AP Calculus, Statistics, and Economics if your school offers them. Strong math skills show that you can tackle finance-heavy subjects like financial modeling and investment analysis—which admissions officers love to see.
If your school doesn’t offer advanced math or business courses, consider taking online classes or dual enrollment courses at a local college to show your commitment to finance.
2. Build an impressive finance-related extracurricular profile.
Admissions officers at the best colleges for finance want to see that you’re passionate about the field beyond the classroom. Getting involved in finance clubs, investment competitions, or business internships can set you apart from the competition.
Some great ways to boost your resume:
- Join or start an investment club at your school
- Participate in stock market challenges, like the Wharton Global High School Investment Competition
- Intern at a local bank, investment firm, or startup
- Launch a personal finance blog or YouTube channel to share market insights
If you’re serious about finance, try managing a small investment portfolio (even if it’s just simulated trading). This shows real initiative!
3. Crush the SAT or ACT (especially the Math section).
Finance is a numbers-heavy field, and top colleges expect strong standardized test scores—especially in math. While some schools have gone test-optional, high SAT/ACT scores can still boost your application significantly.
Here’s what to aim for at elite finance schools:
- UPenn Wharton: 1500+ SAT or 34+ ACT
- MIT Sloan: 1530+ SAT or 35+ ACT
- NYU Stern: 1450+ SAT or 33+ ACT
- UT Austin: 1360+ SAT or 30+ ACT
- UMichigan Ann Arbor: 1440+ SAT or 32+ ACT
- UC Berkeley: 1400+ SAT or 31+ ACT
- Boston College: 1420+ SAT or 31+ ACT
- Carnegie Mellon University: 1490+ SAT or 34+ ACT
- UNC at Chapel Hill: 1370+ SAT or 30+ ACT
- Indiana University – Bloomington: 1300+ SAT or 28+ ACT
If math isn’t your strong suit, focus on superscoring—retaking the test and combining your best section scores.
4. Write a killer application essay that shows your passion for finance.
Your college essay is where you prove to admissions officers that finance isn’t just a major for you—it’s your calling. Instead of writing a generic essay about why finance is important, tell a compelling personal story about what sparked your interest.
A few ideas:
- A stock market moment that changed your perspective (Did you invest in a stock that took off—or crashed?)
- A real-world finance problem you’re passionate about solving (Do you want to use finance to address income inequality or fund sustainable investments?)
- An experience that shaped your financial mindset (Did your family’s financial struggles inspire you to learn more about money management?)
Make it personal and specific! Colleges want students who bring a unique perspective.
5. Get strong letters of recommendation from Math or Business teachers.
A glowing recommendation letter from a teacher who knows your strengths in math, economics, or business can give you a huge advantage. Your recommender should highlight:
- Your analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Your work ethic and intellectual curiosity
- Any finance-related projects or competitions you’ve excelled in
If you’ve done an independent finance project or research, ask your teacher to mention it—it makes you stand out even more!
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What career options do you have as a finance major?
With a finance major, you’ve got a lot of career options. Here are five common jobs you can land:
- Financial analyst. Analyze financial data to help businesses make smart investment decisions.
- Investment banker. Assist companies with raising capital and handling mergers and acquisitions.
- Financial planner. Help individuals manage their finances, plan for retirement, and achieve personal financial goals.
- Accountant. Manage financial records, prepare tax documents, and ensure financial accuracy for businesses or individuals.
- Risk manager. Identify and manage potential financial risks that could impact a company’s operations.
2. What is the career outlook for finance in 2025?
If you’re considering a career in finance or business, you’re in luck! Job opportunities in these fields are expected to grow faster than average between 2023 and 2033. Every year, around 963,500 positions open up—not just from new job creation but also because of workers retiring or moving on.
The pay is also solid. In 2023, the median annual salary for business and finance roles was $79,050, which is significantly higher than the $48,060 median for all jobs. If you’re aiming for a stable and well-paying career, finance could be the perfect path for you!
3. Is a finance degree expensive?
A finance degree can be expensive, with tuition costs varying depending on the institution. On average, tuition fees for a bachelor’s degree in finance at a public university can range from $10,000 to $25,000 per year for in-state students, and up to $40,000 for out-of-state students.
Private universities tend to be more expensive, with costs ranging from $30,000 to $70,000 per year. Additional costs like textbooks, fees, and living expenses can add to the overall cost. However, you can always apply for scholarships and financial aid to help cover the costs.
Takeaways
- Some of the best colleges for finance in the US include UPenn, NYU, and UC Berkeley.
- Choosing the best college for finance is a big decision, but it all comes down to finding the right fit for your goals, interests, and career aspirations. Each of these schools offers unique opportunities to kick-start a successful finance career.
- No matter which path you take, the key is to make the most of your experience—build strong connections, get involved in investment clubs, and secure top internships.
- If you’re serious about getting into a top finance program, a college admissions expert can help you go through the process with confidence.
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