logo

Finance Programs and Careers in Massachusetts

This guide provides an overview of programs and opportunities for those interested in earning a degree and beginning a career in finance in Massachusetts. Prospective students will find various finance degree options in Massachusetts, from bachelor’s programs to master’s and Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs with finance concentrations. Some schools also offer part-time programs, evening and weekend classes, or fully online finance degrees. Graduates with degrees in finance can find growing financial industry opportunities in the state, from high-paying positions as financial analysts to investment managers. The information below offers details on finance programs and career prospects in Massachusetts.

Quick Facts

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

Table of Contents

Massachusetts Finance Program Comparison

We have developed the following table to help you compare all of the finance programs in Massachusetts 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 NameAccreditationFinance Degree(s)Acceptance Rate6Grad Rate1Online Options?Median Debt7Net Price1
American International CollegeIACBEBS-Economics/Finance;
Minor-Economics/Finance;
Minor-Fraud and Financial Crimes		N.Av.44%—$19.500$21,218
Assumption University—BA-Actuarial Science;
BA-Finance;
Minor-Finance		N.Av.70%—$24,000$29,305
Babson CollegeAACSBBS-Finance;
BS-Managerial Financial Planning and Analysis;
MBA-Finance;
MS-Finance		78.9%93%—$24,875$28,325
Bentley UniversityAACSBBS-Finance;
BS-Corporate Finance and Accounting;
BS-Economics/Finance;
BAS-Actuarial Science;
Minor-Finance;
MS-Finance;
MS-Financial Analytics		55.6%90%—$25,000$41,582
Boston CollegeAACSBBS-Accounting for Finance and Consulting;
BS-Finance;
Minor-Accounting for Finance and Consulting;
Minor-Finance;
MS-Finance		57.5%94%—$18,962$28,354
Boston UniversityAACSBBSBA: Finance;
MBA-Finance;
MS-Financial Management;
MS-Mathematical Finance & Financial Technology		49.6%88%—$23,500$29,479
Brandeis UniversityAACSBMS-Finance73.8%87%—$26,250$37,264
Bridgewater State University—Certificate-Finance;
BS-Accounting and Finance: Finance;
BS-Finance;
Minor-Accounting and Finance;
Minor–Actuarial Science		N.Av.61%Yes$18,280$17,323
Bunker Hill Community College—AS-FinanceN.Av.14%—$4,750$8,358
Clark UniversityAACSBAccelerated BA/MSF: Finance*;
MBA/MS-Finance*;
MS-Finance		83.1%79%Yes$24,963$30,158
Curry CollegeIACBEBA-Business Administration: FinanceN.Av.52%—$19,267$28,766
Eastern Nazarene College—BS-FinanceN.Av.40%—$18,500$20,798
Elms CollegeIACBECertificate-Financial Planning;
BA/MBA-Finance*;
MBA-Financial Planning		N.Av.N.Av.YesN.Av.N.Av.
Emmanuel College—BA-Economics: Finance;
Minor-Finance		N.Av.66%—$23,500$29,946
Endicott College—BS-Finance;
MBA-Finance-		N.Av.74%Yes$22,000$36,498
Fisher CollegeIACBEBS-Management: FinanceN.Av.33%—$9,500$23,981
Framingham State UniversityIACBEBS-Finance;
BS-Finance: Financial Planning;
Minor-Finance		N.Av.61%—$17,671$18,937
Gordon College—BA-Finance;
MSFA-Financial Analysis		N.Av.69%Yes$23,250$29,047
Harvard UniversityAACSBCertificate-Financial Accounting;
Certificate-Leading with Finance;
Certificate-Alternative Investments		11.5%97%Yes$7,000$18,030
Hult International Business SchoolAACSBMS-Finance38.4%N.Av.—N.Av.$44,377
Lasell UniversityACBSPBS-FinanceN.Av.59%—$24,000$28,404
Lesley UniversityACBSPMinor-Financial PlanningN.Av.60%—$15,750$33,524
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyAACSBBS-Finance;
Minor-Finance;
MFin-Finance		14.6%95%—$15,346$20,465
Merrimack College—BSBA: Financial Planning;
Minor-Finance		N.Av.75%—$23,250$34,378
Nichols CollegeIACBEBSBA: Finance;
BSBA: Corporate Finance & Investments		N.Av.59%—$19,000$28,532
Northeastern UniversityAACSBCertificate-Corporate Finance;
Certificate-Financial Markets and Institutions;
BSBA: Finance;
BSBA: Fintech;
BSBA: Finance;
BSBA: Fintech;
MS-Finance;
MS-Finance and Business Administration		32.5%89%Yes$25,000$36,479
Regis CollegeACBSPCertificate-Financial Planning;
BS-Financial Planning;
Minor-Accounting/Finance		N.Av.67%Yes$25,000$32,047
Salem State University—BSBA: Corporate Finance and Accounting;
BSBA: Finance		N.Av.57%—$17,941$17,720
Simmons UniversityAACSBBSBA: Finance;
BS-Financial Mathematics;
Minor-Finance		N.Av.81%—$23,000$30,841
Springfield CollegeIACBEBS-FinanceN.Av.74%—$20,590$29,706
Stonehill CollegeAACSBBSBA: Finance;
BS-Actuarial Mathematics		N.Av.82%—$26,000$35,409
Suffolk UniversityAACSBCertificate-Corporate Finance;
Certificate-Finance;
Certificate-Risk Management;
Certificate-Financial Services and Banking;
BS-Finance
BSBA: Corporate Accounting and Finance;
Minor-Corporate Finance;
MS-Finance;
MS-Corporate Finance;
MS-Financial Services and Banking;
MBA-Finance;
MS/MS-Dual Degree Accounting/Finance*;
MS/MBA-Dual Degree Finance/MBA		67%58%—$21,000$33,105
University of Massachusetts-AmherstAACSBBBA: Finance;
MBA-Finance;
MFIN-Alternative Investments		29.9%82%Yes$20,600$22,927
University of Massachusetts-BostonAACSBMS-FinanceN.Av.49%Yes$16,250$17,511
University of Massachusetts-DartmouthAACSBCertificate-Finance;
BS-Finance;
Minor-Finance;
MS-Finance		95.7%59%Yes$18,335$18,662
University of Massachusetts-LowellAACSBBSBA: Finance;
Minor-Finance;
MS-Finance;
MBA-Finance		N.Av.66%Yes$17,928$18,183
Western New England UniversityAACSBBS-Finance;
Minor-Finance		N.Av.65%—$19,500$30,071
Worcester Polytechnic InstituteAACSBCertificate-Financial Technology;
BS-Actuarial Mathematics;
Minor-Financial Technology;
MS-Financial Mathematics		90.9%89%—$27,000$42,393

  • * indicates combined program.
  • — indicates none.
  • N.Av. indicates no data available.

Top-Ranked Schools with Finance Programs in Massachusetts

Forbes’ Best Business Schools 2019

  • Harvard University (#4)
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (#8)
  • Boston University (#39)

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.

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (#4; $2,273,000)
  • Babson College (#7; $1,985,000)
  • Harvard University (#8; $1,967,000)
  • Bentley University (#20; $1,786,000)
  • Worcester Polytechnic Institute (#28; $1,725,000)
  • Boston College (#57; $1,476,000)
  • Northeastern University (#79; $1,385,000)
  • Boston University (#116; $1,294,000)
  • Stonehill College (#186; $1,216,000)
  • Brandeis University (#255; $1,151,000)7

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

  • Babson College
  • Bentley University
  • Boston College
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (#4)
  • Boston College (#7 tie)
  • Babson College (#30 tie)

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

      • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (#5)
      • Harvard University (#7)
      • Boston College (#31 tie)

      Select Schools in Massachusetts with Finance Degrees

      Traditional Undergraduate Programs

      Framingham State University

      At Framingham State University (FSU), students enrolled in the College of Business can earn an IACBE-accredited Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance. Admittance to the program requires the completion of prerequisite coursework and/or test scores that demonstrate that students can meet the academic performance required for the level of the program. The rigorous curriculum prepares students for the global business environment through courses such as Managerial Finance, Legal Environment of Business, and Quantitative Modeling for Business and Economics. Students must choose one of two concentrations: General Finance or Financial Planning. Each concentration consists of seven specialization courses that include core courses and electives. The Financial Planning concentration is approved by the CFP Board and certifies students to sit for the CFP exam.

      Lasell University

      Lasell University’s College of Business offers an ACBSP-accredited Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance that prepares students to gain various industry certifications such as CFP (Certified Financial Planner), CFA (Certified Financial Analyst), ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant), CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter), and the Series 6, 63, and 7 broker licenses. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience including internships and partnerships with major corporations. Classes are structured boardroom-style rather than lecture-style and students practice research and analysis through projects that challenge them to generate and record revenue. A seven-course program is available that is designed to meet the CFP Board of Standards requirements and can be completed over eight weeks. Students can opt to complete a challenging double major in accounting and finance in as little as three years.

      Traditional Master’s Programs

      Massachusetts Institute of Technology

      At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), students can earn a Master of Finance (MFin) from the Sloan School of Management. This STEM-designated program focuses on academic research in the field of financial economics. Students learn about the global finance economy using quantitative methods to analyze complex financial systems. This master’s degree also focuses on innovative management practices and the application of financial research in the real world. Courses encourage collaborative learning and student clubs offer opportunities to network outside of the classroom. The highly customizable program includes such courses as Foundations of Modern Finance, Corporate Financial Accounting, and Financial Markets. Students can complete the program in 12 to 18 months, and graduates can find opportunities in asset management, consulting companies, corporate banks, and treasury and finance departments. MIT also offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance and a Minor in Finance option.

      Suffolk University

      The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at Suffolk University (SU) in Boston offers a concentration in Finance that focuses on real-world business knowledge. Students have the option to specialize in subjects such as corporate finance, financial technology (fintech), investments, and risk management. The downtown Boston campus is located near biotech, finance, and start-up businesses and the student career center offers opportunities to form connections in the financial industry. Students can attend professional workshops to build their resumes, expand their networks, and learn about other professional development opportunities. Some courses may be waived for those who are already certified public accountants (CPAs) and other accelerated program options are available. The SU North Campus in Lawrence, Massachusetts, offers the same MBA program on a full- or part-time basis, and the degree can also be completed online.

      University of Massachusetts-Boston

      The University of Massachusetts in Boston (UMB) offers a Master of Science in Finance (MSF). The program consists of 10 courses, or 30 credits, and students complete core classes, finance electives, and a capstone course. The program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis, and it is geared toward those looking for careers in the finance sector. Students can choose between a General Finance track or an Investment Management and Quantitative Finance focus. The program emphasizes business foundations, focusing on market analysis and financial decision-making. Students collaborate on real-world projects that require critical thinking, creative problem solving, and strategic planning. The highly competitive program admits students based on prior academic record, professional experience, test scores, essays, and recommendations.

      Online and Hybrid Programs

      Bridgewater State University

      Bridgewater State University (BSU) offers an online option for students seeking careers in banking, financial planning, and investments. The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance is designed to develop students’ problem-solving and critical thinking skills while making decisions based on ethics and good business. The program emphasizes business communication skills and teamwork in a variety of business and financial settings. Students gain Bloomberg certification as part of their coursework which includes Fundamentals of Financial Reporting; Real Estate Investment and Finance; and Statistics for Economics and Business. The Boston Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters (CPCU) chapter and other professional organizations maintain close ties to the program, providing mentorship opportunities for students. A minimum grade of “C-” is required in all courses in the 120-hour program. A graduate Certificate in Finance is also available.

      Gordon College

      Gordon College’s Master of Science in Financial Analysis (MSFA) is a STEM-designated program designed to prepare students for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certifications. Almost all of the coursework is completed online except for an intensive, interactive in-person two-week Summer Residency that offers networking opportunities. The flexible 36-credit hour degree can be earned in one or two years, depending on part-time or full-time status. Prerequisite online learning modules must be completed prior to starting the program. Course titles include Equity Analysis, Corporate Finance, and Alternative Investments. Gordon College, located north of Boston, also offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Finance program.

      University of Massachusetts Amherst

      At the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Isenberg School of Management, financial professionals looking to further their careers can earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) online. Online students study the same comprehensive curriculum as on-campus students but are able to complete their degree on a flexible schedule, potentially without taking time off from their full-time jobs. The MBA curriculum is based on general business principles and includes finance elective courses, and students can pursue specialized degrees with focuses such as Finance, Business Analytics, and Marketing. This highly adaptable finance master’s degree can be earned completely online or students can take some courses in-person at the Boston, Shrewsbury, or Springfield campuses. Graduates work in careers such as investment banking, corporate finance, and venture capital.

      Massachusetts Finance Careers and Salary Outlook

      Massachusetts, the most populous state in the New England region, is home to several large investment companies, like Putnam Investments and MFS Investment Management, as well as banks like State Street Bank and Eastern Bank. The Boston metropolitan area is the financial, business, and entrepreneurial center of the state; many companies, including Fidelity Investments, have headquarters in this area. Graduates with finance master’s degrees may find opportunities in Boston’s entrepreneurial start-ups, biotechnology companies, or information technology corporations. With a diverse and growing economy, Massachusetts offers many possible positions in the financial field.

      Massachusetts is one of the country’s hubs for finance jobs. Financial examiners in Massachusetts earn an average of $122,000 per year, well above the national average of $92,330.8 In fact, Massachusetts is the second highest-paying state for this occupation in the nation.8,9 With estimated job growth of 3.2%, financial analyst positions in Massachusetts are expected to grow at a rate slightly slower than the national projected average of 6.2% through 2028, but with 18,130 positions in this field, the state has the fourth-highest employment rate of financial analysts in the country.10,11 Massachusetts also has a high concentration of personal financial advisors, who make an annual mean wage of $137,050 in the state, significantly higher than the national average of $119,290.12 The Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area also averages the highest salaries for personal financial advisor positions in the country, with personal financial advisors here earning an average of $168,880 annually.12

      Massachusetts Finance Salary Information

      OccupationNumber Employed8Average Salary8
      Business and Financial Operations Occupations220,430$87,880
      Financial and Investment Analysts and Other Specialists18,130$102,610
      Financial Examiners950$122,000
      Financial Managers33,520$153,650
      Loan Officers5,490$91,460
      Personal Financial Advisors7,960$137,050

      Finance Associations in Massachusetts

      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, Massachusetts: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ma.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 and Wages, Financial and Investment Analysts, Financial Risk Specialists, and Financial Specialists, All Other: https://www.bls.gov/oes/2019/may/oes132098.htm
      12. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages, Personal Financial Advisors: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes132052.htm