Finance Programs and Careers in Delaware
Those interested in a finance degree in Delaware can find information about different universities and programs on this page. Delaware’s colleges and universities offer Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science in Finance (MSF) programs as well as Bachelor of Science (BS) programs that can prepare aspiring professionals for careers in finance. Some schools also offer degree specializations, and students can choose between full-time, part-time, and fully online school schedules. After graduation, students with degrees in finance may find opportunities to work in the state’s finance industry or in other business roles. Continue reading below to find out more information about degree types, program formats, and possible career opportunities in Delaware.
Quick Facts
- There are 4 colleges and universities with finance degree programs in Delaware.1
- No schools offer a certificate in finance.1
- 1 school offers an associate’s degree in finance.1
- 4 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in finance.1
- 3 schools offer a master’s or advanced degree in finance.1
- No schools ranked in Forbes’ Best Business Schools 2019.2
- No schools ranked in Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Business and Finance Majors 2020.3
- No schools ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Undergraduate Finance Programs 2021.4
- No 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 Delaware
- Select Schools in Delaware with Finance Degrees
- Delaware Finance Careers and Salary Outlook
- Finance Associations in Delaware
Delaware Finance Program Comparison
We have developed the following table to help you compare all of the finance programs in Delaware 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 | Accreditation | Finance Degree(s) | Acceptance Rate6 | Grad Rate1 | Online Options? | Median Debt7 | Net Price1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware State University | AACSB | BS-Finance: Finance and Banking; BS-Finance: Financial Economics; Minor-Financial Planning | N.Av. | 42% | — | $19,500 | $13,213 |
| Goldey-Beacom College | ACBSP | BS-Finance; BSBA-Financial Management; MBA-Finance; MBA-Financial Management; MSF | N.Av. | 58% | — | $15,000 | $16,925 |
| University of Delaware | AACSB | BS-Finance; MBA-Finance; MSF | 55.2% | 81% | Yes | $21,250 | $17,539 |
| Wilmington University | IACBE | AS-Finance; BS-Accounting and Finance; BS-Finance | N.Av. | 21% | Yes | $13,668 | $13,715 |
- — indicates none.
- N.Av. indicates no data available.
Top-Ranked Schools with Finance Programs in Delaware
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.
- University of Delaware (#188; $1,214,000)
- Goldey-Beacom College (#827; $936,000)
- Wilmington University (#1,006; $898,000)
- Delaware State University (#2,034; $748,000)7
Select Schools in Delaware with Finance Degrees
Traditional Undergraduate Programs
Delaware State University
Delaware State University’s Department of Accounting, Economics, and Finance offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance with a concentration in either Finance and Banking or Financial Economics. The Finance and Banking discipline focuses on the acquisition and management of funds by business firms, governments, and individuals. Students will develop the critical thinking, financial technology awareness, leadership, and communication skills needed to navigate the financial field. Both concentrations are composed of 121 credit hours and include courses such as Managerial Finance; Microcomputer Applications; Principles of Management; Managerial Finance; Management Information Systems; and Fixed Income Markets. An internship is not required for graduation, but students are offered dedicated resources on campus to assist in both non-paid and paid internship research. Past students have held internships with JP Morgan Chase & Co., DuPont USA, WSFS Bank, and Edward Jones Investments. Finance graduates have found jobs in investment firms, the finance departments of corporations, government agencies, and charitable organizations.
Traditional Master’s Programs
Goldey-Beacom College
At Goldey-Beacom College, students can earn a Master of Science in Finance (MSF) degree. This program’s curriculum emphasizes financial analysis and asset management and teaches skills in investment management, equity analysis, fixed income securities analysis, corporate finance and valuation, and risk analysis and management. Students gain a quantitative background through finance courses and computer-based modeling tools. The curriculum also focuses on communication skills and the practical application of theory. Some competency courses may be required for students without a finance background. After the foundational classes, students study a 21-credit sequence of core courses. Students can then choose nine credits of electives, taking courses such as Entrepreneurship or International Capital Budgeting.
University of Delaware
The University of Delaware’s (UD) Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics offers a Master of Science in Finance (MSF) degree. This program emphasizes both the quantitative and qualitative perspectives of financial decision making. Students learn the skills necessary for financial management as well as problem-solving and leadership strategies. The program has some prerequisites in mathematics, business computing, and finance and accounting, but these may be waived for students with significant work experience or related coursework. Full-time students can complete the degree in 18 months, which includes elective courses and a possible internship. Working students can take a part-time, limited course load, as some but not all classes are offered in the evening. Students can also pursue a dual-degree MSF and Master of Business Administration (MBA). Graduates from UD’s MSF program work in such fields as corporate finance, investment banking, investment research, private wealth management, real estate finance, and consulting.
Wilmington University
Wilmington University’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program with a concentration in Finance is designed for students who want to work full-time while earning their degree. GMAT scores are not required for qualifying applicants. Classes take place on weeknights and Saturdays at the Wilson Graduate Center and Georgetown campuses or in an online format. The curriculum is a series of accelerated seven-week courses, and the course content focuses on the foundational knowledge and leadership skills needed to succeed in business. Students learn quantitative and qualitative analytical techniques and managerial strategies through coursework, case studies, and team projects. Graduates with an MBA from Wilmington University have worked with companies such as JP Morgan, Bank of America, and Christiana Care.
Online and Hybrid Programs
University of Delaware
The Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics at the University of Delaware also offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program with a concentration in Finance that can be completed entirely online. This program can be completed in as few as 16 months, though students can choose to finish their degree at their own pace. Classes are taught through intensive seven-week courses, and students can take classes on campus, online, or in a hybrid format. The curriculum focuses on the business knowledge, analytical strategies, and creative problem-solving processes needed to lead organizations. The core curriculum includes courses such as Financial Reporting and Analysis, Marketing Management, Financial Management, and Corporate Strategy. Online students also have access to Lerner’s Career Services to find opportunities to attend networking events, career fairs, and business leader speaker series.
Wilmington University
Wilmington University offers an Associate of Science (AS) in Finance entirely online. Online classes begin every eight weeks with flexible timelines towards graduation. Students can take online courses either in a semester or block format. Semester-format courses are taken in 15-week periods while block-format courses are taken in eight-week periods. Regardless of course format, the degree is composed of 60 credit hours with 20 courses. Financial core courses include Economics of Money and Banking; Personal Finance; Financial Planning; Financial Management; and Corporate Finance. An AS through Wilmington University can transfer towards a bachelor’s degree in subjects such as Finance, Business Management, Business Analytics, and related fields. Graduating students are expected to possess critical thinking and analytical skills, be proficient communicators both orally and in writing, have an understanding of the global financial market, and have strong leadership ability. TheAS in Finance program prepares graduates for entry-level positions in banking, investment, and real estate.
Delaware Finance Careers and Salary Outlook
Those with a finance degree in Delaware may have an advantage in finding a position in one of the state’s many companies after graduation. Delaware is home to many financial services companies, such as Navient Corporation, PennyMac Financial Services, and SLM Corporation (Sallie Mae). National banking and finance companies like JPMorgan Chase, CitiGroup, Deutsche Bank, and Bank of America have major operation centers in the state. Information technology services, operations, and consulting companies such as Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys Limited, and Accenture also have a large presence in Delaware and may offer positions in finance, analytics, and leadership roles. Other companies with operations in Delaware include oil and gas corporations as well as pharmaceuticals and chemical companies like DuPont and Syngenta.
Delaware has the second-highest concentration of financial analyst positions per 1,000 jobs in the US.8,9 Financial analysts in the state earn an average of $91,510 annually, slightly lower than the national average of $94,160.8,9 Financial managers in Delaware earn an average of $169,100 annually, much higher than the national average of $147,530, making the statewide average salary for this role the fourth-highest in the nation.8,10 Financial examiner positions in the state are projected to grow 9.1% through 2028.11 With a growing financial industry and salaries comparable to or higher than national averages, Delaware can provide many career possibilities for those with an education in finance.
Delaware Finance Salary Information
| Occupation | Number Employed8 | Average Salary8 |
|---|---|---|
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 38,430 | $70,200 |
| Financial and Investment Analysts and Other Specialists | 29,410 | $78,700 |
| Financial Examiners | 830 | $80,140 |
| Financial Managers | 2,290 | $169,100 | Loan Officers | N.Av. | N.Av. |
| Personal Financial Advisors | N.Av. | N.Av. |
Finance Associations in Delaware
- Delaware Bankers Association (DBA): Supports banks and financial services institutions in the state with educational and developmental activities for members and industry advocacy.
- Delaware Society of Certified Public Accountants (DSCPA): Provides a member network, learning and professional development opportunities, and other support for those with the CPA designation.
- Society of Financial Service Professionals, Delaware Chapter (SFSP, Delaware): Promotes high standards in the financial industry, supports professional development opportunities and networking events, and provides news about industry developments.
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, Delaware: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_de.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. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages, Financial Managers: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes113031.htm
11. Projections Central Long Term Occupational Projections: https://projectionscentral.org/projections/longterm