Finance Programs and Careers in New Jersey

The following guide is designed for those interested in pursuing an undergraduate, master’s, or certificate in finance in New Jersey. Many colleges and universities in New Jersey offer four-year finance degrees, advanced finance degrees, and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees with finance concentrations. Students can choose from full-time or part-time programs offered in formats ranging from traditional on-campus learning to online learning to a hybrid format. New Jersey is home to many major financial companies, and the nearby financial hub of New York City also provides students with opportunities to network and further their careers. More information about New Jersey’s top-ranked schools and programs and career outlooks for those searching for finance degrees can be found below.

Quick Facts

• There are 27 colleges and universities with finance degree programs in New Jersey.¹
• 4 schools offer a certificate in finance.¹
• 2 schools offer an associate’s degree in finance.¹
• 20 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in finance.¹
• 14 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
• 1 school 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 New Jersey
• Select Schools in New Jersey with Finance Degrees
• New Jersey Finance Careers and Salary Outlook
• Finance Associations in New Jersey

New Jersey Finance Program Comparison

We have developed the following table to help you compare all of the finance programs in New Jersey 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.

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

Top-Ranked Schools with Finance Programs in New Jersey

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.

• Stevens Institute of Technology (#15; $1,833,000)
• Princeton University (#33; $1,642,000)
• New Jersey Institute of Technology (#63; $1,453,000)
• Rutgers University-Camden (#156; $1,244,000)
• Rutgers University-Newark (#156; $1,244,000)
• Rutgers University-New Brunswick (#193; $1,210,000)
• College of New Jersey (#198; $1,202,000)
• Seton Hall University (#240; $1,166,000)
• Ramapo College of New Jersey (#322; $1,101,000)
• Montclair State University (#468; $1,029,000)⁷

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

• Stevens Institute of Technology (#35 tie)
Select Schools in New Jersey with Finance Degrees

Traditional Undergraduate Programs

Ramapo College of New Jersey

At the AACSB-accredited Anisfield School of Business at Ramapo College of New Jersey (RCNJ), students can earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance within four years by completing 128 credits, 24 of which are in the Finance major. The Finance program offers students a broad overview of in-depth financial methods and techniques which include analyzing real-time global economic data. Students develop qualitative and quantitative practices that prepare them for careers in financial analysis, banking, international finance, insurance and risk management, and financial management. Classrooms are capped at 35 students, offering hands-on experience and encouraging classroom engagement. This program also allows for paid internships to encourage the merging of classroom insight with career advancement. It is required that students have a 2.0 minimum GPA to graduate.

Rowan University

The Accounting and Finance Department within the Rohrer College of Business at Rowan University offers a 120-semester hour Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance that prepares students for finance careers in numerous industries like security analysis, wealth and investment management, personal financial advising, loan management, and financial management. The BS in Finance requires foundational business courses such as Principles of Accounting, Legal Environment of Business, and Organizational Behavior, as well as coursework in finance including courses like Federal Taxation and International Financial Management. The Finance Mentorship program encourages early networking and connects current students with alumni working in their field of interest. This is paired with the Finance Internship course, which is overseen by a finance faculty member to ensure a successful transition into professional working environments. In some cases, these internships have led to permanent employment within the companies such as NBC, JP Morgan Chase, Prudential, and others.

Traditional Master’s Programs

Fairleigh Dickinson University

Students can earn a 42-credit MBA in Finance at either the Florham or the Metropolitan campuses of Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU). Working professionals who want to develop their leadership skills and professional expertise can choose several sub-areas within finance for further specialization. Students learn concepts and real-world tools to help organizations make financial decisions in sectors such as investment, banking, and government. Courses focus on financial analysis, management, and evaluation of financial strategies. Varied coursework, real-life trading labs, and research projects prepare students for a variety of positions in the finance world. As the school is close to New York City, students at FDU also benefit from on-site visits and guest speakers from major companies.

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

The Rutgers Business School at Rutgers University-New Brunswick offers a Master of Financial Analysis (MFinA) program. This program includes exam preparation for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification, led by experienced faculty in the field. The MFinA is available as a full-time, year-long program or as a flexible, part-time curriculum for working professionals that can be completed in as little as 20 months. Students learn foundational analytical skills through real-world investment analysis and portfolio management. Graduates should have the skills to pursue a number of financial positions, such as financial analyst, portfolio manager, consultant, or financial advisor. For non-native English speakers, Rutgers also offers a Summer Intensive Business English program for strengthening business communication skills.

Saint Peter’s University

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Finance at Saint Peter’s University focuses on business innovation and trends in the finance industry. Students can complete the 48-credit program with optional concentrations such as finance, risk management, and international business. In all programs, students learn interpersonal skills and strategic communication while also developing qualitative reasoning for data-based analysis. The faculty and staff at Saint Peter’s University offer comprehensive advising and networking for future career opportunities. Saint Peter’s also offers an accelerated, combined five-year Bachelor of Science (BS) to MBA program and a Master of Science (MS) in Finance degree.

Online and Hybrid Programs

Montclair State University

At the AACSB-accredited Feliciano School of Business at Montclair State University, the online Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance prepares students to enter careers in financial operations. The MBA in Finance is designed for undergraduate business degree holders, accountants or finance specialists who want to move into management roles, career-changers, financial managers looking to move to executive roles, and entrepreneurs who want to grow their business. The finance degree is earned with 39 credit hours of online coursework, which can be completed in as few as 27 months. Thirty hours are applied to core business administration courses while nine hours are completed in six financial courses including Advanced Investments, Options Markets, and Financial Aspects of Mergers and Acquisitions. Each semester consists of two eight-week terms. Students in the online MBA program attend class through the Canvas online learning management system and have the ability to complete weekly lessons and assignments at their own convenience.

Seton Hall University

The Stillman School of Business at Seton Hall University (SHU) offers an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance for those looking to develop leadership skills and specialties in the finance industry. The business school emphasizes analytical thinking, global management, and ethical leadership. Students learn to apply critical thinking to different business problems and how to communicate ideas effectively. The degree can be completed entirely online, with 25 core credits plus 15 credits in the Finance concentration. The SHU program has alumni and professional connections in New York City, helping students find opportunities as financial managers, analysts, and business operations managers.

Thomas Edison State University

In the ACBSP-accredited Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Finance at the Thomas Edison State University School of Business and Management students can attend classes and fulfill all degree requirements online. The program comprises 120 credits and is created for individuals who are currently in or are interested in banking and finance careers. The Finance program focuses in the management of organizations, financial markets and institutions, and investments. Students must take 18 credits in areas including Advanced Financial Management, Risk Management, Commercial Banking, Business Forecasting, and more. BSBA students are strongly encouraged to take a business ethics course as part of their program, regardless of their area of study. All students must complete the program with a capstone in Strategic Management, which brings together content from the entire degree program. Students may also collaborate with a mentor to complete a Demonstration of Competency (DOC) that addresses modern developments related to certain topics.

New Jersey Finance Careers and Salary Outlook

Those with finance degrees in New Jersey have many opportunities to work in this growing field. Many companies seeking competitive real estate and taxes strategically locate their headquarters in the state of New Jersey while still remaining connected to New York City. Financial services and the insurance industry are major sectors in New Jersey’s local economy. Major finance corporations such as JPMorgan, Bank of America, Fidelity Investments, and Prudential Financial have large presences in the state. Other major companies that regularly hire finance grads that are headquartered in New Jersey include ADP, Chubb, TD Bank, and Jackson Hewitt. New Jersey is also home to a growing financial technology industry, combining high-tech approaches to the financial industry.

New Jersey offers competitive wages and growth in the financial field, as well as a lower cost of living than the neighboring state of New York. Financial manager positions are projected to grow at a rate of 15.7% in New Jersey, equating to 2,230 positions per year, between 2018 and 2028.⁸ This is just below the national projected growth rate of 16% in the same field.⁸ The average salary for financial managers in New Jersey is $177,410 per year, higher than the national average of $147,530.⁹

The related group of financial and investment analysts, financial risk specialists, and financial specialists, all other, in New Jersey make an annual mean wage of $99,170, slightly above the national average for this group of $94,160.¹⁰ The metropolitan area consisting of New York City and neighboring parts of New Jersey has the highest employment level of financial and investment analysts, financial risk specialists, and financial specialists, all other in the country and is the top paying metro area for these jobs.¹⁰ Similarly, financial examiners in New Jersey make an average annual salary of $114,640, higher than the average national wage for this occupation of $92,330.¹¹

New Jersey Finance Job Information

Occupation	Number Employed12	Average Salary12
Business and Financial Operations Occupations	251,600	$87,980
Financial and Investment Analysts and Other Specialists	16,870	$99,170
Financial Examiners	1,890	$114,640
Financial Managers	22,000	$177,410
Loan Officers	5,790	$80,570
Personal Financial Advisors	4,480	$120,880

Finance Associations in New Jersey

• Financial Planning Association of New Jersey (FPANJ): Advocates for the financial planning industry and encourages the professional development of its members through networking, internal job boards, and structured and informal association gatherings.
• Secured Finance Network, New Jersey Chapter (NJSFN): Offers workshops and networking opportunities for those in the asset-based financial services industry.

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. Projections Central Long Term Occupational Projections: https://projectionscentral.org/projections/longterm
9. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages, Financial Managers: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes132061.htm
10. 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
11. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages, Financial Examiners: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes132061.htm
12. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, New Jersey: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nj.htm