Manik's profile photo

Manik

Study Abroad Content Specialist | Updated on - Jul 22, 2025

Pursuing a finance degree in the USA offers access to globally top-ranked universities and some of the highest-paying jobs in the financial sector. Institutions like Harvard, MIT, Stanford and the University of Chicago rank in the top 10 QS World Ranking (2025).

Admission to top U.S. finance programs is competitive across all levels. For bachelor’s degrees, universities require SAT 960–1460, IELTS 5.5–6.5, TOEFL 71–100, or Duolingo 90–110. Some institutions, like Villanova and Babson College, have more selective acceptance rates (as low as 23–26%), while others like Wayne State College and Murray State University are more accessible. For MS in Finance programs, applicants generally need a 4-year undergraduate degree, IELTS 6.5–7.5 or TOEFL 90–110, and in many cases, GRE or GMAT scores—though some schools now offer test-optional policies. PhD programs in finance at top institutions require a strong academic background, research experience, and solid quantitative skills, with competitive applicants typically holding a master’s or honors-level undergraduate degree.

Finance careers in the U.S. offer strong earning potential:

  • Financial Analysts earn ~$69,000
  • Finance Managers: $100,000–$144,000
  • CFOs/Investment Bankers: Up to $280,000

Salaries vary by industry, with Investment Banking averaging $97,674, Commercial Banking at $89,488, and Venture Capital around $88,643.

Top U.S. finance universities provide global career opportunities, especially in major financial hubs like New York and Chicago.

Read More: Study in USA


Top Universities for Finance in USA

The QS World University Rankings 2025 – Accounting & Finance list 15 U.S. universities among the global top 35. These include Ivy League institutions, public universities, and specialized finance programs with annual tuition fees ranging from ?12.5 lakh to ?78.5 lakh. Below is a list of the top universities for finance in USA along with their rankings and tuition costs for international students:

QS Rank (2025) University Name Location Avg. Tuition Fee (USD/year) Tuition Fee (INR/year)
1 Harvard University Cambridge, United States $66,033 ?56.7L
2 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Cambridge, United States $70,051 ?60.15L
3 Stanford University Stanford, United States $47,249 ?40.57L
5 University of Chicago Chicago, United States $81,392 ?69.89L
7 University of California, Berkeley (UCB) Berkeley, United States $14,651 ?12.58L
9 University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, United States $63,904 ?54.87L
10 Yale University New Haven, United States $69,017 ?59.26L
11 New York University (NYU) New York City, United States $57,280 ?49.19L
=12 Columbia University New York City, United States $83,519 ?71.72L
=14 University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Los Angeles, United States $53,069 ?45.57L
25 Northwestern University Evanston, United States $91,424 ?78.51L
26 Princeton University Princeton, United States $65,210 ?56L
30 University of Texas at Austin Austin, United States $53,303 ?45.77L
31 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, United States $83,351 ?71.57L
=32 Cornell University Ithaca, United States $51,953 ?44.61L

Top Finance Colleges in USA for MBA

Here are the top universities for finance in USA offering MBA programs with a finance specialization. The list includes average annual tuition fees for international students, converted to INR for easy reference:

University Location Tuition Fee (USD/year) Tuition Fee (INR/year)
MIT – Sloan School of Management Cambridge, MA $89,000 ?76.42L
Harvard Business School Cambridge, MA $76,410 ?65.61L
Stanford Graduate School of Business Stanford, CA $27,485 ?23.6L
Yale School of Management New Haven, CT $69,900 ?60.02L
University of Chicago – Booth School Chicago, IL $84,198 ?72.3L
UPenn – Wharton School Philadelphia, PA $87,970 ?75.54L
UCLA – Anderson School of Management Los Angeles, CA $36,297 ?31.17L
Cornell University – Johnson School Ithaca, NY $83,106 ?71.36L
University of Michigan – Ross Ann Arbor, MI $106,550 ?91.49L
Duke University – Fuqua Durham, NC $77,925 ?66.91L
Northwestern University – Kellogg Evanston, IL $115,936 ?99.55L
UC San Diego – Rady School San Diego, CA $67,672 ?58.11L
University of Wisconsin – Madison Madison, WI $51,413 ?44.15L
UNC Chapel Hill – Kenan-Flagler Chapel Hill, NC $20,652 ?17.73L
University of Maryland – College Park College Park, MD $25,774 ?22.13L

Also Read: MBA in Finance in the USA


Top Finance Colleges in USA for MS

The following list highlights the best universities in USA for MS in Finance, based on tuition cost, location, and program duration. These programs are highly selective and well-regarded globally for quantitative finance, financial engineering, and applied finance.

University Location Tuition Fee (USD/year) Tuition Fee (INR/year)
Stanford University Stanford, CA $86,776 ?74.51L
Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD $88,000 ?75.57L
UCLA Los Angeles, CA $69,840 ?59.97L
Columbia University New York City, NY $88,632 ?76.11L
University of Michigan–Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI $60,152 ?51.65L
Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA $69,000 ?59.25L
New York University (NYU) New York City, NY $56,462 ?48.48L
Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta, GA $41,352 ?35.51L
University of Illinois–Urbana Urbana, IL $52,724 ?45.27L
University of Texas–Austin Austin, TX $55,500 ?47.66L

These top universities for MS in finance in USA are ideal for students aiming for careers in investment banking, financial analytics, fintech, and quantitative trading. Tuition fees range between ?35.5L to ?76L per year, with course durations typically between 10 to 24 months.

Explore: MS in Finance in USA


Top Finance Colleges in USA for PhD

The following are the top universities for finance PhD programs in the USA, known for strong academic research, faculty expertise, and placement records in academia and high-level industry roles.

University Location Tuition Fee (USD/year) Tuition Fee (INR/year)
Harvard University Cambridge, MA $66,033 ?56.7L
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Cambridge, MA $70,051 ?60.15L
Stanford University Stanford, CA $47,249 ?40.57L
University of Chicago Chicago, IL $81,392 ?69.89L
University of California, Berkeley (UCB) Berkeley, CA $14,651 ?12.58L
University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA $63,904 ?54.87L
Yale University New Haven, CT $69,017 ?59.26L
New York University (NYU) New York City, NY $57,280 ?49.19L
Columbia University New York City, NY $83,519 ?71.72L
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Los Angeles, CA $53,069 ?45.57L
Northwestern University Evanston, IL $91,424 ?78.51L
Princeton University Princeton, NJ $65,210 ?56L
University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX $53,303 ?45.77L
University of Michigan–Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI $83,351 ?71.57L
Cornell University Ithaca, NY $51,953 ?44.61L

Most of these best finance universities in USA offer full funding for PhD students, including tuition waiver and stipend. However, listed here are the official tuition rates before funding is applied.

Read More: Best PHD in Finance Colleges & Universities in USA in 2025


Top Finance Colleges in USA for BA/BS

These are some of the best universities in USA for a bachelor's in finance, known for their strong undergrad programs, career placement, and industry partnerships.

University Location Tuition Fee (USD/year) Tuition Fee (INR/year)
Purdue University West Lafayette, IN $31,104 ?26.71L
Villanova University Villanova, PA $63,806 ?54.79L
Babson College Wellesley, MA $57,152 ?49.08L
Ball State University Muncie, IN $53,392 ?45.85L
University of St. Thomas Saint Paul, MN $50,788 ?43.61L
Rockhurst University Kansas City, MO $43,366 ?37.24L
Concordia College Moorhead, MN $30,400 ?26.1L
University of Mount Union Alliance, OH $30,400 ?26.1L
Murray State University Murray, KY $14,058 ?12.07L
Southern Arkansas University Magnolia, AR $15,010 ?12.89L

These programs typically last 4 years and offer majors such as Finance, Financial Mathematics, Entrepreneurial Finance, and Business Administration with a finance concentration.

Also Read: Best Bachelor in Finance Colleges & Universities in USA in 2025


Top Universities for Finance in USA Admissions Requirements

Admission to top finance programs in the USA is highly competitive, with most universities requiring a strong academic background, standardized test scores, and English proficiency. Here's a snapshot of the key requirements across leading institutions:

University Top Program Admission Requirements
MIT M.Fin GMAT 700 recommended; 18-month duration; English proficiency required
Harvard University MBA Finance Duolingo 145, IELTS 7.5, PTE 75; 2 years
Princeton University M.Fin TOEFL 108 or Duolingo 125; 2 years; no GRE/GMAT required
Stanford University MBA Finance GMAT 730; TOEFL 100 or PTE 68; 2 years
UC Berkeley M.Eng Financial Engineering IELTS 7 or Duolingo 125; 1 year; no GMAT/GRE required
Yale University MBA Finance GRE 322; IELTS 7 or PTE 70; 2 years
University of Chicago MBA Finance GMAT 600; TOEFL 100 or PTE 70; 2 years
University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) MBA Finance TOEFL 100 or Duolingo 135; 2 years; no test required
Johns Hopkins University MS Finance TOEFL 100, Duolingo 130 or PTE 68; 1 year; no GMAT/GRE
UCLA MS Financial Engineering GMAT 670; IELTS 7.0; 15-month program
Columbia University MS Financial Engineering TOEFL 99 or Duolingo 130; 1-year duration; no GMAT required
Cornell University MBA Finance IELTS 7.0 required; 1-year program; test optional
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor MS Mathematics – Quant Finance IELTS 7.0; 18 months; GRE recommended
Northwestern University MBA Finance GMAT 700; IELTS 7.0; 2-year duration
New York University (NYU) MS Financial Engineering TOEFL 100 or Duolingo 135; 2 years; test optional
University of Texas at Austin MS Finance GRE 312; IELTS 6.5; 10-month program

A finance degree from a top U.S. university offers global recognition, strong job prospects, and access to high-paying roles across the financial sector, making it a smart choice for aspiring professionals.


FAQs

Ques: Which are the top universities for finance in USA?

Ans: Harvard, MIT, Stanford, University of Chicago, and the University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) are among the top universities for finance in USA as per QS World University Rankings 2025.

Ques: What is the tuition fee for finance programs in top U.S. universities?

Ans: Tuition ranges from $14,651 (?12.58L) at UC Berkeley to $91,424 (?78.51L) at Northwestern University, depending on the university and program.

Ques: What are the best universities in USA for MS in Finance?

Ans: MIT, Princeton, NYU, Columbia, and the University of Michigan are among the best universities in USA for MS in Finance, offering STEM-designated programs with high placement rates.

Ques: Do top universities for MS in Finance in USA require GMAT or GRE?

Ans: Many top MS in Finance programs like those at MIT and NYU have made GMAT/GRE optional, though a strong score can still boost your application.

Ques: Is work experience required for MS in Finance in USA?

Ans: No, most MS in Finance programs do not require work experience, unlike MBA programs, which typically require 2–5 years of experience.

Ques: Are scholarships available at the best finance universities in USA?

Ans: Yes, international students can apply for need-based and merit-based scholarships at top finance universities such as Harvard, MIT, Columbia, and NYU.

Ques: What is the typical duration of MS in Finance programs in the USA?

Ans: MS in Finance programs generally last 10–18 months, while full-time MBA programs with a finance specialization typically span 2 years.

Ques: What are the accepted English proficiency tests for finance programs in USA?

Ans: Most universities accept TOEFL (90–110), IELTS (6.5–7.5), and Duolingo English Test (125–145), depending on the program.

Select
Show More
Select Subject
Show More
Select Degree Type
Stream
Subject
Course
Colleges By Ranking
Institution Type
College Type
State
Region
City
Entrance / Exam Accepted
Avg Fees Per/yr
Attendance Type
Course Delivery Mode
Language

Found 31 universities

Sort By
RankCollege InfoTuition Fees & living Cost(Avg.)Top CoursesRanking & Reviews
#1Johns Hopkins University logo

Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore

Maryland, Usa4.5%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $69.1K/YrLiving$20.1K/YrAdmission M.A International Economics and ...Duolingo130TOEFL100PTE68$69.1K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
Programs
3.8/10(9 Users)
#2Saint Louis University logo

Saint Louis University, Saint Louis

Missouri, Usa81%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $42K/YrLiving$11K/YrAdmission M.S Applied Financial EconomicsIELTS6.5PTE53$42K/Yr
Course duration: 1 year
Programs
9.7/10(6 Users)Ranked 401 by THE in 2025Ranked 951 by QS in 2026
#3Brandeis University logo

Brandeis University, Waltham

Massachusetts, Usa21%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $29.3K/YrLiving$14.9K/YrAdmission M.A International Economics and ...Duolingo115TOEFL100PTE68$29.3K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
Programs
6.5/10(1 User)Ranked 401 by THE in 2025Ranked 741 by QS in 2026
#4Ohio University logo

Ohio University, Athens

Ohio, Usa42.8%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $17.6K/YrLiving$11.6K/YrAdmission Master of Financial EconomicsDuolingo110IELTS6.0$17.6K/Yr
Course duration: 1 year
Programs
7.7/10(1 User)
#5UM-Baltimore County logo

UM-Baltimore County, Baltimore

Maryland, Usa74%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $31.2K/YrLiving$11.8K/YrAdmission B.S Financial EconomicsDuolingo115IELTS6.5$31.2K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
Programs
7.0/10(8 Users)Ranked 601 by THE in 2025Ranked 801 by QS in 2026
#6Bowling Green State University logo

Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green

Ohio, Usa76%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $5.6K/YrLiving$8.9K/YrAdmission M.A Financial EconomicsGRE300IELTS6.5PTE53$5.6K/Yr
Course duration: 1 year
Programs
--
#7University of South Alabama logo

University of South Alabama, Mobile

Alabama, Usa65%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $22.4K/YrLiving$7.5K/YrAdmission B.S Economics and FinanceDuolingo95IELTS5.5PTE44$22.4K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
Programs
6.7/10(1 User)Ranked 1201 by QS in 2026Ranked 1446 by CWUR in 2025
#8University of Maine logo

University of Maine, Orono

Maine, Usa95%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $32.6K/YrLiving$10.1K/YrAdmission M.A Financial EconomicsDuolingo115IELTS6.5PTE65$30.5K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
1 More Program
Ranked 401 by ARWU in 2022Ranked 731 by CWUR in 2025
#9Bentley University logo

Bentley University, Waltham

Massachusetts, Usa57%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $58.1K/YrLiving$15.7K/YrAdmission B.S Economics and FinanceDuolingo120IELTS7$58.1K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
Programs
Ranked 107 by FORBES in 2019
#10Manhattan College logo

Manhattan College, Riverdale

New York, Usa75%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $46.1K/YrLiving$15.6K/YrAdmission B.A Finance and Economics (Doubl...Duolingo110IELTS6.5$46.1K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
Programs
Ranked 200 by FORBES in 2019
#11Centre College logo

Centre College, Danville

Kentucky, Usa58%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $50.2K/YrLiving$10.2K/YrAdmission B.A Economics and FinanceDuolingo125TOEFL93PTE64$50.2K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
Programs
Ranked 209 by FORBES in 2019
#12Bard College logo

Bard College, Annandale-On-Hudson

New York, Usa51%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $62.8K/YrLiving$15.1K/YrAdmission B.A Economics and FinanceDuolingo120IELTS7$62.8K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
Programs
Ranked 230 by FORBES in 2019
#13University of Redlands logo

University of Redlands, Redlands

California, Usa81%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $60.1K/YrLiving$13.9K/YrAdmission B.S Financial EconomicsIELTS5.5PTE46$60.1K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
Programs
Ranked 275 by FORBES in 2019
#14Austin College logo

Austin College, Sherman

Texas, Usa47%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $48.5K/YrLiving$12.3K/YrAdmission B.A International Economics and ...Duolingo110TOEFL80$48.5K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
Programs
Ranked 348 by FORBES in 2019
#15Bethel University logo

Bethel University, Saint Paul

Minnesota, Usa91%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $88.1K/YrLiving$10.3K/YrAdmission B.A Economics and FinanceDuolingo80IELTS6.5PTE55$88.1K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
Programs
5.7/10(2 Users)Ranked 352 by FORBES in 2019
#16Brigham Young University - Idaho logo

Brigham Young University - Idaho, Rexburg

Idaho, Usa96%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $8.6K/YrLiving$4.6K/YrAdmission B.S Financial EconomicsIELTS6.0PTE46$8.6K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
Programs
9.0/10(2 Users)Ranked 413 by FORBES in 2019
#17University of Hartford logo

University of Hartford, West Hartford

Connecticut, Usa75.6%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $45.7K/YrLiving$12.3K/YrAdmission B.S Economics and FinanceIELTS6.5PTE52$45.7K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
Programs
9.3/10(1 User)Ranked 542 by FORBES in 2019
#18University of Detroit Mercy logo

University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit

Michigan, Usa18%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $34.1K/YrLiving$9.5K/YrAdmission M.A Financial EconomicsDuolingo105IELTS6.5$34.1K/Yr
Course duration: 1 year
Programs
--
#19State University of New York Fredonia logo

State University of New York Fredonia, Fredonia

New York, Usa76%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $17.5K/YrLiving$12.5K/YrAdmission B.S Applied Mathematics - Financ...Duolingo105IELTS6.5PTE53$17.5K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
Programs
--
#20Hawaii Pacific University logo

Hawaii Pacific University, Honolulu

Hawaii, Usa85%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $33.8K/YrLiving$14.2K/YrAdmission B.S Business Administration (Fin...Duolingo105TOEFL70PTE48$33.8K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
Programs
--