The 10 Best Colleges for Finance in the US

This list is based on the US News ranking of the best undergrad programs for finance. They are ranked based on peer assessment surveys, among other factors.

The Best Schools for Finance

Each of these schools offers a distinguished program in finance or business administration, structured to prepare students for various roles across financial sectors. Below, we explore what makes these programs stand out, from financial aid packages and networking opportunities to student life, campus facilities, and the career outcomes they support.

The University of Pennsylvania

• UPenn Class Profile:
  • # of Applications: 65,236
  • # of Students Enrolled: 2,396
  • Middle 50% ACT: 34-36
  • Middle 50% SAT: 1510-1560
  • International Students: 15%
  • First Generation: 19%
  • Female: 53%
  • Students of Color: 57%
• Example Core Courses:
  • FNCE 100: Corporate Finance
  • FNCE 101: Monetary Economics and the Global Economy
• Specialized Tracks:
  • Capital Markets and Banking
  • Corporate Finance
  • Private Equity and Venture Capital
  • Quantitative Finance

The University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School consistently ranks among the top colleges for finance education, particularly due to its rigorous curriculum and extensive connections in the finance world. With concentrations in financial markets, asset management, venture capital, and global management consulting, Wharton provides a deep dive into the complexities of finance. Students gain hands-on experience through Wharton’s Financial Modeling program and numerous investment clubs, fostering valuable skills for high-income careers in finance.

Wharton’s program is structured to deliver both foundational and advanced knowledge, preparing students for roles in fields like investment banking, private equity, and management consulting. With a robust alumni network and strong connections to companies in New York, Philadelphia, and beyond, Wharton students have a high rate of job placement post-graduation.

Applying to UPenn? You can work one-on-one with these expert admissions coaches on your application and significantly boost your chances of getting in:

• Petie B. – University of Pennsylvania BSE Wharton Undergrad Program, Specialized in Finance & Strategic Management, Harvard Business School MBA ‘22
• Connor L. – University of Pennsylvania BA in Mathematical Education and Political Science, Stanford GSB Deferred MBA Admit, International Applicant
• Steven A. – University of Pennsylvania BA in International Studies & BS in Finance, UPenn Alumni Interviewer

New York University

• NYU Class Profile:
  • Number of Applications: Over 118,000
  • Acceptance Rate: 8%
  • Average GPA: 3.7 (unweighted)
  • Middle 50% SAT Scores: 1470–1570
  • International Students: 22.2%
  • First-Generation Students: 22%
  • Female Students: 50%
  • Students of Color: 26%
• Core Courses:
  • Foundations of Finance
  • 12 credits of upper-division finance courses
• Finance Elective Options:
  • Financial Modeling & Analysis
  • Global Macroeconomics
  • FinTech and Algorithmic Trading
  • Risk & Portfolio Management

New York University’s Stern School of Business is a powerhouse for finance education, offering a comprehensive undergraduate program that emphasizes both analytical skills and practical experience. Located in the heart of New York City, Stern students benefit from proximity to major financial institutions and networking opportunities that give them a clear edge when it comes to internships and job placements.

Stern’s unique finance concentration provides students with flexibility, allowing them to tailor their studies toward specific interests like corporate finance or investment banking. Additionally, Stern students have access to world-class faculty and resources that foster an entrepreneurial mindset, making NYU an ideal environment for students aiming for roles in finance and business administration across top firms in New York and globally.

NYU Coach Recommendations:

• Amanda W. – Harvard alum, 40+ clients coached, specializes in essays and interview prep.
• Hillary H. – NYU alum, 500+ clients, focuses on holistic application strategies.
• Mel B. – Former NYU admissions staff, emphasizes application strategy and interview skills.

University of Michigan–Ann Arbor

• UMich Class Profile:
  • # of Applicants: 87,632
  • # of Admittances: 15,722
  • Acceptance Rate: 17.9%
  • Enrolled Students: 7,466 (Full and Part-Time)
  • Middle 50% SAT:
    • Verbal: 670-750
    • Math: 680-780
  • Middle 50% ACT: 31-34
  • Middle 50% GPA: 3.9-4.0
  • In-State Students: 51.6%
  • Out-of-State Students: 48.4%
• Finance and Banking Elective Options:
  • Corporate Financing Decisions
  • Financial Trading
  • Real Estate Finance
  • Applied Quantitative Portfolio Management

The Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan is widely recognized for its Bachelor of Business Administration program, where students can specialize in finance through various electives. The Ross BBA program, particularly attractive for in-state students due to affordable tuition, offers a curriculum that combines theoretical learning with practical experience, making it a top choice for students looking to pursue careers in investment banking, corporate finance, or asset management.

Ross has developed strong partnerships with major banks and financial institutions, which actively recruit from the program, giving students access to career opportunities in Michigan, Chicago, New York, and beyond. With a balanced focus on financial analysis, strategic thinking, and experiential learning through internships, Ross prepares students effectively for high-paying finance careers.

UMich Coach Recommendations:

• Laura N. – Michigan Ross MBA, over 20 clients coached, specializes in application strategy and interview prep
• Annie W. – Michigan BBA and peer advisor/mentor, PwC associate
• Jason Y. – Michigan Admit, Duke BS in Computer Science/Statistics, Columbia MBA deferred admit

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• MIT Class Profile:
  • Number of Applications: 28,232
  • Acceptance Rate: 4.5%
  • Enrolled Students: 1,102
  • Middle 50% SAT Scores: Math: 780–800, Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 740–780
  • Middle 50% ACT Scores: Composite: 35–36
  • International Students: 11%
  • First-Generation Students: 20%
  • Female Students: 46%
• Core Courses:
  • Managerial Finance
  • Corporate Finance
  • Microeconomics
  • Probability and Statistics
• Finance Elective Options:
  • Financial Markets and Derivatives
  • Mergers, Acquisitions, and Private Equity
  • Financial Engineering
  • Advanced Analytics of Finance

MIT’s Sloan School of Management provides an integrated Finance Track that blends finance with quantitative analysis and strategic decision-making, ideal for students with strong interests in both technical and financial fields. MIT’s program is known for its rigor, attracting top-performing students who often enter fields like quantitative finance, venture capital, and financial engineering.

Students in the MIT Finance Track benefit from hands-on courses, unique electives, and opportunities to work on real-world finance projects, including collaborations with prominent companies. Sloan graduates often go on to highly competitive roles within the finance industry, making it one of the best finance schools.

MIT Coach Recommendations:

• Sravya V. – MIT and Stanford alum, expert in personalized application strategies, former McKinsey & Company consultant
• Devery D. – Former Harvard admissions officer with 15 years of experience, University of Texas MBA, specializing in application strategy and essay review

University of Texas at Austin

• UT Austin Class Profile:
  • Applications: 66,109
  • Acceptance Rate: 32%
  • Enrolled Students: 9,385
  • Middle 50% SAT: 1230-1480
  • Middle 50% ACT: 27-33
  • International Students: 10%
  • First Generation: 22.8%
  • In-State Students: 90%
• Core Courses:
  • Business Finance
  • Investment Management
  • Integrative Finance
• Track-Specific Electives:
  • Energy Finance Practicum
  • Financial Technology
  • Environmental, Social, and Governance Investing

The McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin provides a robust finance major within its BBA program, tailored to fit individual career goals through various specialized tracks. McCombs offers paths in banking, investment management, corporate finance, and real estate finance, preparing students with the skills necessary to enter the competitive finance sector.

McCombs graduates benefit from Texas's strong economy and the school's partnerships with financial firms, particularly in Austin, Dallas, and Houston. Known for its high ROI and comprehensive career services, McCombs enables students to secure positions at top financial firms nationwide.

UT Austin Coach Recommendations:

• Devery D. – Professional college admissions coach, Harvard senior admissions officer, UT Austin MBA
• Charles L. – UT Austin BBA in Finance, professional admissions coach, ex-private equity
• Margaret J. – Harvard BA in English, UT Austin MS, ex-Goldman Sachs, head Harvard tutor

For one-on-one feedback and guidance, our expert coaches are available to assist with every aspect of the college admissions journey. Additionally, we offer coaches with years of experience in investment banking and related industries who can provide valuable career advice for those pursuing finance.

University of California–Berkeley

• UC Berkeley Class Profile:
  • Applications: 125,922
  • Acceptance Rate: 11.2%
  • Enrolled Students: Approximately 6,331
  • Middle 50% Unweighted GPA: 3.89–4.00
  • Middle 50% Weighted GPA: 4.28–4.62
  • International Students: Approximately 20%
  • Female Students: Approximately 54%
• Finance-Related Courses:
  • Corporate Finance
  • Financial Statement Analysis
  • Investments
• Electives:
  • Financial Engineering
  • Behavioral Finance
  • Special Topics in Finance

UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business offers a BS in Business Administration, with an option to focus on finance through electives that blend liberal arts with business principles. Haas students gain exposure to international finance, corporate strategy, and financial markets, and are encouraged to tailor their education toward their specific career aspirations.

With access to the innovative landscape of Silicon Valley, Berkeley Haas graduates are well-positioned for roles in finance, venture capital, and tech finance. The program’s flexibility, along with its robust network and internship opportunities, attracts students aiming to work with high-impact companies globally.

UC Berkeley Coach Recommendations:

• Rachel S. – UC Berkeley joint BS in Environmental Studies and BA in Urban Studies, Stanford Law JD candidate
• Lauren W. – UC Berkeley BA in Media Studies and Political Economy, UCLA MBA, professional admissions coach
• Lorenzo C. – UC Berkeley BA in Economics, Financial Analyst at Apple

Boston College

• Class Profile:
  • # of Applicants: 35,487
  • # Admitted: 5,632
  • Acceptance Rate: 15.9%
  • Enrolled: 2,394
  • From Public Schools: 45%
  • International: 9%
  • Female: 50%
  • # of First Generation: 332
• Core Finance Courses:
  • Financial Accounting
  • Corporate Finance
  • Investments
• Elective Options:
  • Derivatives and Risk Management
  • FinTech and Cryptocurrencies
  • International Finance

The Carroll School of Management at Boston College offers a finance concentration known for its rigorous, analytics-based curriculum, complemented by a strong liberal arts foundation. The Carroll School frequently hosts visiting scholars and industry professionals who share emerging trends in finance and business.

The Carroll School’s program is ideal for students interested in investment banking, corporate finance, and financial policy. Its location near Boston’s financial hub provides ample networking opportunities and internships, fostering a practical learning environment that leads to competitive job placements.

Boston College Coach Recommendation:

• Jonny K. – Research assistant at Boston College, Bachelor’s from WashU, ex-Blackrock

Carnegie Mellon University

• Carnegie Mellon Class Profile:
  • Applications: 27,000+
  • Acceptance Rate: 15.4%
  • Median Composite SAT: 1540
    • Middle 50%: 1500-1560
  • Median ACT: 35
    • Middle 50%: 34-35
  • International Students: 23%
• Core Courses:
  • Concepts of Mathematics
  • Numerical Methods
  • Introduction to Mathematical Finance
• Specialty Courses:
  • Discrete-Time Finance
  • Continuous-Time Finance
  • Financial Data Science and Computing

Carnegie Mellon’s Tepper School of Business offers a unique BS in Computational Finance, combining business principles with a strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, and computer science. This specialized program is suited for students interested in quantitative roles, such as financial engineering, asset management, and algorithmic trading.

Tepper’s program attracts top-tier employers looking for analytically skilled graduates, particularly in New York, California, and global financial hubs. Known for its focus on cutting-edge finance applications, the program prepares students for high-demand, well-compensated roles in computational and quantitative finance.

For the program’s many elective offerings, see here.

CMU Coach Recommendations:

• Laura N. – Carnegie Mellon BFA, UMich MBA, professional admissions coach
• Bella V. – CMU admit, Cornell BS in Industrial and Labor Relations, Bain & Co. consultant

Indiana University–Bloomington

• Indiana University Class Profile:
  • # of Applicants: 45,000+
  • # of Enrolled: 9,600
  • Acceptance Rate: 80%
  • Middle 50% SAT: 1230-1430
  • Middle 50% ACT: 28-33
  • Middle 50% GPA: 3.73-4
  • International Students: 4%
  • In-State: 54.5%
• Core Courses:
  • Intermediate Corporate Finance
  • Financial Reporting
• Elective Options:
  • Behavioral Finance
  • Security Trading and Market Making
  • Venture Capital and Entrepreneurial Finance

Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business is renowned for its finance program, offering students extensive resources, from dedicated finance workshops to study abroad programs. Kelley students pursuing a finance degree gain a solid foundation in global finance, financial ethics, and applied decision-making, with unique opportunities through Kelley’s Financial Diversity program aimed at increasing diversity in finance.

The Kelley School also has strong connections with corporations across the Midwest and nationally, making it an ideal program for students interested in high-paying careers in corporate finance, asset management, and banking.

University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill

• UNC Class Profile:
  • Applications: 58,000+
  • Acceptance Rate: 19%
  • Middle 50% SAT: 1390-1520
  • Middle 50% ACT: 29-34
  • International Students: 12.8%
  • First Generation: 17.4%
  • Female: 60%
• Core Courses:
  • Financial Accounting and Analysis
  • Corporate Finance
• Investment Banking Concentration Courses:
  • Financial Modeling for Leveraged Buyouts
  • Applied Private Equity
  • Mergers & Acquisitions

UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School offers a comprehensive Business Administration degree with finance concentrations in areas like investment banking, investment management, and multinational finance. The program emphasizes both business fundamentals and liberal arts, fostering well-rounded graduates prepared for diverse finance roles.

UNC’s program is known for strong career placements, particularly in the finance sector, where students secure internships and roles with top firms across the U.S. Graduates from Kenan-Flagler have a competitive edge for finance careers, thanks to the program’s balance of analytical training and practical skills.

See the full list of electives here.

UNC Coach Recommendations:

• Carinne G. – UNC Chapel Hill BA in Chemistry, NCSU MS in Physiology, admissions counselor at the University of Michigan
• Becky S. – UNC Chapel Hill Admit, Vanderbilt BA, Wharton MBA, Strategy& consultant, 180+ students admitted to top schools, professional admissions consultant

Where Can I Start?

Interested in getting into finance? Prominent institutions like Georgia Tech in Atlanta offer diverse student activities and strong finance recruitment opportunities. We recommend getting started early, as the field is only becoming more competitive.

If you’d prefer to get feedback and advice one-on-one, our world-class coaches can help with any part of the college admissions process. We also have coaches with many years of experience in investment banking and related fields who can provide finance career-building tips. See them here and book a free intro call to get going!

See: The 10 Best College Admissions Consultants

Here are some articles to get you started:

• How to Write a College Application Resume
• 37 Free Resources to Break Into Investment Banking
• Top 10 Undergraduate Business Programs
• The Ivy League Schools: What They Are & How to Get In
• How to Pick the Best College for You
• How to Crack the "Why This School?" College Essay: 5 Tips for Success
• How to Succeed During Your College Years

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FAQs

What are the best schools for studying finance in the U.S.?

• Some of the top-ranked undergrad finance programs include Wharton (UPenn), NYU Stern, Michigan Ross, MIT Sloan, and UT Austin McCombs. These schools are known for strong academics, alumni networks, and job placement in high finance.

Is it worth going to a top school for finance?

• Yes, especially if you’re targeting roles in investment banking, private equity, or hedge funds. Target schools offer stronger recruiting pipelines, finance-specific resources, and networking access you won’t get everywhere.

What should I look for in a college if I want a finance career?

• Look for schools with strong business programs, finance tracks or majors, career services, and access to internships. Proximity to financial hubs like New York, Chicago, or San Francisco can also help.

What’s the difference between a finance major and a business major?

• A finance major goes deep into money management, investment, and markets. A business major is broader, covering everything from marketing to operations, but often includes finance as a concentration or track.

Can I get a job in finance if I don’t go to a top-ranked school?

• Yes, but you’ll need to be more proactive—networking, joining finance clubs, landing internships, and building a standout resume. Smaller or regional schools may have fewer on-campus recruiting opportunities, but you can still break in.