Is a finance major right for me?
This major might be for you if:
- You’re analytical and enjoy solving complex problems.
- You’re curious about money, investing, or markets.
- You like working with data and spotting patterns.
- You’re considering careers in business, banking, or investment.
Not sure yet? Use the Scout College Search tool to browse schools and majors they offer.
What courses and concentrations can I expect?
Finance programs usually start with business fundamentals, then move into advanced finance-specific topics. Some common courses include:
- Principles of finance
- Corporate finance
- Investment analysis
- Financial modeling
- Financial markets and institutions
- Risk management
- International finance
- Behavioral finance
You may also choose a concentration such as:
- Wealth management
- Real estate finance
- Quantitative finance
- Financial planning
What skills will I gain as a finance major?
A finance degree is more than numbers. You’ll build well-rounded skills like:
- Analytical thinking and quantitative reasoning
- Communication and presentation
- Strategic decision making
- Excel and financial modeling
- Data interpretation
- Ethical judgment and risk assessment
These skills are useful in many industries—not just banking or Wall Street.
Top careers for finance majors
Finance majors are in demand across all sectors. Some of the most common finance degree jobs include:
- Financial analyst
- Investment banker
- Financial planner or advisor
- Risk analyst
- Corporate finance associate
- Commercial or investment banker
- Credit analyst
- Budget analyst
How much can I earn with a finance degree?
Here are median salaries for finance degree:
- Financial analyst: $101,910
- Personal financial advisor: $102,140
- Budget analyst: $87,930
- Compliance officers: $78,420
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, April 2025
Certifications and grad school options
Many finance professionals pursue additional credentials or degrees to grow their careers. Some of the most common are:
- CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
- CFP (Certified Financial Planner)
- MBA (Master of Business Administration)
- MS in Finance or Financial Engineering
These can help you specialize and level up your earning potential.
Smart minors and double majors to pair with finance
You can customize your degree by adding a minor or second major that aligns with your goals. Popular combinations include:
- Accounting: For a stronger financial reporting foundation
- Data science or computer science: For fintech or quant roles
- Economics: For policy, strategy, or consulting
- Communications or psychology: For client-facing or advising careers
- Political science or international relations: For global finance roles
Top schools for finance majors
Some schools are especially well-known for their finance programs, offering great alumni networks, internship connections, and faculty expertise. These include:
Use the Scout College Search to find schools that fit your goals and budget.
Paying for your finance degree
Finance majors may focus on money, but paying for school still takes planning. To get the most financial aid you can for school—including federal grants which DON'T need to be paid back, be sure to submit the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA®).
Plus, there are scholarships available specifically for business and finance students. Start with scholarships by major, explore more with Scholly Scholarships and be sure to apply for our easy $2,000 No Essay Scholarship.
A finance major opens doors in almost every industry—from tech and healthcare to Wall Street and government. With the right mix of education, skills, and strategy, you can build a career that’s both exciting and financially rewarding. Whether you want to advise others, manage money, or move markets, finance gives you the tools to do it.
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