A Comprehensive Guide for Students Pursuing Careers in Financial Planning
While there’s no shortage of financial and investment information available online and via word-of-mouth, it can be challenging to decipher the best path forward for your personal financial circumstances. This is where a financial planner can be helpful. A financial planner will assess your financial investments, savings and options to create goals for your short- and long-term financial needs. In general, financial planners help their clients navigate various financial situations — like investments, estate planning and retirement — and make recommendations for how to handle spending, debt and investments.
Most financial planners have achieved a bachelor’s degree at minimum with a concentration in accounting, economics, finance, statistics, management or similar business areas of focus, and may also have a background in taxes, investments and retirement prior to becoming planners. Many financial planners also achieved their Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential, a formal designation from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which requires additional education and experience outside of a four-year higher education program.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2019 there were about 210,000 financial planners in the U.S., estimated to increase about 4% from 2019 to 2029. On average, financial planners earn an average salary of $119,290 per year, with salary ranges starting at $42,950 and topping at $154,480, according to 2019 salary data.
Is a financial planner the right career for you? You can get started on this career path with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance or similar degree. Our 2024 ranking below highlights the most affordable accredited public and not-for-profit schools in the Western U.S. for this degree option. Read on to find cost, accreditation and distance learning options for colleges and universities in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon and Washington, and learn about the types of degrees available and what a business school accreditation means for your degree and career.
Understanding The Types Of Bachelor’s Degrees Available In Finance And Financial Planning
While it’s possible to become a financial planner without having a business degree, most financial planners have accomplished at least four years of education and have achieved at minimum a bachelor’s degree through an accredited university. Some financial planners transitioned from other career fields, such as accounting, management or financial advising, to become a CFP. To be successful as a financial planner, you must have analysis and client relations skills and a deep understanding of accounting and investing.
In general, financial planners earn a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with specialties in accounting, finance or management. Learn more about what each degree offers and which is the best fit for you.
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
A bachelor’s degree in business administration offers students a wide variety of business fundamentals, development and operations. Some of the topics a student can be expected to study through their degree program includes:
- Communication
- Economics
- Ethics
- Marketing
- Management
- Law
- Operations
Students who graduate with a BBA can apply for a variety of jobs including accounting, human resources, management, retail management, marketing and finance. Additionally, students can select a concentration in business school under this degree to help them specialize in one area of business, such as accounting, finance and management.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Finance or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Finance
While these degrees are good options for students who want to work in the business industry, the main difference between a B.A. degree and B.S. degree comes down to coursework. For those who wish to study broader business aspects and create soft skills through the liberal arts, a B.A. in Business may be the best fit. For those who wish to study more technical aspects of business, such as analysis, data management and marketing, a B.S. in Business is likely a good choice. To help you determine which may be best for you, the following are a sampling of course topics you may study under each option.
Bachelor of Arts in Business
Students who complete a B.A. in Business have a comprehensive foundation of business concepts and explored a variety of courses outside of the business school. For students who are strong writers and communicators or want to explore broader concepts and ideas, the B.A. in Business may be a good option. Some of the topics a student can be expected to study through their degree program includes:
- Communications
- Culture
- English
- Gender Studies
- History
- Language
- Philosophy
- Religion
Bachelor of Science in Business
Students who complete a B.S. in Business have completed basic business courses and expanded their technical and analytic chops. For students who thrive on data and metrics or enjoy crunching numbers and deepening their scientific concepts, a B.S. in Business is likely the best fit. Some of the topics a student can be expected to study through their degree program includes:
- Economics
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Math
- Science
- History
- Language
- Philosophy
- Religion
Why Accreditation Is Important In Selecting A Finance Degree Program
It’s not easy to find the right program for you. There are many factors to consider such as location, private versus public institutions, degree specialties and tuition costs. That’s why higher education accreditation may not even be on your radar. You may be wondering what accreditation means, why it is important for your degree program and if certain accreditations matter to your career-field.
When reviewing the programs you’re considering, it’s important to ensure they are accredited from a reputable higher education affiliation. These are usually regional and national entities or well-known organizations that review higher-education institutions based on specific education and institution criteria. When a school is accredited from one of these affiliations, it means the school adheres to high quality standards and up-to-date research and professional practices. It also means the school undergoes annual reviews in order to maintain their accreditation by demonstrating that they’re growing and developing set standards. By obtaining a degree from a reputable, accredited school, you are more competitive and desirable in the job market as some employers will only accept these degrees.
For students working toward completing a finance degree, the highly-regarded Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation can add an additional boost to your resume and can go a long way to helping you stand out from your competition when it comes to landing a financial planner role. Attending a school with this accreditation is also relevant and noteworthy if you plan on completing a Master in Business Administration (MBA) degree program. The AACSB accreditation is recognized around the world as a high-quality degree program, and by businesses and organizations seeking strong business-minded students.
In the following ranking list, we have noted if schools are AACSB accredited to help you in your research for your ideal finance degree program.
The 37 Most Affordable Bachelor Business Administration in Finance Programs in the Western U.S. for 2024
In the following ranking list, you will find the top and most affordable schools in 2024 offering a Bachelor in Business Administration and finance-specific degree programs in the Western U.S. We have filtered the list to only include accredited, four-year institutions featuring resident and non-resident tuition rates, public and private schools, online and/or campus options, and those featuring AACSB accreditation.
Additionally, you may find the most cost savings by attending a school that is part of the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) or one in which you are a resident as there are considerable price differences between residents and out-of-state students. The WUE is an agreement among some Western states’ schools that offers nonresident tuition savings to Western students.
How We Selected The Most Affordable Bachelor Business Administration In Finance Programs For A Career In Financial Planning
Our process for selecting the most affordable accredited bachelor’s in finance degree programs consists of compiling the most up-to-date school types, tuition, accreditation and degree data from governmental education databases and school websites.
We created a list of all business schools in each state in the Western region and then focused on those that offer a finance specialty. In the instances where there was no finance option, we included the school as a viable business degree option.
It’s also important to note that we looked only at baseline tuition rates and did not attempt to include any associated costs, including lab fees, books or administrative fees, which can vary by school. The tuition costs do not include housing, either on- or off-campus. We found this to be the best way to perform a like to like comparison.
Although cost was our sole criteria, you will find that we have listed many other factors that will help you in deciding which program is right for you, including:
- Regional or national accreditation
- AACSB accreditation
- Distance learning
- Quarter or semester schools
Alaska
Anchorage, AK
Website
Bachelor of Arts Business Administration in Finance
Alaska Pacific University (APU), established as Alaska Methodist University in 1957, is a private university located in Anchorage, Alaska. The close-knit liberal arts college emphasizes experiential and active learning offering students a collaborative and innovative experience. Alaska Pacific University features a variety of associate, bachelor and graduate degrees, professional studies and the Alaska Native Executive Leadership Program. APU encourages student development, community engagement, and honors Alaska’s Indigenous heritage as part of its mission and education offerings.
2021-22 Tuition: $20,350 (Resident & Non-Resident)
https://www.alaskapacific.edu/admissions/costs/
- Private
- Campus
- Distance Learning
- Semester
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Barrow, AK
Website
Bachelor of Arts Business Administration
Iḷisaġvik College, Alaska’s only accredited and tribally-controlled college in the state, is a public tribal land-grant community college located in the northernmost point of Alaska – Utqiagvik. Iḷisaġvik College provides more than a dozen academic areas of study such as business, construction, education, health and technology, and offers students quality vocational and technical education. Iḷisaġvik aims to create a learning environment that supports and perpetuates Iñupiat culture, language and traditions. Iḷisaġvik also supports North Slope employers and businesses through training, apprenticeships and logistical support through its Career & Workforce program.
2021-22 Tuition: $3,960 (Resident & Non-Resident)
https://www.ilisagvik.edu/become-a-student/financial-aid/cost-of-attendance/
- Public
- Campus
- Semester school
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Fairbanks, AK
Website
Bachelor of Arts Business Administration in Finance
Located in the Fairbanks suburb, College, and established in 1917 as the first flagship campus of the University of Alaska (UAF) system, the UAF is home to approximately 8,500 students from around the world. With seven campuses across the state, UAF has eight colleges and schools offering more than 130 undergraduate degrees, more than 40 graduate programs and nearly two dozen certificate programs in more than 100 disciplines. UAF offers programs in arts, culture and language, science and business, with popular disciplines ranging from business administration and education to counseling, biological sciences and fisheries.
2021-22 Tuition: Resident: $7,080
2021-22 Tuition: Non-Resident: $21,216
https://uaf.edu/finaid/costs/index.php
- Public
- Campus
- Distance Learning
- Semester
Accreditation:
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- AACSB accredited school
Anchorage, AK
Website
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration – Finance (Investment)
The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) is a public university in Anchorage, and the largest post-secondary institution in the University of Alaska system. UAA has four campuses across Southcentral Alaska – Kenai Peninsula College, Kodiak College, Matanuska Susitna College and Prince William Sound College – and is home to more than 200,000 students. UAA offers certificate, associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees in more than 200 programs in a wide variety of academic disciplines including business, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, visual and performing arts. UAA is committed to serving the higher education needs of the state, its communities and its diverse peoples.
2021-22 Tuition: Resident: $8,103
2021-22 Tuition: Non-Resident: $28,084
https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/costs
- Public
- Campus
- Semester
Accreditation
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- AACSB accredited school
Juneau, AK
Website
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
The University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) is a public university with its main campus in Juneau, Alaska, and extended campuses in Sitka and Ketchikan. UAS offers online and campus learning in a variety of disciplines including the arts, business, construction, education, healthcare, language and social sciences. UAS’s proximity to Southeast Alaska’s Tongass National Forest and the beautiful, famed Inside Passage — featuring an array of islands, channels and fjords and coastal mountains, icefields and glaciers — creates an idyllic environment for science programs, such as marine biology, fisheries and maritime training. UAS aims to offer programs of high academic quality that meet the needs of students.
2021-22 Tuition: Resident: $6,696
2021-22 Tuition: Non-Resident: $20,832
https://uas.alaska.edu/student-accounts/tuition-fees.html
- Public
- Campus
- Distance Learning
- Semester
Accreditation
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
California
Riverside, CA
Website
Bachelor of Science in Finance
California Baptist University (CBU), founded in 1950, is a private, Christian university located in Southern California near Los Angeles in Riverside. CBU is affiliated with the California Southern Baptist Convention, an organization affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. CBU strives to provide academics with spiritual and social development opportunities and is home to more than 11,000 students. CBU offers more than 80 undergraduate majors, more than 30 master’s majors and five doctoral programs.
2021-22 Tuition: $34,918
https://calbaptist.edu/financial-aid/undergraduate/tuition-and-fees
- Private
- Semester
- Campus
- Distance Learning
Accreditation
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
Los Angeles, CA
Website
Bachelor of Science in Finance
California State University, Northridge is a public university in the Northridge neighborhood of Los Angeles. Cal State Northridge is a vibrant, diverse community of nearly 40,000 students situated on a 356-acre campus. Cal State Northridge has nine colleges offering 68 baccalaureate degrees, 58 master’s degrees, two professional doctorate degrees and 14 teaching credential programs. Students can choose to study from a wide variety of disciplines including the arts, business, education, sciences and more.
2021-22 Resident Tuition: $6,660
2021-22 Non-Resident Tuition: $18,657
- Public
- Semester
- Campus
Accreditation
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
- AACSB
Fresno, CA
Website
Bachelor of Arts Business Administration in Finance
Fresno Pacific University is a Christian university in Fresno, California, originally founded as the Pacific Bible Institute in 1944 by the Pacific District Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. In 1965, the university awarded its first Bachelor of Arts degree and in 1975, it introduced the first master’s degree program. Fresno Pacific offers more than 30 degree options in more than 100 areas of study both online and on campus in a variety of disciplines including arts, Biblical and Theological Studies, business, language, science and more. Fresno Pacific aims to provide academic excellence and Christian values to help students become high-demand professionals.
2021-22 Tuition:$32,954
https://www.fresno.edu/admission/undergraduate/undergraduate-tuition-financial-aid
- Private
- Semester
- Campus
Accreditation
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
Oakland, CA
Website
Bachelor of Arts Business in Finance
Holy Names University (HNU) is a private Roman Catholic university in Oakland, founded by and currently affiliated with the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary in 1868. HNU is home to a wide variety of people, backgrounds and perspectives. Its close-knit community fosters critical thinking and produces students who actively engage with the world. HNU offers 25 undergraduate degrees, eight concentrations, five adult degree-completion programs and 25 graduate and certificate programs in a variety of disciplines including the business, communications, healthcare and sciences.
2021-22 Tuition: $40,368
https://hnu.edu/admissions-aid/tuition-and-fees/
- Private
- Semester
- Campus
Accreditation
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
Riverside, CA
Website
Bachelor of Science in Finance
La Sierra University is a private, liberal arts and Seventh-day Adventist university in Riverside. Founded in 1922 as La Sierra Academy on land formerly part of the Rancho La Sierra Mexican land grant, later became La Sierra College, then was merged into Loma Linda University in 1967 and renamed La Sierra College of Arts and Sciences. The150-acre campus features a diverse campus and promotes service to others and aims to offer a transformational experience that lasts a lifetime. La Sierra University provides more than 120 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees for nearly 2,500 students and offers programs in academic areas of study such as the arts, business, education, divinity and sciences.
2021-22 Tuition:$33,228
https://lasierra.edu/tuition-and-costs/
- Private
- Quarter
- Campus
Accreditation
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
Los Angeles, CA
Website
Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance
Loyola Marymount University (LMU), founded in 1911, is a private Jesuit and research university in Los Angeles, located on the west side of the city, near Playa Vista. Loyola Law School, an extension of LMU, is located in downtown Los Angeles. LMU is committed to creating a diverse academic community rich in opportunity for intellectual engagement and real-world experience. Students can anticipate an academically ambitious, multicultural and socioeconomically diverse student body. LMU offers more than 50 areas of study and baccalaureate and graduate programs in fields such as arts and entertainment, business and entrepreneurship, communications, innovation and technology and religion.
2021-22 Tuition: $51,820
https://bus.lmu.edu/controller/osfs/studentaccounts/tuition
- Private
- Semester
- Campus
Accreditation
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
- AACSB
Atherton, CA
Website
Bachelor of Science Business in Finance
Menlo College is a small private undergraduate college in the heart of Silicon Valley in Atherton near San Francisco and focuses on the practical arts of business in the entrepreneurial economy. Menlo College offers five distinct undergraduate degrees concentrated into five majors with two broad fields of study in business and psychology. Our students come from all over the world to focus and apply themselves in areas such as leadership, critical thinking, creativity, team building, communication and the science of behavior. We take advantage of the strong entrepreneurial community around us and require an internship which may be taken at one of the many companies we have partnerships with.
2021-22 Tuition: $45,050
https://www.menlo.edu/admissions-financial-aid/tuition-fees/
- Private
- Semester
- Campus
- Campus
- Distance Learning
Accreditation
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
- AACSB
San Diego, CA
Website
Bachelor of Science in Financial Management
National University (NU), a nonprofit, private university, was founded in 1971 by retired U.S. Navy Capt. David Chigos in San Diego. Since then, NU has been dedicated to helping hard-working adults and students by providing accessible, affordable and achievable higher education opportunities for students across the U.S. and around the globe. NU offers a variety of bachelor and graduate degrees and certificate and credential programs at 20 campus locations in California, Nevada, online or on military bases across the U.S. NU has designed its programs to be ideal for adult learners who balance work, family and military duties. NU offers more than 75 programs and flexible four-week classes and offers a wide variety of academic areas of study such as business, education, psychology, language and professional studies.
2021-22 Tuition: $13,320
https://www.nu.edu/admissions/tuition/
- Private
- Quarter
- Campus
- Distance Learning
Accreditation
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
Los Angeles, CA
Website
Bachelor of Science in Management
Pepperdine University, founded in 1937 in South Los Angeles, is a private research university affiliated with the Churches of Christ whose main campus is located near Malibu. Founded by entrepreneur George Pepperdine, Pepperdine University boasts more than 80 degree options in top-ranked undergraduate and graduate programs. The university also offers high-demand programs in its business, education, law, liberal arts, psychology and public policy schools. Pepperdine provides an array of practical, hands-on opportunities and aims to create versatile and knowledgeable workforce ready professionals.
2021-22 Tuition: $75,900
https://bschool.pepperdine.edu/admission/tuition/
- Private
- Semester
- Campus
Accreditation
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
- AACSB
San Diego, CA
Website
Bachelor of Science Business Administration in Finance
Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is a private Christian liberal arts college in San Diego with its main campus located along Point Lorna oceanfront. It was founded in 1902 as a Bible college by the Church of the Nazarene. PLNU is committed to preparing its students fully for their careers during their time as well as helping shape thoughtful, service-minded, and engaged community members. PLNU aims to accomplish this through their Foundational Explorations general education curriculum that exposes students to topics in the sciences, social sciences and humanities with a focus on serving others. PNLU offers students more than 60 areas of study to choose from including the arts, business, education, social work and more.
2021-22 Tuition: $37,600
https://www.pointloma.edu/undergraduate/cost-financial-aid
- Private
- Semester
- Campus
Accreditation
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
Moraga, CA
Website
Bachelor of Science Business Administration in Finance
Saint Mary’s College of California is a private, Catholic college in Moraga founded in
1863, affiliated with the Catholic Church and administered by the De La Salle Christian Brothers. Saint Mary’s offers more than 40 majors and minors from its four main schools – Liberal Arts, Science, Education and Economics and Business Administration – to its nearly 4,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional studies student body. Saint Mary’s honors the Lasallian, Catholic and liberal arts traditions the institution was from and uses it to inform all the decisions the university makes including its curriculum, student leadership and community and culture.
2021-22 Tuition: $50,460
https://www.stmarys-ca.edu/tuition-fees
- Private
- Semester
- Campus
Accreditation
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
- AACSB
Santa Clara, CA
Website
Bachelor of Science in Finance
Santa Clara University is a private Jesuit university located in the heart of Silicon Valley in Santa Clara. Founded in 1851, Santa Clara University strives to blend high-tech innovation with a social consciousness grounded in the Jesuit educational tradition. Students can plan on utilizing new technology methods, expanding their creativity, interacting with diverse communities and exploring their entrepreneurial mindset. Santa Clara University’s goal is to help shape the next generation of leaders and global thinkers. Undergraduate and graduate students can study from more than 50 majors, minors and special programs in areas such as psychology, sustainable-energy engineering, business, law, teaching and theater arts.
2021-22 Tuition: $52,998
https://www.scu.edu/bursar/tuition/
- Private
- Quarter
- Campus
Accreditation
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
- AACSB
San Diego, CA
Website
Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance
The University of San Diego (USD) is a private Roman Catholic research university in San Diego. Founded in July 1949 as the San Diego College for Women and San Diego University, the academic institutions merged from the California school system into University of San Diego in 1972. USD’s beautiful campus consists of more than 8,000 students from the U.S. and around the world. Students can expect smaller class sizes, unique learning opportunities including study abroad, and a focus on academic excellence including more than 90 degrees, about 70 majors and more than 20 broad fields of studies including the arts, business, education, healthcare and more.
2021-22 Tuition: $52,120
https://www.sandiego.edu/one-stop/tuition-and-fees/
- Private
- Semester
- Campus
Accreditation
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
- AACSB
San Francisco, CA
Website
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Finance
The University of San Francisco (USF) is a private Jesuit university in San Francisco. The university’s main campus is located on a 55-acre setting between the Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park and aims to promote Jesuit Catholic traditions. USF offers undergraduate, graduate and professional students the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in life and professionally, and students can choose to study from more than 100 majors and minors, including disciplines such as the arts, business, science, education, language and more.
2021-22 Tuition: $50,282
https://www.usfca.edu/admission/financial-aid/cost-of-attendance
- Private
- Semester
- Campus
Accreditation
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
- AACSB
Hawaii
Laie, Hawaii
Website
Bachelor of Science Business Management, Finance
Brigham Young University–Hawaii (BYU-Hawaii) is a private university in Laie. It is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. BYU-Hawaii was founded in 1955 as a satellite campus of Brigham Young University. In 2004, it was made a separate institution. BYU–Hawaii’s small campus features a diverse student population of more than 3,000 students representing more than 70 countries around the world. Students can expect to study in smaller classes taught by expert faculty, campus and online options and can choose degree options from a variety of academic areas of study such as the arts, business, education, information technology and sciences.
2021-22 Resident Tuition: $7,853
2021-22 Non-Resident Tuition: $15,707
- Private
- Semester
- Campus
Accreditation
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
Honolulu, HI
Website
Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance
The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is a public land-grant research university in Mānoa, a neighborhood in Honolulu. It is the flagship campus of the University of Hawai’i and was founded in 1907 under the Morrill Act as a land-grant college of agriculture and mechanical arts. Students enjoy beautiful, lush campus surroundings, a wide-range of cultural influence, and a variety of academic topics from the university’s 15 colleges and schools including the arts, business, culture, engineering, healthcare, language, social sciences and more.
2021-22 Resident Tuition:$11,304
2021-22 Non-Resident Tuition: $33,336
www.manoa.hawaii.edu/catalog/tuition-fees-expenses
- Public
- Semester
- Campus
Accreditation
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
- AACSB
Nevada
Incline Village, NV
Website
Bachelor of Science Business Administration in Finance and Economics
Sierra Nevada University (SNU) is the only accredited, private, four-year institution in Nevada, and is located high in the Sierra Nevada mountains, near the shores of legendary Lake Tahoe. SNU strives to create academics and culture that is engaging to students and helps them become confident, collaborative critical thinkers who are uniquely prepared to thrive in the real world. SNU focuses on four core areas: entrepreneurial thinking, professional preparedness, liberal arts and sustainability. SNU offers a variety of degree options in business, creative fields, education, leadership and teaching.
2021-22 Tuition: $34,319
www.sierranevada.edu/admissions/undergraduate-admissions/affordability-tuition/tuition-and-fees/#
- Private
- Campus
- Semester
Accreditation
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
Las Vegas, NV
Website
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Finance
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is a public land-grant research university in Paradise. The 332-acre campus is near the Las Vegas Strip and formerly part of the University of Nevada from 1957 to 1969. Since then, the university has grown to become a research university. UNLV promotes a diverse community, rigorous academics and fosters a climate of innovation. UNLV’s nearly 30,000 undergraduate and graduate student body can choose from more than 300 majors in a wide range of academic areas of studies including the arts, business, education, engineering, sciences and more.
2021-22 Resident Tuition: $8,604
2021-22 Non-Resident Tuition: $24,258
www.unlv.edu/apply/college-costs
- Public
- Campus
- Semester
Accreditation
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
- AACSB
Reno, NV
Website
Bachelor of Science in Finance
The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) is a public land-grant research university in Reno. Founded in 1874 in Elko, Nevada, the State of Nevada called for the creation of a state university and in 1864, UNR was founded with instruction in agriculture and mechanical arts and mining. Since its inception, it has grown at a record-setting rate and is recognized as one of the nation’s top research universities. Students can choose to study from more than 145 areas of study including agricultural sciences, business, education, engineering, history, nursing and more.
2021-22 Resident Tuition: $7,268
2021-22 Non-Resident Tuition: $16,091
- Public
- Campus
- Semester
Accreditation
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
- AACSB
Oregon
Newberg, OR
Website
Bachelor of Arts in Finance
George Fox University (GFU) is a private Christian university in Newberg. Founded in 1891, it has more than 4,000 students combined between its main campus in Newberg and its centers in Portland, Salem and Redmond. GFU is committed to providing students personal and global opportunities to learn and serve and provides rigorous academics and promotes spiritual growth. Undergraduate and graduate students can choose from a variety of academic areas of study and seminary programs including the arts, business, Christian studies, communications and language, education and teaching, engineering and technology and more.
2021-22 Tuition: $37,840
https://www.georgefox.edu/college-admissions/scholarships/index.html
- Private
- Semester
- Campus
Accreditation
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
McMinnville, OR
Website
Bachelor of Science in Finance
Linfield University is a private, four-year university in McMinnville founded in 1858 and also has a campus in Portland. Lindfield offers its more than 2,000 student population undergraduate, graduate and adult degree program options online and in eight communities throughout Oregon. Linfield University strives to promote intellectual creativity, encourages engaging dialogue, respects and honors diverse cultures and fosters moral and spiritual character. Students can choose to study from a variety of disciplines including the arts, business, nursing and sciences, online and continuing education programs, international programs and more.
2021-22 Tuition: $44,450
https://www.linfield.edu/financial-aid/cost-of-attendance/coa-mcminnville.html
- Private
- Campus
- Distance Learning
- Semester
Accreditation
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Corvallis, OR
Website
Bachelor of Science in Finance
Oregon State University (OSU) is a public land-grant research university in Corvallis located about 45 miles from the eclectic, artsy and college town of Eugene. The university currently offers more than 200 undergraduate-degree programs along with a variety of graduate and doctoral degrees. OSU is Oregon’s largest university with a student population at more than 30,000 and draws students from more than 100 countries and 50 states. OSU has two campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations and offers a wide variety of majors and minors in fields such as art, business, education, science and technology.
2021-22 Tuition: $12,240
https://ecampus.oregonstate.edu/services/tuition/
- Public
- Quarter
- Campus
- Distance Learning
Accreditation
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- AACSB
Portland, OR
Website
Bachelor of Arts in Finance
Portland State University (PSU) is a public research university in the bustling, eco-friendly and progressive city of Portland. Founded in 1946 as a post-secondary educational institution for World War II veterans, it evolved into a four-year college in 1969. PSU is home to more than 20,000 students and offers more than 200 degree programs in various areas of study including business, computer science, marketing, psychology and more. PSU aims to provide excellence through accessibility, innovation, collaboration, engagement, sustainability and transformation.
2021-22 Resident Tuition: $10,081
2021-22 Non-Resident Tuition: $29,837
https://www.pdx.edu/student-finance/tuition/undergraduate
- Public
- Semester
- Campus
- Distance Learning
Accreditation
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- AACSB
Portland, OR
Website
Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance
The University of Portland is a private Catholic university in the large, artsy and vibrant city of Portland. Founded in 1901 and affiliated with the Congregation of Holy Cross, the University of Portland is home to more than 4,000 students from around the world. The University of Portland offers a wide variety of degree programs from the schools of business, education, engineering, nursing, arts and sciences and the graduate school. There are more than 40 undergraduate programs and 30 minors, 18 graduate programs and more than 1,300 courses.
2021-22 Tuition: $24,712
https://www.up.edu/studentaccounts/tuition-and-fees/index.html
- Private
- Semester
- Campus
Accreditation
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- AACSB
Washington
Ellensbury, WA
Website
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Finance
Central Washington University is a public university in Ellensburg. Founded in 1891, the university consists of four divisions: the President’s Division, Business and Financial Affairs, Operations and Academic and Student Life. Central Washington University strives to prepare its nearly 15,000 undergraduate and graduate students for productive lives, creative expression, and professional career fields. Students can choose to study from more than 130 majors in a variety of academic areas of study such as business, gender studies, geology, music, paramedicine and teaching.
2021-22 Resident Tuition: $6,475
2021-22 Non-Resident Tuition: $22,551
https://www.cwu.edu/financial-aid/2020-2021-cost-attendance
- Public
- Quarter
- Campus
- Distance Learning
Accreditation
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- AACSB
Cheney, WA
Website
Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance
Eastern Washington University (EWU) is a public university in Cheney and has programs offered in Cheney, EWU Spokane and at multiple campus locations throughout Washington. Eastern Washington University fosters an environment for personal transformation and excellence in learning. EWU offers more than 80 programs in an array of academic disciplines such as the arts, business and marketing, communication, education, language and the sciences. EWU strives to create high-quality and rigorous academic programs, diverse student populations, and student engagement and success.
2021-22 Resident Tuition: $6,713
2021-22 Non-Resident Tuition: $24,685
https://www.ewu.edu/apply/tuition/
- Public
- Campus
- Semester
Accreditation
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- AACSB
Kirkland, WA
Website
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
Northwest University is a private Christian liberal arts university in Kirkland located near Seattle. Founded in 1934, the university offers associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctorate degrees and is a top-ranked Christian college. Northwest University offers more than 70 majors and programs, off-campus internships and online learning providing students with flexibility and the opportunity to complete their education as they need. Students can choose from a growing variety of degree programs in academic areas of study such as business, design, education, ministry, nursing, social sciences, technology and the arts.
2021-22 Tuition: $33,500
https://www.northwestu.edu/cost
- Private
- Campus
- Distance Learning
- Semester
Accreditation
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Seattle, WA
Website
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
Seattle University is a private Jesuit university in Seattle founded in 1891 and is the largest independent university in the Northwestern U.S. Seattle University is located on 50-acres in the heart of Seattle’s eclectic Capitol Hill neighborhood and is home to more than 7,500 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs from around the world. The modern, progressive and global university offers majors and minors from eight schools and colleges and offers a variety of academic areas of study including business, communications, computer science, education, marketing, sciences and more.
2021-22 Tuition: $48,510
https://www.seattleu.edu/costs/undergraduate-tuition-fees-and-charges/
- Private
- Campus
- Distance Learning
- Quarter
Accreditation
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- AACSB
Seattle, WA
Website
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration in Finance
The University of Washington (UW) is a public research university in the vibrant, progressive and eco-friendly city of Seattle. Founded in 1861, it is one of the oldest universities on the West Coast. The UW educates more than 54,000 students annually and strives to impact and transform lives and our world. Students can take courses from a wide variety of academic disciplines such as the arts and sciences, business, education, engineering, medicine, social work and more.
2021-22 Resident Tuition: $11,569
2021-22 Non-Resident Tuition: $39,028
- Public
- Campus
- Quarter
Accreditation
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Tacoma, WA
Website
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration in Finance
The University of Washington Tacoma (UW Tacoma) is a public university and satellite campus of the University of Washington in Tacoma near Seattle. UW Tacoma opened in leased space in 1990 and opened its permanent campus in 1997. UW Tacoma fosters connection to community, and pursues regional research and impact. UW Tacoma is home to more than 5,000 students completing studies in more than 40 undergraduate degree programs and 25 minors and certificates. Students take courses from a variety of academic disciplines including business, computer science, education, engineering and technology, environmental science, history, healthcare, psychology and more.
2021-22 Resident Tuition: $11,639
2021-22 Non-Resident Tuition: $38,340
https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/uwt/registrar/tuition-rates
- Public
- Campus
- Quarter
Accreditation
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- AACSB
Pullman, WA
Website
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration in Finance
Washington State University (WSU), is a public, land-grant university founded in 1890, is one of the top research universities in the nation. Located in Pullman, WSU strives to create an environment of creativity and discovery and aims for its students to make the world a better place. Academic programs at WSU span more than 200 fields and include 95 majors, 86 minors and more than 100 in-major specializations for undergraduates. Students can choose from a variety of academic studies including arts and sciences, business, communication, education, engineering and architecture, medicine and nursing and more.
2021-22 Resident Tuition: $5,380
2021-22 Non-Resident Tuition: $12,851
https://financialaid.wsu.edu/tuition-expenses/
- Public
- Campus
- Semester
Accreditation
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- AACSB
Bellingham, WA
Website
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration in Finance
Western Washington University (WWU) is a public university in Bellingham and is the northernmost university in the contiguous U.S. Founded in 1893, WWU’s main campus is situated on the ancestral homelands of the Coast Salish Peoples, who have lived in the Salish Sea basin, all throughout the San Juan Islands and the North Cascades watershed from time immemorial. Today, WWU has more than 16,000 students and offers more than 175 academic programs. Students can choose to take courses from a variety of academic disciplines including business, economics, education, engineering, environmental studies, humanities, social sciences and fine and performing arts, and more.
2021-22 Resident Tuition: $6,705
2021-22 Non-Resident Tuition: $23,463
https://admissions.wwu.edu/cost
- Public
- Campus
- Quarter
Accreditation
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- AACSB