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What is a finance major?

Finance studies generally trains students to plan, manage, and analyze the financial and monetary aspects and performance of business enterprises, banking institutions, or other organizations. Course topics include principles of accounting, financial instruments, capital planning, funds acquisition, asset and debt management, budgeting, financial analysis, and investments and portfolio management.

18%

of students said interesting challenges were a highlight of this major.

55%

of students found this major to be difficult.

19%

of students said they were motivated to select this major because it fit their passion & interest.

85%

of students and alumni plan on being or are currently employed in an occupation related to this major.

25%

of students said complex concepts were a challenging aspect of the major.

How much do finance majors make?

median average salary

$90,000/yr

The national average salary for finance graduates in the United States is $90,000 per year. Those in the top 10 percent make over $250,000 a year, while the bottom 10 percent make under $31,200 a year. While salary ranges can vary by role, industry, and location, finance graduates typically make between $55,000 and $150,000 per year.

How popular is finance as a major?

Each year, around 44,200 students obtain a bachelor’s degree and around 140 students obtain an associate degree in finance. In 2021, 46,945 students received a bachelor's degree and 165 students received an associate degree. This is relatively the same number of finance majors as there were in 2020. Finance is one of the most popular majors within finance and accounting.

Advice from finance majors

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Ursinus College
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Hofstra University
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Montgomery College
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