A finance associate degree offers a direct pathway into the financial sector or further education at the bachelor’s level. It builds fundamental knowledge in finance and business, while keeping tuition affordable. Whether studying online, on campus, or in a hybrid format, students graduate ready to pursue diverse opportunities in finance and banking.
AA Degree in Finance: What to Expect
An Associate Degree in Finance prepares students for entry-level roles in banking, financial services, and management. The degree typically requires 60 to 65 credit hours and takes about two years to complete. Students can pursue either an Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Finance.
What You Study
Finance associate programs cover a wide range of business and finance fundamentals. Core courses usually include:
- Financial Accounting
- Managerial Accounting
- Principles of Finance
- Macroeconomics and Microeconomics
- Business Law
- Personal Finance
- Corporate Finance
- Investments
- Money and Banking
Students also complete general education courses in English Composition, Algebra, Statistics, Public Speaking, and Behavioral Sciences. Many programs include electives in specialized areas like International Finance or Financial Planning.
Examples of course sequences:
What to Expect
Students develop practical skills in budgeting, financial analysis, investment planning, and banking operations. Most programs blend lectures, case studies, computer applications, and hands-on projects. Some colleges also offer internships or cooperative education to give students real-world experience.
Programs are available on-campus, online, or in hybrid formats. For example, Davenport University and Houston Community College offer both in-person and online finance degrees.
Graduates typically qualify for jobs such as:
- Associate Financial Advisor
- Accounting Assistant
- Consumer Loans Specialist
- Payroll Clerk
- Bank Teller
- Financial Clerk
Some programs align with industry certifications such as the Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) or Certified Financial Analyst® (CFA®) pathways.
How Much They Cost
Tuition costs between $5,000 and $20,00 depending on school and amount of credits needed.
- Southern New Hampshire University (Online): $19,800 for 60 credits (details)
- Wake Technical Community College (NC): ~$5,168 (details)
- Seminole State College (FL): ~$6,000–$7,000 for in-state students (details)
- Columbus State Community College (OH): ~$10,000 (details)
Active-duty military students often qualify for tuition discounts, reducing total costs significantly at some online schools.
Admissions Requirements
Most finance associate programs have open admission policies. Typical requirements include:
- High school diploma or GED
- Completed application
- Placement tests or previous college coursework for math and English
- Some programs require college-level readiness in math and writing (for example, Lone Star College Accounting Program)
Many programs allow transfer of prior credits to reduce time and cost.
Top Schools
Choosing the right associate degree program in finance or accounting can be a pivotal step toward a rewarding career in the financial services sector. Whether you’re aiming for a role in banking, accounting, or corporate finance, the right educational foundation can make all the difference.
The following colleges offer comprehensive and career-focused Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees designed to equip students with the technical expertise, practical experience, and industry-relevant skills needed for immediate employment or continued education.
From flexible online options to programs with strong industry ties and internship opportunities, each school brings unique strengths to the table. Explore these standout programs to find the one that aligns best with your goals and learning preferences.
| College | Location | Program Name | Delivery Format | Credits | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Community College | Houston, TX | AAS in Banking/Finance | Hybrid (50–85% online) | Varies | Partnership with ABA & Texas Bankers Association; ABA-credit courses |
| Wake Technical Community College | Raleigh, NC | AAS in Accounting & Finance | In-Person (multiple campuses) | 68 | Affordable tuition; strong focus on ethics and communication |
| Columbus State Community College | Columbus, OH | AAS in Finance | Online or In-Person | 60 | ACBSP accredited; multiple finance career pathways |
| Arapahoe Community College | Littleton, CO | Business Administration – Finance AAS | In-Person | 60 | Transferable to four-year institutions |
| St. Cloud Technical & CC | St. Cloud, MN | Finance AAS | In-Person | 60 | Internship required; covers investments and risk management |
| Lone Star College | The Woodlands, TX | AAS in Accounting | In-Person | 60 | Applies Level I Certificate toward degree |
| North Hennepin Community College | Brooklyn Park, MN | Finance Management AAS | Hybrid and In-Person | 60 | Focus on financial risk, investment strategy; cost-effective |
| Gateway Community College | Phoenix, AZ | AAS in Banking & Finance | In-Person | 62–69 | Developed with local banking institutions; optional Certificate of Completion |
| Richmond Community College | Hamlet, NC | AAS in Accounting & Finance | Fully Online | 66–68 | Work-Based Learning component; low total program cost |
| Craven Community College | New Bern, NC | Accounting and Finance AAS | In-Person | Varies | Strong emphasis on fraud prevention, payroll, and reconciliation |
Houston Community College
https://www.hccs.edu/programs/areas-of-study/business/banking-finance/
3100 Main Street, Houston TX 77002
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Banking/Finance at Houston Community College (HCC) provides students with comprehensive training for careers in the financial services industry. With strong industry partnerships, including a longstanding relationship with the American Bankers Association and the Texas Bankers Association, the program integrates coursework such as Money and Banking, Consumer Lending, Commercial Lending, and Financial Statement Analysis. Select courses earn simultaneous credit with the ABA, enhancing graduates’ industry recognition. Hybrid delivery allows for 50% to 85% of coursework online, offering flexibility for students. The program also includes important requirements regarding elective and foreign language restrictions that students should review with an academic advisor.
Outcomes and Curriculum Highlights
Students may tailor their coursework to focus on specific sectors within finance, although the emphasis is primarily on commercial banking. Upon completion, graduates can pursue roles across various financial institutions, such as banks, credit unions, and mortgage lenders. The program offers three award pathways: Certificate Level 1, Occupational Skills Award, and the full AAS degree. While tuition rates vary by residency and course load, students are advised to consult HCC’s financial aid and tuition offices for cost details. The curriculum combines theory with practical application, helping students build a strong foundation for a variety of financial service roles.
Wake Technical Community College
https://www.waketech.edu/programs-courses/credit/accounting-and-finance/degrees-programs/a25800
Raleigh, NC
Wake Tech’s Accounting & Finance AAS program provides 68 credits of in-depth instruction in financial operations using the “language of business.” Students engage with key topics such as accounting principles, financial analysis, business law, and economics. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, ethics, and communication—skills essential for success in the accounting and finance industries. The program is available across multiple campuses, including Southern Wake, Scott Northern Wake, and RTP.
Outcomes and Tuition
Graduates of the program are well-positioned for entry-level roles in diverse industries, from accounting firms and banks to hospitals and governmental organizations. Estimated tuition and fees for the program total $5,168, making it an affordable pathway into the financial sector. With a well-rounded mix of technical and general education courses, students graduate with practical and transferable skills ready for immediate application in the workplace.
Columbus State Community College
https://explore.cscc.edu/programs/FMGT.AAS/finance-aas
Columbus, OH
The Finance AAS degree at Columbus State Community College is designed to prepare students for careers in banking, corporate finance, insurance, and consumer finance. Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the program ensures academic excellence through rigorous business education standards. The 60-credit-hour curriculum is available both in traditional classrooms and online, allowing flexibility for learners of all types.
Career Outcomes
Students gain the knowledge and skills required for roles such as loan processor, credit analyst, financial analyst, or insurance analyst. The program is open-admission, requiring only a high school diploma or GED. Emphasizing both technical finance concepts and practical skills, the program prepares students for entry-level roles and future advancement in financial services.
Arapahoe Community College
https://www.arapahoe.edu/academics-programs/catalog/degrees-certificates/2020-2021/business-administration-finance-aas
Littleton, CO
Arapahoe Community College’s Business Administration – Finance AAS is a 60-credit program tailored for students aiming for careers in public or private sector financial services. The curriculum covers business, management, and marketing concepts, offering students a comprehensive view of business operations in today’s competitive environment.
Skills and Transferability
Students completing this program will be equipped with skills in leadership, communication, and analysis, preparing them for a range of entry-level positions. In addition to career readiness, the program may also be transferred to a four-year institution for continued study toward a bachelor’s degree. Advising support is available for those interested in transfer pathways.
St. Cloud Technical & Community College
https://sctcc.edu/cert-details/CF2
St. Cloud, MN
The Finance AAS at St. Cloud Technical & Community College offers a robust 60-credit curriculum blending technical studies with general education. Courses span from Money and Banking to Investments, Risk Management, and Financial Statement Analysis. General education coursework supports critical thinking and mathematical reasoning essential for finance roles.
Career Pathways
Graduates of the program find employment across various sectors including banks, brokerages, credit unions, and even auto dealership finance departments. A required internship provides hands-on experience and professional exposure. The structured four-semester pathway enables students to complete the degree in two years when attending full-time.
Lone Star College
https://www.lonestar.edu/programs-of-study/accounting-aas.htm
The Woodlands, Texas
Lone Star College offers an AAS in Accounting with a focus on financial data recording and reporting. The 60-credit program prepares students for roles requiring attention to detail and analytical thinking, such as checking accuracy of business transactions and operating accounting software.
Practical Applications
Students learn vital skills such as using accounting software, performing calculations, and verifying transaction accuracy. Available at multiple Lone Star campuses, this program suits both first-time college students and those with some prior college experience. Coursework from the Level I Certificate can be applied toward this degree, allowing for flexible progression.
North Hennepin Community College
https://www.nhcc.edu/academics/degree-pathways/business-and-information-systems/finance-management-aas
Brooklyn Park, MN
The Finance Management AAS at North Hennepin Community College equips students for financial roles by offering a broad foundation in finance, business planning, investment analysis, and financial risk management. The 60-credit program may be completed in four semesters and is available in both in-person and hybrid formats.
Tuition and Career Readiness
With tuition costs at approximately $210.86 per credit, the program is cost-effective and designed for real-world application. Students graduate with skills in analyzing financial statements, using business software, and developing investment strategies. The program prepares graduates for entry-level roles across a variety of financial organizations.
Gateway Community College
Comprehensive Training for Aspiring Financial Professionals
The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Banking and Finance program at Gateway Community College offers a strong foundation for students seeking careers in banking and financial services. Designed in collaboration with the Central Arizona Chapter of the American Institute of Banking and the Institute of Financial Education, the program emphasizes communication, customer service, and technical banking knowledge. Students are required to complete between 62–69 credit hours, and they must earn a grade of “C” or better in all courses. There are no specific admission criteria, making the program accessible to all interested learners. A Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Banking and Finance is also available for those looking for a shorter path or an additional credential.
Skill Development and Career Preparation
The curriculum focuses on practical business and finance competencies such as accounting principles, consumer lending, investment evaluation, and banking operations. Students will also gain experience in financial reporting, legal and ethical business practices, and effective interpersonal skills. Upon completion, graduates are prepared for entry-level to mid-level positions in various financial institutions, including banks, credit unions, and investment firms. The program outcomes align with real-world industry demands, ensuring graduates are workforce-ready in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.
Richmond Community College
https://richmondcc.edu/academics/degrees/accounting-aas-degree-a25100-online
Hamlet, NC
Flexible Online Learning with Career-Focused Curriculum
Richmond Community College offers an Accounting & Finance Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree fully online, making it ideal for students who need flexibility while preparing for accounting and finance careers. With a total cost of $6,868, the program spans four semesters and requires 66–68 credit hours to complete. Students must meet eligibility for college-level coursework, typically through placement tests or equivalent measures. The curriculum includes core courses in financial and managerial accounting, economics, business law, and software applications, providing a solid base in financial practices and tools.
Real-World Experience and Professional Readiness
Students in the program gain hands-on experience through courses like Accounting Software Applications, Spreadsheets, and a Work-Based Learning component. In addition to learning about tax law, cost accounting, and financial reporting, students sharpen their communication and computer skills—essential for modern finance roles. Graduates are equipped for roles such as junior accountants, bookkeepers, and office managers, or can pursue further education. The well-rounded curriculum and practical approach ensure that students leave the program with both theoretical knowledge and applicable skills for the workplace.
Craven Community College
https://cravencc.edu/program/accounting-and-finance-aas
New Bern, NC
Practical Skills for Immediate Career Entry
Craven Community College’s Accounting and Finance AAS program prepares students for immediate entry into the financial workforce. The curriculum emphasizes key financial functions including accounts receivable/payable, payroll, financial statements, and reconciliation. Students can also pursue additional certifications or diplomas as part of the program’s flexible options. By the end of the degree, graduates will be proficient in the financial language of business, ensuring they are job-ready upon completion.
In-Demand Financial and Analytical Competencies
Throughout the program, students learn to classify transactions, correct errors, manage payroll, prevent fraud, and understand taxation. The curriculum also integrates general business and economic principles, ensuring a well-rounded financial education. Graduates are prepared for roles such as accounting clerk, full-charge bookkeeper, junior accountant, or office manager. The program’s applied learning model equips students with the technical and analytical skills sought by employers across a range of industries.
How Long to Pay It Off?
Paying for an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Finance or Accounting can be a smart investment, especially when considering the relatively low tuition costs and the potential for solid career opportunities upon graduation. Let’s break down the cost and repayment outlook.
Assuming an average tuition cost of $6,500 across the schools featured in this article, and using a conservative average starting salary of $38,000 per year for graduates in entry-level finance-related roles, here’s how long it would take to repay that student loan, depending on how much of your salary you dedicate toward repayment annually:
| Percentage of Salary Toward Loan | Annual Payment | Years to Pay Off $6,500 |
|---|---|---|
| 5% | $1,900 | 3.4 years |
| 10% | $3,800 | 1.7 years |
| 15% | $5,700 | 1.1 years |
| 20% | $7,600 | Less than 1 year |
As shown, even allocating a modest portion of your income toward loan repayment can lead to quick financial freedom. Graduates who budget strategically and take advantage of affordable tuition options can step into their new careers with confidence—and without long-term debt burdens.