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Joseph
Student
Saint Francis, Minnesota
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Any good colleges or universities that I could get in for to major in Finance?
What would be some good colleges or universities for me to get into Finance? I am a Sophomore and I am going to try to be a Financial Manager or an Actuary.
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4 answers
Joe L.
Program Manager
79
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Joe’s Answer
Top Colleges for Finance:
University of Pennsylvania (Wharton School)
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Wharton’s finance program is consistently ranked among the best in the world. They offer a range of finance courses, from corporate finance to investment banking and financial management.
New York University (Stern School of Business)
Location: New York, NY
NYU Stern has a top finance program, and its location in New York City gives students access to Wall Street and major financial institutions for internships and jobs.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT Sloan School of Management)
Location: Cambridge, MA
MIT Sloan offers a top-ranked finance program, with a strong emphasis on quantitative analysis and financial engineering.
University of Chicago (Booth School of Business)
Location: Chicago, IL
Booth is known for its finance program and has a rigorous, data-driven approach to the field.
Stanford University
Location: Stanford, CA
Stanford’s finance program benefits from the school’s strong ties to Silicon Valley and offers excellent opportunities in venture capital, private equity, and investment management.
University of California, Berkeley (Haas School of Business)
Location: Berkeley, CA
UC Berkeley has a strong finance curriculum and is highly regarded for its connections to the finance and technology sectors.
Top Colleges for Actuarial Science:
University of Waterloo
Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Waterloo’s actuarial science program is one of the best in North America, known for its rigorous math curriculum and strong industry connections.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Location: Urbana and Champaign, IL
UIUC has a well-established actuarial science program with strong support from the insurance industry and high job placement rates.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Location: Madison, WI
The actuarial science program at Wisconsin-Madison is highly regarded, with strong ties to the insurance industry and a focus on preparing students for professional exams.
Georgia State University
Location: Atlanta, GA
Georgia State offers a top-ranked actuarial science program, with close ties to Atlanta’s thriving insurance and financial sectors.
Temple University
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Temple’s actuarial science program is known for preparing students to pass the professional exams and for offering a solid balance between theory and practice.
Drake University
Location: Des Moines, IA
Located in one of the insurance capitals of the U.S., Drake University offers a strong actuarial science program with excellent connections to the industry.
Key Factors to Consider:
Location: Schools located in financial or insurance hubs like New York, Chicago, or London can provide better internship and networking opportunities.
Accreditation: For actuarial science, look for programs accredited by the Society of Actuaries (SOA) and Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS).
Industry Connections: Schools with strong ties to the finance and insurance industries often offer better internship and job placement opportunities.
University of Pennsylvania (Wharton School)
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Wharton’s finance program is consistently ranked among the best in the world. They offer a range of finance courses, from corporate finance to investment banking and financial management.
New York University (Stern School of Business)
Location: New York, NY
NYU Stern has a top finance program, and its location in New York City gives students access to Wall Street and major financial institutions for internships and jobs.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT Sloan School of Management)
Location: Cambridge, MA
MIT Sloan offers a top-ranked finance program, with a strong emphasis on quantitative analysis and financial engineering.
University of Chicago (Booth School of Business)
Location: Chicago, IL
Booth is known for its finance program and has a rigorous, data-driven approach to the field.
Stanford University
Location: Stanford, CA
Stanford’s finance program benefits from the school’s strong ties to Silicon Valley and offers excellent opportunities in venture capital, private equity, and investment management.
University of California, Berkeley (Haas School of Business)
Location: Berkeley, CA
UC Berkeley has a strong finance curriculum and is highly regarded for its connections to the finance and technology sectors.
Top Colleges for Actuarial Science:
University of Waterloo
Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Waterloo’s actuarial science program is one of the best in North America, known for its rigorous math curriculum and strong industry connections.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Location: Urbana and Champaign, IL
UIUC has a well-established actuarial science program with strong support from the insurance industry and high job placement rates.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Location: Madison, WI
The actuarial science program at Wisconsin-Madison is highly regarded, with strong ties to the insurance industry and a focus on preparing students for professional exams.
Georgia State University
Location: Atlanta, GA
Georgia State offers a top-ranked actuarial science program, with close ties to Atlanta’s thriving insurance and financial sectors.
Temple University
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Temple’s actuarial science program is known for preparing students to pass the professional exams and for offering a solid balance between theory and practice.
Drake University
Location: Des Moines, IA
Located in one of the insurance capitals of the U.S., Drake University offers a strong actuarial science program with excellent connections to the industry.
Key Factors to Consider:
Location: Schools located in financial or insurance hubs like New York, Chicago, or London can provide better internship and networking opportunities.
Accreditation: For actuarial science, look for programs accredited by the Society of Actuaries (SOA) and Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS).
Industry Connections: Schools with strong ties to the finance and insurance industries often offer better internship and job placement opportunities.
Abigail Dovre
Finance Manager
1
Answer
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Abigail’s Answer
School choice is of course important in your search to work in finance, but if the above top programs aren’t available to you, there is sure to be a more local option!
A career in finance starts with your degree program - look for universities that have Finance, Economics, Accounting, or Actuarial sciences programs. These programs will prepare you for a career, and companies who are hiring finance professionals will look for the courses you took, and your financial understanding. You can gain those skills at any accredited university in the above programs.
A career in finance starts with your degree program - look for universities that have Finance, Economics, Accounting, or Actuarial sciences programs. These programs will prepare you for a career, and companies who are hiring finance professionals will look for the courses you took, and your financial understanding. You can gain those skills at any accredited university in the above programs.
Theophilus Mensah
Entrepreneur
8
Answers
Grambling, Louisiana
Updated
Theophilus’s Answer
Great question Joel! Majoring in Finance can lead to a variety of career opportunities, such as becoming a Financial Manager or an Actuary, both of which are excellent career paths with high earning potential and job security. As you start looking into colleges and universities, there are several factors you should consider: the school’s finance program, internship opportunities, industry connections, and overall reputation in business education.
Here are some highly-regarded finance programs that could align with your goals:
1. University of Pennsylvania (Wharton School)
• Why it’s great for finance: Wharton is renowned for its finance program and offers a robust curriculum that covers everything from corporate finance to investment management. They have excellent connections with top financial firms, making it easier to secure internships and job placements.
• Advice: Admission is highly competitive, so strong academics, leadership roles, and extracurriculars will help you stand out. If you’re aiming for this level, starting to build a strong portfolio of work now will be crucial.
2. University of Michigan (Ross School of Business)
• Why it’s great for finance: Michigan Ross is consistently ranked among the top business schools. They have a broad finance curriculum, great alumni networks, and strong recruiting relationships with big firms, particularly in the Midwest.
• Advice: If you’re interested in becoming an actuary, Ross also provides great quantitative-focused courses and clubs to help you prepare for actuarial exams.
3. New York University (Stern School of Business)
• Why it’s great for finance: Located in New York City, NYU Stern gives you the advantage of being in the world’s financial capital. They offer plenty of opportunities for networking, internships, and working with major financial institutions right in the city.
• Advice: Take advantage of internships and real-world experience while studying here, as proximity to major financial hubs can set you apart from others. It’s a great way to build a resume before graduating.
4. Boston College (Carroll School of Management)
• Why it’s great for finance: Boston College has a strong reputation for finance, with rigorous coursework and faculty who are industry leaders. BC is well-connected to firms in Boston, a major financial hub, and offers a variety of internship opportunities.
• Advice: For students aiming for financial management, this school provides ample hands-on experience and opportunities for networking with Boston’s financial firms.
5. Indiana University (Kelley School of Business)
• Why it’s great for finance: Kelley is known for its finance program and offers extensive resources for students interested in financial careers. The school is consistently recognized for its value, making it a great choice for students seeking quality education at a lower cost than some other top schools.
• Advice: Focus on developing strong analytical and quantitative skills through Kelley’s finance-specific clubs and competitions. If you’re aiming to be an actuary, these experiences will be invaluable.
6. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Gies College of Business)
• Why it’s great for finance: Gies offers a highly ranked finance program and is well known for its actuarial science program. Illinois has one of the largest actuarial programs in the country and offers excellent preparation for actuarial exams.
• Advice: If you’re serious about actuarial science, make sure to take advantage of the extensive resources available for exam preparation and networking in the actuarial field.
7. Texas A&M University (Mays Business School)
• Why it’s great for finance: Texas A&M’s Mays Business School offers a solid finance program with good connections in the energy sector and other industries based in Texas. The school is known for its strong return on investment, making it a good choice for those considering costs.
• Advice: Networking is key in finance, and Texas A&M has strong alumni networks that can open doors to great opportunities.
Additional Considerations:
• Internships and Practical Experience: No matter where you go, make sure the school you choose has strong partnerships with financial firms or insurance companies. Internships are crucial for building your resume and preparing for the real world.
• Actuarial Science Programs: If you’re leaning more toward actuarial work, check whether the finance department offers actuarial science programs or at least strong math/statistics courses that will prepare you for actuarial exams. Some schools also have clubs or support systems to help students study for and pass these exams.
Advice for Getting In:
1. Start Early with Prep: Since you’re a sophomore, it’s the perfect time to start building your profile. Take relevant coursework in math, statistics, and economics to prepare for both finance and actuarial studies.
2. Extracurriculars Matter: Join finance clubs or math teams at your school to show admissions committees that you’re passionate about the field.
3. Internships and Summer Programs: Look for finance-related internships or summer programs that can give you hands-on experience early. This will also help you decide whether you want to go into financial management or become an actuary.
4. Standardized Test Scores: Strong SAT or ACT scores will boost your application. If your GPA isn’t as high as you’d like, a high test score can help balance that out.
Whether you end up pursuing a career as a Financial Manager or an Actuary, remember that both paths require strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of finance, and a dedication to continued learning. The great thing is that finance is a versatile major, and you’ll have plenty of options to explore within the industry.
Here are some highly-regarded finance programs that could align with your goals:
1. University of Pennsylvania (Wharton School)
• Why it’s great for finance: Wharton is renowned for its finance program and offers a robust curriculum that covers everything from corporate finance to investment management. They have excellent connections with top financial firms, making it easier to secure internships and job placements.
• Advice: Admission is highly competitive, so strong academics, leadership roles, and extracurriculars will help you stand out. If you’re aiming for this level, starting to build a strong portfolio of work now will be crucial.
2. University of Michigan (Ross School of Business)
• Why it’s great for finance: Michigan Ross is consistently ranked among the top business schools. They have a broad finance curriculum, great alumni networks, and strong recruiting relationships with big firms, particularly in the Midwest.
• Advice: If you’re interested in becoming an actuary, Ross also provides great quantitative-focused courses and clubs to help you prepare for actuarial exams.
3. New York University (Stern School of Business)
• Why it’s great for finance: Located in New York City, NYU Stern gives you the advantage of being in the world’s financial capital. They offer plenty of opportunities for networking, internships, and working with major financial institutions right in the city.
• Advice: Take advantage of internships and real-world experience while studying here, as proximity to major financial hubs can set you apart from others. It’s a great way to build a resume before graduating.
4. Boston College (Carroll School of Management)
• Why it’s great for finance: Boston College has a strong reputation for finance, with rigorous coursework and faculty who are industry leaders. BC is well-connected to firms in Boston, a major financial hub, and offers a variety of internship opportunities.
• Advice: For students aiming for financial management, this school provides ample hands-on experience and opportunities for networking with Boston’s financial firms.
5. Indiana University (Kelley School of Business)
• Why it’s great for finance: Kelley is known for its finance program and offers extensive resources for students interested in financial careers. The school is consistently recognized for its value, making it a great choice for students seeking quality education at a lower cost than some other top schools.
• Advice: Focus on developing strong analytical and quantitative skills through Kelley’s finance-specific clubs and competitions. If you’re aiming to be an actuary, these experiences will be invaluable.
6. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Gies College of Business)
• Why it’s great for finance: Gies offers a highly ranked finance program and is well known for its actuarial science program. Illinois has one of the largest actuarial programs in the country and offers excellent preparation for actuarial exams.
• Advice: If you’re serious about actuarial science, make sure to take advantage of the extensive resources available for exam preparation and networking in the actuarial field.
7. Texas A&M University (Mays Business School)
• Why it’s great for finance: Texas A&M’s Mays Business School offers a solid finance program with good connections in the energy sector and other industries based in Texas. The school is known for its strong return on investment, making it a good choice for those considering costs.
• Advice: Networking is key in finance, and Texas A&M has strong alumni networks that can open doors to great opportunities.
Additional Considerations:
• Internships and Practical Experience: No matter where you go, make sure the school you choose has strong partnerships with financial firms or insurance companies. Internships are crucial for building your resume and preparing for the real world.
• Actuarial Science Programs: If you’re leaning more toward actuarial work, check whether the finance department offers actuarial science programs or at least strong math/statistics courses that will prepare you for actuarial exams. Some schools also have clubs or support systems to help students study for and pass these exams.
Advice for Getting In:
1. Start Early with Prep: Since you’re a sophomore, it’s the perfect time to start building your profile. Take relevant coursework in math, statistics, and economics to prepare for both finance and actuarial studies.
2. Extracurriculars Matter: Join finance clubs or math teams at your school to show admissions committees that you’re passionate about the field.
3. Internships and Summer Programs: Look for finance-related internships or summer programs that can give you hands-on experience early. This will also help you decide whether you want to go into financial management or become an actuary.
4. Standardized Test Scores: Strong SAT or ACT scores will boost your application. If your GPA isn’t as high as you’d like, a high test score can help balance that out.
Whether you end up pursuing a career as a Financial Manager or an Actuary, remember that both paths require strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of finance, and a dedication to continued learning. The great thing is that finance is a versatile major, and you’ll have plenty of options to explore within the industry.
Adaobi Ogheneovo B.SC Acct, MPA , IBM
CLIENT MANAGER
47
Answers
Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
Updated
Adaobi’s Answer
That's a fantastic goal! Here are some top colleges and universities known for their strong finance and actuarial science programs:
Finance Programs:
1. **University of Pennsylvania
2. **New York University** (Stern School of Business)
3. **University of Southern California
(Marshall School of Business)
4. University of Texas at Austin (McCombs School of Business)
5. University of California, Berkeley (Has School of Business)
Actuarial Science Programs:
1. University of Pennsylvania
2. University of Waterloo(Canada)
3. University of Texas at Austin
4. Auburn University
5. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
These schools offer excellent programs and have strong connections with the industry, which can be beneficial for internships and job placements.
Finance Programs:
1. **University of Pennsylvania
2. **New York University** (Stern School of Business)
3. **University of Southern California
(Marshall School of Business)
4. University of Texas at Austin (McCombs School of Business)
5. University of California, Berkeley (Has School of Business)
Actuarial Science Programs:
1. University of Pennsylvania
2. University of Waterloo(Canada)
3. University of Texas at Austin
4. Auburn University
5. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
These schools offer excellent programs and have strong connections with the industry, which can be beneficial for internships and job placements.