Best Fintech Schools: The Top Colleges and Universities for Fintech Programs

Brandeis University is home to over 3,000 undergraduate students and offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. It was established in 1948 and is famous for its vibrant student community life.

Brandeis University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 39%
• Accreditation: New England Commission for Higher Education
• Degrees offered: Master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: #42
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #251-#300

Best Brandeis University Fintech Programs

• Master of Science in Finance/Master of Business Administration Dual Degree . This dual degree provides students with advanced finance, analysis, general management, and strategy knowledge. It takes four to five semesters and requires 79 credits to complete. It does not have an online option.
• Master of Science in Digital Innovation for FinTech . This program focuses on fintech-related tech and digital skills. It teaches students how to design leading-edge financial solutions using emerging technologies. It is a fully online 30-credit program you can complete in under three years.
• Master of Science in Technology Management . This advanced program teaches students to apply key technology principles to real-world fintech issues. You can complete this 30-credit, fully online program in under three years. Students learn the intricacies of the constantly changing enterprise fintech landscape.
• Master of Arts in Financial Economics . This program teaches students the presentation, analytical, and communication skills needed to develop economic policies for governments, corporations, and financial institutions. Courses include Central Banking and Fixed Income Securities. It is a 20-credit program.
• Doctor of Philosophy in International Economics and Finance . This program focuses on research, high-level policy-making, teaching, and consulting. Students typically complete this in-person program in around four or five years.

Brandeis University Fintech Key Takeaway

According to its official page, Brandeis grants students over 70 million dollars in financial aid , so it is an excellent option for prospective fintech students to explore.

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) started operating in 1900 and currently has over 7,000 undergraduate students. Its sports teams are some of the best in US college sports. Further, it offers popular majors like computer science, business administration and management, and architectural and building sciences and technology.

Carnegie Mellon University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 14%
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Degrees offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: #25
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #28

Best Carnegie Mellon University Fintech Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Economics and Mathematical Science . This on-campus undergraduate degree program takes three to four years to complete. Students must complete 251 units and complete courses such as econometrics and calculus in three dimensions.
• Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence . This program focuses on technical decision-making involving database management, including computational modeling and machine learning. It takes about four years and 360 units to complete the program and you’ll finish with the skills necessary to build innovative financial technologies.
• Bachelor of Science in Information Systems (IS) . This program is a blend of computer science, information technology, and business management courses. It prepares you to apply advanced technologies like neural networks, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to create blockbuster financial innovations.
• Master of Science in Product Management . This one-year program provides you with the tools and skills to lead product development that drives growth. Courses include Principles of Product Management and Data Science for Product Managers. Students must complete approximately 115 units.
• Master of Science in Computational Finance . This program is only available on campus. Courses include Blockchain and SQL Fundamentals, Financial Modeling and Optimization, Data Science, and Quantitative Portfolio Management. Students can expect to complete the program within two years.

Carnegie Mellon University Fintech Key Takeaway

According to the US News & World Report, CMU is the best college for undergraduate computer science and IT programs , giving students a world-class education in this field.

Case Western Reserve University is renowned for its world-class research. Over a third of its students are involved with Greek life on campus. It began offering undergraduate level programs in 1826 and enrolls over 5,000 undergraduates and several hundred graduate students.

Case Western Reserve University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 30%
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Degrees offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: #42
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #126

Best Case Western Reserve University Fintech Programs

• Integrated BA/BS and Master of Finance Program. This 30-credit integrated study program caters to the needs of undergraduate students who want to learn specialized skills in finance analytics. Eligible students can complete the program and get the degree in four years.
• Master of Science in FinTech . This 30-credit program combines courses in finance, big data analytics, and programming with modern technologies like artificial intelligence, cryptocurrencies, machine learning, and blockchain. This STEM-eligible degree can be completed in two semesters, although a three or four-month extension is available.
• Master of Business Analytics and Intelligence. Students can complete this 36-credit program in 16 months. It focuses on data analytics and computer technology applications for financial and business management.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Management: Design and Innovation . This program prepares students for cutting-edge research in information systems and marketing. Students can specialize in information systems or marketing and complete the program within four to five years.
• Doctor of Business Administration. This program provides students with a top-notch doctorate education in management. It consists of 60 credit hours of online and in-person coursework and research. Students typically complete it within three years.

Case Western Reserve University Fintech Key Takeaway

The school has an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, so students have easy access to faculty members and necessary academic and professional resources.

Columbia University , established in 1754, is one of the oldest tertiary institutions in America. It currently has over 6,000 undergraduate students and is home to three undergraduate schools. It offers graduate dentistry, engineering, business, and education programs.

Columbia University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 4%
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Degrees offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: #2
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #11

Best Columbia University Fintech Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Operations Research: Analytics . This four-year program trains students to use advanced quantitative models, data pools, and algorithms to improve business operations in areas like financial services. Students can choose a concentration in analytics.
• Master of Professional Studies in Wealth Management . You can complete this online program in 16 months and meet the educational requirements for a CFP® certification. It teaches students the core areas of wealth management, including investments, taxes, and estate planning. Thirty credits are required.
• Master of Science in Financial Engineering . This program covers the applications of financial theory, engineering methods, mathematical tools, and computer programming. It provides training in applying engineering principles and quantitative methods to finance. It is a 36-credit, full-time program that typically runs for one year.
• Master of Science in Business Analytics . You can complete this 36-credit degree STEM-designated program in one year. It focuses on statistical and quantitative analysis, predictive modeling, optimization models, methods, and data analytics.

Columbia University Fintech Key Takeaway

Columbia University is one of the most ethnically diverse institutions in America, making it easy for students to acclimatize and fit into the academic and social environment.

Cornell University is a reputable private institution established in 1865. It has a thriving on-campus Greek life and several hundred student organizations. It is home to over 14,000 undergraduates and offers bachelor's, master's, and doctorate programs in several fields.

Cornell University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 9%
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Degrees offered: Certificate, bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: #17
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #22

Best Cornell University Fintech Programs

• Certificate in FinTech . This two-month, fully online certificate program discusses key innovations and developments in the fintech industry. It analyzes major financial subjects such as wealth-tech, peer-to-peer lending, regulatory technology, insurance, and currency and payments technology.
• Certificate in Data Analytics. This nine-week, fully online certificate program discusses statistical and scientific methods for data analysis . It provides students with advanced knowledge of key business analytics principles.
• Master of Science in Business Analytics. This accelerated master’s degree program runs for 16 months and has 19 online courses. It discusses analytical methods and modeling, integrating them with business data and applying them to problem-solving.
• Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Applied Economics and Management . This one-year program comprises courses in economic theory, technology management, and behavioral finance. Interestingly, students can choose from one of six concentrations and start building a career.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Economics and Management . Students enrolled in this program receive training in applied theory and empirical models. They can choose from four concentrations. The program runs for about ten semesters and consists of 12 credits per semester.

Cornell University Fintech Key Takeaway

This school is highly selective with its admissions, so only the best students in various academic fields can get into its programs.

Duke University , established in 1838, ranks ninth on US News & World Report’s list of national universities and is located in Durham. It enrolls nearly 7,000 undergraduate students across engineering, medicine, and finance programs and has close to 40 fraternities and sororities.

Duke University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 6%
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
• Degrees offered: Master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: #9
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #23

Best Duke University Fintech Programs

• Master of Engineering in Financial Technology. Students can complete this 30-credit program online or on-campus within three and five semesters. It teaches the fundamental skills of financial engineering and the business and ethical aspects of fintech development.
• Accelerated Master of Science in Quantitative Management: Business Analytics . This one-year program caters to the needs of working professionals and builds on prior training in business management courses. You’ll learn advanced data science and analytics methods and how to apply them to develop business insights. It is an online program.
• Master of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence for Product Innovation. This online master's degree program specializes in applying machine learning and AI solutions to financial, technological, and energy problems. You can complete it in 12 months. There is an online summer bootcamp for programming novices.
• Master of Science in Quantitative Financial Economics . This 30-credit program is ideal for job-seekers and researchers as it contains continuous-time finance and advanced volatility modeling courses. Candidates can complete it within three semesters.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Finance. This program caters to intending researchers and academics. It discusses macro-finance and asset pricing, corporate finance, and behavioral finance. Students must complete 11 courses during the program and defend their dissertations at the end of the fifth year.

Duke University Fintech Key Takeaway

Average tuition and fees at Duke are among the most expensive in the US, but over half of its student population receives financial aid.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology houses several thousand undergraduate and graduate students. It ranks second in US News & World Report’s 2022 edition of Best Colleges. Students can study in any of five integrated schools on campus.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 4%
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
• Degrees offered: Certificate, bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: #2
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #5

Best Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Fintech Programs

• Professional Certificate in Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence. This program focuses on artificial intelligence technologies, including natural language processing and algorithmic methods. You can complete all requirements within 36 months. Courses are available online and on-campus.
• Online Professional Education Certificate in Blockchain: Disruptive Technology . This online program runs for eight weeks and covers blockchain, smart contracts, encryption, and digital signatures. It provides financial professionals and others with insights into blockchain fundamentals and applications.
• Executive Certificate in Technology and Operations. This certificate teaches students to identify, manage, and manipulate data and technology across several sectors. Although there is no set time to earn the certificate, the credits you earn will expire after four years.
• Master of Science in Finance . This program features an intensive 18-month STEM curriculum with a 12-month acceleration option. It focuses on advanced financial theories and quantitative models. Graduate students can build solid careers in fintech, consulting in the private sector, and government agencies.
• Master of Science in Business Analytics . This 12-month program examines the applications of modern data science, optimization, and machine learning to business situations. It prepares students for careers involving data science and analytics applications in finance.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Fintech Key Takeaway

Current and former MIT community members hold nearly 300 awards, from Nobel Prizes to MacArthur Fellowships. Students emerging from this school are sure to find great success.

New York University is one of the biggest private institutions in the US with over 27,000 undergraduate students. It was established in 1831 and guarantees housing for all students. Its programs include courses in engineering, fintech, education, medicine, liberal arts, and sciences.

New York University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 13%
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Degrees offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: #28
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #26

Best New York University Fintech Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Business, Technology, and Entrepreneurship . This four-year, STEM-certified degree merges business, technology, and entrepreneurship courses. Students learn from faculty at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Tandon School of Engineering.
• Master of Science in Business Analytics . This one-year, part-time, hybrid program is for senior-level professionals. It focuses on using data analysis to improve operational efficiency, financial performance, and strategic management.
• Master of Science in Fintech . This graduate program examines evolving quantitative methodologies, foundational fintech technologies, and core financial services practices. Students learn about artificial intelligence, machine learning, and financial strategy in the one-year program.
• Master of Science in Quantitative Finance . This program discusses modern financial architecture, asset and risk management, underwriting, and securitization. It runs for 12 months and consists of 36 credit units.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Information Systems . Doctoral candidates typically complete this program in five years. It consists of research and teaching apprenticeships and a final capstone project. It covers econometrics, game theory, artificial intelligence, and microeconomics.

New York University Fintech Key Takeaway

NYU ranks among the top 10 universities for graduate employability in the US , according to Times Higher Education.

Founded in 1957, Oakland University offers degree programs in business management, finance, visual and performing arts, and general studies and humanities. It has an undergraduate student population of 15,100 and boasts of strong graduate employment statistics.

Oakland University Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 81%
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Degrees offered: Certificate, bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: #299 - #391
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #1001-#1200

Best Oakland University Fintech Programs

• Graduate Certificate in FinTech . This 15-credit certificate program helps students develop specialized data management skills. The curriculum consists of data mining, artificial intelligence, blockchain, deep learning, and text analytics applications.
• Certificate in Personal Financial Planning . This 12-month executive program caters to experienced professionals in the financial services industry. Students who don’t have the requisite experience level may apply for an exception, which the Advisory Board or Program Director must approve.
• Bachelor of Science in Finance . This degree program teaches students the theories and analytical tools professionals use to make finance-related decisions in organizations. It is only available on campus, and students must earn a minimum of 25 credits.
• Master of Science in Information Technology Management . This accelerated, dual-degree program enables you to earn a bachelor’s and master's degree in five years. It consists of 48 credit units of coursework. Students obtain degrees in management information systems and IT management.
• Master of Science in Business Analytics . This dual-degree program teaches students to use data to solve business problems across industries like financial services, accounting, logistics, and travel. You can complete all 48 credit hours of coursework within five or six years to receive your accelerated degree.

Oakland University Fintech Key Takeaway

The accounting and business programs at this school hold elite accreditation from AACSB-International, giving its students top-notch educational experiences in both fields.

The University of California-Berkeley has over 30,000 undergraduate students and 1,000 student organizations. It overlooks the famed San Francisco Bay and has distinguished itself in several fields since its establishment in 1868.

The University of California, Berkeley Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 14%
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
• Degrees offered: Certificate, bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: #22
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #8

Best University of California, Berkeley Fintech Programs

• Executive Education Certificate in Fintech Frameworks, Applications, and Strategies. This two-month online certificate delves into the recesses of financial technology. Students learn how to detect emerging trends and opportunities, launch fintech startups, and identify key components of feasible fintech investments.
• Executive Education Certificate in Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies. This six-week online program explores the practical applications of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency. It is an excellent program for business and technology consultants and strategists, IT professionals, and financial experts.
• Certificate in Data Science . This program contains 10 credits that students must complete within three years. It provides you with the skills to perform advanced data wrangling, machine learning, data mining, and statistical modeling operations on complex data sets.
• Master of Analytics . This one-year in-person master’s degree program trains students to build cutting-edge data and quantitative skills. It also prepares them for key roles in business and the fintech industry. It consists of 29 credits.
• Master of Financial Engineering . This one-year program requires 28 units of coursework. It covers data science, machine learning, risk management, and financial valuation.

The University of California, Berkeley Fintech Key Takeaway

UC Berkeley’s faculty has four Pulitzer Prize wins, and its alumni currently hold 32 Nobel Prizes.

A community college certificate is an academic award earned through a community college. Consequently, obtaining one in financial services can help you grasp essential concepts in the fintech ecosystem and digital technology. These certificate programs are usually much shorter than a degree program and equip students with essential fintech skills.

An associate degree is an undergraduate degree you can obtain in two years from a university or community college. You can study business administration, fintech courses, and the basics of data-driven financial modeling. This includes digital innovation and ledger technologies. This degree prepares you for a career or advanced undergraduate degree program.

A Bachelor’s Degree in Financial Technology is a four-year undergraduate academic degree. Bachelor’s Degrees in Finance are more well-known than fintech undergraduate degrees because financial technology is a broad field with various subdivisions. These programs consist of 120 credits and teach students how to work within a government organization.

A fintech master's degree is a graduate degree that demonstrates mastery of specific fintech topics. Although some programs allow longer study times, it typically takes between one and three years to get one. A typical fintech master’s degree contains courses such as Ledger Technologies, Programing for Mathematical Finance, and Stochastic Methods in Asset Pricing.

A Graduate Certificate in Fintech introduces students to advanced financial technology concepts and prepares them for positions across the financial services industry. The certificate program typically runs for a few months, and there are online and on-campus options. They are perfect for industry professionals who want to brush up on their skills.

A Doctorate in Fintech is the highest degree level a student can obtain in the field. It focuses on researching and documenting specific fields within the financial technology space. It typically takes between three and five years to complete and includes specializations such as portfolio management, risk culture, financial data analysis, or capital management.

An Associate Degree in Fintech provides basic fintech principles and practices. The degree is great for entry-level positions in the financial services industry, and the jobs listed below only require foundational knowledge in the field.

Top Fintech Careers With an Associate Degree

• Computer Support Specialist: $57,910
• Help Desk Analyst: $57,910
• Customer Success Associate: $36,920

You can build an excellent fintech career with a bachelor's degree as it provides extensive knowledge of finance, technology, analytics, and business management. The jobs listed below are excellent choices for bachelor’s degree holders.

Top Fintech Careers With a Bachelor’s Degree

• Financial Manager: $131,710
• Product Manager: $103,150
• Cyber Security Analyst: $102,600

A master's degree in any financial technology field like blockchain or cryptocurrency is an excellent way to start a high-paying career. High-ranking professionals in finance and fintech have advanced knowledge, experience, and skills. These jobs require specialists in specific areas of financial technology.

Top Fintech Careers With a Master’s Degree

• Computer and Information Research Scientist: $131,490
• Economist: $105,630
• Senior Financial Analyst: $81,410

Obtaining a doctorate signifies an interest in teaching, research, and development. However, you can also work as a data scientist or data analyst with this advanced degree. It provides you with the expertise to focus and excel in developing solutions to fintech issues.

Top Fintech Careers With a PhD

• Senior Data Scientist: $127,455
• Senior Data Analyst: $96,788
• Fintech professor: $79,640

Interning while schooling is an excellent way for graduate and undergraduate fintech students to gain valuable work experience. The best internships for fintech students include the one offered by the Center for Finance, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (CFTE) and Amherst. It is best to apply for these internships as quickly as possible.

Top Fintech Internships

• Avant Cybersecurity Architecture and Engineering Intern: $67,042
• Amherst Accounting Intern: $57,845
• CFTE Finance Intern: $40,698