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Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance

Next semester starts 01/21/2025

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What is a BBA in Finance degree?

Our Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance program focuses on equipping you with the analytical skills, critical thinking abilities, and ethical principles needed to navigate the financial markets and make informed decisions. Grow wealth for your clients as an investment professional, study economic trends and company performance to advise investors, or apply theories and valuation models to inform corporate finance. Our program prepares you to succeed in a variety of finance-related roles and contribute to the financial well-being of individuals, organizations, and communities.

Reduce tuition by up to $24k

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Why earn a BBA in Finance?

Our finance program allows you to explore diverse career paths and gain practical experience through internships and a capstone. With a focus on project-based learning, you’ll leave St. Ambrose with all the skills you need to lead a successful career in finance.

Hands-on learning

With a designated finance lab, project-based courses, and StockTrak simulation you’ll have the best tools at your fingertips.

Supportive environment

Our faculty are experts in their field and bring unique experiences to offer students a comprehensive education.

Industry-aligned curriculum

Our program aligns with industry trends and expectations, ensuring you graduate with the skills and knowledge employers seek.

State-of-the-art facilities

Many of your courses will take place in McMullen Hall. The building is designed with collaborative classroom spaces that mimic workplace settings.

National and international business relationships

We’ve invested in relationships with companies like Deere, J.P. Morgan, and Goldman Sachs to help you land an internship.

What you’ll learn in your finance program

In our finance program, you’ll start with core business classes before digging deeper into specialized areas of finance. You’ll learn about investing in global markets, financial theories and valuation models, and the workings of the international financial system, all while mastering communication skills employers value.

Systematic view of investment decisions as an agent in the global financial market
Understanding financial institutions’ structure, operational procedures, and risk management
Application of financial theories and valuation models in corporate financial decision-making
Foundation in income tax planning, retirement planning, and estate planning
Preparation to sit for the CFP© upon graduation, and fundamental preparation for the CFA©
Mastery of Excel

Challenging courses and supportive professors

“The classes all build on each other so it allowed me to dive deeper into the subject matter as I continued in the business program. A key to being able to do this is to have professors that are willing to help you understand when you need it. They will not hand you answers, rather will provide guidance and challenge you to find it for yourself. This level of independent yet guided thinking is something that I’ve already experienced a handful of times during my short career.”

-Jack Haverland ‘23 BA in Economics, Finance, and Marketing

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Explore BBA in Finance courses

This degree will require you to complete a total of 120 credits.
36 gen ed credits, 36 core business credits, 24 finance credits, 24 general elective credits, and 1 capstone

Explore course sequence

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Sample Courses

Class code	Class title	Credits
FNCE 311	Investment in a Global Environment	3 credits
FNCE 312	Corporate Finance	3 credits
FNCE 313	Financial Institutions	3 credits
FNCE 413	Estate Planning and Wealth Management	3 credits
FNCE 420	Capstone in Finance	3 credits

How much does a BBA in Finance cost?

The cost of your degree will depend on several factors, like scholarships, housing, meal plans, and transfer credits. New students also pay a $100 matriculation fee. You will also need to budget for books, supplies, materials, transportation, personal costs, loan fees, and other expenses. Explore total cost of attendance.

Expense	By semester	By year
Full-time tuition (12-18 credits)*	$18,189	$36,37
Housing**	$4,019	$8,038
Food***	$2,670	$5,340
Technology fee	$140	$280
Total direct charges (billable)	$25,018	$50,036

*Based on 2024-2025 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**This cost is estimated, actual housing cost will vary by student selections.
***Cost estimate based on 3 meals per day.

How much does housing cost?

When it comes to housing, St. Ambrose University offers diverse options to meet the needs of our students. From traditional dormitories to apartment-style living, there's something for everyone. The cost of your housing will vary based on where you decide to live and the meal plan you choose.

Explore housing options

St. Ambrose University’s Finance program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs

The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) recognizes institutions committed to continuous improvement that ensures their business program will give students the skills employers want.

St. Ambrose University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Accreditation and recognition provide the assurance we meet standards for quality faculty, curriculum, learner services and fiscal stability.

See all of SAU’s accreditations

How does SAU support finance students?

St. Ambrose University’s finance faculty are here to help you reach your career goals. They are passionate about molding multi-disciplined students and will encourage you to take on a second major to ensure you have every door open to you after graduation. As you prepare for life after SAU, they ensure you make connections in your field by hosting events like alumni night, professional speaker series, and visiting local businesses.

Finance faculty

Other support resources

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Student Success Center

At St. Ambrose, we want you to thrive. Access free tutoring, study groups, and supplemental instruction through our Student Success Center.

Explore academic support services

Accessibility Resource Center

Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help.

Learn about our resources

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Career Services

Our Academic and Career Planning Center is ready to help you polish your resume and land a job or internship to launch your career.

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Are there scholarships available for BBA in Finance?

At St. Ambrose University, we believe that education should be accessible to all. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for our students. We are committed to providing our students with the resources they need to succeed academically and financially.

Accounting Scholarships

St. Ambrose offers six scholarships supporting students who pursue an accounting degree with awards ranging from $1,500 to $4,000 per year. Learn more about scholarships for accounting students.

Ambrose Advantage Scholarship

Through the Ambrose Advantage Scholarship program, a tuition-free St. Ambrose University education is available to any Pell Grant-eligible Iowans. Learn more about the Ambrose Advantage.

Transfer credits

At SAU, you may be able to transfer previous college credit toward your bachelor’s degree, saving you significant time and money. Learn how to transfer credits.

College tuition, worry-free

"I always wanted to go to college but finances were an issue. With the Ambrose Advantage, I don't have to worry. My tuition is paid and I'm getting a good education."

-Alexis Stovall, Davenport, Iowa

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What’s on campus for finance students?

Make connections in the business world through our Marketing and Finance Clubs. Meet marketing and finance professionals, take trips to area and regional businesses, and network at on-campus job fairs. The connections you make will boost your confidence as you search for a meaningful career.

Network with finance alumni from the past ten years. Our faculty host this open forum for students to receive guidance from recent graduates.

Everyone finds their place

“There is a crowd for everyone, you just have to be willing to go and find them.”

-Jack Haverland ‘23, BA in Economics, Finance, and Marketing

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What are the admission requirements for a BBA in Finance?

Start your finance career at St. Ambrose. Here are the admissions requirements for our BBA in Finance.

You must have graduated from an accredited high school or earned a GED
You must have a minimum cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.5
You must provide an official high school transcript

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International student requirements

If you live outside of the U.S. there are different admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:

Official transcripts from secondary education
A minimum 2.5 CGPA out of a 4.0 scale, or equivalent
Proof of English language proficiency (minimum scores: TOEFL - 79, IELTS - 6.0)
Copy of your passport and other documentation

What can I do with a finance degree?

Your education and degree can help you reach your professional goals. St. Ambrose University can never promise a career or particular outcome upon graduating. We encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here is a list of potential job titles, traits, and settings a graduate in our Finance program could achieve.

Potential job titles

Financial analyst
Financial planner
Research associate
Data analyst
Portfolio manager
Risk manager

Potential employment settings

Bank
Investment firm
Corporate finance department
Hedge fund
Nonprofit finance department
Wealth management firm

Traits of a finance professional

Financial acumen
Analytical
Communication
Problem-solving
Attention to detail
Data analysis

Industry facts

The median annual wage for financial and investment analysts was $95,080 in May 2022.
Employment of financial managers is projected to grow 16 percent from 2022 to 2032.

For more information on financial employment and wages, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook.

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Become who you are meant to be

With more than 65 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at St. Ambrose University! Explore our programs to find your place at SAU.