Benefits of Earning an MBA in Finance: Salary and Career Facts

An MBA in Finance is a graduate program designed to teach advanced financial management skills, including financial planning, investment and market analysis, and corporate finance. MBA graduates are prepared for leadership roles in investment firms, banking, and corporate finance departments in many industries.

The many benefits of an MBA in Finance program include developing strategic thinking and analytical skills. Businesses value professionals with these skills because they can make informed, data-driven financial decisions, optimize resource allocation, and drive revenue growth.¹

This article will explore the salary benefits and career prospects, among other benefits, of an MBA in Finance.

An MBA can substantially increase your earning potential, although there are many factors that affect how much it may increase your salary. According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), an association of leading graduate schools that publishes annual surveys on MBA hiring and compensation, the median starting salary for an MBA graduate in the United States is $125,000.^2,3

If you’re wondering if an MBA with a concentration in Finance is worth the commitment of time and money, it may help to know that GMAC reports that, in 2023, graduates from MBA programs had the highest median earning potential in the United States.²

As you advance professionally, your salary expectations can rise, as well. You may enjoy the analytics aspects of finance and be motivated to reach a treasurer position; the median salary is $249,170.⁴ If the strategic side of finance appeals to you, you may aspire to become a chief financial officer, knowing that the current median salary is $442,206.⁵

An MBA in Finance will prepare you for leadership roles by equipping you with advanced management, financial, and strategic thinking skills. When you graduate, you'll have the qualifications for a wide range of positions in the financial industry, in areas including these:⁶

Investment bankers act as crucial intermediaries in the financial markets, orchestrating complex financial transactions such as mergers, acquisitions, and the issuance of stocks and bonds for their clients. They use their expertise to evaluate a company's financial health and market position to structure deals that align with corporate strategies and financial objectives. Furthermore, investment bankers provide strategic advice to their clients on managing assets, raising capital, and navigating regulatory landscapes, often customizing solutions to meet the unique needs of each transaction.

Financial analysts scrutinize market trends, financial statements, and economic indicators to forecast business, industry, and economic conditions with an eye toward guiding investment decisions. They delve into company fundamentals to provide recommendations on stocks, bonds, and other investments, utilizing complex financial models to assess potential returns and risks. They also generate reports for management and stakeholders, communicating complex financial data and strategies in a digestible format that informs organizational strategy and investor choices.

Commercial bankers play a pivotal role in the financial sector by offering a variety of services to businesses, such as loans for capital improvements, lines of credit, and deposit accounts. They work closely with clients to understand their financial needs and propose tailored solutions to help them achieve their business goals. Moreover, commercial bankers are responsible for assessing credit risk, managing loan portfolios, and nurturing long-term relationships with business customers, ensuring the bank's financial health and the success of its commercial clients.

Financial planners help clients manage their finances by creating strategies that align with their short- and long-term financial goals. They offer expert advice on savings, investments, insurance, tax planning, and retirement to help clients protect and increase their wealth. With a keen understanding of financial laws and products, financial planners provide holistic guidance, ensuring their clients are well-equipped to make informed decisions for a secure financial future.

The curriculum for an MBA with a concentration in Finance covers topics such as financial analysis, investment management, corporate finance, macroeconomics, and global economics. You’ll also take courses in advanced financial management that will help you make executive-level decisions. As you learn to interpret financial statements, conduct valuations, and develop investment strategies, you'll be able to use this information to drive business growth. You can use this specialized knowledge in many industries and positions.⁷

MBA students learn to develop long-term financial strategies, assess market trends, and align financial goals with overall business objectives. You might use strategic planning skills to optimize a company's capital structure, improve cash flow management, or enter new markets. These strategic thinking skills let you make high-impact decisions that drive business growth and profitability.⁸

Despite the specialized training, you’ll still have a lot of flexibility in your career options. You’ll be qualified to work in different areas within finance, such as corporate finance, investment banking, asset management, or consulting. However, you’ll also be able to work in related fields like entrepreneurship, strategic planning, and operations management. The comprehensive financial and managerial training will make you an asset in any industry.¹

MBA graduates who specialize in finance are highly sought after by today’s top companies due to their financial acumen and leadership skills. An MBA with a concentration in Finance can also make you more competitive in a crowded job market and qualify you for professional advancement into specialized and versatile roles.

With an MBA in Finance, your job opportunities aren’t limited stateside. Because it’s a globally recognized degree, graduates are sought after in financial hubs worldwide, such as London, Tokyo, and Singapore. If you want to expand your horizons, you can pursue career paths in the global economy by taking on roles in multinational corporations, global investment banks, and international consulting firms.⁹

An MBA in Finance benefits you because of its widely recognized prestige and credibility in the professional world. It signals a high level of expertise, commitment, and leadership potential. Many MBA in Finance graduates, such as Walmart CEO Doug McMillon, hold prominent positions in major corporations and financial institutions.¹⁰

Earning an MBA in Finance can also prepare you to obtain other certifications, such as Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA), although they have additional requirements, including specialized exams. Holding multiple professional designations can increase your job opportunities, offer higher earning potential, and give you greater credibility by demonstrating a broad and deep understanding of financial principles.¹¹

Graduating with an MBA in Finance can be an important step in your journey of lifelong learning, but it shouldn’t be your last. Even though you’ll have gained important and valuable skills, you’ll need to develop a mindset of continuous learning to stay relevant in the dynamic business landscape. In light of rapid tech advancements, half of today’s skills could be outdated in two years. The only way to avoid having your skills become obsolete is to learn and adapt as new technologies—and needs for new skills—emerge.¹²

Stay connected to your MBA program’s alumni network for ongoing learning opportunities. These networks provide a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences. Many MBA programs offer exclusive access to events such as conferences, panel discussions, and networking sessions, where you can learn from industry leaders and expand your professional circle.

In Santa Clara University’s acclaimed Online MBA program with a concentration in Finance, the robust curriculum is designed to instill thorough, insightful business expertise. Led by an expert faculty of seasoned industry veterans, it also provides the benefits of online learning: You can study from anywhere, without interrupting your professional or personal commitments.

Discover how you can advance your career and build a path to leadership in the Leavey School of Business—all on your own schedule. Plan a call with an admissions outreach advisor today.