Get a GCU Finance Degree for Under $15,000

Why GCU’s Finance Program is Perfect for Degree Hacking

If you want to pursue a BS in Finance and want a program that’s affordable, flexible, and centered on real-world skills, GCU’s online option is an excellent choice. You get to learn at your own pace while building the finance know-how employers actually want. Plus, it’s great for degree hacking thanks to perks like these:

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Learn at Your Own Speed with Total Flexibility

• Complete courses anytime with no set class times or semesters holding you back

• Transfer up to 90 credits from previous college work, military, or certifications

• Flat-rate tuition means you can take more courses per term without any extra costs

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Build Job-Ready Skills That Employers Seek

• Learn practical skills like financial analysis, investment strategies, and risk management

• Prepare for industry certifications, such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level I exam

• Gain real-world experience through hands-on projects and case studies designed for finance professionals

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Why Most People Take 4+ Years (And How to Do It in 12–18 Months)

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Why Most People Take 4+ Years

You don’t have to spend over four years and $58,000+ to get your finance degree. GCU makes it faster and more affordable. But to really make it work, you’ll want to avoid these common pitfalls that slow most students down:

• They delay taking foundational finance courses. Waiting too long to start core classes like financial analysis or accounting can push back your entire schedule.

• They don’t maximize transfer credits from prior college or certifications. Too often, students fail to utilize transfer credits from previous college work or certifications. By missing this opportunity, they risk paying more and spending extra time to retake business or finance courses they’ve already mastered.

• They underestimate the pace they can set with GCU’s flexible online model. Treating the program like a traditional 4-year path instead of moving through courses quickly slows down graduation.

• They fail to balance course load with challenging finance topics. Overloading on tough courses like investments or risk management without planning can lead to burnout and delays.

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Here's what degree hackers do that others don't:

• They start with transfer credits and test out of what they already know. This lets them skip basic courses through Study.com and CLEP/DSST exams and jump straight into higher-level finance classes.

• They follow a smart course sequence to avoid waiting on prerequisites. Planning ahead means they unlock advanced courses faster and keep momentum going.

• They take advantage of accelerated terms and flexible scheduling. Instead of sticking to a traditional semester schedule, they use every opportunity to finish courses quickly and move on.

• Result: Graduate in less than 18 months for ~$14,550 total.

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The best way to speed up earning your BS in Finance at GCU is by earning lower-level college credits through affordable options outside of GCU. That way, when you dive into GCU’s program, you can focus on the core business and finance courses that truly align with your career goals.

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Strategy Guide: Tips on How to Hack GCU’s Finance Program

We put together an easy, step-by-step game plan for earning your BS in Finance at GCU based on real tips from finance grads, advisors, and students who’ve sped through the program.

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This guide will help you dodge the usual delays, keep your costs down, and focus on the skills that’ll land you a finance job sooner.

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GCU Online Finance Pre-Enrollment Hacks

• Earn Pre-Enrollment Credits - Take care of gen eds, some major courses, as well as electives early and affordably with platforms like Study.com (starting at $95/month), so you can complete transferable classes on your own schedule before starting at GCU.

• Take Exams to Earn Credits - Skip repeating material by passing CLEP ($97/exam) or DSST exams ($100/each) to earn credit for subjects you’re confident in while saving time and tuition.

• Understand GCU’s Transfer Credit Rules - Check GCU’s transfer policies ahead of time to see which credits will count toward your finance degree, helping you avoid retaking classes unnecessarily.

• Create Your Graduation Roadmap Early - Plan your path to graduation before you start. Tools like DegreeHacked.org build a personalized plan for you that fits your pace, budget, and degree requirements with expert guidance to keep you on track.

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GCU Finance Degree Hacking Plan

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Finance Transfer Credits: What Transfers and What Doesn't

The BS Finance degree needs 120 credits, but not all those credits will transfer over. A smart move is to knock out your general education, electives, and some entry-level finance classes elsewhere where it’s cheaper. That way, when you start at GCU, you can focus on the important finance courses that really count.

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Here’s how to organize your transfer credits to help you finish your degree faster:

• ~34-40 Credits: General Education courses (easily transferable)

• 76 Credits: Major courses (mostly GCU only)

• ~4-10 Credits: Open Electives (many transferable options)

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GCU Finance Degree Requirements: Course Transfer Strategy

_{Don't guess which courses transfer. Get your complete GCU Finance Degree transfer strategy covering all 120 credits with specific equivalencies, cost breakdowns, and timeline optimization.}

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Why Degree Hacking Works for GCU Finance Students

• Focus on What Matters Most at GCU: By taking general education courses elsewhere, you save time and money while still getting top-notch instruction from GCU on the key finance classes that will boost your career.

• Slash Your Degree Costs: Cutting out most gen eds and electives from your GCU coursework by using affordable alternatives can lower your tuition bill by about $40,000 or more.

• Graduate Much Faster: With smart degree hacking, you can turn what usually takes four years into less than 18 months without sacrificing the quality of your education.

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Ready for Your Complete Plan?

The degree-hacking strategy for finance students includes:

• Over 30 course transfer equivalencies options

• Affordable ways to earn credits, like Study.com and CLEP/DSST tests

• Easy-to-follow guide for scheduling and budgeting

• Flexible plan that fit your lifestyle and budget needs

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Applying to GCU for the Bachelor of Science in Finance

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When to Apply: Best Time for Enrollment

The smartest time to enroll in GCU’s Finance program is after you’ve finished earning credits through affordable alternatives. This approach increases the chances your credits will transfer smoothly.

GCU Admissions and Transfer Logistics

• Apply online anytime with no application deadlines or set enrollment periods

• Complete the application and upload all necessary documents digitally

• Request official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended to be sent directly to GCU

• Check GCU’s transfer credit policies to understand which credits are accepted

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GCU Tuition and Other Aid Information

• Tuition runs about $485 per credit, plus fees

• You can finance your degree using FAFSA, military benefits, or GCU scholarships and grants

• Save money by completing courses or exams for transferable credits before you enroll at GCU

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GCU Bachelor of Science in Finance Career ROI

• Median Annual Salary: $161,700 for Financial Managers

• Degree Payback Time: 1-2 months of work

• Plus: Strong earning potential, and a chance for leadership roles

• Typical Roles: Financial Managers, Risk Analyst, Portfolio Assistant, Budget Analyst

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