From Wall Street to the World Bank, financial knowledge is key in today’s increasingly interconnected and expanding world. Given its well-rounded offerings in business, economics, accounting and financial management, a Master’s degree in Finance serves as a bridge between today’s students and tomorrow’s world leaders. If you’re looking to challenge yourself with rigorous coursework and apply your skill set to real-world problems, a finance degree might be for you.
Related Resource: 35 Top Bachelor’s in Accounting Degrees
Furthermore, getting a top online masters in finance has never been more convenient. In order to accommodate the budgetary needs, busy schedules and diverse commitments of today’s prospective students, many business schools have begun to offer their best masters in finance programs online. The following ranking of the 20 best online masters in finance programs equally considers:
- academic rigor
- affordability
- student support
- program resources
- unique curriculum features
20. California Lutheran University – Thousand Oaks, California
Online MBA in Financial Planning
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $20,450
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
Home to the first online Financial Programming MBA in the nation, California Lutheran University boasts a long history of student success. The comprehensive curriculum prepares students to:
- integrate both financial and product market strategy
- measure and analyze asset and portfolio risk management
- develop business leadership skills
These skills are enhanced by the school’s diverse experiential learning offerings. Students can undertake internships at local companies, pursue rich study abroad opportunities, and even gain valuable work experience at the university’s Westlake Center. Electing to take courses in five or eight-week terms, students at Cal Lutheran cite their tight-knit community and abundant networking opportunities as their favorite components of the program. Students can complete their online master’s in finance in just 12 to 24 months. Both full and part-time program options are available. Core courses include:
- Tax Management and Strategy
- Principles of Estate Planning
- Employee Benefits and Retirement Planning
- Investment and Portfolio Management
Cal Lutheran has an excellent reputation. It is considered one of the top schools by Financial Planning Magazine, and U.S. News and World Report lists it as one of the top 20 schools in the Western United States.
No GMAT is necessary for this online masters in finance if you meet certain requirements such as already having a masters or having a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
19. Concordia University Wisconsin – Mequon, Wisconsin
Online MBA in Finance
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $11,628
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
For a very affordable price, students enrolled at Concordia University’s MBA in finance program can customize their courses to create a tailor-made experience. Finance course offerings include:
- Corporate Finance
- International Finance
- Securities Analysis
- Financial Institutions Management
- Portfolio Mathematics
The school’s ultimate, self-proclaimed focus is “business from a Christian perspective,” and works on developing students’ skill set to make confident, informed, logical financial decisions in the modern economy. This is aided by CUW’s commitment to individual development, as students have the opportunity to complete a capstone project in their specific field of interest at the end of this top online masters in finance program.
Concordia offer’s thousands in scholarships for adult and post-traditional leaners. Other financial aid options are also available.
18. The University of Oklahoma – Norman, Oklahoma
Online Master of Science in Finance
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $8,034/year in state and $23,096/year out-of-state
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
One of the top masters in finance programs online is offered by The University of Oklahoma. This 32-credit hour program can be completed in just 16 months. Students complete a set of pre-determined courses taught by internationally recognized faculty. Course offerings include:
- Fixed Income Securities and Markets
- Business Ethics/Legal
- Advanced Corporate Finance
- Derivative Securities and Markets
Students are eligible for Federal Financial Aid and may be eligible for additional scholarships through UO.
17. Auburn University – Auburn, Alabama
Master of Science in Finance Online
Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $10,080/year in-state and $30,240/year out-of-state
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
The online Master of Science in finance from Auburn University is one of the top finance degree programs in the United States. This Assocation to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accredited program is taught by industry experts. The course curriculum covers areas like:
- corporate finance
- investments
- financial institutions and markets
Students can add an MBA to their finance degree program with just a few extra hours of coursework. Graduate certificate options are available, allowing students to enhance their career opportunities.
16. Metropolitan College of New York – New York, New York
Online MBA in Financial Services
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $29,280
Accreditation: Higher Middle States Commission on Higher Education
The School for Business at Metropolitan College of New York offers a flexible online MBA in financial services. Although this one-year MBA is indeed offered online, students are nonetheless given the opportunity to experience hands-on, field-based learning, and are exposed to a wide variety of real-world economic scenarios. Showcasing a low student to faculty ratio of only 5:1, this program focuses on:
- business modeling
- managerial skill development
- geographical markets
- both product and customer services
This ACBSP accredited MBA in finance with networking opportunities through its business partnerships and alumni. Graduates have gone on to earn leadership position in financial institutions, hospitals, and advertising agencies.
15. Golden Gate University – San Francisco, California
Online Master of Business Administration – Finance
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $19,620
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
With origins as early as 1993, Golden Gate University’s distance learning program is one of the nation’s oldest. After concentrating in finance (corporate or general) or investment management, students develop a wide variety of practical skills, such as:
- financial statement analysis
- evaluate risk and return
- financial accounting
- formulate management strategies
- understand corporations’ financial decisions
GGU offers a top online MBA with a finance concentration, and with its extensive alumni network graduates are sure to make connections that will expand their career. Students develop a theoretical knowledge of finance while participating in hands-on learning through case studies. This focus on practical professional skills, along with the excellent student to professor ratio and consistent faculty support, were noted by students as some of their favorite components of the program.
14. National University – La Jolla, California
Online Master of Business – Financial Management
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $15,480
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
Ever since 1996, National University, based in San Diego, California, has offered a comprehensive online MBA with a concentration in financial management. While providing students with a theoretical background in financial management, this finance degree’s specialty is in in equipping students with practical problem-solving skills. Students take courses in areas like:
- growth and diversification policy
- securities portfolios management
- investment banking
- merger strategies
- foreign exchange rate movement analysis
The program prepares students to both evaluate a financial institution’s predicament and advise accordingly.
During this rigorous program, students are privy to both the active support of National’s faculty advisors, as well as helpful resources, like the University’s Center for Financial Studies’ data and ticker boards with market information.
The streamlined application process allows students to enroll in the program right away. Applications are accepted year-round and new classes begin each month. This accelerated masters in finance can be completed in as little as 12 months.
13. Saint Joseph’s University – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Online Master of Science in Finance
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $18,144
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Committed to the Jesuit ideal of “cura personalis” (care for the whole person), St Joseph’s offers a best online masters of finance conducive to professional development. The program mandates core courses in areas like:
- Financial Planning
- Financial Analysis
- Corporate Finance
The Master of Science in Finance from St. Joseph’s is a CFP certified program. Seven of the courses satisfy the educational requirements needed to sit for the CFP exam.
Students have great flexibility in their curriculum and can both design their own schedules and choose between eight and 15 week semesters. It’s easy to understand why the 2023 U.S News & World Report ranked St. Joseph’s in their ranking of the top 20 best graduate finance degrees. Many tuition discounts are available including an alumni discount and a mission discount. This AACSB accredited school can be completed in 1-2 years.
12. Webster University – Saint Louis, Missouri
Online Master of Science in Finance
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $13,500
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Offering its first online finance degree as early as 1999, Webster University boasts a rich history of distance learning. Webster offers an online master’s in finance accredited by ACBSP, as well as am MBA with an emphasis in Corporate Finance. Both are available online and offered through the Walker School of Business & Technology. An MBA/MS Finance dual degree is also offered requiring:
- 5 selected MBA courses
- 6 selected MS Finance courses
- 4 courses required for both
Students take courses in areas like:
- business strategy
- financial modeling
- mergers and acquisitions
- entrepreneurial finance
- capital budgeting
This broad education base helps students prepare to take the Chartered Financial Analyst or CFP exams. With one of the field’s lowest student to faculty ratios (typically 9:1), students benefit from in-depth class discussion and faculty expertise and have the opportunity to combine their online degree with in-class coursework.
Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree from a program accredited by one of the main business school accreditation bodies.
11. Bellevue University – Bellevue, Nebraska
Online Master of Science in Strategic Finance
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $10,980
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Despite its reputation as one of the most affordable Master’s in Finance degrees, the quality of Bellevue University’s program is top-notch. This Masters in Strategic Finance offers courses in areas such as:
- financial reporting and analysis
- accounting for performance management
- financial management and strategy
- business analysis for decision making
The University prides itself in its extensive means of student support, including its:
- small class sizes
- close professor interactions
- networking opportunities
- 24/7 classroom access
This budget friendly masters in finance degree program offers numerous concentrations such as business analytics and international management. Those who complete the core course in cash management are eligible to register for the CTPA professional certification exam through Bellevue’s connection with the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP).
Graduate students are eligible for Direct Student Loans and graduate program scholarships through Bellevue.
10. University of Maryland Global Campus – Adelphi, Maryland
Online Management Master’s Degree – Financial Management
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $9,072
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
The University of Maryland Global Campus offers one of the top masters of finance programs with their MS in Financial Management. Master’s students at the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) take core courses focused on recent global market turmoil and elective courses according to their specific interests. As a means to further develop students’ practical financial management skills, faculty members, many of whom have industry connections with multinational corporations, serve as student mentors and offer unique experiential learning opportunities.
Specialization course offerings include:
- Multinational Financial Management
- Financial Management in Organizations
- Strategic Financial Management
Furthermore, the UMUC program is especially ideal for veterans, as The Council of College and Military Educators recognized the school for its dedication to education for service members in 2011.
This affordable masters in financial management will prepare graduates for jobs in
- financial planning
- financial analysis
- investments analysis
- loans
- consulting
9. Indiana University – Bloomington, Indiana
Online Master of Science in Finance
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $9,909
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
The online Masters degree in Finance from Indiana University is a great program for aspiring chief financial officers. The 30-credit hour curriculum is offered in a flexible, online format. Courses are taught by the same faculty who teach the brick and mortar program. Core financial courses include:
- Managing Accounting Information for Decision Making
- Asset Pricing and Security Valuation
- Information Technology for Managers
Furthermore, while this flexible and convenient degree could be obtained in as little as 15 months, students can combine it with an online MBA. the 66-credit hour combined degree program can save students both time and money.
To help with tuition, students can apply for third-party scholarships, scholarships and military benefits. Graduates report that this top masters in finance degree is immediately applicable. It can lead to increased salary opportunities and job promotions making the cost of tuition well worth it.
8. Purdue University Global – West Lafayette, Indiana
Online Master of Science Degree in Finance
Student to Faculty Ratio: 27:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $8,730
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Equipping students with the unique ability to interpret financial legislation and regulations, Purdue University Global Master’s degree in Finance cultivates crucial critical thinking skills. Students can choose from three focus areas including:
- financial analysis
- financial planning
- treasury management
Students are expected to spend about 20 hours per week on coursework. Courses are offered in short, six-week sessions. Students are given practical assignments and reports, as well as the opportunity to give presentations and collaborate on group projects.
Purdue builds skills through this degree program that employers are looking for such as:
- active listening
- critical thinking
- problem solving
- mathematics
- communication
Most students can earn their degree in two years of full-time study. This low cost online masters in finance is accredited by ACBSP and will prepare graduates for successful jobs in these top careers:
- financial managers
- budget, credit and financial analysts
- personal financial advisors
7. Georgetown University – Washington, DC
Master of Science in Finance (MSF)
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $9,909
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
If money is no object, then an online Master’s in Finance (MSF) from Georgetown University is an excellent choice. Though the program is significantly more expensive than its online competitors, the investment seems well worth it, given Georgetown’s ranking as the #1 Finance Program by Bloomberg Businessweek, not to mention its impeccably low student-teacher ration (typically 11:1). This online masters in finance does require either a GMAT or GRE score.
In only 21 months, full and part-time students learn how markets work, in accordance with the Efficient Market Hypothesis and the Hypothesis of Behavioral Finance. They have the opportunity to test their skills through stock, bond and derivative evaluation. During Georgetown’s rigorous program, students also learn to construct efficient portfolios and estimate expected returns and risks. Georgetown University professors utilize technology in order to deliver personalized lesson plans to each student. (NOTE: Both a weeklong on-site residence on Georgetown’s campus and a capstone project is required in this online degree program.)
Courses are delivered in a blended learning format that includes asynchronous lectures and weekly live classes. Students move thru the program as a cohort, building their professional network.
Current employers for graduates of this best online finance masters program include:
- Amazon
- Morgan Stanley
- Exxon Mobile
- U.S. Army
- World Bank Group
- Pratt & Whitney
6. Florida Institute of Technology – Melbourne, Florida
MBA in Finance
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $22,338
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Though students enrolled in Florida Institute of Technology’s (Florida Tech) online MBA in Finance program can take specialized courses in areas like:
- Financial Markets and Institutions
- Investment Management
- Portfolio Analysis
- Organizational Behavior
Boasting a unique “case method approach”, this best online MBA program in finance mandates its students to take a two-term “Essentials of Business Development” class, in which students, under faculty supervision, fully develop an actual business plan designed for real world application. FIT’s commitment to individualized learning is further reflected in its requirement that students complete a Strategic Management capstone project.
FIT has a deeply rooted commitment to individualized, hands-on education. Students complete a strategic management capstone course that prepares them for success after graduation.
5. Bentley University – Waltham, Massachusetts
Master’s in Finance Online
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $42,200
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
For a slightly higher-than-average tuition price, students enrolled in Bentley University’s online business program can look forward to an average starting salary of over $64,000 per year. The school’s commitment to professional development is further echoed in its propensity to employ 71% of its graduates within three months, as well as its tight alumni network and relationship with prestigious corporate finance firms.
Students can choose to pursue a path in either financial analytics or finance. Foundation courses for both paths include:
- Managerial Statistics
- Economic Environment of the Firm
- Accounting for Decision-Making
- Calculus
Developed in cooperation with corporate finance business professionals, the curricula of this best online masters in finance is both practical and theoretical, as it includes important math, economics and accounting practices. Furthermore, students looking to take the CFA exam might want to strongly consider this program, as it was recently lauded for incorporating “at least 70% of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge” GMAT or GRE scores are required for this masters in finance, but may be waived for qualified students.
4. Colorado State University Global Campus – Aurora, Colorado
Online Master’s in Finance
Student to Faculty Ratio: 25:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $9,000
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
One of the strongest aspects of Colorado State University Global Masters (CSU Global) in Finance program is its dedication to customizing its program to individual student goals, be they in information technology or business intelligence. Specializations are available in a number of areas including:
- Organizational Leadership and Change Management
- Strategic Innovation and Change Management
- Organizational Learning and Performance
Ranked by U.S News & World as one of the top 100 Graduate Business Programs in the nation, the online degree allows students to enjoy many of the same benefits as their on-campus counterparts, such as:
- access to the library and career center
- technical support services
- 24/7 live tutoring
Focusing on topics from enterprise risk management to auditing and accounting, this degree facilitates technology use as a key factor in financial decision-making. This best online master’s degree in finance will prepare graduates with the skills, practice and experience necessary for a solid career in finance.
3. Southern New Hampshire University – Manchester, New Hampshire
Online Master’s in Finance
Student to Faculty Ratio: 24:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $18,900
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Though slightly more expensive than its counterparts, Southern New Hampshire University’s Master of Science in Finance program is nationally recognized. Students can choose from an MS in Accounting Finance or an MS in Finance. Concentrations in the accelerated best online master in finance program include corporate finance and investments and securities. With its distance learning program beginning in 1996, SNHU is one of the oldest online university programs and boasts both experienced faculty and prestigious post-graduate opportunities in financial management, corporate finance, and investment banking. Students can complete their online master’s in as little as 15 months. Graduates are prepared to take the CFA level 1 exam.
Core classes include:
- Managerial Accounting
- Managerial Economics
- Risk Management
- Fiscal and Monetary Policies and Practices
- Quantitative Analysis for Decision Making
SNHU is one of 150 accredited programs around the world with a master’s program that counts toward eligibility for the AFA Accredited Financial Analyst by Global Academy of Finance and Management. Graduates may apply for this esteemed designation.
2. Pennsylvania State University World Campus – University Park, Pennsylvania
Master of Finance Online
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $23,189
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Penn State World Campus offers one of the top master in finance programs that meets the demands of an ever-changing market environment. Students gain a broad range of skills in areas like:
- financial modeling
- capital structure
- analysis of financial markets
- derivative securities
The program follows a cohort model allowing finance students to progress through courses together. Course offerings help students prepare for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Certified Financial Planning (CFP) designation after graduation.
While the program is a better fit for those with pre-existing financial experience, the program is nonetheless flexible and serves as a bridge into a wide range of financial professions. In fact, according to a recent survey published in the Wall Street Journal, recruiters classified Penn State graduates as being the most well-prepared for the professional world.
NOTE: During their fourth term, finance students are required to attend a one-week residency program on Penn State’s Great Valley campus.
1. Northeastern University – Boston, Massachusetts
Online Master’s in Finance
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $25,801
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Our top Master of Science in finance degree program is offered through the D’Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University. The program is designed for students with prior experience in finance. The accelerated Master of Science in finance offers the opportunity to specialize in corporate finance or investments. By integrating CFA materials into the curriculum, this program is especially adept in preparing students for the professional world, as it focuses not only on the cultivation of theoretical knowledge but the development of organizational, management and leadership skills. Online master’s in finance students can earn their degree in as little as 16 months even with its extensive and broad offering of core courses like:
- Financial Theory and Policy
- Analysis of Financial Institutions and Markets
- Financial Strategy
- Investment Analysis
- Portfolio Management
- International Finance Management and Financial Risk Management
Northeastern also provides its online Master’s in Finance students the unique opportunity to become better equity researchers and portfolio managers through participating in the 360 Huntington Fund, a student-managed mutual fund for the University’s endowment. Though its tuition is higher than many of the best master of finance programs, Northeastern’s unique and comprehensive program is unmatched. No GMAT is required for this online masters in finance with at least 5 years of experience with financial leadership and budgetary responsibility and management of staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Can I Earn with a Master’s in Finance?
A career in finance can be extremely lucrative. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for business and financial occupations was $76,570 in 2021. This is significantly higher than the median annual wage for all occupations ($45,760). Employment in this area is expected to grow by 8% through 2030, adding about 750,000 new jobs.
According to payscale.com, the average base salary for someone with a master’s in finance is $80,000. Some of the highest paying jobs in finance include:
- Senior Financial Analyst- $84,789/year
- Financial Controller- $91,190/year
- Finance Manager- $112,018/year
- Chief Financial Officer- $147,519/year
- Vice President of Finance- $148,156/year
The sky is the limit when it comes to salary potential with a degree in finance. Entry level positions typically require a bachelor’s degree with a finance concentration. Earning a master’s degree in finance can help you move up the corporate ladder. Experience is critical for career advancement, but there are other things you can do to boost your career opportunities. Some of these include:
- Working with a mentor. Experienced financial professionals can help guide you on your professional journey.
- Network with other professionals. Your professional network will have information on professional development opportunities or job openings.
- Earn additional certifications. Keeping your skills up to par is critical to staying ahead of your competition. Certifications are a relatively quick way to provide validation of your skillset.
Is a Master’s in Finance Hard?
Earning an advanced degree in any area can be challenging. A master’s degree is a significant commitment of both time and money, so you need to be sure you are getting the right degree. Finance is a moderately challenging field of study. Course content can be challenging as graduate courses tend to take a deeper dive into subject matter than bachelor’s degree courses typically do. If you don’t like math (or struggle with math), a degree in finance can be especially challenging.
How Long Does It Take to Compete a Master’s in Finance Online?
Master’s in finance programs typically take two years to complete after earning a bachelor’s degree. The time it takes to complete your online program will vary based on several factors. Some of these include:
Whether you attend part-time or full-time. Part-time students typically take longer to complete their degree since they take fewer courses each semester.
If you complete an accelerated program. Accelerated programs are a great choice for students with significant experience in the field. Many times, students receive credit for their experience, resulting in fewer courses needed to complete the degree. Other accelerated programs use creative scheduling to move students along quickly. Instead of a traditional semester schedule, courses might be offered in shorter, more intense sessions.
If you complete your master’s in finance as part of a 4+1 program. Undergraduate students who know for certain they are continuing to graduate school can benefit from a 4+1 program. 4+1 programs allow students to complete their bachelor’s and master’s finance degrees in just five years. Credits are not counted twice, but students are allowed to take master’s level courses while completing their bachelor’s degree.
What is the Difference Between a Master’s in Finance and an MBA?
While the master’s in finance and MBA are both business degrees, they are very different. An MBA is a comprehensive program with a variety of business courses. Students study areas like:
- Accounting
- Economics
- Communications
- Management
MBA programs can be full or part-time, online or on-campus. MBA’s are also offered in an executive format for more seasoned professionals. MBA programs can be great for students aspiring to move up the corporate ladder.
The Master of Finance, on the other hand, is a more focused degree. While most programs include courses in business, finance is the primary focus. Programs are offered online or on-campus. The MS in Finance is a good choice for students who want to focus their professional career on the financial industry.
There is a third type of degree, an MBA with a concentration in finance. This hybrid program offers the breadth of an MBA with a concentrated group of courses in finance.
What Can I Do with an Online Master’s in Finance?
An online master’s in finance can provide you with the knowledge and expertise to stand out in a global market. It can also help you secure a promotion and get noticed by executives. Here’s several exciting career paths that could be available with a master’s in finance.
Corporate Finance- Corporate finance professionals are responsible for managing a company’s accounts to ensure they stay profitable. Businesses of all sizes have financial departments so there is plenty of diversity in job opportunities. Some corporate finance majors work as consultants, launching their own business and helping other organizations.
Wealth Management/Financial Planner- An online master’s in finance can prepare you for an exciting career in private banking or wealth management. Rather than manage the financial portfolio of a bank or corporation, these professionals manage the wealth of individuals.
Insurance- Insurance offers finance majors many different avenues to utilize their skills. Large insurance firms hire finance graduates to work in risk management, underwriting, and actuaries.
Real Estate- Finance graduates also have a variety of employment opportunities in real estate. Some work as mortgage brokers. Others work with clients to plan a financial strategy to acquire a piece of real estate or investment property.
What Are Some Common Master’s in Finance Degree Course Offerings?
Foundations in Finance- Foundational finance courses provide students with instruction in basic financial principles. They set the stage for future finance courses. Courses may use real-world case studies and problem exercises.
Financial Market Analysis- It’s important for finance majors to understand the fundamentals behind why the stock market. Students learn about the structure of interest rates and learn how to analyze valuations of the stock market.
Corporate Finance- Many finance students plan to pursue careers in corporate finance. Corporate finance courses help students understand concepts like financial forecasting and capital structure. They learn how to make strategic financial decisions that benefit a company or organization.
Multinational Managerial Finance- Multinational companies have unique financial needs. Students learn the international aspects of finance while learning about capital acquisition and allocation.