Financial & Business Services

Ready to grow your skills and become a leader in financial or business services? You’ll find plenty of opportunities to do just that in the Lynchburg region. Nearly 5,000 postsecondary degrees were awarded to graduates of financial and business programs in the region in 2020 alone.

The University of Lynchburg’s Harry F. Boyd, Jr. School of Business is the region’s flagship business institution. Its ACBSP-accredited MBA program is one of the best online MBA programs in the nation, and covers accounting, economics, finance, marketing, management, and operations in a flexible format designed for working professionals. The program also offers one of the lowest MBA tuition rates in the state, making it an exceptional value for career builders at any stage.

Liberty University’s School of Business brings an equally impressive suite of options. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Data Analysis — building skills in financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and corporate finance — or choose from a Financial Planning concentration covering retirement planning, investments, risk management, and estate planning. Liberty’s modern facilities include stock trading simulation rooms and New York Stock Exchange display boards, giving students real-world exposure before they ever enter the workforce. Graduate options include a Master of Science in Finance and an MBA in Finance, both accredited and flexible.

Central Virginia Community College rounds out the pipeline with accessible associate and certificate programs in business administration, providing an affordable on-ramp for students entering the field or upskilling while already employed.

With programs spanning every level, the Lynchburg region’s higher education institutions ensure that your next career milestone is always within reach.

Building a career in the Lynchburg region means more than landing the right job — it means finding your people. Fortunately, this region offers a professional ecosystem that meets you wherever you are, whether you’re just getting started or looking to step into a leadership role.

• The Young Professionals of Central Virginia (YPCV) is the natural starting point for anyone between 18 and 40 who wants to plug into the region’s professional community quickly and authentically. Committed to cultivating emerging leaders across all five localities, YPCV creates opportunities to connect with local businesses, explore the region, support community impact initiatives, and build the kind of lasting relationships that actually move careers forward.
• For those focused specifically on the financial industry, the Commonwealth Association for Financial Professionals (CAFP) has been a trusted regional institution for over 30 years. The nonprofit regularly holds events that foster networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among finance, treasury, and accounting professionals.
• As the foundation of for more than 130 years, Virginia Bankers Association (VBA) offers a wide range of specialty educational events throughout the year — including programs designed for entry-level associates all the way to executive management teams.