Average IQ for Finance Majors
Average IQ Range
112–122
IQ Classification
High Average range
Overview
Finance encompasses a range from applied corporate finance to highly quantitative derivatives pricing and algorithmic trading. Corporate finance and financial analysis are moderately quantitative, requiring Excel modeling, valuation techniques, and accounting knowledge. Quantitative finance — involving options pricing, stochastic calculus, and algorithmic strategies — requires mathematical sophistication comparable to applied mathematics. Investment banking recruiting at elite firms is intensely competitive, selecting candidates with both quantitative aptitude and interpersonal skills. The cognitive demands depend heavily on specialization.
To understand what these IQ ranges mean, see our complete IQ score ranges guide. You can also check where specific scores fall: Is 115 IQ Good?
SAT & GRE Correlation
Finance majors average GMAT scores around 620–680, above business administration but below economics majors. Quantitative finance graduate programs (financial engineering, mathematical finance) require GRE Quantitative scores of 163+, comparable to mathematics and statistics programs. Investment banking and quantitative trading recruiting at top firms selects heavily for mathematical ability, favoring candidates from mathematics, statistics, and engineering backgrounds alongside finance.
For more on how standardized test scores relate to IQ, see our SAT to IQ conversion guide and GRE to IQ conversion guide.
Top Programs
- Wharton (Penn)
- LSE
- NYU Stern
- Chicago Booth
Career Paths
- Investment Banker
- Portfolio Manager
- Financial Analyst
- Risk Manager
Curious how these careers compare? See our full IQ by career chart.
How Does Finance Compare to Other Majors?
| Major | Average IQ Range |
|---|---|
| Finance | 112–122 |
| Economics | 120–130 |
| Accounting | 108–118 |
| Mathematics | 125–135 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average IQ of a finance major?
Finance majors are estimated to average IQ scores of 112–122, above business administration but below economics and mathematics. The field spans from applied corporate finance (moderately quantitative) to quantitative finance (requiring mathematical sophistication equivalent to applied mathematics). Top investment banking and quantitative trading programs select for the highest end of the cognitive distribution.
Is finance more mathematical than accounting?
Yes — particularly in quantitative finance, derivatives, and portfolio management. Accounting involves applying rules systematically; finance involves building quantitative models, valuing complex instruments, and making predictions under uncertainty. Quantitative finance at the graduate level requires stochastic calculus, numerical methods, and linear algebra at a level far beyond accounting requirements.
What is the CFA exam and how hard is it?
The CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) designation requires passing three levels of examinations covering investment analysis, portfolio management, and ethics. Level I pass rates average around 42%, Level II around 45%, and Level III around 56%. Completing all three levels typically takes 3–5 years and hundreds of hours of study. The CFA is considered one of the most prestigious finance designations globally.
Explore More Majors
Learn more about what IQ measures, or take our free IQ test to see where you stand.
MyIQScores Editorial Team
Researchers in cognitive psychology, psychometrics & educational science
Last updated
May 10, 2026
All content on MyIQScores is reviewed for scientific accuracy against peer-reviewed research in cognitive psychology and psychometrics. Our editorial team cross-references each article with published literature before publication and updates pages whenever new research warrants a revision.