Finance and Financial Management Services at Augsburg University

Augsburg's finance program punches above its weight nationally while charging significantly less than its peers. With median earnings of $63,598 one year out, graduates outperform 84% of similar programs across the country and earn substantially more than the national median of $53,590. The $27,000 in typical debt is also notably lower than average, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.42—well into favorable territory for a business degree.

The Minnesota context tells a more nuanced story. While Augsburg outperforms the state median by over $11,000 annually, it trails the two flagship programs—University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and St. Thomas—by roughly $5,000. Given that Augsburg serves a predominantly first-generation population (52% Pell Grant recipients) and has a much higher admission rate, that gap is remarkably small. Students are essentially accessing near-elite outcomes at a more affordable price point, both in terms of selectivity and debt burden.

The flat earnings trajectory between years one and four deserves attention, though this likely reflects finance salaries in the Twin Cities market rather than career stagnation. For families prioritizing manageable debt and strong initial placement, Augsburg delivers. Just understand you're paying for solid professional outcomes in regional markets, not the stratospheric trajectories that top-tier finance programs sometimes produce.