Finance and Financial Management Services at Bowling Green State University-Main Campus

Bowling Green's finance program shows something unusual: graduates who start solidly average see impressive momentum as they gain experience. While first-year earnings of $53,707 place this program squarely at the national median—and notably below Ohio's state median of $58,790—four years out, these graduates reach $70,034, a 30% jump that outpaces typical career trajectories. Among Ohio's 43 finance programs, this ranks in the 40th percentile, trailing schools like Miami University ($71,203) and Ohio State ($65,181), but the strong earnings growth suggests graduates develop marketable skills that compound over time.

The $25,000 debt load is precisely at Ohio's median and manageable relative to earnings—just 47% of first-year income. This falls into the lower third nationally, meaning most comparable programs saddle students with more debt. For families concerned about return on investment, this combination of moderate debt and accelerating earnings reduces financial stress early in a graduate's career. The moderate sample size means some year-to-year variation is possible, but the pattern appears solid.

If your child thrives in accessible environments and is willing to work their way up rather than expecting immediate top-tier compensation, Bowling Green delivers respectable value. The program won't launch graduates directly into Ohio's highest-paying finance roles, but the trajectory suggests they catch up as they build experience.