Analysis
Finance programs in Tennessee show a surprisingly wide earnings spread, and Bryan College-Dayton appears to land right in the middle. Based on comparable programs across the state, first-year earnings around $45,325 are on par with what graduates from Tennessee-Martin and Memphis typically seeβthough notably behind UT-Knoxville's stronger outcomes. The estimated debt load of $25,812 sits slightly above both the state median ($20,500) and national median ($23,332) for finance programs, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 that's manageable but not exceptional.
The real question is whether Bryan College can deliver outcomes that match its in-state peers, particularly the larger public universities that dominate Tennessee's finance job pipeline. The program's earnings estimate suggests it performs comparably to mid-tier state schools, which is reassuring, but the higher debt load means graduates will need that first job to materialize quickly. Nationally, finance bachelor's degrees typically start around $53,590βabout $8,000 more than what Tennessee programs produceβso staying in-state after graduation may limit earning potential.
For families, the takeaway hinges on Bryan College's specific strengths: if the school offers distinctive placement support or industry connections that justify the private college experience, the debt burden remains workable. But if your child could access similar outcomes at a public university with lower costs, that's worth serious consideration given the uncertainty inherent in these estimates.
Where Bryan College-Dayton Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (21 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $18,900 | $45,325* | β | $25,812* | β | |
| $13,484 | $53,826* | $68,331 | $23,250* | 0.43 | |
| $8,675 | $48,264* | β | $17,500* | 0.36 | |
| $9,506 | $46,505* | $51,478 | $22,700* | 0.49 | |
| $10,208 | $45,325* | $49,162 | $20,500* | 0.45 | |
| $10,344 | $44,395* | $60,358 | $27,000* | 0.61 | |
| National Median | β | $53,590* | β | $23,332* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with finance and financial management services graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Chief Executives
Chief Sustainability Officers
General and Operations Managers
Personal Financial Advisors
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Insurance Underwriters
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Bryan College-Dayton, approximately 22% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 7 similar programs in TN. Actual outcomes may vary.