Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
Based on comparable finance programs in Massachusetts, Cambridge College appears positioned right at the state median—with estimated first-year earnings around $56,000 and debt near $27,000. That 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment: graduates would owe roughly half their first-year salary, which is reasonable territory for a bachelor's degree. However, context matters here. Boston's finance job market is dominated by powerhouse programs like Boston College and Bentley, where reported outcomes show graduates earning $72,000 to $82,000 straight out of school. Cambridge College serves a different student population (a third receive Pell grants), but that earnings gap—potentially $15,000 to $25,000 less than top-tier competitors—translates to real money when you're starting a finance career in an expensive city.
The practical challenge: finance is a credentials-conscious field where your school's network and brand matter for breaking into better-paying roles. If your child is choosing Cambridge College for accessibility or fit, the estimated numbers suggest it won't bury them in debt. But if they're comparing offers and have options at UMass-Amherst or similar programs with stronger placement track records, those schools show significantly higher earning potential that could justify even slightly higher costs. The uncertainty around these estimates makes it doubly important to dig into Cambridge's actual job placement support and alumni network in Boston finance before committing.
Where Cambridge College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (24 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $18,072 | $55,914* | — | $26,750* | — | |
| $67,680 | $82,495* | $110,242 | $18,000* | 0.22 | |
| $58,150 | $72,309* | $92,531 | $26,000* | 0.36 | |
| $17,357 | $68,920* | $83,610 | $23,250* | 0.34 | |
| $39,212 | $62,878* | — | $27,000* | 0.43 | |
| $54,500 | $58,832* | $90,245 | $26,000* | 0.44 | |
| National Median | — | $53,590* | — | $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 Cambridge College, approximately 33% 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 11 similar programs in MA. Actual outcomes may vary.