Finance and Financial Management Services at Carthage College

Carthage College's finance program delivers solidly above-average outcomes without the crushing debt load that often comes with private college education. Graduates earn $58,543 in their first year—nearly $5,000 above the national median for finance programs and placing them in the 69th percentile nationally. Within Wisconsin, they're performing at the 60th percentile, earning close to what UW-Eau Claire and UW-Oshkosh graduates make, despite Carthage's less selective profile.

The debt picture is notably favorable. At $26,000, graduates carry slightly less than the state median and considerably less than the national benchmark. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44, most graduates should be able to manage repayment comfortably while still saving and investing—critical for someone entering financial services. Strong 22% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates are advancing into analyst and advisory roles as they gain experience.

For families weighing private versus public options in Wisconsin, Carthage represents a reasonable middle path. You're paying marginally more than public university debt levels but accessing outcomes that compete with mid-tier UW campuses. The program won't match what Madison or Marquette graduates earn, but it's delivering real value at a much more accessible admission threshold. If your student thrives in smaller classroom settings and can keep debt near this median level, this program offers a legitimate pathway into Wisconsin's finance sector.