Finance and Financial Management Services at CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

Baruch College's finance program delivers exceptional value, combining solid earnings potential with remarkably low debt—a rare combination in today's higher education landscape. With median debt of just $11,000 (5th percentile nationally), graduates avoid the crushing debt loads typical of finance programs while still achieving competitive starting salaries of $55,000. This debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.20 means graduates can realistically pay off their loans within a few years rather than decades.

The earnings trajectory is particularly compelling. While the starting salary places graduates in the 60th percentile among New York finance programs, the real story is the growth potential—earnings jump 29% to nearly $71,000 by year four. This suggests Baruch graduates successfully transition into higher-paying roles as they gain experience. Among New York's 47 finance programs, Baruch significantly outperforms the state median of $51,244 in starting earnings while maintaining debt levels far below the state median of $25,000.

The bottom line: this program offers a clear path to financial services careers without financial burden. While elite private schools like Fordham may produce higher initial earners, Baruch's combination of solid placement, strong earning progression, and minimal debt makes it an outstanding investment for students seeking entry into finance careers.