Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree) at CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

Median Earnings (1yr)

$54,991

55th percentile

60th percentile in New York

Median Debt

$11,000

53% below national median

Analysis

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.

Where CUNY Bernard M Baruch College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How CUNY Bernard M Baruch College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College	$54,991	$70,901	+29%
Fordham University	$83,789	$112,777	+35%
Binghamton University	$73,598	$94,174	+28%
Syracuse University	$72,819	$91,086	+25%
Rochester Institute of Technology	$56,513	$86,145	+52%

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (47 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
CUNY Bernard M Baruch CollegeNew York	$7,464	$54,991	$70,901	$11,000	0.20
Fordham UniversityBronx	$61,992	$83,789	$112,777	$26,850	0.32
Binghamton UniversityVestal	$10,363	$73,598	$94,174	$15,000	0.20
Syracuse UniversitySyracuse	$63,061	$72,819	$91,086	$27,000	0.37
Pace UniversityNew York	$51,424	$61,246	$81,127	$26,000	0.42
Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochester	$57,016	$56,513	$86,145	$23,250	0.41
National Median	—	$53,590	—	$23,332	0.44

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with finance and financial management services graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Personal Financial Advisors

Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives. May also buy and sell financial assets for clients.

$102,140/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Insurance Underwriters

Review individual applications for insurance to evaluate degree of risk involved and determine acceptance of applications.

$79,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

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 CUNY Bernard M Baruch College, approximately 55% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 925 graduates with reported earnings and 389 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.