Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree) at Drake University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$62,049

80th percentile

60th percentile in Iowa

Median Debt

$25,000

7% above national median

Analysis

Drake University's finance program stands out for its strong earnings trajectory rather than its starting salary. While first-year graduates earn $62,049—above the national median but trailing the University of Iowa by about $2,000—by year four they're making $81,311, representing 31% growth that outpaces many Iowa competitors. Among Iowa's dozen finance programs, Drake ranks squarely in the middle for starting pay but appears positioned for stronger mid-career outcomes.

The debt picture reinforces the value proposition: at $25,000, graduates carry slightly more than the state median, but with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40, they're earning enough in their first year to make monthly payments manageable. This program ranks in the 80th percentile nationally for earnings while keeping debt below the national median—a combination that matters more than any single metric.

The real question is whether you're willing to bet on growth over immediate returns. Drake's finance graduates don't command top dollar right out of the gate like Iowa grads, but their four-year earnings suggest they're landing at firms or in roles with meaningful advancement potential. For families comfortable with that trajectory and a moderate debt load, this represents solid value from a private university with strong Des Moines business connections.

Where Drake University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Drake University 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
Drake University	$62,049	$81,311	+31%
University of Iowa	$59,965	$76,298	+27%
Buena Vista University	$52,226	$65,642	+26%
Iowa State University	$56,974	$64,793	+14%
Loras College	$59,434	$63,016	+6%

Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa

Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (12 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Drake UniversityDes Moines	$49,944	$62,049	$81,311	$25,000	0.40
University of IowaIowa City	$10,964	$59,965	$76,298	$23,165	0.39
Loras CollegeDubuque	$38,298	$59,434	$63,016	$24,077	0.41
Iowa State UniversityAmes	$10,497	$56,974	$64,793	$21,750	0.38
Saint Ambrose UniversityDavenport	$35,598	$56,275	$61,730	—	—
University of Northern IowaCedar Falls	$9,728	$52,759	$62,693	$20,750	0.39
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 Drake University, approximately 21% 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 36 graduates with reported earnings and 37 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.