Analysis
Drexel's finance program shows a striking trajectory when you look at the four-year earnings figure of $84,985βa 47% jump from the estimated first-year mark. While the initial $57,855 is based on what similar Pennsylvania finance programs produce (and matches the state median exactly), that mid-career number is actual reported data for Drexel graduates. This puts them ahead of most state competitors except the elite tier of Penn, Villanova, and Lehigh, suggesting the program's co-op structure or network pays dividends once students gain experience.
The estimated $26,980 in debt creates a manageable 0.47 debt-to-earnings ratio based on peer program outcomes, below both state and national debt benchmarks for finance degrees. That's a reasonable starting point even if the actual figures for Drexel students differ somewhat. The real question is whether this program can consistently deliver on that four-year earnings potential, since many finance careers depend heavily on landing the right first position out of college. At a 78% admission rate with solid SAT scores, Drexel attracts capable students without the selectivity premium of Penn or Villanova.
For parents, the key insight is that mid-career trajectoryβif your student can weather a potentially modest start and leverage Drexel's Philadelphia connections, the financial picture improves considerably. Just recognize that the early-career estimate comes from statewide data, not Drexel-specific outcomes.
Where Drexel University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drexel University | β | $84,985 | β |
| University of Pennsylvania | $122,698 | $206,646 | +68% |
| Villanova University | $82,008 | $110,166 | +34% |
| Lehigh University | $76,720 | $107,260 | +40% |
| Muhlenberg College | $61,304 | $91,304 | +49% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (49 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $60,663 | $57,855* | $84,985 | $26,980* | β | |
| $66,104 | $122,698* | $206,646 | $12,865* | 0.10 | |
| $64,701 | $82,008* | $110,166 | $26,197* | 0.32 | |
| $62,180 | $76,720* | $107,260 | $23,250* | 0.30 | |
| $51,340 | $66,072* | $85,648 | $25,000* | 0.38 | |
| $53,638 | $62,672* | β | $26,980* | 0.43 | |
| National Median | β | $53,590* | β | $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 Drexel University, approximately 25% 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 23 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.