Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs β see details below.
Analysis
Missouri finance graduates from comparable programs typically start around $50,000, which puts Drury's estimated first-year earnings right at the state median. More importantly, the program shows meaningful income growthβactual reported earnings jump to $62,133 by year four, suggesting graduates build valuable career momentum after their initial jobs.
The estimated $20,259 in debt sits below both state and national medians for finance programs, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 that most financial advisors would consider manageable. Based on similar Missouri programs, graduates could potentially pay off this debt burden within a few years of graduation if they prioritize it. The lower debt load matters especially for a field where early earnings can be modest while credentials and experience accumulate.
What's harder to assess without this specific program's track record is where Drury graduates actually land. The mid-year-four earnings of $62,133 trail programs like Saint Louis University ($60,055 starting) and Washington University significantly, though they're competitive with regional publics. For a private school charging private tuition, you'd want confirmation that Drury's alumni network and employer connections in Springfield and Kansas City justify the choice over lower-cost state alternatives that produce similar outcomes. Ask the school directly about placement rates and which companies recruit their finance graduates.
Where Drury 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drury University | β | $62,133 | β |
| Washington University in St Louis | $102,814 | $152,625 | +48% |
| Missouri State University-Springfield | $50,486 | $68,206 | +35% |
| Southeast Missouri State University | $46,736 | $62,357 | +33% |
| Northwest Missouri State University | $45,810 | $60,503 | +32% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (21 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35,235 | $49,785* | $62,133 | $20,259* | β | |
| $62,982 | $102,814* | $152,625 | $19,250* | 0.19 | |
| $53,244 | $60,055* | β | $21,268* | 0.35 | |
| $24,326 | $56,104* | $55,909 | $18,980* | 0.34 | |
| $9,024 | $50,486* | $68,206 | $24,750* | 0.49 | |
| $9,739 | $49,785* | $54,933 | $22,989* | 0.46 | |
| 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 Drury University, approximately 27% 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 9 similar programs in MO. Actual outcomes may vary.