Finance and Financial Management Services at Eastern Connecticut State University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
A $43,250 starting salary for a finance degree puts Eastern Connecticut State in the bottom quartile of Connecticut programs—roughly $13,000 below what finance graduates earn at the median Connecticut school and $24,000 below the UConn system. Nationally, this ranks in just the 5th percentile for finance programs, a significant gap when finance is typically among the higher-paying business fields. The debt load of $26,500 is slightly above state and national averages, though the 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable.
That said, the small sample size here (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift considerably with more data. It's possible the available data captures an unrepresentative cohort. For an accessible state school with an 81% admission rate, Eastern Connecticut offers an entry point into finance without the competitive pressure of more selective programs, which matters for students still finding their footing academically.
The question is whether that access comes at too steep a discount in earning power. If your child is set on finance and considering Eastern Connecticut, they should understand they'll likely start $10,000+ behind their Connecticut peers annually. That gap could narrow with career progression, but it's a meaningful hurdle out of the gate. For families prioritizing in-state affordability, this program works—just know you're trading some earnings potential for that accessibility.
Where Eastern Connecticut State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Eastern Connecticut State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Eastern Connecticut State University graduates earn $43k, placing them in the 5th percentile of all finance and financial management services bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (16 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Connecticut State University | $43,250 | — | $26,500 | 0.61 |
| University of Connecticut-Avery Point | $67,009 | $87,592 | $20,399 | 0.30 |
| University of Connecticut-Stamford | $67,009 | $87,592 | $20,399 | 0.30 |
| University of Connecticut | $67,009 | $87,592 | $20,399 | 0.30 |
| University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus | $67,009 | $87,592 | $20,399 | 0.30 |
| University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus | $67,009 | $87,592 | $20,399 | 0.30 |
| National Median | $53,590 | — | $23,332 | 0.44 |
Other Finance and Financial Management Services Programs in Connecticut
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Connecticut schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Connecticut-Avery Point Groton | $17,462 | $67,009 | $20,399 |
| University of Connecticut-Stamford Stamford | $17,472 | $67,009 | $20,399 |
| University of Connecticut Storrs | $20,366 | $67,009 | $20,399 |
| University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus Waterbury | $17,462 | $67,009 | $20,399 |
| University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus Hartford | $17,452 | $67,009 | $20,399 |
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 Eastern Connecticut State University, approximately 28% 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 22 graduates with reported earnings and 24 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.