Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree) at Eastern Connecticut State University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$43,250

5th percentile

25th percentile in Connecticut

Median Debt

$26,500

14% above national median

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

Earnings Distribution

How Eastern Connecticut State University graduates compare to all 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)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Eastern Connecticut State UniversityWillimantic	$13,292	$43,250	—	$26,500	0.61
University of Connecticut-Avery PointGroton	$17,462	$67,009	$87,592	$20,399	0.30
University of Connecticut-StamfordStamford	$17,472	$67,009	$87,592	$20,399	0.30
University of ConnecticutStorrs	$20,366	$67,009	$87,592	$20,399	0.30
University of Connecticut-Waterbury CampusWaterbury	$17,462	$67,009	$87,592	$20,399	0.30
University of Connecticut-Hartford CampusHartford	$17,452	$67,009	$87,592	$20,399	0.30
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 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.