Analysis
Excelsior University's finance program sits right at the median for New York state—comparable programs here typically produce first-year earnings around $51,000 and debt near $26,000. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.5, graduates from similar programs can reasonably expect to manage their loans, though this falls short of the standout outcomes at schools like Fordham or Binghamton, where finance graduates often start $20,000 to $30,000 higher.
The challenge is that Excelsior's actual outcomes remain unknown due to small graduate samples, so you're extrapolating from state peers rather than seeing this school's track record. That $51,000 figure is roughly $2,300 below the national median for finance degrees, which matters in a field where entry-level salary can significantly impact career trajectory. Meanwhile, top NY programs demonstrate that location alone doesn't determine outcomes—institutional reputation and recruiting networks clearly matter.
For families weighing this investment: the estimated numbers suggest a manageable debt load but unremarkable earnings potential. If your student needs the flexibility of Excelsior's online model or has already started credits here, the financial picture looks workable. But if prestige-driven recruiting matters for their career goals, recognize you're choosing a program without proven outcomes data in a state where significantly stronger options exist at similar or lower debt levels.
Where Excelsior University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (47 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | $51,244* | — | $25,722* | — | |
| $61,992 | $83,789* | $112,777 | $26,850* | 0.32 | |
| $10,363 | $73,598* | $94,174 | $15,000* | 0.20 | |
| $63,061 | $72,819* | $91,086 | $27,000* | 0.37 | |
| $51,424 | $61,246* | $81,127 | $26,000* | 0.42 | |
| $57,016 | $56,513* | $86,145 | $23,250* | 0.41 | |
| National Median | — | $53,590* | — | $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 Excelsior 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 27 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.