Finance and Financial Management Services at Fairfield University

Fairfield's finance program commands a premium price but delivers measurably strong returns, with first-year earnings of $63,000 climbing to nearly $99,000 by year four—a 57% jump that outpaces most finance programs nationally. At the 82nd percentile nationally, graduates earn $9,400 more than the typical finance grad in their first year. The $27,000 median debt translates to a 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe less than half their first-year salary—far better than most programs at this price point.

The Connecticut comparison reveals an interesting nuance: while UConn's finance programs edge out Fairfield in first-year earnings ($67,000 vs. $63,000), Fairfield sits comfortably at the 60th percentile among Connecticut finance programs despite serving far fewer Pell-eligible students (7% vs. UConn's broader access mission). This suggests Fairfield's network and career services are translating selectivity into strong outcomes, even if not the absolute highest in the state.

For families who can manage the upfront cost—and that's a real consideration given the low Pell percentage suggests limited institutional aid—this program represents solid preparation for finance careers. The robust sample size confirms these aren't outlier results, and that four-year earnings trajectory indicates graduates are advancing into higher-responsibility roles rather than plateauing early.