Median Earnings (1yr)
$56,516
61st percentile (60th in FL)
Median Debt
$18,162
22% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.32
Manageable
Sample Size
419
Adequate data

Analysis

Florida State's finance program stands out for its impressive earnings trajectory, with graduates seeing their median income jump from $56,516 to $75,328 over four years—a 33% increase that significantly outpaces typical career progression. This puts FSU solidly in the 60th percentile among Florida finance programs, trailing powerhouses like UF and Miami but competing well with other respected state schools.

The debt picture is particularly attractive. At $18,162, student debt is notably lower than both the national median ($23,332) and Florida's average ($20,021) for finance programs. This creates an excellent debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32, meaning graduates typically owe less than one-third of their first-year salary—a manageable burden that allows for financial flexibility early in their careers.

While FSU's finance graduates don't immediately command top-tier salaries like those from UF or Miami, the strong earnings growth and low debt load create a compelling value proposition. The robust sample size gives confidence in these outcomes, and the selective admission standards (25% acceptance rate) suggest quality peer networks. For families seeking solid finance career preparation without crushing debt, this program delivers both affordability and upward mobility.

Where Florida State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally

Florida State UniversityOther finance and financial management services programs

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 Florida State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Florida State University graduates earn $57k, placing them in the 61th percentile of all finance and financial management services bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Florida

Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (30 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Florida State University$56,516$75,328$18,1620.32
University of Florida$70,663$83,279$17,9540.25
University of Miami$70,352$89,692$14,5000.21
University of Central Florida$56,415$66,928$18,8430.33
Florida Gulf Coast University$55,882$70,927$21,2390.38
Stetson University$55,161$69,299$24,6710.45
National Median$53,590$23,3320.44

Other Finance and Financial Management Services Programs in Florida

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Florida
Gainesville
$6,381$70,663$17,954
University of Miami
Coral Gables
$59,926$70,352$14,500
University of Central Florida
Orlando
$6,368$56,415$18,843
Florida Gulf Coast University
Fort Myers
$6,118$55,882$21,239
Stetson University
DeLand
$55,220$55,161$24,671

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 Florida State University, approximately 24% 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 419 graduates with reported earnings and 414 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.