Location: Tallahassee, FL•In-State Tuition: $5,656•Out-of-State Tuition: $18,786•Admission Rate: 25%•Avg SAT: 1323
Median Earnings (1yr)
$56,516
61st percentile
60th percentile in Florida
Median Debt
$18,162
22% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.32 ManageableSample: 419 graduates

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

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Florida State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Florida State University earns $57k — 61th percentile among finance and financial management services bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Florida State University$56,516$75,328+33%
University of Miami$70,352$89,692+27%
University of Florida$70,663$83,279+18%
The University of Tampa$51,845$76,735+48%
Florida Gulf Coast University$55,882$70,927+27%

Compare to Similar Programs in Florida

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

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Florida State UniversityTallahassee$5,656$56,516$75,328$18,1620.32
University of FloridaGainesville$6,381$70,663$83,279$17,9540.25
University of MiamiCoral Gables$59,926$70,352$89,692$14,5000.21
University of Central FloridaOrlando$6,368$56,415$66,928$18,8430.33
Florida Gulf Coast UniversityFort Myers$6,118$55,882$70,927$21,2390.38
Stetson UniversityDeLand$55,220$55,161$69,299$24,6710.45
National Median—$53,590—$23,3320.44

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 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.