Analysis
Fordham's finance program commands a premium price but delivers top-tier results that justify the investment. At $83,789 one year out—60% above the national median and significantly ahead of other NY finance programs—graduates enter Wall Street with a meaningful earnings advantage. By year four, that median climbs to $112,777, outpacing even SUNY Binghamton by nearly $40,000 annually. Among New York's 47 finance programs, this ranks in the 95th percentile for earnings.
The $26,850 debt load represents excellent value for what you're getting. That's just 32% of first-year earnings, well below the concerning 1:1 ratios seen at many business programs. More importantly, Fordham grads are earning double what typical finance majors make nationally ($53,590), which means that debt gets absorbed quickly by the salary differential. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates confirms these aren't outlier results—this is the program's consistent track record.
The bottom line: if your child wants access to New York's financial services industry, Fordham's connections and outcomes are hard to beat. You're paying for proximity to Wall Street recruiting pipelines and a credential that employers clearly value. The earnings trajectory suggests graduates are landing genuine finance roles, not just bank teller positions, and the debt burden won't constrain their early career choices.
Where Fordham University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Fordham University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fordham University | $83,789 | $112,777 | +35% |
| Binghamton University | $73,598 | $94,174 | +28% |
| Syracuse University | $72,819 | $91,086 | +25% |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | $56,513 | $86,145 | +52% |
| Manhattan University | $55,972 | $82,252 | +47% |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $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 | |
| $50,850 | $55,972 | $82,252 | $26,323 | 0.47 | |
| 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 Fordham University, approximately 21% 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 173 graduates with reported earnings and 163 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.