Analysis
Finance programs in Pennsylvania vary dramatically, from Penn's six-figure outcomes to mid-50s starting pointsβand Gannon appears to track closer to the middle tier. Based on comparable finance programs across the state, graduates here likely start around $58,000, which lands right at Pennsylvania's median but above the national benchmark of $54,000. That's respectable positioning, though notably below what students at nearby Saint Joseph's or Widener typically achieve.
The estimated $27,000 in debt represents about 5.5 months of first-year salaryβa manageable load by most standards. Similar programs in Pennsylvania carry comparable debt burdens, and the half-year payback timeline suggests graduates could reasonably handle loan payments while building careers in financial services. For context, finance majors nationally graduate with slightly less debt (around $23,000), though they also tend to earn less out of the gate.
What matters most here is recognizing these figures come from peer programs, not Gannon's actual graduatesβthe sample size was too small for the school to report. If your child is weighing this against programs with verified outcomes, particularly those elite Pennsylvania schools posting 20-40% higher earnings, that gap deserves honest discussion. The fundamentals look reasonable for a regional finance degree, but without school-specific data, you're betting on Gannon delivering results consistent with the broader Pennsylvania market rather than proven track record at this particular institution.
Where Gannon University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (49 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,951 | $57,855* | β | $26,980* | β | |
| $66,104 | $122,698* | $206,646 | $12,865* | 0.10 | |
| $64,701 | $82,008* | $110,166 | $26,197* | 0.32 | |
| $62,180 | $76,720* | $107,260 | $23,250* | 0.30 | |
| $51,340 | $66,072* | $85,648 | $25,000* | 0.38 | |
| $53,638 | $62,672* | β | $26,980* | 0.43 | |
| National Median | β | $53,590* | β | $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 Gannon University, approximately 22% 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 23 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.