Analysis
Grove City's finance program shows modest estimated debt of $26,980 against first-year earnings around $57,855βa debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.50 that suggests manageable repayment for a business degree. These figures come from similar Pennsylvania finance programs, but they align with what you'd expect from a selective liberal arts college with a strong regional reputation in business fields.
The earnings estimate matches Pennsylvania's median for finance programs, though it trails the state's top performers by a considerable margin. UPenn graduates earn more than double at $122,698, while even regional competitors like Villanova and Saint Joseph's show significantly higher starting salaries. This doesn't mean Grove City's program underperformsβsmall program size often masks strong individual outcomesβbut it does suggest the school may lack the Wall Street recruiting pipelines or big-city placement networks that drive earnings at larger universities.
The real question is career trajectory. Finance degrees typically reward graduates who land competitive roles in major markets, and Grove City's rural location and smaller alumni network could limit access to those opportunities. If your child is targeting corporate finance roles in Pittsburgh or regional banking, this program likely delivers solid preparation at a reasonable debt level. But if they're aiming for investment banking or high-stakes consulting, the estimated numbers suggest they may face steeper competition than peers from Pennsylvania's urban powerhouses.
Where Grove City College 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)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20,890 | $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 Grove City College, approximately 0% 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.