Analysis
Hofstra's finance program stands out for its strong earnings trajectory rather than its starting salary. While first-year graduates earn $55,143βjust slightly above the state medianβincomes jump 40% by year four to reach $76,953. That's impressive growth, placing this program in the 60th percentile among New York's 47 finance programs, where many students compete for the same Wall Street and corporate finance roles.
The debt picture reinforces this as a reasonable investment: $24,875 is roughly in line with both national and state norms for finance programs, translating to a manageable 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio. Within four years, graduates are earning triple their debt load, which provides breathing room for aggressive loan repayment or saving. However, Hofstra still lags significantly behind elite programs like Fordham ($83,789 median earnings) and Binghamton ($73,598), suggesting that brand and network matter considerably in New York's competitive finance market.
The takeaway: This program offers solid upward mobility for students who may not access top-tier schools, with debt levels that won't hamstring early-career financial decisions. The four-year earnings suggest graduates are successfully transitioning into better-paying analyst and associate roles, though they're starting from a lower base than competitors at more selective institutions.
Where Hofstra University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Hofstra 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hofstra University | $55,143 | $76,953 | +40% |
| 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% |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $55,450 | $55,143 | $76,953 | $24,875 | 0.45 | |
| $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 | |
| 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 Hofstra 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 67 graduates with reported earnings and 78 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.