Analysis
John Carroll's finance program launches graduates at $55,590βbelow Ohio's state median of $58,790 and landing in just the 40th percentile among Ohio finance programs. That's a concerning starting point in a state with strong competition from schools like Miami University ($71,203) and Ohio State ($65,181). However, the trajectory changes quickly: by year four, earnings jump 29% to $71,628, catching up to the state's top programs and surpassing the national average by a significant margin.
The debt picture makes this growth story more compelling. At $27,000, graduates carry slightly more than the state median but far less than the national average, translating to a 0.49 debt-to-earnings ratioβmanageable by any standard. That combination of modest debt and strong mid-career earnings suggests students are making up ground after what appears to be a slower entry into the finance job market. This could reflect John Carroll's smaller alumni network compared to Ohio's flagship universities, or perhaps a student body that starts in less lucrative entry-level positions before advancing.
For an Ohio family, this program offers solid value if your child can tolerate starting behind peers from larger state schools. The earnings trajectory is genuinely strong, and the debt burden won't hamper their ability to save or invest in those critical early career years. Just understand they'll likely spend that first year watching classmates from OSU or Miami start with noticeably higher salaries.
Where John Carroll University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How John Carroll 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Carroll University | $55,590 | $71,628 | +29% |
| Miami University-Oxford | $71,203 | $88,554 | +24% |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $65,181 | $82,036 | +26% |
| Case Western Reserve University | $65,784 | $77,380 | +18% |
| Ohio University-Eastern Campus | $59,305 | $75,600 | +27% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (43 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $49,100 | $55,590 | $71,628 | $27,000 | 0.49 | |
| $17,809 | $71,203 | $88,554 | $22,000 | 0.31 | |
| $64,671 | $65,784 | $77,380 | $26,048 | 0.40 | |
| $12,859 | $65,181 | $82,036 | $20,500 | 0.31 | |
| $47,600 | $64,371 | $73,975 | $22,750 | 0.35 | |
| $9,577 | $61,645 | $57,012 | $33,949 | 0.55 | |
| 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 John Carroll University, approximately 20% 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 94 graduates with reported earnings and 101 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.