Finance and Financial Management Services at La Salle University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
La Salle's finance program puts graduates on a solid upward trajectory, with earnings jumping 27% from $56,485 to nearly $72,000 over four years. That steady climb matters more than the initial salary, which falls slightly below Pennsylvania's median for finance programs. The $25,500 debt load is manageable—graduates owe less than half their first-year salary, and that ratio improves significantly as earnings grow. This represents better value than 70% of finance programs nationally when it comes to debt burden.
The story gets more nuanced when looking at Pennsylvania's competitive landscape. While La Salle outperforms the national benchmark, it sits in the 40th percentile among in-state options, with schools like Villanova and Lehigh commanding substantially higher starting salaries. However, those elite programs likely come with steeper tuition and selectivity hurdles. For families prioritizing reasonable debt over prestige—especially given La Salle's 86% admission rate—this program offers accessible entry into finance careers with clear earning potential.
The four-year earnings data suggests graduates are successfully transitioning into better-paying roles, which is exactly what you want to see in finance. If your child can get into one of Pennsylvania's top-tier finance programs, that may offer more immediate earning power. But La Salle provides a viable path to a solid finance career without crushing debt, particularly valuable for the third of students here receiving Pell grants.
Where La Salle University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How La Salle University graduates compare to all programs nationally
La Salle University graduates earn $56k, placing them in the 61th percentile of all finance and financial management services bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (49 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Salle University | $56,485 | $71,973 | $25,500 | 0.45 |
| University of Pennsylvania | $122,698 | $206,646 | $12,865 | 0.10 |
| Villanova University | $82,008 | $110,166 | $26,197 | 0.32 |
| Lehigh University | $76,720 | $107,260 | $23,250 | 0.30 |
| Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia | $66,072 | $85,648 | $25,000 | 0.38 |
| Widener University | $62,672 | — | $26,980 | 0.43 |
| National Median | $53,590 | — | $23,332 | 0.44 |
Other Finance and Financial Management Services Programs in Pennsylvania
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia | $66,104 | $122,698 | $12,865 |
| Villanova University Villanova | $64,701 | $82,008 | $26,197 |
| Lehigh University Bethlehem | $62,180 | $76,720 | $23,250 |
| Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia Philadelphia | $51,340 | $66,072 | $25,000 |
| Widener University Chester | $53,638 | $62,672 | $26,980 |
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 La Salle University, approximately 33% 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 56 graduates with reported earnings and 60 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.