Finance and Financial Management Services at Marquette University

Marquette's finance program launches graduates into six-figure earnings territory faster than nearly any program in the country, with first-year earnings of $67,888 that jump to $85,623 by year four—a 26% increase that reflects strong career momentum. Those first-year numbers land in the 95th percentile nationally, putting Marquette graduates ahead of 95% of finance programs across 749 schools. The $24,044 in typical debt is manageable given these earnings, creating a debt-to-income ratio of just 0.35.

The Wisconsin context tells a more nuanced story. While Marquette leads the state alongside UW-Madison (which edges it out by less than $800), those first-year earnings place in only the 60th percentile statewide—meaning Wisconsin's finance programs generally perform well, and Marquette sits solidly in the upper half rather than dominating. Still, outearning the state median by $12,000 annually is substantial, and only Madison offers a meaningfully better outcome.

For families weighing Marquette's private school price tag against in-state options, the math works: graduates earn enough in their first year to cover their debt nearly three times over, and the strong earnings trajectory suggests careers that justify the investment. This is one of the safer bets in finance education nationwide.