Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree) at Marquette University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$67,888

95th percentile

60th percentile in Wisconsin

Median Debt

$24,044

3% above national median

Analysis

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.

Where Marquette University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Marquette 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
Marquette University	$67,888	$85,623	+26%
University of Wisconsin-Madison	$68,681	$86,244	+26%
Carthage College	$58,543	$71,551	+22%
Saint Norbert College	$51,451	$67,747	+32%
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse	$55,965	$65,752	+17%

Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin

Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (18 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Marquette UniversityMilwaukee	$48,700	$67,888	$85,623	$24,044	0.35
University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison	$11,205	$68,681	$86,244	$21,500	0.31
University of Wisconsin-Eau ClaireEau Claire	$9,277	$58,812	$63,822	$20,673	0.35
Carthage CollegeKenosha	$36,500	$58,543	$71,551	$26,000	0.44
University of Wisconsin-OshkoshOshkosh	$8,212	$58,085	$63,865	$24,065	0.41
University of Wisconsin-La CrosseLa Crosse	$9,651	$55,965	$65,752	$21,909	0.39
National Median	—	$53,590	—	$23,332	0.44

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with finance and financial management services graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Personal Financial Advisors

Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives. May also buy and sell financial assets for clients.

$102,140/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Insurance Underwriters

Review individual applications for insurance to evaluate degree of risk involved and determine acceptance of applications.

$79,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

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 Marquette University, approximately 19% 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 112 graduates with reported earnings and 113 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.