Analysis
Pennsylvania's finance programs cluster around $58,000 in first-year earnings, and similar programs across the state suggest Marywood's graduates likely land in this range—meaningful but not exceptional in a field where top programs in the state start at $66,000 and climb to over $120,000 at Penn. The estimated $27,000 debt load falls within typical boundaries for Pennsylvania finance degrees, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 that should allow for comfortable repayment.
The challenge here is competitive positioning. While baseline finance skills translate into decent starting salaries, comparable programs in Pennsylvania show a wide spread in outcomes. The difference between the state median and what Saint Joseph's or Villanova graduates earn isn't trivial—it's $8,000 to $24,000 in additional first-year income. For parents evaluating this program, the key question becomes whether Marywood's smaller size and individual attention (reflected in that 84% admission rate) can help their student break into better opportunities, or whether recruiting pipelines at more prominent programs create meaningful advantages.
The debt picture looks reasonable on paper, but remember these are estimates based on peer institutions rather than Marywood's actual track record. If your child is debt-averse or considering graduate school in finance, this path keeps doors open without crushing obligations. Just ensure they're aggressive about internships and networking—in finance, where you start matters significantly for long-term trajectory.
Where Marywood University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (49 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $39,570 | $57,855* | — | $26,980* | — | |
| $66,104 | $122,698* | $206,646 | $12,865* | 0.10 | |
| $64,701 | $82,008* | $110,166 | $26,197* | 0.32 | |
| $62,180 | $76,720* | $107,260 | $23,250* | 0.30 | |
| $51,340 | $66,072* | $85,648 | $25,000* | 0.38 | |
| $53,638 | $62,672* | — | $26,980* | 0.43 | |
| National Median | — | $53,590* | — | $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 Marywood University, approximately 29% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 23 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.