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

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$61,003

Est. from MD median (3 programs)

Median Debt

$30,000

29% above national median

Analysis

Morgan State's finance program carries manageable debt—$30,000 ranks in the 5th percentile nationally—while similar programs across Maryland suggest first-year earnings around $61,000. That translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in about six months of gross income. For a bachelor's program at a school where 54% of students receive Pell grants, this represents a genuine pathway to financial sector careers without crushing debt loads.

The earnings trajectory appears unusual: peer programs in Maryland suggest starting salaries near $61,000, but Morgan State's own graduates report $60,936 four years out—essentially flat growth. This stagnation stands in contrast to University of Maryland-College Park's finance graduates who earn $75,689, though that school's more selective profile (SAT scores averaging 200+ points higher) likely opens doors to different employers and positions. Still, Morgan State's outcomes match or exceed the national median of $53,590, suggesting graduates land solid entry-level positions even if advancement proves slower.

The value proposition here hinges on Morgan State's access mission. If your child would graduate with $30,000 in debt versus alternatives requiring more borrowing, the program delivers finance credentials without the financial burden that can trap graduates in unsuitable jobs. Just recognize that the relatively flat earnings curve may reflect career paths in community banking, back-office operations, or regional firms rather than the high-growth trajectories available to graduates from Maryland's flagship institution.

Where Morgan State University Stands

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

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
Morgan State University	—	$60,936	—
University of Pennsylvania	$122,698	$206,646	+68%
University of Maryland-College Park	$75,689	$95,162	+26%
Salisbury University	$54,776	$78,627	+44%
University of Maryland Global Campus	$61,003	$67,603	+11%

Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland

Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (5 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Morgan State UniversityBaltimore	$8,118	$61,003*	$60,936	$30,000	—
University of Maryland-College ParkCollege Park	$11,505	$75,689*	$95,162	$19,500	0.26
University of Maryland Global CampusAdelphi	$7,992	$61,003*	$67,603	$20,150	0.33
Salisbury UniversitySalisbury	$10,638	$54,776*	$78,627	$22,125	0.40
National Median	—	$53,590*	—	$23,332	0.44

* Estimated from similar programs

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 Morgan State University, approximately 54% 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 3 similar programs in MD. Actual outcomes may vary.