Analysis
The estimated $51,244 first-year salary for this finance program sits well below what top New York finance schools actually report—Fordham leads at $83,789, followed by Binghamton at $73,598 and Syracuse at $72,819. Given NYU's 9% admission rate and 1527 average SAT score, this estimated figure based on state medians likely understates what NYU graduates specifically achieve. New York finance programs span an enormous range, from six-figure outcomes at elite schools to figures closer to the state median of $51,244.
The estimated debt of $25,722 is manageable relative to earnings, producing a 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio that's reasonable by any standard. That's about six months of gross income—not a crushing burden. However, this figure may not capture NYU's actual cost of attendance, which often runs significantly higher than state averages, particularly for a school where only 19% of students receive Pell grants.
The fundamental issue is that peer program estimates tell us little about what NYU finance graduates specifically earn. The school's highly selective profile and New York City location typically command premium outcomes in finance careers. If the actual figures align more with schools like Fordham or Binghamton—entirely plausible given NYU's reputation—this is a strong investment. If they don't, there are dozens of cheaper alternatives across New York producing similar outcomes. Without school-specific data, you're making an expensive bet on brand value.
Where New York University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (47 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $60,438 | $51,244* | — | $25,722* | — | |
| $61,992 | $83,789* | $112,777 | $26,850* | 0.32 | |
| $10,363 | $73,598* | $94,174 | $15,000* | 0.20 | |
| $63,061 | $72,819* | $91,086 | $27,000* | 0.37 | |
| $51,424 | $61,246* | $81,127 | $26,000* | 0.42 | |
| $57,016 | $56,513* | $86,145 | $23,250* | 0.41 | |
| 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 New York 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.
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 27 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.