Finance and Financial Management Services at Point Loma Nazarene University

The four-year earnings figure of $87,870 tells the more revealing story here—that's well above what most finance programs produce nationally ($53,590) and suggests strong career trajectory for graduates. While first-year earnings are estimated around $60,000 based on comparable California programs, the substantial jump by year four indicates this program connects students to opportunities that accelerate quickly, likely capitalizing on San Diego's finance sector and the school's regional reputation.

The estimated $23,500 in debt translates to a manageable 0.39 ratio against first-year earnings, meaning graduates would allocate roughly four months of their starting salary to student loans. This sits comfortably below the danger zone for financial stress. What's less clear is whether Point Loma's actual outcomes match the state median used for estimation—the school's 23% Pell Grant rate and selective admissions suggest its graduates might perform differently than the broader California average, though whether higher or lower remains uncertain without actual data.

For parents weighing this investment, the key insight is that by year four, graduates appear to be earning significantly more than peers from other California finance programs, several thousand dollars above state and national benchmarks. The estimated debt burden is reasonable, but recognize you're making this decision with peer program data standing in for actual outcomes. If your student is targeting finance careers in Southern California, Point Loma's regional connections may justify the premium over state schools, but request placement data directly from the university to validate these estimated starting points.