Analysis
Rowan's finance program starts below the middle of the pack but delivers something more important: strong earnings growth. While the $51,486 starting salary lands just below both state and national medians, graduates see their income jump 40% to $72,102 by year four—outpacing the typical trajectory and suggesting the program effectively prepares students for career advancement rather than just entry-level placement.
The $24,000 debt load is remarkably manageable, translating to a 0.47 debt-to-earnings ratio that gives graduates breathing room early in their careers. This becomes particularly relevant when you consider Rowan's 78% admission rate and reasonable SAT requirements—students who might not gain admission to Rutgers (where finance grads earn $68,338 initially) can access solid outcomes without taking on significantly more debt. The gap to top NJ programs shrinks considerably by year four as Rowan graduates move up.
For families weighing cost against outcomes, Rowan represents a practical path into finance. You're not paying for prestige, and the first year might feel modest compared to peers at more selective schools. But the combination of affordable debt and strong mid-career momentum means your graduate should be financially stable and positioned for continued growth in New Jersey's finance sector.
Where Rowan University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Rowan 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rowan University | $51,486 | $72,102 | +40% |
| Rutgers University-New Brunswick | $68,338 | $86,111 | +26% |
| Rutgers University-Newark | $68,338 | $86,111 | +26% |
| Rutgers University-Camden | $68,338 | $86,111 | +26% |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus | $52,729 | $76,708 | +45% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $15,700 | $51,486 | $72,102 | $24,000 | 0.47 | |
| $17,079 | $68,338 | $86,111 | $22,500 | 0.33 | |
| $17,239 | $68,338 | $86,111 | $22,500 | 0.33 | |
| $16,586 | $68,338 | $86,111 | $22,500 | 0.33 | |
| $51,370 | $64,233 | $76,566 | $22,808 | 0.36 | |
| $38,900 | $57,881 | $69,827 | $27,000 | 0.47 | |
| 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 Rowan University, approximately 31% 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 190 graduates with reported earnings and 193 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.